The Best Handguns of 2025

Handguns hold a unique and significant place in personal defense, sports, and history. As compact and portable firearms, they are widely used for personal defense due to their ease of use and accessibility in emergency situations. For many individuals, handguns provide a reliable means of protecting themselves and their loved ones.

In the realm of sport, handguns are central to shooting competitions that emphasize precision, speed, and skill. Events like target shooting and action pistol sports showcase their role in recreational and competitive arenas, fostering discipline and marksmanship.

Historically, handguns have played a pivotal role in shaping military, law enforcement, and civilian contexts. From the revolvers of the 19th century to the modern semi-automatic pistols, they have been integral in technological advancements and pivotal moments, reflecting broader societal changes over time.

With technological advancements including rail systems, new materials for manufacturing such as polymer, and the increased legislation favoring concealed carry in the United States, handguns will continue to serve as essential tools for personal defense, sport, and historical development, underscoring their multifaceted significance in society for the foreseeable future.

Handguns are integral in personal defense, sports, and history, with their significance often evaluated by criteria such as reliability, innovation, popularity, and historical importance.

• Reliability: A hallmark of the best handguns, reliability ensures consistent performance in critical situations, particularly for personal defense. Firearms that function flawlessly under various conditions instill confidence in their users.

• Innovation: Advancements in handgun technology, such as improved materials, ergonomics, and features like quick-access safety mechanisms, have elevated their performance and practicality over time. Innovative designs set benchmarks in the industry and cater to evolving needs.

• Popularity: Widely adopted handguns reflect their effectiveness and user trust. Iconic models like the Glock 19 or Colt 1911 have earned a strong following due to their versatility and ease of use in personal defense, sports, and professional settings.

• Historical Significance: Handguns that have shaped history, such as the Smith & Wesson Model 10 or the Luger P08, carry cultural and symbolic weight, reflecting their roles in pivotal events and advancements in firearm technology.

• In personal defense, sporting competitions, and their contributions to historical milestones, the best handguns are those that excel in reliability, demonstrate innovation, gain widespread popularity, and leave a lasting mark on history.

   

   

This article aims to help readers explore iconic and practical handguns by highlighting models that excel in reliability, innovation, popularity, and historical significance. Whether for personal defense, sport, or historical appreciation, these handguns represent the best in performance and impact.

Choosing the Best Handgun for Every Need

When choosing a handgun, personal defense, recreation, and collection are three key factors that significantly influence preferences and priorities.

Personal Defense: Handguns designed for personal defense prioritize reliability, ease of use, and quick access. Features like compact size, lightweight design, and effective stopping power make them ideal for concealed carry and home protection.

Recreation: Handgun choices for recreational use often focus on precision, ergonomics, and fun at the range. Popular options include target pistols and competition models, which emphasize accuracy and performance.

Collection: For collectors, historical significance and rarity are key factors. Handguns with unique designs, storied pasts, or limited production runs hold immense value and appeal, reflecting their role in history and innovation.

Selecting the right handgun involves evaluating key factors like caliber, ergonomics, and intended purpose, such as concealed carry or home defense. Renowned brands like Glock, Sig Sauer, Heckler & Koch, and Beretta have built their reputations by excelling in these areas, offering a variety of models tailored to diverse needs. Ergonomics play a crucial role, as a handgun should feel comfortable and natural in your hand, promoting accuracy and confidence. For concealed carry, compact and lightweight designs like Glock's slimline series or Sig Sauer's P365 are popular for their discretion and ease of use. In contrast, home defense handguns often feature enhanced stopping power, larger frames, and high-capacity magazines, such as Beretta's APX or Heckler & Koch's VP9. These trusted manufacturers ensure quality, reliability, and performance across all categories.

The Best Handguns for First-Time Owners

Glock 19 - The Ideal Choice for Beginners

The Glock 19, introduced in 1988, was designed as a compact version of the Glock 17 to meet the needs of law enforcement and military personnel who required a smaller, more versatile handgun that still maintained the robust personal defense capabilities of its predecessor. Over the years, it has gained widespread popularity among professionals and civilians alike, solidifying its place as one of the most iconic handguns ever produced.

One of the key factors behind the Glock 19's success is its polymer frame, which significantly reduces weight compared to traditional steel-framed handguns. This makes it easier to carry for extended periods while maintaining durability and corrosion resistance. Additionally, the Glock 19's striker-fired safe-action trigger system provides a consistent, smooth trigger pull and eliminates the need for a manual safety, offering a quick response in high-pressure situations.

The handgun’s ultra-simple design, featuring a limited number of parts, ensures minimal malfunctions and straightforward maintenance, making it particularly appealing to beginners. Its intuitive operation and reliable performance provide new shooters with confidence, while its compact size and manageable recoil make it an ideal option for concealed carry, home defense, and range practice.

Combining compact versatility, proven reliability, and user-friendly features, the Glock 19 is a handgun that meets the needs of seasoned professionals and newcomers alike.

Sig-Sauer P320 - Modular and Adaptable

The Sig-Sauer P320 is a modular and adaptable handgun that has quickly become a favorite among firearm enthusiasts, particularly first-time owners, thanks to its customizable ergonomics and versatile design. Originally developed as the M17 for the U.S. Military, the P320 was chosen as the Army’s official sidearm in 2017 due to its groundbreaking adaptability and superior performance in demanding conditions.

One of the standout features of the P320 is its modular chassis system, which allows users to swap out frames, calibers, and slide lengths to tailor the handgun to their specific needs. This makes it an excellent choice for first-time owners who may want to experiment with configurations to find the most comfortable and practical setup. The interchangeable grip modules and adjustable trigger also enhance ergonomics, ensuring a natural, secure fit for shooters of all sizes.

The P320 is also optimized for easy reloading, featuring a flared magazine well and textured grip to facilitate quick and reliable magazine changes under stress. Its smooth, lightweight stock trigger delivers a crisp and consistent pull, contributing to both accuracy and ease of use—qualities that make it appealing to beginners who are developing their shooting skills.

Striking a balance between a match-grade firearm for advanced target shooting and a defensive duty weapon, the P320 delivers exceptional accuracy and reliability. Its military heritage, user-friendly customization, and ability to adapt to various roles make the Sig-Sauer P320 an innovative and versatile handgun that meets the needs of beginners and seasoned professionals alike.

Ruger LCP Max - Lightweight Subcompact for CCW

The Ruger LCP Max is an ultra-lightweight, subcompact handgun specifically designed for concealed carry weapon (CCW) use. Its compact design makes it one of the most discreet and portable options available, perfect for everyday carry without sacrificing performance. Despite its diminutive size, the LCP Max is chambered in 9mm, offering reliable stopping power in a highly compact package—a balance that few handguns achieve in this category.

What sets the Ruger LCP Max apart is its exceptional engineering for a gun that prioritizes size and concealability over comfort. The trigger, while not specifically designed for ease of use, is well-tuned and smooth, offering a clean and consistent pull that aids accuracy even in a handgun this small. This thoughtful design element enhances the usability of the firearm without compromising its primary purpose: reliable performance in high-stress situations.

The LCP Max is an ideal choice for those who prioritize discretion and portability in their firearm, while still requiring dependable personal defense capabilities. Its small frame, combined with the power of a 9mm cartridge and a thoughtfully designed trigger, makes it a standout option in the CCW market.

Iconic Handguns That Shaped History

Colt 1911 - America’s Legendary .45 ACP Semi-Auto

The Colt 1911 is a legendary .45 ACP semi-automatic pistol that has become an enduring symbol of firearm innovation and reliability. Designed by the renowned John Moses Browning, the 1911 introduced revolutionary features that set the standard for modern handguns. Its ultra-light, single-action trigger was a groundbreaking advancement, providing a crisp and precise pull that contributed to its exceptional accuracy.

Adopted by the U.S. military in 1911, this pistol served as the standard-issue sidearm for over 70 years, earning its reputation as one of the longest-serving weapons in U.S. military history. The 1911’s robust design, reliability in combat, and stopping power in the .45 ACP caliber made it a trusted companion for soldiers in both World Wars, Korea, Vietnam, and beyond.

Even over a century after its invention, the Colt 1911 remains a popular choice for target shooting, competition, and service use. Its timeless design has been refined and modernized by numerous manufacturers, but the core features—its ergonomics, unmatched trigger, and classic styling—continue to resonate with enthusiasts and professionals alike. The Colt 1911 is not just a firearm; it is a piece of history that continues to deliver exceptional performance for shooters of all generations.

Luger P08 - The German Precision Classic

The Luger P08 is a German precision classic that has earned a distinguished place in firearm history. Originally designed by Georg Luger in the early 20th century, this 9mm handgun revolutionized handgun design and became one of the most iconic and influential pistols of its time. Famous for its innovative toggle-lock mechanism, the Luger P08 was a groundbreaking design that set the standard for semi-automatic pistols.

The P08 is particularly renowned for its 9mm Parabellum cartridge, which was introduced alongside the pistol and went on to become one of the most widely used calibers in the world. Its exceptional ballistics and stopping power made it a favored choice during World War I and II, where it saw extensive use by the German military.

The historical significance of the Luger P08 cannot be overstated. Its design and functionality earned it a lasting place in military and civilian circles alike. Though it is no longer in active service, the P08 remains an enduring symbol of German engineering and precision craftsmanship. Today, it is highly regarded by collectors and enthusiasts, who appreciate its historical value, distinctive look, and exceptional performance. The Luger P08 is more than just a firearm—it’s a piece of history.

Beretta 92FS - Double Action Excellence

The Beretta 92FS is a time-tested semi-automatic pistol that stands out for its unique double-action/single-action (DA/SA) system, providing versatility and safety. This system allows the first trigger pull to be in double-action mode for added security, while subsequent shots transition to a lighter and smoother single-action mode, offering both control and reliability under stress. Its exposed 4.9-inch barrel not only contributes to its distinctive appearance but also aids in accuracy and heat dissipation during sustained use.

Originally designed as a law enforcement pistol, the Beretta 92FS was later adapted by the United States Military, where it was designated as the M9. Its adoption highlighted its durable design and exceptional performance in rigorous environments. The pistol’s 15-round standard magazine was revolutionary at the time, providing substantial capacity and contributing to its effectiveness on the battlefield.

The Beretta 92FS’s reliability under stress is a hallmark of its design. Its robust construction, coupled with features like an ambidextrous safety/decocker and a smooth trigger reset, ensures consistent operation even in challenging conditions. Additionally, the use of a double-stack magazine enhances its firepower while maintaining manageable recoil, offering excellent stopping power.

The Beretta 92FS is not only a legendary firearm in military and law enforcement circles but also one of the most recognizable handguns in popular culture, thanks to its widespread use in big-budget action movies. Its sleek design, with the exposed 4.9-inch barrel, distinctive slide, and polished metal finish, has made it a cinematic icon. Films such as Lethal Weapon, Die Hard, and The Matrix prominently feature the Beretta 92FS, cementing its place as a symbol of reliability and power on the silver screen.

Today, the Beretta 92FS remains a popular choice among military personnel, law enforcement officers, and civilians, thanks to its proven track record, ergonomic design, and legacy as a dependable service weapon.

Best Full-Size Handguns for Law Enforcement and Home Defense

Glock 17 - Law Enforcement’s Top Choice

The Glock 17 stands as the flagship model of Glock’s lineup and remains the top choice for the overwhelming majority of law enforcement agencies worldwide. Its reputation is built on an ultra-simple design, a robust polymer frame, and unparalleled reliability, making it one of the most trusted firearms for both duty and personal defense.

Introduced in 1982, the Glock 17 was a revolutionary handgun due to its striker-fired system, safe-action trigger, and lightweight polymer construction. Its 17-round magazine capacity set a new standard for firepower while maintaining a compact and manageable profile. The simplicity of its design, with just 34 parts, minimizes the risk of malfunctions and allows for easy maintenance, further solidifying its reputation for reliability.

The Glock 17’s minimal malfunctions and ability to function in extreme conditions make it an ideal duty weapon. Its polymer frame is highly resistant to corrosion, wear, and harsh environments, contributing to its exceptional durability. This reliability, combined with its ease of use and high capacity, has made it a favorite among military personnel, law enforcement officers, and civilian gun owners.

As a fun piece of trivia, the Glock 17 owes much of its reliability to the meticulous care and foresight of its inventor, Gaston Glock. When test-firing the prototype, he would only use his left hand, reasoning that if the gun malfunctioned and injured him, he would still need his right hand to draw blueprints and continue his design work. This level of attention to detail exemplifies the Glock ethos and explains why the Glock 17 has become a standard-bearer in the firearms industry.

With its legendary reliability, high magazine capacity, and simple yet effective design, the Glock 17 remains a cornerstone of modern handguns and a trusted choice for professionals and enthusiasts alike.

Smith & Wesson M&P - A Versatile Defensive Handgun

The Smith & Wesson M&P 2.0 is a versatile defensive handgun that continues the legacy of the Military & Police (M&P) line, which has served American forces and their allies with reliability and precision. Designed with modern shooters in mind, the M&P 2.0 offers features that make it a top-tier choice for both professionals and civilians seeking a dependable firearm.

The M&P 2.0 builds upon the success of its predecessors with a striker-fired design, delivering a crisp, consistent trigger pull that enhances accuracy. Its smooth magazine release ensures quick and reliable reloading, while the enhanced adjustable ergonomic grip—complete with four interchangeable palm swells—provides a customizable fit for hands of all sizes, improving control and comfort during use. These features make it ideal for personal defense, home security, and duty use.

Durability is a hallmark of the M&P 2.0, as it has undergone rigorous testing to ensure reliability under the most demanding conditions. From extreme temperatures to high round counts, the 2.0 is built to perform consistently, solidifying its reputation as a workhorse handgun.

A standout feature of the M&P 2.0 is its unique passive trigger safety, which prevents accidental discharge while maintaining a natural and intuitive shooting experience. This safety mechanism, combined with its rugged construction and user-friendly controls, makes the M&P 2.0 a trusted option for shooters of all experience levels.

With its proven durability, ergonomic adaptability, and roots in the storied Military & Police lineage, the Smith & Wesson M&P 2.0 is a versatile and reliable choice for those seeking a dependable defensive handgun.

Walther PDP - Balancing Self-Defense and Ergonomics

The Walther PDP (Performance Duty Pistol) is a cutting-edge handgun that perfectly balances self-defense capabilities with a high-tech ergonomic design. Known for its versatility and innovation, the PDP is built to meet the demands of modern shooters who prioritize performance, comfort, and reliability.

One of the PDP’s standout features is its red dot sight-ready slide, which allows for easy integration of modern optics, making target acquisition faster and more precise. Additionally, its suppressor-ready barrel is perfect for shooters who require stealth or reduced noise in their setups. These forward-thinking design elements have earned the PDP significant popularity among self-defense enthusiasts and tactical shooters alike.

The pistol's focus on defensive weapon qualities is evident in its unparalleled ergonomics. The Performance Duty Grip is sculpted to provide a secure yet comfortable hold, even during extended use, while its superior texturing enhances control under stress. The PDP’s trigger system is one of the best in its class, offering a light, crisp pull and short reset that aids in fast, accurate follow-up shots, making it a favorite for both beginners and seasoned shooters.

With its robust construction, adaptability for modern accessories, and ergonomic excellence, the Walther PDP is a premier choice for anyone seeking a dependable and advanced handgun for self-defense.

Compact and Subcompact Handguns for Concealed Carry

The Springfield Armory Hellcat is a top-tier, red dot-ready concealed carry weapon (CCW), renowned for packing exceptional firepower into a remarkably compact frame. Its standout feature is its high-capacity magazine, offering up to 13+1 or 15+1 rounds, an impressive feat for a handgun designed for everyday carry and personal defense.

Chambered in 9mm, the Hellcat delivers stopping power while maintaining a small, easily concealable profile. This balance of size, power, and capacity makes it an excellent option for those who prioritize safety and readiness in their EDC firearm.

The Hellcat comes stock with enhanced sights, including a U-Dot sight system, which offers quick and accurate target acquisition. Its slide serrations, located at both the front and rear, provide a better grip for racking the slide, a feature typically found as an aftermarket upgrade on other handguns. These enhancements make the Hellcat user-friendly and effective straight out of the box.

With its compact design, exceptional capacity, and advanced features, the Springfield Armory Hellcat stands out as one of the best CCW handguns available, offering unmatched reliability and performance for everyday personal defense.

Taurus G3C - Affordable Concealed Carry Gun

The Taurus G3C is an affordable and compact concealed carry weapon (CCW), making it an excellent choice for those seeking a budget-friendly semi-automatic handgun without compromising on performance. Its well-tuned trigger pull ensures smooth and consistent operation, which enhances accuracy and control, even for newer shooters.

Designed with concealed carry in mind, the G3C features a compact frame that is easy to conceal while maintaining a comfortable grip. It’s chambered in 9mm, offering ample stopping power for personal defense. The G3C also includes features typically found on higher-priced handguns, such as textured grip panels for enhanced handling and front and rear slide serrations for improved slide manipulation.

With its combination of affordability, compact design, and reliable performance, the Taurus G3C is an ideal option for those looking for a cost-effective CCW solution that doesn’t sacrifice functionality.

Staccato C2 - High Performance Subcompact

The Staccato C2 is a high-performance subcompact handgun that seamlessly combines semi-automatic performance with exceptional defensive weapon capabilities. Designed with self-defense and concealed carry (CCW) enthusiasts in mind, the C2 offers a compact yet powerful package that delivers on accuracy, reliability, and speed.

A modern take on the 2011-style 9mm handgun, the Staccato C2 is part of a lineage known for its speed, precision, and advanced performance. These handguns were built to outperform traditional designs, featuring double-stack magazines for higher capacity, improved grip ergonomics, and refined triggers that ensure smooth and consistent operation. This focus on performance makes the C2 ideal for both defensive applications and competitive shooting.

The Staccato C2's craftsmanship and innovation are reflected in its premium price point, making it a favorite among discerning marksmen and firearm enthusiasts who value superior quality and reliability. While not the most budget-friendly option, the C2's unmatched performance, durability, and precision justify its investment.

For those seeking a top-tier subcompact handgun that excels in self-defense and advanced shooting applications, the Staccato C2 is a standout choice, blending high-tech engineering with the proven legacy of 2011 handguns.

Handguns with Advanced Features for Enthusiasts

Sig Sauer P365 XL - Red Dot Ready

The Sig-Sauer P365 XL is a standout concealed carry weapon (CCW) that strikes a perfect balance between performance and compactness. With its slim frame ergonomics, it is designed for comfortable everyday carry while offering an impressive high-round capacity, a feature rarely seen in similarly sized handguns.

Building on the success of the original P365, the XL model adds a slightly longer barrel, enhancing accuracy and performance without sacrificing concealability. This makes it a versatile option for both personal defense and target shooting. The P365 XL comes red dot-ready, allowing shooters to easily mount high-end optics for faster target acquisition and greater precision.

The ergonomics of the slim frame ensure a comfortable grip and natural point of aim, even for extended shooting sessions. Despite its compact size, the extended magazine capacity provides plenty of firepower, making it a reliable and capable CCW choice.

When paired with modern enhancements like a high-quality red dot sight, the Sig-Sauer P365 XL offers shooters a premium combination of concealability, capacity, and performance, making it one of the most well-rounded options for defensive and practical use.

Browning Hi-Power - A Semi-Auto with Historical Significance

The Browning Hi-Power is often regarded as John Moses Browning’s true masterpiece, even surpassing his legendary 1911 in many ways. Completed after his death and refined by Belgian firearms designer Dieudonné Saive, the Hi-Power became one of the most influential handguns of the 20th century.

This single-action semi-automatic pistol was revolutionary for its high-capacity 13-round magazine, setting the standard for modern service pistols. Its smooth single-action trigger provided exceptional accuracy and reliability, making it a favorite among military and law enforcement professionals worldwide for decades. The Hi-Power’s ergonomics and balance further contributed to its effectiveness, allowing for natural pointability and precise shooting.

Adopted by over 50 countries as a standard-issue service pistol, the Browning Hi-Power gained a reputation as a rugged and dependable firearm that excelled in diverse environments. Its historical significance as a service pistol is unmatched, with a legacy spanning from World War II to the late 20th century.

While it has largely been retired from military and law enforcement use, the Hi-Power has found a new life as a collector’s firearm. Enthusiasts and shooters appreciate its classic design, historical importance, and enduring performance, making it a prized addition to any collection. Today, modern reproductions and vintage models alike are sought after by those who recognize the genius of Browning’s final masterpiece.

FN Five-seven -Unique and Tactical

The FN Five-seveN is a groundbreaking semi-automatic handgun originally developed as a military sidearm by FN Herstal. It was designed to complement the FN P90 personal defense weapon and shares its use of the innovative 5.7×28mm cartridge, a high-velocity round known for its exceptional accuracy, low recoil, and ability to penetrate body armor.

One of the Five-seveN’s most notable features is its exceptionally high magazine capacity, with a standard magazine holding 20 rounds of the 5.7mm cartridge, offering unmatched firepower in a lightweight, compact package.

Its unique design includes a safety mechanism positioned above the trigger, allowing the safety to be quickly engaged or disengaged with the trigger finger, an unconventional feature that enhances its ease of use in high-stress situations. The polymer frame contributes to the pistol's lightweight construction, making it easy to handle despite its size and capacity.

The FN Five-seveN has been adopted by military and security forces worldwide, praised for its versatility, reliability, and advanced performance. Its armor-piercing capabilities, combined with its manageable recoil and ergonomic design, make it a top choice for professionals requiring a high-performance sidearm.

Today, the Five-seveN is also popular among civilians for personal defense and shooting sports, thanks to its modern design, cutting-edge features, and ability to deliver precise, effective results in a variety of scenarios. It remains a standout firearm that bridges the gap between military innovation and civilian practicality.

Protecting Your Hearing: Axil Leading Hearing Protection

Regardless of handgun choice or purpose, shooters need to protect their hearing and make sure to use high-quality hearing protection. Axil offers the best and highest quality ear protection available with everything from simple plugs to advanced earmuffs and earbuds. Axil products provide protection from high decibel noise as well as enhancement with some of the highest level noise reduction ratings (NRR) on the market today.

Many new gun owners will invest much time and research in choosing a handgun but put no thought into hearing protection. Considering many people purchase hearing protection along with their new firearms, this should be as weight of a decision as purchasing their handgun. Even using a suppressor, Axil can enhance hearing and improve spatial awareness with products like the XCOR or Trackr Blu, increasing hearing while protecting it.

FAQs

What is the world’s best pistol?

The question of the world’s best pistol is a never-ending debate and ultimately comes down to personal preference and needs. What works best for one shooter may not suit another. For instance, if concealment is the top priority, a Glock 34, with its longer barrel and larger frame, wouldn’t be ideal.

Conversely, if maximum accuracy is required, a compact pistol like the Ruger LCP may not deliver the precision of a full-sized firearm. It’s essential to understand the pros and cons of different firearms, including factors like size, caliber, ergonomics, and intended purpose, to make an informed choice.

Ultimately, the best pistol is the one that aligns with the shooter’s goals and abilities. As the old adage goes, if there was truly a “best gun,” everyone would own it, as it would combine the best design, performance, cost-effectiveness, and versatility all in one. This gun has not yet been produced.

What is the most reliable type of handgun?

The most reliable type of firearm is generally the one with the simplest design and the fewest moving parts, as simplicity reduces the likelihood of malfunctions. Revolvers often fit this description perfectly due to their straightforward, mechanical operation and the fact that their barrels are a single cohesive part integrated with the frame, enhancing durability and reducing potential points of failure.

However, striker-fired pistols, such as those made by Glock, Sig Sauer, or Smith & Wesson M&P, have built stellar reputations for reliability due to their minimalist designs, limited parts, and use of high-quality materials. These factors make them trusted choices for personal defense, law enforcement, and military use. The old adage “keep it simple” rings true when it comes to choosing a firearm for reliability.

What handgun do Navy SEALs use?

Navy SEALs traditionally used the Sig Sauer P226 in the Mk 25 configuration, recognizable by the anchor engraved on the slide, as their standard-issue sidearm. Renowned for its accuracy, durability, and ability to function reliably in harsh environments, it became an iconic choice. However, the teams have since transitioned to the Glock 19, a lighter and more compact pistol with a simpler, striker-fired design.

The Glock 19's reduced weight, ease of maintenance, and exceptional reliability have made it a favored option for modern special operations. That said, SEAL teams and other special operations units often have considerable discretion in selecting their weapons, allowing them to choose firearms tailored to their specific mission requirements.

What is the best handgun for self-defense?

The best handgun for self-defense is a highly subjective choice that depends on individual needs and preferences, but it ties closely to the factors of reliability and performance. Skilled self-defense professionals often advise choosing the largest firearm you can comfortably and confidently wield, as size and weight directly influence handling and recoil management. The 9mm is widely regarded as the most practical and popular defensive caliber due to its balance of stopping power, manageable recoil, and high magazine capacity.

However, calibers like the 10mm and .45 ACP are also respected for their defensive capabilities, offering greater stopping power at the expense of increased recoil and reduced capacity. A handgun with high round capacity and a bit of added weight can help mitigate recoil, enabling faster follow-up shots and improved accuracy. Ultimately, the best handgun for self-defense is the one that fits your hand, is comfortable to shoot, and instills confidence in your ability to protect yourself effectively.

Why is Glock the best pistol?

The short answer is, there is no single "best" pistol. While Glock pistols are highly regarded and trusted by professionals worldwide for their simplicity, reliability, and ruggedness, what makes a pistol the "best" depends on the needs of the shooter. Glock’s reputation for durability and performance has made it a favorite among law enforcement, military, and civilian users alike. However, the right pistol for you should be based on your specific requirements, such as intended use, comfort, and performance.

That being said, Glock has developed a wide range of models and customizable variants that cater to various shooting preferences and needs, from concealed carry to competition, ensuring that there's a Glock for nearly every type of shooter.

Which handgun is considered the best for accuracy and reliability?

When it comes to accuracy and reliability, several handguns stand out as top choices for shooters seeking maximum performance. The Glock 34 and Sig P210, for example, are excellent options. The Glock 34 Gen 5 features a longer barrel and a performance trigger, both of which contribute to its enhanced accuracy, while its simple design ensures reliability. The Sig P210, with its precise engineering, single-action trigger and high-quality materials, is known for its exceptional accuracy as well.

It’s important to note that accuracy and reliability can sometimes conflict, as a design optimized for one may compromise the other. That said, a handgun with a longer barrel, enhanced sights (including magnified sights, though rare for handguns), and a performance trigger is generally ideal for those seeking both. A simple design ensures reliability, even in harsh or rugged environments. In this writer’s opinion, the Heckler & Koch Mk 23 is one of the most reliable and accurate handguns ever made, despite its more complex design.