The Best Handgun Brands, Ranked by Gun Lovers

This list of handgun brands includes the most reliable models available and is designed to help you make an informed purchase. The best handgun brands include those from major manufacturers including Walther, Browning Arms Company, Smith & Wesson and more. As you likely know, a handgun is a firearm designed to be handheld, in either one or both hands.

This characteristic differentiates handguns as a general class of firearms from long guns such as rifles and shotguns (which usually can be mounted against the shoulder). Major handgun subtypes are the revolver and pistol; other subtypes include derringers, single-shot pistols, semi-automatic pistols, pepperboxes, and machine pistols.

Although handgun use often includes bracing with a second hand, the essential distinguishing characteristic of a handgun is its facility for one-handed operation. So what are the most popular handgun brands? Are American brands better than weapons makers in other countries?

Users looking for a great new handgun will want to research a variety of different brands to find the one that best suits their needs, based on features, weight, value, precision, design and quality. This list of good handgun brands is the perfect place to start.