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Testing the very best handguns of the yr is without doubt one of the tasks we stay up for most at Out of doors Life, and this season’s crop of latest pistols didn’t disappoint. Although the sector of latest handguns is modest in dimension, it covers quite a lot of floor. The combination contains high-end pistols for quick and fancy capturing, a wonderful new entry within the concealed-carry market, an revolutionary optics-mounting system, and an interesting price range semi-auto, amongst others.
We decide these pistols on their accuracy, sturdiness, ergonomics, worth, and different qualities throughout a multi-day torture take a look at the place we shoot the snot out of them. As soon as once more, Gunsite Academy was our house for this analysis – it’s a excellent venue for this sort of work.
The celebs of this yr’s take a look at included these standouts. The Staccato P4, an revolutionary double-stack 9mm that improves on the corporate’s high-quality 2011s, earned an Editor’s Alternative award as total finest handgun of the yr. Ruger’s RMX, a Glock 19 Gen3 clone launched along with Magpul, is a screaming deal for the worth and walked off with Nice Purchase honors. And the brand new HK CC9 gained an Editor’s Alternative award as the very best hid carry handgun of 2025.

There have been many different interesting pistols within the take a look at. All of us had excessive reward for the soft-shooting Smith & Wesson M&P 2.0 Carry Comp. Springfield’s 1911 TRP AOS CC Pistol is a well-mannered single-stack 9mm that grew on us the extra we shot it. And Glock’s collaboration with Aimpoint’s new COA “A-Minimize” optic is a game-changer — the best way the optic connects to the pistol is prone to turn into a brand new trade customary.
This story additionally contains different handguns we’re notably keen on and is a helpful information for anybody seeking to purchase one, whether or not for private safety, competitors, normal plinking, or back-country/bear protection. See our assessment of the best handguns of 2024, right here.
Finest Handguns of 2025: Opinions & Suggestions
Editor’s Alternative, Finest Total: Staccato HD P4
Professionals
- Flat-shooting, correct
- Glorious grip texture
- Makes use of extra inexpensive magazines
Specs
-
Cartridge: 9mm -
Capability: 18+1 -
Barrel Size: 4 inches -
Weight: 35 ounces (with empty journal) -
Value: $2,499
Key Options
-
Makes use of Glock sample magazines -
Eliminates grip security
In terms of constructing fantastic manufacturing semi-autos, few firms can match Staccato’s observe document. Their 2011 double-stack pistols are the highest decide for a lot of opponents, navy and LE professionals, and shooters who’ve an eye fixed for the finer issues in life.
The Staccato P4 is a brand new design from the corporate that includes many inventions. Notably, it takes Glock 17/47 sample magazines, changing the costly, and sometimes finicky, legacy 2011 bottleneck mags. It additionally has an optics mounting system that makes use of skinny shims to connect crimson dots on to the slide. This positions the optics decrease and, based mostly on our testing, is far more safe. The opposite massive change is ditching the 1911-style grip security, which is a pleasant improve.
It shot very nicely for us, being each quick and correct. The ambidextrous controls are slick and intuitive and all the pieces on the gun — from the comfy and safe stippling on the grip, to the crisp set off, to the simplified recoil system — is nicely thought out.
The gun can be fairly sturdy. The take a look at staff ran it almost nonstop through the week of our analysis, placing God is aware of what number of rounds by it, nevertheless it by no means had any failures or stoppages. All this added as much as the P4 being our consensus decide for the Editor’s Alternative award as total finest handgun of 2025.
For a extra detailed take a look at this interesting 9mm, try Senior Employees Author Tyler Freel’s review. Observe {that a} 4.5-inch barreled variant (referred to as the P4.5) shall be launching quickly, and when you fancy Staccato’s vibe we additionally counsel you try the Staccato P, Staccato C, and Staccato CS, which we additionally like and suggest.
Editor’s Alternative, Finest Hid Carry: HK CC9
Professionals
- Gentle and simple to hide
- Snug to shoot
- Dependable
Specs
-
Cartridge: 9mm -
Capability: 10+1 or 12+1 -
Barrel Size: 3.32 inches -
Weight: 20 ounces -
Value: $699
Key Options
-
Ships with two magazines (12-round and 10-rounds) -
Minimize for RMSc optics -
DLC completed slide
Final September, Hecker & Koch introduced the creation of HK-USA, based mostly in Columbus, Georgia, with the promise to launch a number of new merchandise designed and inbuilt the USA in 2025. The HK CC9 is the primary of these and I’m glad to report that it units the bar fairly excessive for no matter HK-USA has subsequent in retailer.
This micro 9mm, optimized for hid carry (therefore CC9) checks all of the bins we search for in a sub-compact carry gun. Its striker-fired system is simple to function. The form of the grip and its mild texture sample supply sufficient buy for the shooter’s arms with out being snaggy. The slide has an optics minimize for RMSc-pattern dots and the body incorporates a two-slot Pic rail beneath the mud cowl for equipment. The controls, together with the ambidextrous journal launch, function in a constructive method, but have a low profile.
The geometry of the CC9 deserves particular point out. The pistol is radiused throughout (aside from the entrance of the pic rail) to attenuate hanging up on holsters or clothes. The rear of the set off guard and the beavertail are each minimize excessive so the pistol sits low within the hand, mitigating muzzle flip. The body is pretty slender to boost the pistol’s means to be hid. And you’ll customise the size of pull with interchangeable backstraps.
We felt the set off stroke was a bit lengthy, and every so often the slide wouldn’t lock open on an empty journal however, aside from that, we had no critical criticisms.
We cherished that the pistol dealt with each kind of ammo we put by it and we discovered it to be eminently shootable even with +P ammo, which isn’t a given for this class. Contemplating the function set and the way it shoots, it is usually a very good worth. It’s clear that HK-USA did its homework with the CC9 and it went house with a well-deserved Editor’s Alternative as the very best handgun for hid carry.
Nice Purchase: Ruger RXM
Professionals
- Comes with high-quality open sights
- Suitable with RMR, Delta Level, and RMSc crimson dots
- Good grip ergonomics
Cons
- The Magpul magazines it shipped with had hassle feeding the final spherical. This challenge went away when different Glock magazines had been employed.
Specs
-
Cartridge: 9mm -
Capability: 15+1 -
Barrel Size: 4 inches -
Weight: 23 ounces -
Value: $499
Key Options
-
Detachable fire-control system -
Suitable with G19 Gen3 aftermarket elements -
Makes use of grip modules designed by Magpul
Ruger has jumped into the Glock clone market with the RXM, performed in collaboration with Magpul, which designed and manufactured the grip module. I don’t assume I’m going out on a limb by predicting that this G19 Gen3 knockoff shall be an enormous hit. Whether or not a person retains it in inventory type or opts to switch it with any of the innumerable aftermarket elements that exist for Gen3 Glocks, it represents an incredible worth.
There isn’t loads to say about the way it operates — it shoots like a G19, with the identical predictable reliability the pistol is understood for. When it comes to appears to be like and really feel, the Magpul grip is extra engaging than the unique and has improved stippling and ergonomics. The slide sports activities high quality steel sights, a marked enchancment over inventory Glock sights. The entrance submit has a tritium insert and they’re tall sufficient to co-witness by a reflex sight. Touches just like the stippled contact patch on the chassis above the set off guard elevate it above the pistol it’s patterned after.
Additionally, in contrast to the unique G19, the RXM has a detachable fire-control system (which is serialized) fabricated from stainless-steel that may be swapped into different grip modules. At present, Magpul is providing their modules in numerous colours, however we stay up for seeing PCC modules and different designs that leverage the RXMs flexibility.
Regardless of this fire-control system, the RXM is appropriate with aftermarket Glock triggers, in addition to barrels, holsters and all the opposite gizmos which have been designed for the Gen3 G19s.
The slide’s optics minimize has holes that settle for RMR, Delta Level Professional, and RMSc crimson dots, one other value-enhancing function.
Briefly, the RXM does the G19 Gen3 higher in lots of respects, at a greater value. This pistol was a no brainer as this yr’s Nice Purchase within the handgun class.
Professionals
- A lot improved optics mounting system
- In a position to co-witness with standard-height sights
- Conventional Glock reliability
Specs
-
Cartridge: 9mm -
Capability: 15+1 -
Barrel Size: 4.02 inches -
Weight: 24 ounces -
Value: $1165
Key Options
-
Revolutionary “A-Minimize” optic sample -
Fastened sights co-witness by Aimpoint COA crimson dot -
Obtainable in 5 Glock fashions
Whereas the pistols ensuing from Glock’s collaboration with Aimpoint are new, the partnership is extra concerning the optic — particularly about the way it attaches to the slide.
The Aimpoint COA was designed for, and is unique to, Glock for the rest of this yr. This enclosed emitter crimson dot is offered on 5 fashions — the G43X, G48, G45, G47, and the G19 Gen5 we examined.
The sight suits into the slide like a ski boot going right into a binding. A lip on the entrance of the optic goes right into a corresponding minimize, whereas the pistol’s rear sight, which connects to the slide with two fasteners, pins the again of the optic in place for a rock-solid connection.
This appears to be like to be a stronger and extra elegant strategy to connect a crimson dot to a pistol, considerably lowering the shear pressure the fasteners expertise and permitting the sight to take a seat deep throughout the slide. In flip, this enables the standard-height open sights to be usable by the crimson dot if wanted.
I anticipate this A-Minimize sample to turn into an trade customary, particularly for compact carry weapons.
We skilled zero points with this pistol and crimson dot and loved capturing it throughout our analysis. As anticipated, the G19 Gen5 functioned flawlessly, embodying all the pieces we all know and love (or not) concerning the world’s hottest striker-fired pistol.
Different handgun makers are champing on the bit to place the COA on their weapons, however Aimpoint is obligated to work with Glock solely by the rest of 2025 so don’t anticipate to see it on different pistols — or on sale as a person product — till after we ring in 2026.
For a deeper take a look at the Glock/Aimpoint collaboration, see Freel’s assessment on his G48. Additionally, when you don’t care to throw down for the price of the pistol and optic combo, try the common G19s, that are additionally amongst our favourite handguns.
OA Defense 2311 Pro Elite
Professionals
- Flat capturing
- Crisp set off
- Makes use of frequent Sig P320-pattern mags
Specs
-
Cartridge: 9mm -
Capability: 21+1 or 17+1 -
Barrel Size: 5 inches -
Weight: 33 ounces -
Value: $3,149
Key Options
-
Takes 21-round magazines -
Interchangeable thumb ledges on each side of body -
Ported 5-inch barrel -
Comes with 5 magazines
This double stack 9mm 1911 variant is a showy piece that makes an enormous visible assertion and can be a hoot to shoot. We’ve had good experiences with OA Protection’s handguns previously (the OA 2311 Compact Pro for instance) and the 2311 Professional’s windfall is simple to see.
Our Gen Z videographer fell in love with the pistol, and maybe the 2311 Professional will strongly enchantment to shooters who need a tactically impressed blaster with some drip.
The older shooters on the squad — that’s to say these of us who had been really testing the gun — didn’t fall as readily beneath its sway. Whereas the pistol can put quite a lot of lead on the right track in mere seconds, and is gratifying to run, we thought facets of it may very well be improved with a “much less is extra” strategy.
For example, the outsized controls and hyper aggressive grip texture would profit from being toned down. The magazine launch button sticks up so excessive that the 2311 Professional can’t be shot with the “flawed” hand for concern of releasing the journal within the midst of a shot string. Whereas the catch might be reversed, there are various shooters preferring to maintain the catch on the aspect the place their set off finger depresses it – and for them this pistol gained’t work.
There’s loads to love concerning the pistol, nevertheless. The set off is crisp, the motion is slick, and the compensated barrel and total heft of the gun make it a flat shooter. One other considerate contact is the graceful underside of the set off guard which incorporates contours for the index finger of the assist hand.
Now we have little question there are various folks on the market who can be glad proudly owning one and with a little bit of refinement this futuristic-looking pistol would have even broader enchantment.
S&W M&P 2.0 Metal Carry Comp
Professionals
- Crisp set off
- Flat capturing
- Correct
Cons
- Full-sized aluminum body provides weight
Specs
-
Cartridge: 9mm -
Capability: 17+1 -
Barrel Size: 4.22 inches -
Weight: 28.1 ounces -
Value: $999
Key Options
-
Aluminum body -
Optics prepared -
Barrel compensator
This pistol was the sleeper of the take a look at. At first look, it will be simple to dismiss it as simply one other metal-framed choice for a polymer pistol, however that may be a mistake. After spending per week capturing it, we got here away impressed with this succesful full-sized 9mm.
The staff of judges all appreciated the M&P 2.0 Metallic Carry Comp’s steadiness. And we imply that within the broadest sense. The pistol is a mild-mannered shooter that manages recoil nicely because of its “Energy Port” compensator, aluminum body, and total heft that’s neither too heavy nor too mild.
The grip has a fantastic sandpaper-like stippling that isn’t too tough but supplies the gripping hand quite a lot of assist. And the cocking serrations within the slide, whereas aggressive, aren’t sharp or uncomfortable within the least. Like we mentioned, balanced.

The pistol is optics prepared, has a pleasing set off, reversible magazine catch, and ambidextrous slide lock levers. It additionally comes with replaceable backstraps to fantastic tune the grip and ships with two 17-round magazines. Although designed for defensive carry, at 1 pound, 12 ounces it’s considerably hefty, however that bulk is what makes it a pleasure to shoot on the vary.
Springfield 1911 TRP AOS CC
Professionals
- Nice accuracy
- Good set off
- Versatile optic minimize
Cons
- Erratic ejection
- Restricted 9+1 capability
Specs
-
Cartridge: 9mm -
Capability: 9+1 -
Barrel Size: 4.25 inches -
Weight: 31 ounces -
Value: $1,897
Key Options
-
Ambidextrous security levers -
Hid carry body contour -
Single-stack journal -
Company Optics adapter plates
We’ve grown so used to double-stack semi-autos that maintain cartridges adequate for per week’s price of capturing that it’s simple to smell at a single-stack 1911 fashion pistol like this Springfield. And a frequent chorus throughout our testing with the TPR AOS CC — a minimum of at first — was that it was a pleasant gun however simply didn’t maintain sufficient bullets.
We quickly modified our tune, nevertheless. This modern 9mm delivered spectacular accuracy, and the aggressive grip, which we initially feared was an excessive amount of of a very good factor, grew on us the extra we shot.
The protection lever on ours began a bit stiff however after a day’s price of capturing that smoothed out too.
The TRP — for Tactical Response Pistol — is a cushty, simple shooter. This Commander-sized gun has a beneficiant beavertail, slender grip, and deep optics minimize that improve its fantastic dealing with. As a lefty, I appreciated the ambidextrous security which labored nicely for me. Actually, all of the controls on the pistol are clean to function.
Tyler Freel printed an in-depth review that’s price your time if a single-stack 9mm is in your bingo card.
Different Finest Handguns We’ve Examined and Suggest
Sig Sauer P320 XTen Comp
Professionals
- Mushy capturing
- Correct (1.6 inch 5-shot teams at 15 yards)
- Straightforward to Carry
Specs
-
Cartridge: 10mm Auto -
Capability: 15+1 -
Barrel Size: 3.8 inches -
Weight: 32 ounces -
Value: $950
Key Options
-
Compensator -
Delta Level optics minimize -
Ambidextrous design
This pistol instantly caught our consideration when it launched not way back. Senior Employees Author Tyler Freel and I each spend quite a lot of time in bear nation so at any time when a brand new 10mm crops up we’re desirous to check it out.
We each agreed that this compensated pistol is the softest-shooting compact 10mm we’ve dealt with. That, together with its good accuracy and reliability after placing a whole bunch of rounds by our samples earned it an Editor’s Alternative award in 2024 as the very best handgun for backcountry carry.
We printed an in-depth review of the pistol and did a video comparing it to the Glock G20, however highlights embody its compact dimensions for ease of carry, stable 15+1 journal capability, efficient compensator, and cheap value.
Sig Sauer P365 XMacro Tacops
Professionals
- Mushy capturing
- Trimmer than different pistols in its class
- Dependable
Specs
-
Cartridge: 9mm -
Capability: 17+1 -
Barrel Size: 3.7 inches -
Weight: 23 ounces -
Value: $800
Key Options
-
Takes 17-round magazines -
Modular grip backstraps to regulate match -
Minimize for Romeo Zero/Defend RMS optics
Selecting a single Sig P365 to focus on is not any simple job — there are various good choices on this household of sub-compact and compact pistols from which to decide on. That mentioned, the XMacro Tacops is one of our favorites for a lot of causes however largely for the way it maximizes the potential of the P365 platform.
The XMacro Tacops, because of its bigger grip module, can accommodate 17-round magazines (the pistol thoughtfully ships with 4 of them), and it has a flared magazine nicely to make inserting them simpler.
Different interesting options embody a minimize within the slide for an optic and a three-slot accent rail up entrance for including a light-weight or laser.
The pistol has fantastic ergonomics, shoots nicely, and is trim sufficient to hide simply — although must you need a smaller handgun the usual P365 is an effective alternative too.
Ruger LCP Max
Professionals
- Straightforward to hide
- Reasonably priced
- Straightforward to handle recoil
Specs
-
Cartridge: .380 Auto -
Capability: 10 or 12 rounds -
Barrel Size: 2.8 inches -
Weight: 10.6 ounces -
Value: $366
Key Options
-
Has 10- and 12-round magazines -
Small dimension for max concealability
Should you’re in search of most concealability in a carry gun whereas sacrificing as little as doable when it comes to efficiency and journal capability, then the Ruger LCP Max is price a glance. On the planet of pocket pistols, this little man makes essentially the most of what it’s received.
Whereas weighing in beneath 11 ounces, this Ruger can match 10 rounds of .380 Auto into its journal — or 12 rounds with the bigger magazine with the finger extension.
It additionally comes with an affordable pair of mounted sights, although as with every pistol this dimension don’t anticipate wonderful accuracy past seven yards.
One other good factor concerning the Ruger LCP Max is its value. It gained’t break the financial institution, in order a backup gun or for deep concealment it’s low cost insurance coverage.
Glock G43X
Professionals
- Balanced micro 9
- Shoots nicely
- Reasonably priced
Cons
- Barely much less capability than many different micro 9mm pistols
Specs
-
Cartridge: 9mm -
Capability: 10+1 -
Barrel Size: 3.39 inches -
Weight: 16.4 ounces -
Value: $450
Key Options
-
10 spherical 9mm in a sub-compact body -
Striker fired
The Glock G43X is an upsized model of the G43 with a bigger grip and boosted spherical rely. Whereas shooters worth concealability, there’s little query that they like journal capability much more, and the G43X is Glock’s effort to provide their prospects the very best of each worlds.
There’s nothing stunning about this pistol. It feels and shoots like a Glock and strikes a pleasant steadiness between firepower, ease of concealment, and shootability.
This handgun runs with the reliable predictability we affiliate with these Austrian-made striker-fired semis, which added to its good ergonomics and attainable value makes it top-of-the-line hid carry weapons on the market.
Smith & Wesson Shield Plus
Professionals
- Good journal capability
- Straightforward to hold
Cons
- Prolonged magazine leaves a niche between it and the grip
Specs
-
Cartridge: 9mm -
Capability: 13+1 -
Barrel Size: 3.1 inches -
Weight: 19.3 ounces -
Value: $550
Key Options
-
Optics prepared -
13- and 10-round magazines
This can be a useful micro 9mm pistol that is without doubt one of the higher shooters within the class. The Defend Plus has good grip texture on the body and its flat-faced set off is without doubt one of the finest amongst value-priced striker-fired pistols of this dimension.
You could have the selection of working it with a flush-fit 10-round journal or bumping up capability to 13 rounds with the included prolonged journal. The bigger journal offers assist to your pinkie with out including a lot top to the pistol, however for max concealability the 10-round is best.
This mannequin comes with an optics minimize, although you will get a Defend Plus with out the minimize for about $50 much less when you simply need open sights.
Springfield Armory Hellcat Pro Comp

The Hellcat Professional Comp OSP was quick and efficient with 115-grain and 124-grain defensive hundreds. Tyler Freel
Professionals
- Flat capturing
- Glorious recoil administration
- Optics prepared
Specs
-
Cartridge: 9mm -
Capability: 15+1 or 17+1 -
Barrel Size: 3.7 inches -
Weight: 20 ounces (with optic) -
Value: $600
Key Options
-
Glorious journal capability -
Integral compensator
No different firm energized the micro-9 class like Springfield. The unique Hellcat was a ground-breaking pistol that upped the ante for firepower in a small bundle. Springfield has gone on to introduce many variants of the Hellcat together with the Hellcat Professional Comp, which is one among our favorites. (Take a look at our full review for more.)
Put merely, this pistol has all the pieces one wants in a carry gun. Its function set contains an optics minimize on the slide for RMSc crimson dots, an adjunct rail for lasers or lights, spectacular journal capability, and the simplest compensator we’ve seen on a pistol on this class.

About the one factor we’d wish to see modified is the set off, which is heavier than it must be. Tackle that and also you’d have an almost excellent carry gun at an interesting value.
Beretta PX4 Storm Compact Carry 2
Professionals
- Mushy recoil impulse
- Correct
Specs
-
Cartridge: 9mm -
Capability: 15+1 -
Barrel Size: 3.2 inches -
Weight: 27.3 ounces -
Value: $889
Key Options
-
DA/SA Motion -
Bobbed hammer -
Rotating barrel
This handgun has the excellence of being the one DA/SA pistol on this roundup. The DA/SA format has dipped in recognition with the overall capturing public — some folks discover the primary double-action set off pull to be distracting and heavy earlier than the lighter single-action set off break takes impact — nevertheless it nonetheless has its place, and the PX4 Storm Compact Carry 2 is one the place it is smart.
To reinforce the Storm’s concealability, Beretta constructed it with a bobbed hammer that sits flush throughout the slide. That additionally limits the particles which may be capable to work its manner into the pistol.
The primary set off pull is stiff, however not unduly so. And in single-action mode the break is crisp and light-weight.
This pistol is a mushy shooter and handles recoil very nicely — however the heavy slide that makes that doable provides weight to the gun and offers it a recoil impulse that some folks love whereas others don’t look after it.
Nonetheless, this is a wonderful choice for a high quality concealed-carry handgun that will get away from the striker-fired methods that dominate the market.
How We Take a look at Handguns

To find out the yr’s finest handguns we assembled our panel of judges and headed to Gunsite Academy in Paulden, Arizona, for per week’s price of capturing. Along with yours really, the take a look at staff included Government Editor Natalie Krebs, Senior Employees Author Tyler Freel, and a trio of fantastic pistoleres — Sean Murphy, Matt Foster, and Chris Gittings.
Collectively we put a whole bunch of rounds by every handgun, accessing them on quite a few qualities together with ergonomics, workmanship, accuracy, dealing with, reliability, and worth. In the course of the capturing we’ll shoot them for teams at 15 yards with match ammo, we run them quickly on arrays of metal and set drills just like the Invoice Drill, and we’ll even step again to the 50-yard-line and see how they fare at longer distances.
Throughout this course of we go over every gun with a practiced eye and pay attention to their good qualities and their flaws. We then rating the handguns independently in 10 totally different classes and tally the ends in a spreadsheet. The handguns with the best scores of their class earn the Editor’s Alternative award, and the handgun with the best worth rating earns the Nice Purchase.
There’s no favoritism on this course of — we don’t shade our outcomes to appease any advertiser as so usually occurs — and in consequence that is essentially the most sincere and rigorous handgun take a look at on the market.
Ultimate Ideas on the Finest Handguns
As a lot as the rest this discipline of latest pistols demonstrates the scope of artistic vitality within the handgun market. Now we have Staccato taking their wonderful 2011 platform and making it extra person pleasant by adopting Glock-pattern magazines and different upgrades; HK-USA popping out with a banger concealed-carry 9mm for his or her first providing; Ruger upping the bar for worth and efficiency with their RXM Glock Gen3 clone; and Glock working with Aimpoint to enhance how crimson dots connect with pistols.
For handgun lovers these are good instances, with a number of intriguing choices for various pursuits — usually at interesting costs. 12 months in and yr out, the very best handguns simply preserve getting higher.
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