10 Most Popular Handguns in America

Welcome to our guide on the ‘Top 10 Most Popular Handguns’ in America.

Whether you’re a gun enthusiast or just curious, we’ve got you covered with the best picks; in our opinion.

Our list ranges from duty models perfect for everyday carry to compact pistols ideal for concealment.

We’ve sifted through various sales reports to bring you the most popular handguns, blending the latest trends with timeless classics. 

Regardless of the order in sales, each one of these pistols is a great asset to anyone’s arsenal. Good luck, stay safe, and enjoy your new guns!

Most Popular Handguns at a Glance

1. Glock 43X 

It’s no surprise to anyone that the best-selling gun on the planet right now is the Glock 43X. The Glock 43X is the answer for shooters who want a top-shelf CCW, but also want to shoot with precision at 50 yards. 

The Glock 43X has the same height as the Glock 19 Gen 5, but that’s pretty much where the comparison stops. Glock built the G19 and the G43X at the same height because they want both guns to be easily concealed. 

The Glock 43X only weighs 1.44 lbs loaded and features a light 5.4 lbs trigger pull weight. The G43X is a part of the new Slimline series from Glock that provides the same reliability, dependability, and performance as standard Glock frames, but a thinner slide and pistol grip for optimal concealment in any environment. 

RELATED – Neomag ALIAS Holster Attachment System: Hidden In Plain Sight

Check out our article covering our recommended Glock 43x accessories to take your gun to the next level.

Glock 43X Specs

Pros

• Best Sub-compact pistol ever made
• Lightweight
• Easily concealed in almost every application you can think of from hiking, walking around town, running, off-body carry in a purse
• One of the smoothest trigger of any Glock
• Highest selling pistol in 2021 and so far in 2022

Cons

• The base model is not optics ready, but you can get the newer Glock 43x MOS that is optics ready.

2. Taurus G3C

The Taurus G3C is the newest addition to replace the ever-popular G2C. So, what kind of upgrades did Taurus add for the next Gen budget pistol? The G3C moved away from the manual safety to fall in line with what most striker-fired pistol manufacturers are going toward. I like the rough-textured grip and the ergonomics of the pistol, but the stock sights are awful, so I’d recommend replacing them with aftermarket night sights. The 6 lb trigger feels lighter than it is, but I think it’s because of the extra longer trigger distance.  

Guns.com lists the Taurus G3C at only $267.99 for the newest and most affordable CCW I’ve seen since the pandemic started. If you’re looking for a gun to break in a new shooter or to get a modern striker-fired 9mm with a respectable capacity and reliable accuracy, the G3C is a great option. However, if you’re holding a Glock in one hand and a Taurus in the other, it’s like driving a Tesla versus a  1999 Honda Accord. 

Taurus G3C Specs

Pros

• 3 safety mechanisms, including the loaded-chamber indicator, striker block, and trigger safety
• Affordable, only $267.99 for a striker-fired CCW
• Perfect for EDC/CCW use
• Great capacity for a subcompact pistol
• Lightweight trigger pull
• Only 1.38 lbs!
• Outstanding aggressive grip
• Perfect for new shooters

Cons

• Still a really long trigger distance
• Feels a little clunky versus all the other pistols on the list
• It’s very affordable, but there is no way I’d ever carry this over any of my Glocks or my Walther PPS M2

3. Glock 19 Gen 5

If someone asked me what the most reliable and universally used pistol is, I’d always suggest the Glock 19 Gen 5. The Glock 19 is the answer to the gun owners who think the Glock 17 is too big, but don’t want a small Glock 43X or Glock 26 (Baby Glock). 

Some Glock aficionados may not like the fingerless grip on the Gen 5, especially with the shooters I know with large hands. However, the rest of us love the versatility to position our hands any way we want without worrying about being in the finger grooves. 

The Glock 19 Gen is the most versatile pistol on this list with optimal performance and practicality as a CW or open carry pistol. The height is still the same as the compact Glock Slimline models like the Glock 43X, so it won’t print through most shirts if you’re not wearing a smedium while out on the town. 

RELATED – GripForce EBP: The Best Glock Magazine Extension?

Glock 19 Gen 5 Specs

Pros

• Great magazine capacity
• Lightweight trigger pull
• perfect line-of-sight length for up to 50-yard shots
• Perfect as a CCW with the same height as compact Glocks
• The most dependable pistol I’ve ever owned and operated
• Glock Marksman barrel makes a subtle improvement in my accuracy
• An absolute steal for $565.99!
• Lightweight
• Best ergonomics of any pistol I’ve shot with (except Glock 23 Gen 4 LEO pistol)

Cons

• It’s not optic-ready

4. Taurus G2C

I was honestly a little shocked to see the Taurus G2C and G3C crack the top 10 in sales, but after getting to shoot a few rounds, I understand the value of this pistol. For starters, the main reason this pistol is in the top 10 is because of the low price point. Right now, you can get a brand new 9mm CCW for around $250, which is something I could never say with a Glock, Sig, Walther, or S&W pistol. 

The rough-textured grip is very aggressive but provides excellent control over the pistol. The trigger pull for the G2C is very light, but the over-travel is absurd relative to any other pistol on the list (Excluding Taurus). It’s built with the perfect length, width, and height to be used as a primary CCW or open-carry pistol. Even with a 12-round mag loaded, the Taurus G2C is still only 1.38 lbs. 

Taurus G2C Specs

Pros

• Most Affordable pistol on the list
• One of the most compact pistols for universal CCW application
• Lightweight
• The aggressive grip with the palm swell provides optimal grip and control
• Lightweight trigger pull
• 12+1 rounds is great for a CCW

Cons

• The trigger travel is unbelievably long. I felt like I had to pull the trigger back to the guard before it went bang
• There are always caveats, but you get what you pay for with most products you buy. The Taurus feels like it’s only worth $250
• The slide is clunky and takes a while to break in the slide-release

Who Should Buy The Taurus G2C?

The Taurus G2C is the most affordable pistol on the list and offers a great opportunity for new gun owners to buy their first CCW. I would use this 9mm pistol to train my family and friends or to use as a plinking handgun at my range. I think for $252.99, the G2C is an absolute steal for first-time gun owners, but not for veteran gun owners who know better. 

Holding the G2C and G3C pistols next to my Glock 43X and Glock 19 Gen 5 immediately brought me back to Earth with how much better a Glock is. The Taurus is great for beginners, but I’d never carry this pistol as my CCW when I have a Glock, Walther, S&W, or even Ruger. 

5. Glock 44

The Glock 44 is the first .22 LR pistol from the company and is in the image of the Glock 19 Gen 4. If you’re questioning why a .22 LR can be on the top 10 list with the Glock 19, G43X, and G20, you haven’t paid attention to the gaining popularity in the .22LR. 

RELATED – Different Types of 22 Ammo: 22LR vs 22 MAG

One thing that Glock always does is listen to its customers and make new models based on our critiques. For example, Gen 5 removed the finger grooves because so many people were complaining about them. As people continue to ask for a reliable .22 LR pistol, Glock had no choice but to create the first mainstream rimfire striker-fired .22 LR pistol. 

Other than the Glock 43X, the G19 is the most universally used and accepted pistol worldwide. The only difference in wit the Glock 44 over the Glock 19 Gen 4 is in the pistol’s weight. Every other specification is the same between the two pistols. 

If you like the Glock 19 and want a .22 LR pistol, there is nothing better or more comfortable than the Glock 44. I think Glock may have rushed the design or it’s just harder than I think it is to create the expected reliability of Glock pistols chambered in higher calibers like the 9mm, .40 S&W, and the .45 ACP. However, even with a few inconsistency issues while you break your magazines and slide in, there isn’t another .22 LR pistol that can give you the performance of the G44. 

Why Should I Buy The Glock 44?

Glock has been the standard for striker-fired pistols since the first polymer Glock came out in 1963. How many people are looking for a great .22 LR pistol for plinking, training, and shooting varmints? The .22 LR is becoming more popular by the day because of the advancement in rimfire technology. In fact, the Glock 44 is one of only 2 (Taurus TX22) striker-fired rimfire pistols on the market. 

The only way you should buy a Taurus over a Glock is for the savings in overall cost. If you can afford to pay a couple hundred more, Glock will always be better than a Taurus (no disrespect intended).

Pros

• Affordable
• Feels, looks, and shoots like a Glock 19, but with less felt recoil
• Incredibly fun to shoot with the 18-round magazine

Cons

• The stock barrel isn’t threaded. If I’m being honest, one of the few reasons I’d buy a .22LR pistol is to plink with it while using a silencer
• I wouldn’t run off-brand ammo because you’re likely to have a few stove-pipe because of the inconsistencies of a rimfire gun
• More than any other Glock I’ve shot with, the Glock 44 has to be broken in much longer to take advantage of the historic reliability of Glock pistols

6. Glock 43X MOS

Of any gun on this list, there is no other gun I’d buy over the Glock 43X MOS. One thing I hope Glock goes to in the future is to make every pistol optic-ready. I don’t see a point in not having any of my pistols drilled and tapped. I don’t always run an optic, but I want to have that capability if I choose to add an optic for a specific purpose (competition, self-defense). 

The MOS is the same as the Glock 43X, except you can replace the sights on the Modular optics System (MOS) with an aftermarket RDS or tritium night sights. The Glock 43X combines every feature, including the Marksman Barrel, polygonally rifled barrel, fingerless grip, and nDLC finish with the perfect size for a CCW or open-carry pistol. I really have nothing negative to say about the Glock 43X MOS. 

Glock 43X MOS Specs

7. Glock 19X

The Glock 19X is the first-ever crossover pistol between the Glock 17 and the Glock 19. The G19X uses the G17 frame with the G19 slide for a bigger surface area for your hands, but better for CCW/EDC use. 

There is a lot to like about the G19X, including many of the Gen 5 features like the Glock Marksman barrel, polygonally rifled barrel, and the nDLC finish on the metal slide and barrel. 

The polygonally rifled barrel has been around since the 1800s but has been revived and made better by modern CNC machines and other computer-driven machinery like high-tech lathes. By using a polygonally rifled barrel, the Glock 19X has a tighter gas seal at the bore, thus creating a smoother operation and better recoil control of the pistol.

The Glock 19X is a great gun for larger guys who want the full-size grip of the Glock 17, but like the thinner and shorter slide of the Glock 19 to use as a CCW. We know the Glock 19 as the most popular pistol in the world, with well over a million sales, but for guys with massive bear paws, the small frame forces them to only have 2 1/2 fingers on the grip. 

The Glock 19X fixes this issue by using the full-size frame and the metal slide of the thinner G19. As you can see from the pictures, the G19X features Gen 5 specs with its pistol grip and barrel.

Pros

• Perfect for shooters with large hands
• The thinner G19 slide allows the G19X to be used as an open carry, duty pistol, or CCW
• Incredible magazine capacity
• Reliable
• Lightweight
• Smooth trigger pull

Cons

• Has trouble feeding off-brand ammo
• Expensive 

8. Smith and Wesson M&P45 2.0 

The M&P 2.0 is surprisingly on the list with many heavy-hitters, like the Glock 43X, Glock 19 Gen 5, and the Taurus G2C. The most interesting aspect of the M&P 45 is to see a .45 ACP pistol competing with 9mm CCWs. 

RELATED – 10mm vs 45 ACP: Two Heavy Hitting Pistol Calibers

One of the most talked-about advantages of Glock is the natural angle for the pistol grip. If we’re all being honest with ourselves, there is no better ergonomics in a pistol than a Glock. However, the Smith and Wesson M&P 45 2.0 changed the grip angle to 18 degrees to close the gap between them and the Glock.

As you can see from the graph depiction below, an 18-degree angle is slightly raised from the common 0-degree angle in many pistols. This grip angle raises your wrist to fall into a more natural hand position than previous S&W models. I don’t think it’s as natural as any of my Glocks, but I think the 2.0 model has the best natural grip of any pistol (excluding Glocks).

Smith and Wesson M&P45 2.0 Specs

What Upgrades Are in The Smith and Wesson M&P 45 2.0?

• The trigger is the 2.0 is 5.5 lbs versus the 7.5 lbs that I’ve seen with the 1.0 M&P45. A 5.5 trigger pull weight is better than any other .45 ACP gun I’ve shot other than the Glock 41 MOS (5.4 lbs). I know it’s unpopular to criticize Glock, but on the .45 ACP, the S&W M&P 2.0, has a cleaner, crisper trigger pull than the Glock .45 ACP pistols. 
• The best stock grip I’ve ever held is the Glock 23 Gen 4 (LEO model). Since I’m no longer a police officer, I don’t get to carry that gun anymore. However, once I held the S&W M&P 2.0, I was stunned by how incredible the grip swell felt on the new M&P 2.0. It now comes with 4 interchangeable palm swells (Small, Medium, Medium-Large, Large). Even with my smaller hands, it surprised me that the Medium-Large grip worked the best for me. 
• Another significant feature of the 2.0 is the extended stainless-steel chassis and a low barrel bore axis. The chassis is just another word for the frame of the pistol, but extending the frame allows for more control of the recoil. By lowering the bore axis by a few mm, the M&P 2.0 slide is closer to your hand, which allows your hand and arm (ulna & radius) to absorb the felt-recoil, versus putting that pressure strictly on your wrist. The low bore axis of the M&P 2.0, accompanied by the improved trigger pull weight, reduces the felt-recoil, increases the recovery after each shot, and improves the overall accuracy of the gun. 

Pros

• Tactile and audible trigger reset
• Very light trigger pull, especially for a 45 ACP (It’s rated at 5.5 lbs, but it felt lighter to me)
• Optimal grip angle for natural shooting position
• Comes with 4 grip inserts to adjust to any hand size
• The aggressive grip helps establish complete control while firing
• A 1:15" twist rate is perfect for a .45 ACP barrel
• Very affordable
• Aesthetically appealing
• Perfect for Open-carry
• Great for shooters with larger hands
• Optic-ready 

Cons

• Only a 10 round magazine
• Too long (7.9") for most CCW applications
• The stock white dot sights are unacceptable for a pistol in this price range
• For around this price, you could buy a Glock 19 or Glock 43X
• The trigger distance is longer than I expected, but still smooth and light

9. Glock 20

How many people thought we’d see a 10mm pistol on the top 10 sales list? I can honestly say that I’m not one of them, but I’m pleasantly surprised. I must carry the Glock 20 out in the open because it’s a relatively enormous gun to carry around. I’m sure in the winter months, people in northern states can conceal the Glock 20 under a heavy winter coat and sweatshirts, but you won’t be able to hide an 8.7" gun easily in any clothes outside of winter gear.  

A 10mm pistol is going to give you stopping power to halt a charging 700 lb grizzly bear or 1,200 lbs moose. I’d probably trust a .44 Magnum against those animals, but they’re only revolvers, so a 10 mm striker-fired pistol with 16 bullets is a perfect response to the dangers of the wilderness.

Who is The Glock 20 Made For?

The Glock 20 is the perfect hunting companion with its great (15+1) capacity and the power of a 10mm bear-stopper. As a former Park Ranger in Yellowstone National Park (2016), I’ve seen many videos of grizzly bears walking through 9mm and .38 Special like it was a bee sting. Their fur is just too thick to bring them down if you miss a vital organ.

Even a single swipe across the face from a wounded grizzly is enough to take our head off. If you’re in bear or moose country, the best thing you can do is have a large caliber like a 10mm for the added power and penetration. 

Glock 20 Specs

Pros

• Great magazine capacity
• The 6.77" extended line of sight allows for a quicker and easier target acquisition
• Excellent stopping power
• Only a 1.34" width for a comfortable grip
• Handles recoil better than any 10mm pistol I’ve ever shot

Cons

• Can’t use a CCW or EDC
• Expensive
• Has the heaviest trigger pull weight of any Glock at 6.29 lbs

10. Glock 26 Gen 5 

For those who’ve been living under a rock, the Glock 26 gen 5 (baby Glock) is the highest-selling subcompact pistol outside of the Glock 43X. The G26 gen 5 is almost a full inch shorter than the G43X, but has a longer barrel. The 2/10" barrel addition helps the G26 gain power, accuracy, and range in a small CCW. With dozens of acronyms in the world of guns, it’s difficult to keep up with the difference between a Glock SF and FS. 

RELATED – Glock 26 Review [And Comparisons]

The G26 Front Serrations (FS) shows the addition of front serrations to the new Gen 5 Glocks. Front serrations are a nice touch to a small subcompact pistol because it gives us added versatility to manipulate our slide in multiple ways (or the bros who love to press-check at the range). Another feature to pay close attention to is the added weight versus the Glock 43X to compensate for the short barrel and frame. This helps with controlling the recoil of the 9mm bullet. 

Glock 26 Gen 5 Specs

Pros

• Anyone can use it as a CCW
• Reliable
• Impressive magazine capacity for a subcompact pistol
• Weighs only 1.62 lbs loaded!
• Affordable
• Glock Marksman Barrel
• Fingerless grip
• John Wick uses a Glock 26 in the first 3 movies

Cons

• Not optic-ready
• Too small for most above average-sized men
• I think it’s snappy for a Glock, but it’s hard to reduce that muzzle flip with such a small frame and barrel

Most Popular Handguns FAQ

What is the most popular type of pistol?

The most popular type of pistol is often influenced by specific use cases and user preferences. For law enforcement, the Glock 22 stands out as the most popular handgun, known for its reliability, stopping power, and capacity. It’s a favorite among various police departments.

On the other hand, the Glock 19 is highly popular for both concealed carry and duty use. Its compact size, combined with the reliability and capacity typical of Glock models, makes it a preferred choice for personal defense and law enforcement professionals. Overall, while semi-automatic pistols are broadly popular, models like the Glock 22 and Glock 19 take the cake.

What is the most popular handgun in the US 2023?

The most popular handgun of 2023 is the SIG Sauer P365. 

The SIG P365 is a striker-fired gun chambered in 9x19mm Parabellum and offers a notable capacity of 10 +1 with a flush-fit magazine or 12 +1 with an extended magazine, and even a 15-round option for non-concealed carry. Its compact dimensions, with a length of 5.8 inches and height of 4.2 inches, combined with a weight of just over 15 ounces and a 3.1-inch barrel, make it highly appealing for both concealed carry and general use. The P365’s accuracy, comfort in shooting, and ease of concealment contribute to its sustained bestseller status.

The continued popularity and introduction of various models like the P365XL and optics-ready versions, as well as variants chambered in 380 ACP, suggest its strong market presence.

What is the most recognizable pistol?

The Beretta 92 is a highly recognizable pistol, not only due to its historical significance but also because of its prominent presence in popular culture.

Beretta, the world’s oldest manufacturing business with over 500 years of gun-making history, introduced the Beretta 92 in 1975. This model incorporated elements from earlier Beretta models like the M1923 and M1951. The original 92s featured a frame-mounted thumb safety, and the 92S introduced a slide-mounted decocker/safety.

The Beretta 92 gained iconic status when the U.S. military, in a controversial move, replaced the M1911 with the military version of the Beretta 92 (the M9) in the 1980s. The M9/92 not only proved its worth in battle but also became a favored sidearm within the law enforcement community.

Adding to its fame, the Beretta 92 has been a staple in popular media, notably featured in blockbuster movies like “Lethal Weapon" and “Die Hard." Its appearance in these films has contributed to its status as one of the most recognizable pistols in the world.

Final Thoughts

As with any top-selling list, it can change at any moment, but we’re confident that the top 10 selling pistols on this list are accurate.

The only thing that I’m surprised about is there was no Sig P365 XL on the list. Although many top-selling lists may include them, it’s clear to me that Glock is still the king of pistols.

With millions of sales every year, there is no other gun that I’d trust more than a Glock. If you’re looking for a more affordable pistol, the Taurus G2C/G3C is the perfect choice for budget pistols. 

I may not be a fan of every pistol on the list, but I sure as hell don’t blame anyone for buying any of these pistols.

My preference aside, this is an awesome list filled with multiple calibers and styles of pistols. I strongly believe that any pistol you choose from the list above will be a great addition to your collection. Best of luck and happy hunting!