Best Handguns List For 2025
The handgun market in 2025 is advancing quickly with technology, design, and a heightened emphasis on safety and reliability. With the continued integration of smart technology and ergonomic designs, modern handguns are evolving to meet the diverse needs of users ranging from casual enthusiasts to professional operators.
That’s how important choosing the right handgun is, given the varied available choices in the market. Whether you are in need of a reliable firearm for self-defense or a high-performance piece for competitive shooting, or a versatile, professional-use handgun, the number of models will overwhelm you.
In this post, we’ll explore the best handguns of 2025, breaking down their key features, strengths, and ideal uses. We’ll also highlight the trends that are shaping the industry, providing insights into what makes a handgun truly exceptional in today’s market.
Section 1: Criteria for Selection
Performance and Reliability
There is no substitute for excellent performance and reliability when it comes to handguns. The reliability of any handgun is determined by one’s steadiness with guns, consistently hitting the target, ease of use, and how easily one can maintain them. On the core of its performance accuracy; a reliable firearm should hit its target every time if possible, either in novice or expert hands.
Innovative Features
2025 has seen a wave of new technologies and innovative features that are redefining what handguns can do. These features enable handguns to recognize authorized users and reduce unauthorized use, along with increasing overall safety. There has also been great focus on enhanced ergonomics through engineering of the grip and controls to adapt to the user’s hand for comfort and ease in handling the firearm.
Safety and Compliance
Safety features and legal compliance are more critical than ever. The best handguns are equipped with advanced safety mechanisms, such as trigger safeties, drop safeties, and manual safeties that prevent accidental discharges.
User Reviews and Industry Feedback
A handgun’s reputation is often built on the experiences of those who use it. User reviews and industry feedback provide valuable insights into how a firearm performs in real-world scenarios.
Section 2: Top Handguns of 2025
Glock 49
The Glock 49 is the latest evolution in their long line of reliable and popular handguns. Released in November 2023, the Glock 49 is designed with the modern shooter in mind, appealing to both seasoned professionals and everyday carriers.
Price: between $620 and $750.
Pros:
- Reliability: As expected from Glock, the 49 is extremely reliable, performing consistently under various conditions.
- Advanced Safety: The biometric SmartSafe technology adds a significant layer of security, making it ideal for users concerned about unauthorized access.
- Customization: The adjustable grip system and modular components allow users to personalize the handgun to their liking.
- Weight: The use of lightweight materials makes it easier to carry, especially for daily concealed carry.
Cons:
- Cost: The advanced features and technology come at a higher price point, making it more expensive than previous Glock models.
- Learning Curve: Some users may find the biometric technology and new trigger system slightly challenging to get accustomed to initially.
- Maintenance: While still low-maintenance by industry standards, the SmartSafe technology may require periodic updates or troubleshooting, which could be seen as a hassle for some users.
Ideal Use: The Glock 49 is best suited for self-defense, particularly for individuals who prioritize safety and security.
SIG Sauer P365 AXG Legion Comp
The SIG Sauer P365 AXG Legion Comp is another addition to the famous series of the P365, marrying the best in compact convenience with the class-leading features of the Legion series. Release in October 2023. It’s truly a gun made for the particular shooter who needs both performance and easy carry, which can be appreciated by pros and serious civilian users alike.
Price: $1,200 – $1,400.
Pros:
- Excellent Build Quality: The all-metal AXG frame provides a robust, premium feel that’s durable and balanced in the hand.
- Recoil Management: It features an integrated compensator that works very well to reduce muzzle rise for quicker, more accurate follow-up shots.
- Customability: It allows for extensive options with the removable grip panels and optics-ready slide.
- Accuracy: High-visibility, enhanced XRay3 Day/Night sights and a light, skeletonized flat trigger further drive accuracy to the top of its class.
Cons:
- Price: The added premium features and Legion branding drive up the cost, which can be a factor for those budget-sensitive buyers.
- Weight: It’s heavier, with its metal frame than polymer-framed models, which could affect comfort over longer carry.
- Complexity: Advanced features such as the compensator and optics readiness may strike some as overkill in search of a simpler no-nonsense handgun.
Ideal Application: The SIG Sauer P365 AXG Legion Comp is, by design, for carry purposes and in self-defense situations, especially in the eyes of those who hold high regard for such great performance and customizability. Its precision and control also make it a strong contender for competitive shooting or as a backup firearm for professionals.
Springfield Echelon
The Echelon is a revolutionary expansion to the Springfield Armory Inc. product catalogue in a bid to satisfy both the tactical operator and the casual carrier on a versatile and dependable gun model. Hit the shelves early in 2024, the Echelon departs from the norm with its modular features and flexibility and will be hard to be matched by other pistols in this era.
Price: $650 – $800.
Pros:
- Modularity: It is possible to remove the parts from the Echelon, namely the frame, slide, or barrel, and deposit others back thereby modifying the weapon to meet precise requirements.
- Ergonomics: A highly ergonomic gun, the pistol will accommodate back straps that are adjustable in an attempt to suit the requirements of millions of customers.
- Enhanced Sights: High-visibility sights that are attached to the Echelon enhance the aesthetics of the gun as well as the efficiency since they are bright even when a person aims the gun in the dark.
- Durability: Echelon has been made with quality and tough materials as well as non-corrosive coatings allowing the weapon to be reliable against extreme weather.
Cons:
- Complexity: There is an inbuilt compatibility which makes it modular as designed yet this may be intimidating for people who do not wish to face too much trouble opening the package out of the box.
- Weight: Due to the inclusion of strong materials, the cigarette weighs a little too much which could be uncomfortable after carrying for long hours.
- Price: Great features are certain as much except for pricing, this may be unnecessary for some consumers who expect a discount.
Walther PDP Match Steel
The Walther PDP Match Steel, being the top-of-the-line offering from Walther, has a very clear target, that of precision shooting as well as defending or competing. Coming out in mid-2024, this full-size handgun gets the features of the PDP series but the metal body making shooting even more fun and precise.
Price: $1,100 – $1,300
Pros:
- Precision: The use of a steel frame and the better-designed barrel structure brings about more accuracy making it more acceptable for shooting competitions.
- Trigger System: Inspired by self-loading weapons Walther Performance Duty Trigger breaks crisply and cleanly, and resets with very little travel to allow better tracking of the target.
- Ergonomics: The texture and the contouring of the grip have been enhanced in order to increase their control during target shooting.
- Durability: The construction is solid steel hence increasing the lifespan of the handgun allowing it to withstand many rounds.
Cons:
- Weight: Although the weighty steel frame adds stability and helps to manage recoil, it may still offset the benefits of everyday carry.
- Price: This weapon is considered premium and therefore has barriers for those who do not have a lot of money to spend.
- Size: Even though this type is fully sized and built for performance, those who wish to have a smaller or more easily hidden model may be less well served by this frame style.
- Ideal Use: The Walther PDP Match Steel is most suitable for rapid-paced engagement of a large number of threats during close-quarters battle.
Canik TTI Combat
Canik TTI Combat is a compact pistol that was the result of a cooperation between the companies Taran Tactical Innovations and Canik. Launched in the last quarter of the year 2024, this model is for shooters who want nothing but the best and is a synthesis of the trust that Canik has established over the years and the competition oriented approaches that TTI employs. The TTI Combat is meant for professionals as well as people who want to do competitive shooting since it has the speed, precision, and customizability.
Price: Ranges from $900 to $1200.
Pros:
- Competition-Ready: The TTI Combat pistol is fitted with competition-grade internal parts including a competition grade barrel and precision cut slide, which makes it readily usable for shooting sports.
- Trigger: The improved flat-face trigger has a light pull which is crisp with a short reset which leads to shooting in a faster and more accurate manner.
- Custom Features: Being equipped with TTI sized controls and a grooved front of the magazine, the TTI Combat is battle ready for the purpose of fast changes and manipulations within time constraints.
- Durability: With a strong build and tough finishing, the handgun can endure the effects of constant attack even in combat-like situations.
Cons:
- Price: One concern regarding the premium features and TTI enhancements that some people who wish to buy the gun may have is the fact that the price is significantly elevated.
- Complexity: The proposals advanced may be too extravagant for the hobby distance shooters and for the people looking for a
CZ Shadow 2 Compact
This is a recent update to CZ Shadow family. One more release, CZ Shadow 2 Compact is a smaller more portable version of the rather large and very famous Shadow 2 released in early 2025. As mentioned previously, this option was catered to those who like the Shadow series but need its performance in a compact and adjustable form factor. This gun is perfect for sport shooting and practical shooting and for good performing firearms meant for ordinary carry or service.
Price: between $1,000 and $1,200.
Pros:
- Precision: Shadow 2 Compact will deliver, the Shadow 2 being fully Kissed with unmatchable accuracy as it features a match size barrel and a well-made triggering system which will enhance performance and performance.
- Ergonomics: In comparison to the full-size pistols, the Ordnance factory let the compact pistol design be buttressed by ergonomic handle with sharp checkering to provide a non-slip hold even on fast firing.
- Recoil Management: Another benefit is how well the small handgrip felt, it was constructed so exceptionally for letting recoil be controllable that aiming help could easily be gotten from successive shots taken in quick intervals.
- Build Quality: Browning and also CZ make well-constructed aging substitution guns that serve rigorous factors The Shadow 2 Compact will not if at all slowly become less attractive with time.
Cons:
- Weight: Despite being a compact model, the all-steel construction adds weight, which may be noticeable during extended carry.
- Size: While more concealable than the full-size Shadow 2, the compact version is still larger than many other compact handguns, which could be a consideration for those seeking maximum concealability.
- Price: The premium build and performance features come at a higher cost, which might be a consideration for budget-conscious buyers.
Heckler & Koch VP9
The VP9 from Heckler and Koch is a substantial and very respected striker-fired pistol with good ergonomics and performance. Having been introduced in 2014, the VP9 has steadily undergone a variety of updates enabling it to remain popular with the police, military and civilian shooters, in that order. This model aims for the perfect combination of reliability, ease of handling and accuracy, making it attractive for a myriad of shooting applications.
Price: $700 – $850.
Pros:
- Ergonomics: The VP9 is famous due to the adjustable backstraps and the side panels that have interchangeable options allowing users to fit the gun to their hand and shooting style.
- Trigger: In terms of trigger reset which is short after each shot, the VP9 is fitted with one of the best devices in that class of handguns, a striker fired semi-automatic pistol.
- Reliability: Incorporating the familiar Heckler & Koch workmanship, the VP9 guarantees performance and great reliability in tough conditions.
- Sights: Clad with high visible luminescent or optional night sights, the VP9 enables the user to rapidly pick up the sight and acquire the target even in dark places.ccuracy. The VP9’s reliability and durability also make it a trusted choice for law enforcement and military personnel, as well as civilians looking for a dependable and versatile handgun.
Cons:
- Slide Release: Some users find the ambidextrous slide release lever to be somewhat stiff, which may require extra effort to operate.
- Grip Size: While customizable, the VP9’s grip might feel a bit bulky for users with smaller hands, even with the smallest backstrap installed.
- Weight: The solid construction adds a bit of weight compared to other polymer-framed pistols, which could be a consideration for those prioritizing a lighter carry gun.
Glock 19 Gen 5
The Glock 19 Gen 5 is an evolution of one of the most renowned handguns in the world, based on Glock’s tradition of reliability, simplicity, and unparalleled service performance. Announced in 2018, the Gen 5 model brought a host of welcome improvements to the iconic Glock 19 design, further making it one of the most diverse and user-friendly firearms available. Law enforcement, military personnel, and civilian shooters use the Glock 19 Gen 5 because of its compact size, ease of shooting, and reliability.
Price: Between $500 and $650.
Pros:
- Reliability: Glock gains a reputation for its reliability, and the Gen 5 does nothing to tarnish that image, as it performs steadily in whatever conditions one places it in.
- Modular Design: Further refinement was also given to the Glock 19 Gen 5 in its modular backstrap system design, wherein users can interchange different grip sizes to perfectly fit their hands.
- Durability: The nDLC finish on the slide and barrel adds in durability and resistance to corrosion, hence making the life of the firearm longer.
Ambidextrous Controls: Having ambidextrous slide stop levers, Generation 5 is much more friendly to left-handed shooters.
Cons:
- Trigger Feel: While improved, some shooters still prefer the aftermarket trigger options over the stock Gen 5 trigger for a crisper break.
- Grip Texture: Improved, the Gen 5 grip texture is better, but can still benefit from additional stippling or grip tape for those who like an aggressive feel in the hand.
No Finger Grooves: To some, the lack of finger grooves on this grip constituted a sorely missed addition of control that had been institutionally provided in past generations.
Ideal Use: Perfect for concealed carry and home defense alike, the Glock 19 Gen 5 provides optimal service across a wide variety of uses and is an excellent choice for any category of shooter, from beginner all the way to experience. Its compact size and balance make it easy to handle, while its reputation for reliability ensures it will perform when needed most.
Conclusion
Whether one is choosing for self-defense, sport, or professional use, the choice of handgun is a critical one. While this article has given an overview of the best handguns available to date for the year 2025, it is highly recommended that one finds the most suitable firearm through further research. This might include visiting local gun shops, reading more reviews, and consultations to get hands-on experience with firearms.
We would also like very much to hear your opinions or experiences with the handguns, and there is a comments section for that very thing. Your feedback may help inform someone else’s decision.
If you want to keep your finger on the pulse of the latest coverage in the world of firearms, subscribe to our newsletter. We regularly post updates, reviews, and advice on what’s hot and new in this industry.
