Top 10 Best Handguns in the World

Manufactured by FN Herstal of Belgium in 2000 under NATO specifications, the FN Five-Seven is chambered for the 5.7mm round, a smaller caliber compared to traditional ammunition. It boasts a higher magazine capacity than most other weapons, though its 9mm rounds are less lethal. Known for its strength, it is highly favored in urban combat situations and is used by military, police, and special forces worldwide, including in the United States.

Weighing 618 grams and measuring 208mm in length with a barrel length of 122mm, the FN Five-Seven achieves a bullet exit speed of 650 meters per second. Its 5.7mm rounds fit into a 20-round magazine, and the weapon has an effective range of up to 100 meters. Its revolutionary design features a sleek frame and flat, dark-colored slide. The Five-Seven offers improved range and precision over typical handguns.

The Smith & Wesson Military & Police is a semi-automatic handgun designed for military and law enforcement use, as the name suggests, but it is also available to civilians. Weighing 680 grams, the handgun measures 190mm in length. The Smith & Wesson Model 14 is chambered in .38 Spl and is built on the company’s famous K-Frame. The Model 14 essentially serves as a Military & Police (M&P) model with adjustable target sights.

Introduced in 1899 and classified as Model 10 since 1957, the Smith & Wesson M&P is perhaps the most widely used revolver of the 20th century, with over 6 million units produced. The barrel length is 108mm, and the bullet travels at 370 meters per second. It uses standard 9mm ammunition and has a 17-round capacity. Its effective range is up to 50 meters.

The CZ75 is a semi-automatic handgun manufactured by Česká zbrojovka Uherský Brod (CZUB) in the Czech Republic. First introduced in 1975, it was designed primarily for export and has been widely praised globally. Used by military and law enforcement for special operations, over one million CZ75 pistols have been produced.

The CZ75 is renowned for its reliability, ease of use, and stunning aesthetics. Regarded as one of the best handguns in its class, it weighs 1000 grams and measures 206mm in length. Its barrel length is 120mm, and it fires at a velocity of 360 meters per second. It uses standard 9mm ammunition and has a 16-round magazine capacity. The pistol’s effective range is up to 50 meters.

The P226 is a semi-automatic pistol developed by Sig Sauer as a successor to the P220. It was extensively tested by the U.S. Department of Defense for military use, and while it outperformed all competitors, it ultimately lost to the Beretta 92FS in the final selection. However, the P226 remains in service with military forces in over 30 countries worldwide.

Manufactured in both Germany and the United States, the P226 weighs 870 grams and measures 196mm in length. Its barrel length is 112mm, and the bullet travels at a velocity of 350 meters per second. The pistol uses standard 9mm ammunition and has a 15-round magazine capacity. Its effective range extends to 50 meters.

The Beretta 92 is one of the most widely recognized handguns in the world. First produced in 1975, it has been adopted by military forces in over 40 countries. Over the years, Beretta has introduced several variants of this iconic handgun. The Beretta 92 weighs 950 grams and has an overall length of 217mm, with a barrel length of 125mm.

The Beretta 92 is a full-sized, semi-automatic pistol chambered in 9x19mm, featuring a DA/SA (Double Action/Single Action) system. With a muzzle velocity of 390 meters per second, it uses standard 9mm ammunition and has a 15-round magazine capacity. Its effective range extends up to 50 meters. The Beretta 92FS is highly reliable, offering exceptional accuracy, and includes a disassembly lever for easy field stripping without the need to pull the trigger.

The P320 is a modular, semi-automatic handgun designed by Sig Sauer in 2014. Its modular design allows for easy attachment of tactical accessories, making it a versatile option. Outside of the U.S. military, it is used by the armed forces of Norway, Denmark, and Thailand, and its usage is expected to spread to more countries in the coming years. The P320 weighs 833 grams.

With its unparalleled modularity, outstanding accuracy, and superior reliability, the P320 has quickly become one of the most sought-after firearms on the market. Chosen by all branches of the U.S. military, as well as law enforcement agencies worldwide, the P320 is setting the standard for modern handguns. It measures 203mm in length, with a barrel length of 119mm. The bullet exits at 360 meters per second, and the pistol uses standard 9mm ammunition. The P320’s 17-round magazine provides ample firepower, and it has an effective range of up to 50 meters.

The Glock 17 was originally designed for the Austrian military, which sought to replace its aging Walther P38 handgun in 1980. After testing numerous models, the Austrian army selected the Glock 17 as their new sidearm. This model quickly gained popularity and was sold worldwide, becoming a favorite among military and law enforcement agencies in over 50 countries.

The Glock 17 is primarily constructed from polymer with a stainless steel finish, making it durable and lightweight. Notably, the Glock 17’s barrel is capable of firing up to 360,000 rounds, far surpassing the typical 40,000-round lifespan of most other handguns. The Glock 17 weighs 710 grams, has a length of 204mm, and a barrel length of 114mm. It achieves a bullet velocity of 360 meters per second and uses standard 9mm ammunition. Its 17-round magazine ensures sufficient firepower, and its effective range is up to 50 meters.

The Walther P99 is a semi-automatic pistol made by Walther in Germany. Introduced in 1996, the P99 quickly became one of the most popular handguns due to its unique trigger system, ease of use, and its preference among law enforcement and military professionals. It remains especially favored by police forces, with over 430,000 units produced so far.

In addition to its visually striking design, the Walther P99 features an innovative “Stress-Reducing” trigger system alongside the traditional single and double action modes. The P99 weighs 720g and has a total length of 180mm, with a barrel length of 102mm. Its dimensions include a width of 29mm and a height of 135mm. It uses standard 9mm ammunition and has a 16-round magazine capacity. The P99’s effective range extends to 50 meters.

The Beretta PX4 Storm is a semi-automatic handgun manufactured in Italy, introduced as the latest addition to Beretta's line of handguns. Since its debut in 2004, it has built a reputation for its sturdy, durable design, offering impressive reliability, accuracy, safety, and ease of use. Increasingly favored by law enforcement agencies and military units worldwide, as well as by individuals who prioritize serious and professional personal defense, the PX4 Storm continues to gain popularity.

Despite being launched in 2004, the PX4 Storm is now a staple in the arsenals of at least 33 countries. Weighing 780 grams, it measures 192mm in length, with a barrel length of 102mm. The bullet exits the barrel at a speed of 360 meters per second. It uses standard 9mm ammunition and features a 17-round magazine. Its maximum effective range is 50 meters.

The Heckler & Koch USP is a semi-automatic pistol manufactured in Germany, designed and introduced in 1989 for use by military, law enforcement, and civilians. Heckler & Koch offers a lifetime warranty on the USP, which is protected against corrosion and wear by a specially formulated coating. Developed with military and law enforcement applications in mind, the USP is widely used for its exceptional reliability, consistency, and accuracy in the field.

Notably, the Heckler & Koch USP remains unaffected even when submerged in saltwater for extended periods. Weighing 720 grams, it measures 194mm in length with a 108mm barrel. Its bullets exit the barrel at a velocity of 350 meters per second. The pistol uses standard 9mm ammunition and features a 15-round magazine. Its maximum effective range is 50 meters.