Top Handgun Brands: Decoding Quality and Reliability

In recent years, the market for handguns has seen tremendous growth, attracting both seasoned enthusiasts and new buyers seeking reliable options for personal protection or recreational shooting. With a plethora of manufacturers producing an array of handgun models, it can often be challenging to discern which brands offer the best in terms of quality, reliability, and innovation. Some brands have consistently stood out due to their commitment to craftsmanship, advanced technology, and user satisfaction. For a closer look at the top brands that lead the handgun market and what makes them exceptional choices, explore the details in the sections below.

Illustration of hand guns

Best brands of hand guns in 2025

Glock

Glock is renowned as one of the leading producers of handguns, boasting a significant market share of around 74% in the US law enforcement sector and a strong presence globally, with over 20 million Glocks manufactured to date. The company's dominance is attributed to its reliable, durable, and elegantly simple designs, such as the popular Glock 17 and Glock 19 models. Glock pistols are widely used by military, police, and civilian users for various purposes, including self-defense and competition shooting. The brand's innovative use of synthetic polymers and advanced manufacturing technologies has been instrumental in its success since its inception in 1963. Glock continues to innovate, as seen in the fifth-generation models introduced in 2017, which feature enhanced ergonomics and reliability. For more detailed insights, visit the official Glock website.

Smith & Wesson

Smith & Wesson Brands Inc. is a leading producer of handguns, generating nearly $382 million in net sales from its handgun products in the fiscal year ended April 30, 2024, making it the company's most lucrative product segment. This impressive figure underscores Smith & Wesson's dominance in the handgun market. As of Q3 2024, Smith & Wesson holds a market share of approximately 4.78% in its industry, with a revenue growth of 3.83% year-over-year, which outpaces its competitors' average growth. Additionally, Smith & Wesson is among the largest firearms manufacturers in the U.S., producing over 2.3 million firearms in 2021. The company's strong performance can be attributed to share gains at the retail counter and robust sell-through rates. For a detailed overview of Smith & Wesson's net sales by product, visit their sales statistics page.

Sig Sauer

Sig Sauer is renowned as one of the leading producers of handguns, with the SIG P365 and SIG P320 ranking as the top two best-selling handguns in America for 2023, according to GunBroker.com's Top 10 Best-Selling Handguns report. The SIG P365 is a high-capacity micro-compact pistol known for its ergonomic design and versatile magazine capacities, while the SIG P320 is celebrated for its modularity, accuracy, and reliability, having been adopted by all branches of the U.S. military. In 2020, SIG Sauer produced over 1 million commercial firearms, with 92.1% of its pistol production being in the 9mm category. The company has also strengthened its position as the third-largest firearms manufacturer in the U.S. since 2018. Sig Sauer's commitment to innovation and quality has made its firearms favorites among consumers and military units worldwide.

Beretta

Beretta, a renowned brand in the firearms industry, demonstrated exceptional performance in 2022, achieving a turnover of over 310 million euros, driven by the success of new products like the BRX1 straight-pull rifle, which sold 15,000 units despite high demand. The company saw a 50% increase in sales 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% increase, aided by investments of 16 million euros in 2022. The brand is a key player in the global handgun market, which is projected to grow at a CAGR of 6.59% from 2023 to 2033. Beretta's strong market presence is further reinforced by its innovative products and expanding manufacturing capacity. For more detailed insights, visit the record turnover for Beretta in 2022.

Heckler & Koch

Heckler & Koch is a prominent player in the handgun market, known for its innovative and reliable firearms. The company's products, such as the HK416, though primarily assault rifles, reflect their expertise in firearm design and manufacturing. In the handgun segment, Heckler & Koch competes with other major brands like Glock and Smith & Wesson, with the global handgun market projected to grow from $3.41 billion in 2023 to $5.35 billion by 2030, at a CAGR of 6.6%. North America, where Heckler & Koch has a significant presence, dominated the handgun market with a 43.27% share in 2022. The company's commitment to technological advancements and modernization drives its market growth.

CZ

Ceska zbrojovka (CZ) is a renowned brand and one of the top small arms manufacturers globally, producing high-quality handguns, rifles, and submachine guns. The company, based in Uhersky Brod, Czech Republic, has been in operation since 1936 and exports its products to over 100 countries. In 2024, CZ reported a 3.2% year-over-year increase in firearm sales, with long guns seeing an 11.8% rise, and the company is experiencing a recovery in the U.S. commercial handgun market. CZ produces an average of 1,577 firearms per day and employs around 1,800 people, making it a significant player in the global firearms industry. The company's products include the popular CZ P-10 series of pistols and the CZ Shadow 2 OR model. For more information, visit the CZ official website.

Ruger

Ruger is a leading manufacturer in the U.S. firearms market, producing the highest number of guns annually, with 1.64 million firearms manufactured in a typical year. In 2021, Ruger and Smith & Wesson combined to produce over 4.3 million firearms, accounting for more than a third of total U.S. production. Ruger offers nearly 800 variations of over 40 product lines, including pistols, revolvers, and rifles, all made in the United States. The company has been the top long-gun producer in the U.S. for several years, with a significant increase in rifle production in 2021. Ruger's commitment to quality and compliance has made it a trusted brand among gun owners. For more detailed information, visit their official website.

Colt

Colt, as part of the Colt CZ Group, is a prominent producer of handguns, contributing significantly to the firearms market. In 2021, the company saw a notable increase in firearms sales, with handguns accounting for 58.15% of the sold units in the first half of 2022. Despite a 2.3% year-over-year decrease in handgun sales in the 2024 YTD period, Colt CZ Group is experiencing a recovery in the U.S. commercial handgun market. The group's revenues and net profit have also shown substantial growth, with a 49.1% year-over-year increase in revenues and an 87.9% increase in net profit in the first half of 2022. Colt's commitment to product modernization and market expansion continues to solidify its position as a leading handgun producer. For more details on their financial performance, visit their official press release.

Walther

Walther, a renowned brand in the firearms industry, is celebrated for its high-quality handguns that cater to various end-users, including defense, self-defense, sports, and law enforcement. In the global handgun market, which is projected to grow from $3.41 billion in 2023 to $5.35 billion by 2030 at a CAGR of 6.6%, brands like Walther play a significant role due to their innovative and technologically advanced products. Walther's handguns are known for their reliability, precision, and durability, making them a favorite among both professionals and enthusiasts. The brand's commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction has contributed to its strong market presence, particularly in regions like Europe where companies like Walther and Glock GmbH drive market growth. With a rich history and continuous advancements, Walther remains a top choice for those seeking superior handguns.

FN Herstal

FN Herstal is a renowned producer of high-quality handguns, known for its reliability, accuracy, and durability. The company has a long history of manufacturing firearms, including the popular 509 and Five-Seven handguns, which have been praised for their performance, with the 509 MRD-LE showing zero malfunctions during testing and an MOA of 2.5 inches from 25 yards. FN Herstal continues to be a key player in the global service handgun market, which is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.3% from 2024 to 2033, reaching a market size of USD 6.4 billion by 2033. The company's products are widely used by military and law enforcement agencies, capturing a significant share in the market dominated by military and defense applications. FN Herstal's commitment to innovation and quality has solidified its position as one of the best producers of handguns. For more insight into their legacy, explore the history behind FN Herstal.