Top Gun Brands for Quality and Performance

In recent years, the conversation around firearm ownership has grown increasingly complex, with enthusiasts and collectors seeking the perfect balance of reliability, performance, and craftsmanship in their weapons. Whether for hunting, self-defense, or sport shooting, choosing the right gun can make all the difference. Brands like Glock, Smith & Wesson, and Sig Sauer have consistently been praised for their innovation and quality in the firearms industry. To explore a comprehensive list of top gun brands and discover what makes each unique, continue reading below.

Illustration of guns

Best brands of guns in 2025

Glock

Glock is a leading brand in the firearms industry, renowned for its reliable, durable, and highly popular polymer-framed pistols. The company dominates the US law enforcement market with an impressive 74% market share, surpassing initial estimates of 65%. Founded by Gaston Glock in 1963, the company has supplied pistols to national armed forces, security agencies, and police forces in at least 48 countries. Glock pistols, such as the Glock 17 and Glock 19, are favored for their performance, handling, and cost-effectiveness, with over 20 million units produced to date. The brand continues to innovate, with its US subsidiary, GLOCK, Inc., starting full production in 2013 and manufacturing pistols marked with "U.S.A." and the outline of Georgia. For more information on Glock pistols, visit their official website.

Smith & Wesson

Smith & Wesson is a leading firearm manufacturer, notably producing over 2.3 million firearms in 2021, a record year that saw the company exceed the 2 million mark for the first time. It holds approximately 20% of the handgun market share, with handguns accounting for about 75% of its revenue. In 2024, despite an industry downturn, Smith & Wesson reported a 9.9% increase in net sales to $159.1 million for the quarter ending April, highlighting its resilience and strong market position. The company's focus on innovation, operational excellence, and brand messaging has enabled it to outperform the overall gun market. Smith & Wesson's products, including pistols and revolvers, are widely distributed to retailers, law enforcement, and military agencies. For more detailed insights on their fiscal performance, visit their official news release.

Sig Sauer

SIG SAUER stands as a leading manufacturer in the U.S. firearms industry, particularly notable for its dominance in pistol production. In 2021, SIG SAUER produced 1,214,013 pistols, making it the third-largest handgun producer that year, and it was the top 9mm producer with 1,165,995 pistols. The company has consistently held its position as the third-largest U.S. firearms manufacturer since 2018 and even rose to the second spot in 2022, producing over 1 million firearms. SIG SAUER's P320 model is highly popular and was selected for the U.S. Army's XM17 Modular Handgun System competition in 2017. The company's 9mm production accounted for a significant portion of the market, with a notable presence in both domestic and export markets.

Beretta

Beretta, a renowned brand in the firearms industry, achieved a remarkable turnover of over 310 million euros in 2022, driven by the success of new products like the BRX1 straight-pull rifle, which sold 15,000 units despite higher demand. The company saw a 50% sales increase in France and Germany and significant growth in markets such as Poland, the Nordic countries, South Africa, and Brazil. Beretta's accessories sector also experienced a 30% growth, and the company invested 16 million euros in 2022, with 9.5 million euros dedicated to industrial machinery. The acquisition of the RUAG group marked Beretta's entry into the ammunition business, solidifying its position as a total partner for the hunting world. Beretta's strong market presence is further enhanced by its 18% increase in manufacturing capacity in the firearms sector. For more detailed insights into Beretta's 2022 achievements, you can visit their comprehensive business report.

Heckler & Koch

Heckler & Koch is a renowned manufacturer of high-quality firearms, specializing in rifles, pistols, and machine guns. The company's products, such as the HK416 assault rifle, are widely used by military and law enforcement agencies globally, including the U.S. Marine Corps and the Norwegian Armed Forces. In 2020, Heckler & Koch received a $33 million contract from the U.S. Army for Compact Semi-Automatic Sniper Systems and Squad Designated Marksman Rifles. The company's net sales are distributed with 38% from rifles, 31% from pistols, and 17% from machine guns and sub-machine guns, maintaining a significant presence in the U.S. market, accounting for 36.7% of their sales. For more detailed information, visit Heckler & Koch's market overview.

Colt

Colt, a legendary brand in the firearms industry, has been a cornerstone of gun production since the 19th century. During the American Civil War, Colt's factory produced 150,000 muskets and pistols annually, with the Colt Army Model 1860 seeing significant sales of 107,000 units in 1861 and 1863. In recent years, Colt CZ Group SE has reported a 3.2% year-over-year increase in firearm sales, reaching 463,186 units in the 2024 YTD period, with long guns seeing an 11.8% increase. The company's iconic models, such as the Colt Single Action Army and the Colt Python, continue to influence the industry. Despite a 10% decline in unit sales in 2023, Colt remains a major player in the global firearms market. For more detailed information, refer to the Colt's Manufacturing Company Wikipedia page.

Springfield Armory

Springfield Armory is renowned as one of the best producers of firearms, known for its high-quality and reliable weapons. Founded in 1974, the company has consistently delivered innovative designs, such as the M1A rifle, which is a civilian version of the M14 military rifle. Springfield Armory's handguns, like the XD and 1911 series, are popular among both law enforcement and civilian users, with over 90% of customers reporting satisfaction. The company's commitment to precision and durability has earned it a significant market share, with sales increasing by 20% annually in recent years. Springfield Armory's products are widely used in competitive shooting sports, further solidifying its reputation.

Ruger

Ruger, as the second-largest gun manufacturer in the U.S., has consistently demonstrated its prowess in the firearms industry. In 2021, Ruger and Smith & Wesson combined to produce over 35% of all firearms manufactured in the U.S., with Ruger alone producing 2,071,897 firearms that year. Ruger is also the top long-gun producer, with a record 736,693 long-guns produced in 2021, and its rifle exports increased by 34.4% year-over-year to 63,162 units. The company's revenue from AR-15-style rifles nearly tripled from $39 million in 2019 to over $103 million in 2021. Despite recent declines, Ruger remains a significant player, with a strong focus on long-term stability and product development. For more insights, visit the Ruger manufacturer page.

Browning

Browning is a renowned brand in the firearms industry, known for its high-quality and precision-crafted guns. The company develops and sources firearms from both domestic and foreign manufacturers, with a focus on competitive pricing based on market conditions and competitor analysis. Browning's product lineup includes popular categories such as pistols, rifles, and shotguns, with a notable presence in the over and under shotgun market. The US gun manufacturing industry, which includes Browning, produces over 4 million guns annually, with rifles accounting for about 40% of the production. Browning's pricing strategy is heavily influenced by market competition and the company's market image. For more details, you can visit their official website.

Remington

Remington is a prominent figure in the U.S. gun market, historically recognized as the largest rifle manufacturer in North America, according to 2015 ATF statistics. The company has a rich history, having developed or adopted more cartridges than any other manufacturer. In 2016, Remington Outdoor produced 1.47 million firearms, placing it second in the U.S. market behind Ruger. Remington's product line includes notable items like the M4A1 carbine, for which they secured a US Army contract in 2012 to manufacture 24,000 units. Despite financial challenges, Remington remains a significant player in the firearms industry. For more detailed insights, visit their Wikipedia page.