Top Firearm Brands for Quality and Performance

With the myriad of choices available, selecting the right brand for firearms can be a daunting task for both enthusiasts and professionals alike. Factors such as reliability, performance, and innovation play a crucial role in determining the best brands in the industry. Whether you are looking for a brand known for its precision engineering or one that offers a wide range of weaponry options, certain names consistently emerge as leaders. To explore a curated list of the best gun brands, know below.

Illustration of gun

Best brands of gun in 2025

Glock

Glock is a paramount brand in the firearms industry, renowned for its dominance in the market with a staggering 74% share of US law enforcement sales, as confirmed by an exhaustive audit involving all US domestic LE agencies. Founded by Gaston Glock, the company has been a leader since 1982, when its first pistol, the Glock 17, emerged as the top performer in reliability and safety tests. Glock pistols are celebrated for their reliability, durability, and ease of use, making them a favorite among both law enforcement and civilian users. With over 20 million Glocks produced and an estimated 1 million-plus sold in the USA each year, the brand continues to set the standard for handguns globally. Glock's innovative use of synthetic polymers and advanced manufacturing technologies has solidified its position as a trusted name in firearms. For more information, visit the Glock brand page.

Smith & Wesson

Smith & Wesson is the largest producer of pistols in the U.S., commanding approximately 20% of the handgun market and generating around 75% of its revenue from handguns. In 2021, the company manufactured 2,312,313 firearms, securing its position as the top firearms manufacturer in the country that year. Despite industry downturns, Smith & Wesson reported a 9.9% increase in net sales to $159.1 million in the quarter ending April 2024, and its full-year net sales rose by 11.8% to $535.8 million. The company's robust performance is linked to its emphasis on brand messaging, innovation, operational excellence, and business process efficiencies. With its significant market share and cutting-edge products, Smith & Wesson is well-positioned to navigate industry fluctuations. For more details on their performance, read the Smith & Wesson's 2024 Financial Report.

Sig Sauer

SIG Sauer is a leading manufacturer in the firearms industry, known for its high-quality and innovative products. In 2021, SIG Sauer produced 1,214,013 pistols, making it one of the top handgun producers in the U.S., with a significant focus on 9mm pistols, where it produced 1,165,995 units. The company has also secured a 10-year contract with the U.S. Army worth $580 million for its Next Generation Squad Weapon program. SIG Sauer's P320 model, particularly the M17 and M18 variants, has been adopted as the standard sidearm for the U.S. military, with plans to procure up to 421,000 weapons. Despite some production and safety issues, SIG Sauer continues to expand its facilities and product lines, solidifying its position as a major player in the industry.

Beretta

Beretta, a renowned Italian firearms manufacturer, 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 high 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 expansion included an 18% increase in manufacturing capacity and the launch of 17 new products in 2022. The company also entered the ammunition business through the acquisition of the RUAG group, enhancing its position as a total partner for the hunting world. Additionally, Beretta's accessories sector experienced a 30% growth, further solidifying its market presence. For more details, visit the record turnover report for Beretta in 2022.

Heckler & Koch

Heckler & Koch GmbH is a renowned German firearms manufacturer, celebrated for its innovative and reliable products. Founded in 1949 by former Mauser engineers, the company has diversified into various areas, including defense, law enforcement, and sports firearms, producing over 100 different types of firearms. Notably, Heckler & Koch's net sales are distributed with 38% from rifles, 31% from pistols, and 17% from machine guns and submachine guns, with a significant presence in the U.S. market, accounting for 36.7% of their sales. The company is known for iconic firearms like the G3, MP5, and HK416, which have become staples in military and law enforcement arsenals worldwide. Heckler & Koch's commitment to innovation is evident in their use of polymers in weapon designs and modern polygonal rifling. For more information, visit their official website Heckler & Koch Official Site.

Ruger

Ruger, known as Sturm, Ruger & Co., Inc., is a leading manufacturer in the U.S. gun market, producing the highest number of guns annually, with 1.64 million units in 2016 and 2,071,897 units in 2021. The company has consistently demonstrated strong sales growth, such as a 73% increase in profits in 2021, reaching $730.7 million in sales. Ruger's commitment to innovation, quality, and safety has earned it a stellar reputation among shooting enthusiasts. Their firearms, including popular models like the Ruger SR1911 and Ruger 10/22, are praised for their durability and user-friendliness. Despite market fluctuations, Ruger remains at the forefront of firearm production and innovation. For more information on purchasing a Ruger firearm, visit this comprehensive guide.

Colt

Colt's Manufacturing Company, a seminal figure in the firearms industry since its founding in 1855 by Samuel Colt, is renowned for its innovative and high-quality firearms. The company is credited with popularizing the revolver and pioneering the use of interchangeable parts and assembly line production. Notably, Colt's M1911 pistol is the longest-standing military and law enforcement service handgun, and the company has also been a major producer of AR-15 and M16 rifles. In 2024, Colt CZ Group reported a 3.2% year-over-year increase in firearms sales, with 463,186 units sold, and a significant growth in long firearms sales, rising 11.8% year-over-year. Despite a 10% decline in unit sales in 2023, Colt remains a leading brand in the firearms industry. For more details on their history and impact, visit Colt's Wikipedia page.

FN Herstal

FN Herstal, a leading firearms manufacturer based in Herstal, Belgium, is renowned for its extensive range of military and civilian firearms. As the largest exporter of military small arms in Europe as of 2012, FN Herstal's products, such as the FAL, SCAR, and P90, are used by the armed forces of over 100 countries. The company, owned by the FN Browning Group, has a significant presence in the global firearms market, with its semi-automatic segment capturing more than 52% of the industry share in 2023. FN Herstal's firearms are highly regarded for their versatility and user-friendliness, making them popular among law enforcement, military, and civilian markets. The company's history dates back to 1889, and it has maintained a strong reputation through its long-lasting relationship with notable firearms designers like John Browning. For more detailed information about FN Herstal, you can visit their Wikipedia page.

Walther

Walther, a renowned brand in the firearms industry, is recognized for its high-quality and innovative gun designs. As one of the key players in the global firearms market, Walther contributes to the industry's growth, which is expected to reach USD 71.7 billion by 2032 with a CAGR of 6.2% from 2023 to 2032. The brand is part of a market dominated by North America, but also experiencing rapid growth in the Asia-Pacific region. Walther's products, including handguns which hold the maximum share of the firearms industry, are highly regarded for personal security, recreational purposes, and technological advancements. The company's reputation is built on its commitment to precision and reliability.

Browning

Browning is a renowned brand in the firearms industry, known for its high-quality and versatile firearms. The company develops, sources, and distributes a wide range of firearms, including handguns, rifles, and shotguns, with a significant presence in the global market. In 2023, the rifle segment, which includes products from brands like Browning, held over 35% of the market share, and semi-automatic firearms, a category where Browning excels, captured more than 52% of the industry. Browning's pricing strategy is heavily influenced by market competition and the company's market image, ensuring competitive pricing for its products. The brand is part of a highly concentrated US gun manufacturing industry that produces over 4 million guns annually.