Top Pistol Brands: Elite Choices for Precision and Reliability

In the rapidly evolving world of firearms, finding the right pistol brand is crucial for enthusiasts and professionals alike. Several manufacturers consistently stand out due to their commitment to quality, innovation, and user safety. From renowned names with decades of experience to emerging brands making waves with cutting-edge designs, the market offers a diverse array to cater to every need and preference. To explore the leading names and the distinct features that set them apart, continue reading below.

Illustration of pistols

Best brands of pistols in 2025

Glock

Glock is one of the most renowned and dominant producers of pistols globally, boasting a market share of around 74% in the US law enforcement sector and a significant presence in the civilian market, having sold over 20 million pistols to date. Founded by Gaston Glock in 1963 in Deutsch-Wagram, Austria, the company has expanded to include manufacturing facilities in Austria, Slovakia, and the USA. Glock pistols are celebrated for their reliability, durability, and simple design, with models like the Glock 17 and Glock 19 being highly popular among law enforcement and civilians alike. The company's US subsidiary, GLOCK, Inc., began full production in 2013 and produces pistols marked with "U.S.A." and the outline of Georgia. Glock's innovative designs and extensive market presence have solidified its position as a leader in the handgun market. For more detailed insights, you can visit their official page on Glock Pistols.

Sig Sauer

Sig Sauer stands as a leading producer of pistols, with the SIG P365 and SIG P320 ranked as the top two selling handguns in America for 2023, according to GunBroker.com's Top 10 Best-Selling Handguns report. The company produced over 1 million pistols in 2022, dominating the 9mm category with 56.5% of all pistols produced that year. Sig Sauer has been the third-largest firearms manufacturer in the U.S. since 2018 and was the top U.S. exporter of pistols in 2020, with 252,601 pistols exported. The SIG P320 is notable for its adoption by all branches of the U.S. military and various law enforcement agencies. Sig Sauer's production and sales reflect its strong market presence and consumer preference.

Smith & Wesson

Smith & Wesson is a renowned American firearm manufacturer, particularly esteemed for its high-quality pistols. In the fiscal year ending April 30, 2024, the company generated nearly $382 million in net sales from its handgun products, which accounted for over 71% of its total net sales. The introduction of new products, such as the 1854 Lever Action Rifle and the M&P 15 Sport III, has driven significant consumer interest and market share gains. Smith & Wesson's handguns, including the popular M&P series, are favored for their innovative design and robust performance. The company's long gun sales also saw a notable increase, with shipments rising by over 14% in the sporting goods channel. For more information, visit Smith & Wesson's website.

Beretta

Beretta is a leading producer of pistols, known for its high-quality firearms and significant market presence. In 2022, Beretta exceeded a turnover of 310 million euros, driven by new products and strong sales in European markets, including a 50% increase in France and Germany. The company's pistols, such as the 9mm models, are highly popular, with India, Peru, and Mexico being the top importers globally. Beretta's product range includes successful models like the BRX1 rifle and the 80X Cheetah pistol, contributing to its growth and market dominance. The company's investments in industrial machinery and digital markets have further enhanced its production capacity and market reach. For more information, explore their Beretta pistol imports.

Heckler & Koch

Heckler & Koch is a renowned manufacturer of high-quality firearms, particularly excelling in the production of pistols, which account for 31% of their net sales. Their pistols, such as the USP and P30L models, are known for their reliability, ergonomic design, and innovative technologies like the polygonal barrel, which enhances muzzle velocity. Heckler & Koch's products are widely used by military, law enforcement, and personal security details globally. In the global small arms market, Heckler & Koch is one of the major players, with North America being a significant market for their products. For more insights on Heckler & Koch, visit their profile on MarketScreener.

Springfield Armory

Springfield Armory is a prominent manufacturer in the U.S. firearms industry, known for its high-quality pistols. In 2022, despite overall pistol production declines, Springfield Armory was one of the few manufacturers that expanded its production, particularly in the 9mm category. The company produced 148,264 pistols in 2021, and its rifle production saw a significant 90.6% year-over-year increase from 2020 to 2021, with 442,486 rifles produced. Springfield Armory is also recognized for its innovative models, such as the Echelon series and the Hellcat micro-compact 9mm pistols. Their products are highly regarded for concealed carry, home defense, and other applications. For more information, please visit their official website.

CZ-USA

CZ-USA is a leading brand in the firearms industry, particularly renowned for its high-quality pistols. It holds the largest market share and has strengthened its position by handling local distribution and sales in the United States. CZ-USA designs and imports shotguns from Turkey and owns Dan Wesson Firearms, which produces premium versions of the 1911 pistol. Despite a 10.4% decline in overall firearms sales in 2023, CZ-USA has seen a recovery in the U.S. commercial market for handguns in 2024, with a 3.2% year-over-year increase in firearms sold, totaling 463,186 units. For more insights into the firearms market, please visit this comprehensive industry analysis.

Walther

Walther Arms is a leading producer of pistols, renowned for its innovative and highly effective firearms. The company, founded by Carl Walther, has a rich history spanning over 130 years, during which it has developed iconic products like the PPK and PPQ series. The PPQ series is particularly notable for its superior ergonomics and the best out-of-the-box striker-fired trigger on the market. Walther's products are widely used by law enforcement and military units globally, and the company continues to innovate, aiming to increase the effectiveness and safety of its firearms. For example, Walther invented the first blow-back semi-automatic handgun in 1908 and the first Double Action/Single Action pistol with the PP series. For more details on their offerings, explore Walther's official website.

Ruger

Sturm, Ruger & Co. is a leading manufacturer in the U.S. firearms market, particularly renowned for its production of pistols. In 2021, the company reported $730.7 million in sales, with a 73% increase in profits, highlighting its strong market presence. Ruger manufactures a diverse range of firearms, including single and double-action revolvers, semi-automatic handguns, and rifles, with new products accounting for 22% of sales in 2020. The company is America's biggest handgun manufacturer and the second largest pistol and revolver maker, according to ATF figures. Ruger's production capabilities are significant, with a 30% increase in production in 2021 to meet demand. For more detailed insights, visit their report on another boom year for its firearms.

FN Herstal

FN Herstal, a leading firearms manufacturer, is renowned for its high-quality pistols that have dominated the market. The company, based in Herstal, Belgium, has been a major player in the firearms industry since its establishment in 1889 and is particularly noted for its collaboration with John Browning, leading to the development of iconic pistols like the Browning Hi-Power. FN Herstal's pistols, such as the Five-seven and the Browning Hi-Power, are widely used by military and law enforcement agencies globally, with the company supplying firearms to over 100 countries. In the service handgun market, pistols like those produced by FN Herstal hold a significant share, capturing more than 62.4% of the market as of 2023. The company's U.S. subsidiary, FN America, continues to produce advanced firearms, including pistols, contributing to the growth of the global service handgun market.