Want to Buy a Pistol? These Should Be the Only Brands You Consider

According to one theory, you can trace the history of the pistol back to 15th century Italy in a small town called Pistoia. Yet others say that the gun’s name is more varied: some scholars argue that pistol comes from the Russian word for a 15th-century matchlock gun — pischol — and others believe it comes from the Czechoslovakian word píšťala, meaning pipe or tube. Even today, the word pistol has dual meanings; you can use pistol to refer to a semi-automatic handgun, or to all handguns generally, according to Shooting Sports USA. Regardless of what you call it or where it originates from, the pistol has become one of the most popular American guns to own. In 2017, 72% of gun owners reported owning a pistol — and by now, that number has only risen. Many people choose pistols because they offer significant benefits, including easy handling, which makes some pistols a great option for beginners. (For less than $500, you can own the best-selling pistol in America.)

Still, the pistol market is large — and you might not know where to begin. Regardless of your firearm experience level, choosing the right pistol brand is crucial. Not all brands are good for all things or all people. To identify the 12 best pistol brands in America, 24/7 Wall St. explored online forums like Reddit and the Hand Gun forum, reviews on Youtube, and our own personal experiences. These brands have been chosen for their reliable performance and top-notch craftsmanship, but we did not list them in any particular order.

Why We’re Covering This

Pistols aren’t cheap. A good one 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 (if only to ensure your money is well-spent, never mind the safety aspect!). There is another side to this coin, though: If you want to invest in a firearm company, it’s important to know which ones are considered high-quality. According to GMI, the firearms market is valued at 41.7 billion USD. Definitely nothing to scoff at! By giving you insights into pistol popularity and which companies are making a name for themselves, 24/7 Wall St. hopes to help you learn where to invest your money — and where not to.

Check out the best pistol brands in America and what they’re known for:

1. Glock

Glock is a top-rated firearms manufacturer known for its ruggedness, reliability, and ease of maintenance. It’s a trendy everyday carry gun, but it’s also popular with law enforcement and the military.

The company has a serious commitment to simplicity and functionality, but its guns don’t necessarily have the most advanced features.

Best Known For:

• Polymer frame construction
• Safe Action trigger system
• Modular design
• Wide range of calibers and sizes

2. Smith & Wesson

Smith & Wesson (NASDAQ: SWBI) has a rich history that’s earned them a strong reputation for quality. They company operates as one of America’s oldest firearms manufacturers. They offer everything from classic revolvers to modern semi-automatics, catering to tons of different needs.

Smith & Wesson pistols are known for their balance of performance and affordability. You can find a handgun for just about everything from this brand. This company is also one of the few publically traded firearm companies, and we regularly cover their earnings.

Best Known For:

• Large product line
• Strong heritage
• Focus on performance
• Blend of modern and traditional designs

3. Colt

Colt is another iconic American brand, making them an easy choice for this list. They company has played a significant role in America’s history. Colt is particularly known for their 1911-style pistols, which remain extremely popular today (and are copied by tons of other companies).

While this company does offer many different firearms, they’re focused on their heritage and don’t tend to stray too much. This commitment to the company’s legacy has built trust among consumers. When you buy a Colt pistol, you know exactly what you’re getting.

Best Known For:

• Rich history and heritage
• Iconic 1911 platform
• Emphasis on craftsmanship
• Focus on more traditional designs

4. Sig Sauer

Sig Sauer has slowly 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.

For a while, their firearms were known for misfiring, which is clearly problematic. However, these problems aren’t nearly as prevalent in their newer models. As such, Sig Sauer pistols are now considered just about as safe as Glock by many.

Best Known For:

• Emphasis on reliability
• Innovative features and designs
• Tons of available handguns
• Not always having quality handguns

5. Beretta

Beretta has a strong presence in the U.S. market and is one of the world’s oldest firearms manufacturers. While it has a long history, it isn’t stuck in the past like many other brands. Beretta is very committed to innovation and regularly releases new firearm designs. The company produces everything from classic semi-automatics to traditional handguns.

What people love about Beretta is that the company’s pistols offer superior craftsmanship and versatility in different shooting situations.

Best Known For:

• Many pistol styles
• Emphasis on quality
• Innovative outlook and approach
• Long-standing history

6. Ruger

If you’re a fan of guns, there’s no doubt that you’ve heard about Ruger before. Just about every firearm hobbyist knows what a Ruger is. This well-respected firearm brand is both reliable and affordable.

Unlike other companies, Ruger focuses heavily on value. However, they’re still a popular choice for even more experienced handgun owners. They produce many different styles, from revolvers to compact carry options. These practical guns are also American-made.

Best Known For:

• Affordability compared to other companies
• Strong reputation for durability
• Many available pistol styles
• Reliable handguns

7. Springfield Armory

Springfield is known for producing very high-quality firearms. Its 1911-style pistols are particularly popular. 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. These pistols also come in a wide range of calibers.

Best Known For:

• 1911-style pistols
• Some more modern designs
• Serious focus on quality
• Strong history in handgun manufacturing

8. CZ-USA

CZ-USA wasn’t always very popular, but this company has slowly gained popularity over the last few years. It 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, making them a great option for pistol owners.

Currently, CZ-USA offers a very diverse lineup. You can buy everything from the company, from carry pistols to competition-oriented options. And who doesn’t love that ease?

Best Known For:

• Very ergonomic and accurate pistols
• Many models to choose from
• Blend of European and American designs
• Inexpensive cost

9. Canik

Canik has started to make a bigger impact on the U.S. firearms market thanks to its affordable (yet high-quality) pistols. You can purchase tons of different models from the company, including 1911-style options. Many report that Canik pistols are ergonomic and reliable. Some of its models even have impressive, innovative features despite their lower price — think interchangeable backstraps with a custom fit, or an optics ready slide. If you’re in the market for a new pistol, definitely consider this well-built firearm.

Best Known For:

• Strong focus on value
• Some innovative features
• Rapid brand growth
• Product range expansion

10. Heckler & Koch

Heckler & Koch, also known as HK, is an extremely popular brand in the United States — 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. You know that this gun is trusted given its widespread international use by military and law enforcement agencies.

Most people know HK for its durability and cutting-edge technology. Despite being a German brand, it is very well-known in America. This company’s handguns are very expensive, though. In this case, you are getting what you pay for: a premium weapon that will last for a while.

Best Known For:

• Precision engineering
• Extreme reliability
• Cutting-edge designs
• Expensive cost

11. Walther

Founded in 1886, Walther has been a well-known brand in the pistol game for years. This German brand is also highly lauded in the United States. Walther has a long history of producing high-quality firearms, and its handguns are known for being both accurate and innovative. You can find tons of different pistols from Walther, including classical designs and more modern options.

Best Known For:

• German craftsmanship
• Strong reputation for quality
• Producing both classical and modern handguns
• Accuracy and innovativeness

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. These pistols are also easy to conceal, should the need arise.

As you might imagine, these guns are also exceptionally expensive, with base prices in the thousands. 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. However, you’ll get an incredibly high level of quality, which makes the price worth it for many people.

Best Known For:

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

The post Want to Buy a Pistol? These Should Be the Only Brands You Consider appeared first on 24/7 Wall St..