If You’re Not Buying From One of These Pistol Brands, You’re Doing It Wrong

In late March 2025, Sig Sauer and Ace Virtual Shooting announced a new collaboration intended to build users’ shooting skills. This project, called The SIG Experience, will allow gun enthusiasts across the world to experience Sig Sauer in a new way. Each participant in The SIG Experience will receive SIG replica handsets and VR SIG Electro-Optics. After being immersed in a unique virtual reality environment, participants can then partake in dry-fire drills, mini-games, and skill-building exercises along or alongside other users. The SIG Experience will also provide real-time analytics on speed, accuracy, and precision to give users an idea of where they could potentially improve. Interested gun enthusiasts can already take part in The SIG Experience by becoming an Ace Virtual Shooting member. Given Sig Sauer’s popularity, this opportunity also allows gun owners to virtually try out a Sig Sauer weapon before making a purchase. (Do you own one of America’s favorite pistols?)

When it comes to America’s favorite pistol brands, Sig Sauer is pretty much a given — but it’s certainly not the only well-loved pistol. Here, 24/7 Wall St. set out to identify the best pistol brands in America. We used a variety of sources to make these determinations: forums like Quora and Reddit, overviews from Sportsman’s Warehouse and Outdoor Life, handgun magazines, Youtube reviews, and our own experience from sport shooting. The brands that made our list are all lauded for their quality, performance, and precision. However, given that the best pistols in America can be somewhat subjective, we listed the following brands in no specific order. If you have a pistol that didn’t make the list, don’t worry — as long as you find it to be great, that’s what matters!

This previously published story was updated on April 2, 2025 to reflect recent news surrounding Sig Sauer and its pistols.

Why We’re Covering This Now

Pistols aren’t cheap, and a good gun will cost you at least several hundred dollars. If you’re going to purchase a handgun, it’s important to choose one from a quality company to protect your money and safety. At the same time, it’s equally crucial to understand which brands are thriving and which might be folding under pressure. While many people love Sig Sauer, for example, and for good reason, the brand has been struggling lately with safety issues. Some individuals have reported unintentional firing in the Sig Sauer P320 pistol which has led several law enforcement agencies around the country to reconsider its use. For some, this might dissuade them from buying that pistol. However, Washington state police departments have stated that a ban of the P320 is unnecessary and that independent testing has deemed these guns to be safe. Keeping informed on which pistols are most loved and trusted across the country helps you to be more prepared when making a purchase. By learning about America’s most popular pistol brands, you also get another benefit. If you want to invest in a firearm company, you should know which ones are considered high-quality.

Here are the best pistol brands in America: 

1. Glock

Almost everybody has heard of Glock, even if you’re not a big fan of guns. Produced by Austrian manufacturer Glock Ges.m.b.H., this semi-automatic pistol was first introduced into service in 1982. It is trusted by civilians, law enforcement officers, and military members alike; the Glock has been used in combat in the Syrian Civil War, war in Iraq, war in Afghanistan, and Kurdish-Turkish conflict, among others. People tend to choose Glock because the brand is known for its ruggedness, reliability, and ease of both use and maintenance. Given the company’s commitment to functionality, Glock pistols are not the most advanced guns — but why fix what isn’t broken?

These pistols are best known for:

• Reliability
• Wide range of sizes, calibers
• Simple operation
• Revolutionary SAFE ACTION System

2. Smith & Wesson

Manufactured by Smith & Wesson Brands, Inc. (NASDAQ: SWBI), one of the only publically traded firearm companies, Smith & Wesson pistol are known for their history and quality. The company was founded in 1852, making Smith & Wesson one of America’s oldest firearm manufacturers. The company offers a wide range of guns, from pistols and revolvers to long guns. This allows the company to cater to many different consumer needs. Smith & Wesson’s pistols are especially renowned for reliability and an ergonomic design. This brand also offers exceptional value for the price.

When you’re looking at Smith & Wesson, expect:

• Strong heritage
• Wide range of calibers and slide lengths
• Strong accuracy
• Innovative Temple Barrel System in the M&P 5.7 Series

3. Colt

Colt is another iconic American brand, making the company an easy choice for this list. Samuel Colt first opened a firearms factory in New Jersey in 1836 to manufacture revolvers. He expanded his efforts in later years as his gun grew in popularity, and Colt’s Manufacturing LLC was officially launched by 1855. Today, Colt is known for its 1911-style pistols, which are copied by tons of other companies. The M1911 also has extensive history in the military and law enforcement. Although Colt offers many different guns, the company tends not to stray too far from its heritage.

Buy a Colt pistol if you’re searching for:

• A more classic aesthetic
• Emphasis on craftsmanship
• Extreme accuracy
• A comfortable grip for improved control

4. Sig Sauer

Sig Sauer has become a dominant force in the firearms industry. This company combines Swiss precision with American innovation, creating unique designs that push boundaries. For instance, they used serious geometry skills to fit more bullets than other companies in the same-sized handgun. As we described above, their firearms have been known for misfiring — and that’s never a good sign. But these problems haven’t been nearly as prevalent in the company’s newest models. Many people now consider Sig Sauer to be just as safe as Glock.

For a while, their firearms were known for misfiring, which is never a good thing. However, these problems aren’t nearly as prevalent in their newer models, and they are now considered just about as safe as Glock by many. Other reasons why people love Sig Sauer include:

• Its rich history
• A durable design that allows for gun longevity
• Tons of available handguns
• Good value

5. Beretta

Beretta has a long and storied history — as it should, considering it is one of the world’s oldest firearms manufacturers. While Beretta originally began in Italy, the company has a strong presence in the U.S. market. Despite its background, Beretta isn’t stuck in the past and has no problem innovating with its firearms. You’ll see that in how Beretta regularly releases new firearm designs. It produces everything from classic semi-automatics to traditional handguns, making it a great choice for gun owners who aren’t quite sure what they want. But when it comes to its pistols, Beretta is so popular because of its:

• Emphasis on quality
• Modularity and customization
• Pop culture iconography
• Performance consistency

6. Ruger

Ruger is a well-respected firearm brand that’s both reliable and affordable. While not necessarily as popular as other companies, just about every firearm hobbyist knows what a Ruger is. Unlike other companies, Ruger focuses heavily on value. But they’re still a popular choice for even more experienced handgun owners. The company produces many different styles, from revolvers to compact carry options. The pistols are especially easy to use and durable, so buying a Ruger will last you a long time. Other benefits of Ruger pistols include:

• Supreme consistency and accuracy
• Many available pistol styles
• Super customizable
• More affordable than other options

7. Springfield Armory

Founded in 1974, Springfield Armory, Inc. is known for producing very high-quality firearms. Its 1911-style pistols are particularly popular and have a reputation for reliability. While they don’t produce as many product lines as other companies, Springfield is slowly expanding its product line to include more modern handguns, like semi-automatics. Springfield is mostly known for its more traditional craftsmanship that’s often paired with modern technology. When you’re looking to buy one of its pistols, consider:

• Modern designs
• Strong history in handgun manufacturing
• Comfortable to carry
• Fantastic performance

8. CZ-USA

CZ-USA has slowly gained popularity over the last few years. Some people we saw even said that CZ-USA had better pistols than Glock. The company is best known for producing high-quality pistols at a lower price than many other companies. Despite being inexpensive, their pistols have very ergonomic designs and reliable performances. Currently, CZ-USA offers a very diverse lineup. You can buy everything from the company, from carry pistols to competition-oriented options. Gun enthusiasts tend to enjoy CZ-USA pistols because of the:

• Ergonomics and accuracy
• Numerous available models
• Inexpensive cost
• Blend of European and American designs

9. Canik

Canik, a Turkish company, has started to make a bigger impact on the U.S. market thanks to its affordable (yet high-quality) pistols. You can purchase tons of different models from them, including 1911-style options. Canik has well-designed pistols, some made with high-quality polymer. And since the company has a background in aerospace design, you know these pistols are durable. Some of its models even have impressive, innovative features despite their lower price. You should buy a Canik pistol if you’re searching for:

• A strong focus on value
• Some innovative features
• A rapidly growing brand
• Guns that the defense sector knows and trusts

10. Heckler & Koch

Heckler & Koch, known as HK, is an extremely popular brand in the U.S. — and for a good reason! This company produces some of the most advanced and reliable firearms in the world. Its focus on engineering excellence really pays off. Its firearms are used by military and law enforcement agencies around the world, including in America. Most people know HK for its durability and cutting-edge technology. While the company’s guns are very expensive, you are getting what you pay for:

• Precision engineering
• Extreme reliability
• Cutting-edge designs
• Improved shooter control

11. Walther

Walther is another German brand that’s well-known in the US. This brand has a long history of producing high-quality firearms, and its handguns are known for being quite accurate and innovative. You can find tons of different pistols from Walther, including classical designs and more modern options. With Walther, you’re getting:

• German craftsmanship
• A strong reputation for quality
• Accuracy and innovation
• A more refined trigger pull

12. Wilson Combat

Wilson Combat produces some of the best 1911 pistols money can buy. The company takes this iconic design to new heights by producing hand-built pistols with exceptional reliability and ergonomics. As you might imagine, these guns are also exceptionally expensive! Because they’re hand-made, there is often a wait time. The extra labor also raises the prices. Plus, many of the handguns are custom-made. As with anything custom, you’re going to pay more — but if you want to invest in yourself and your gun ownership, this is a great way to do so. This brand is known for its:

• High-end pricing
• Custom 1911 pistols
• Hand-crafted nature
• Exceptional attention to detail

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