Top Tier Handgun Brands: Precision, Power, and Prestige

Choosing the best handgun brand can be a subjective decision, deeply influenced by individual preferences, needs, and experiences. In the expansive world of firearms, buyers often look for reliability, ergonomics, and durability among other factors when determining the ideal choice. From renowned names to emerging manufacturers, each brand offers unique features and innovations that cater to different types of users, whether for self-defense, sport, or law enforcement. To explore a curated list of the best brands for handguns, check out the comprehensive guide below.

Illustration of handguns

Best brands of handguns in 2025

Glock

Glock is one of the most renowned and dominant producers of handguns globally, with over 20 million units manufactured to date. The brand holds a significant market share, estimated at around 74% in the US law enforcement market, and has been a preferred choice for both civilian and law enforcement users since its inception in 1963. For more detailed insights into their products and achievements, you can explore the facts about Glock.

Sig Sauer

SIG SAUER is renowned as one of the top producers of handguns, with the SIG P365 and SIG P320 ranking as the #1 and #2 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 innovative design and full-size capacity options, while the SIG P320 is celebrated for its modularity, accuracy, and reliability, and has been chosen by all branches of the U.S. military and numerous law enforcement agencies. In 2022, SIG SAUER produced over 1 million firearms, solidifying its position as the second-largest U.S. firearms manufacturer. The company's products are highly regarded for their innovation, quality, and safety. SIG SAUER continues to drive the service handgun market, particularly in North America, with significant procurement contracts, including a 10-year agreement to supply the U.S. Army with full-size and compact gun versions.

Smith & Wesson

Smith & Wesson is a leading producer of handguns, with its handgun products generating nearly $382 million in net sales in the fiscal year ended April 30, 2024, making it the company's most lucrative product segment. The company saw a 10% increase in top-line revenue in Q4, driven by unit growth in both handguns and long guns, and new products accounted for 29.1% of total revenue. Handgun shipments were up almost 8% despite a 7% decline in the overall handgun market. The introduction of new products, such as the SD9 2.0, has been well-received, and handgun ASPs held steady, declining less than 2% year-over-year. Smith & Wesson's strong brand and innovative products continue to drive market share gains and consumer trust. For more information about their offerings, visit Smith & Wesson's official website.

Beretta

Beretta, a renowned brand in the firearms industry, achieved a significant milestone in 2022 by exceeding a turnover of 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 strong growth in markets such as Poland, the Nordic countries, South Africa, and Brazil. Beretta's accessories sector also experienced a 30% growth, aided by investments of 16 million euros in 2022 and planned investments of 13 million euros for the following year. The brand remains 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 commitment to innovation and resource management has solidified its position among top handgun manufacturers. For a more detailed look at Beretta's achievements, visit their record turnover report for 2022.

Heckler & Koch

Heckler & Koch (H&K) is a renowned German firearms manufacturer, esteemed for producing high-quality handguns and firearms. Founded in 1949 by former Mauser engineers, H&K has diversified into defense, law enforcement, and sporting firearms, developing over 100 types of firearms. The company's USP handguns, adopted as the standard sidearm by the German Bundeswehr in 1994, and the G36 assault rifle, also adopted by the Bundeswehr in 1995, are notable examples of their innovative products. H&K holds a significant market share, particularly in North America, where it has secured major contracts, such as a $26.2 million contract with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security for up to 65,000 handguns. With a strong presence in NATO and EU countries, H&K continues to be a leading manufacturer of small arms.

Colt

Colt, a renowned brand in the firearms industry, has established itself as one of the best producers of handguns, with a rich history dating back to the 19th century when Samuel Colt pioneered the mass production of revolvers. In recent years, Colt CZ Group has seen significant growth, with a 49.1% year-on-year increase in revenues and an 87.9% increase in net profit in the first half of 2022, driven by strong sales in key territories such as North America, Asia, and Europe. The company sold 362,741 firearms in the first half of 2022, with handguns accounting for 58.15% of the total sales. Colt's commitment to innovation and quality has made it a pivotal player in the global Service Handgun Market, which is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.3% from 2024 to 2033. The brand continues to expand its product line and manufacturing capabilities, further solidifying its position in the market. For more details, you can read Colt CZ Group's press release highlighting their financial achievements.

Ruger

Ruger is a leading manufacturer in the U.S. gun market, producing the highest number of guns annually, with 1.64 million firearms manufactured each year. The company has a long-standing commitment to safety, quality, and responsible gun ownership, as evident from their pioneering practice of shipping pistols with gun locks since 1987. Ruger offers nearly 800 variations of over 40 product lines, catering to diverse consumer preferences. Their products are widely used for various purposes, including self-defense, hunting, and sports shooting. Ruger's commitment to compliance with extensive federal, state, and local laws ensures they remain a reliable and trusted brand in the industry. For more insights, explore the dominant forces in the U.S. gun market.

CZ

CZ (Ceska zbrojovka) is a leading producer of handguns, known for its safe, reliable, and accurate firearms. The company has seen a 3.2% year-over-year increase in firearm sales, with long firearms sales rising by 11.8% and handgun sales experiencing a slight decrease of 2.3% in the 2024 year-to-date period. CZ produces an average of 1,577 firearms daily and has a global sales network covering all inhabited continents. The company's revenues have significantly increased, such as a 53.1% rise in revenues to CZK 7.6 billion in the first nine months of 2021, largely due to increased sales volumes and the consolidation of Colt's revenue. CZ's commitment to innovation and customer-centric approach has made it a prominent name in the firearms industry.

Walther

Walther Arms is a leading producer of handguns, renowned for its innovative and reliable firearms. Founded by Carl Walther, the company has a rich history spanning over 130 years, including the invention of the first blow-back semi-automatic handgun in 1908 and the iconic PPK series. The PPQ, their flagship product, is celebrated for its superior ergonomics and the best out-of-the-box striker-fired trigger on the market. Walther's products are essential for law enforcement, providing officers with the tools needed for various situations. The company continues to develop new technologies to enhance the effectiveness and safety of its firearms. For more details about their offerings, visit the official Walther Arms website.

Taurus

Taurus is a leading global firearm manufacturer, particularly renowned for its high-quality handguns, including pistols and revolvers. In 2021, Taurus held a significant market share, with 61% of all revolvers sold in the US being Taurus brand revolvers, and its sales volume in the US increased by 23.4% compared to the previous year. The company is known for its innovative products, such as the PT92 and PT1911 pistols, and its commitment to competitive pricing due to lower labor costs in Brazil. Taurus also manufactures law enforcement weapons and other firearms, making it a dominant player in the global market. Its product range includes brands like Rossi and Heritage, offering a diverse selection of firearms. For more insights into Taurus's strategy and growth, visit their path to success.