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10 Best Pistols 2025 in the United States

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Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

T4E Glock 17 Gen 5 .43 Caliber Paintball Gun Marker, Multi, One Size

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,182
Caliber
Size and Weight
Ergonomics

Most important from
207 reviews

Caliber
Fires .43 caliber paintballs with consistent accuracy, and the smooth action makes for a satisfying experience each time.
Size and Weight
The T4E Glock 17 Gen 5 closely mirrors the real Glock 17 Gen 5 in both weight and feel, adding a level of realism that's hard to find elsewhere.
Ergonomics
Ergonomic grip fits comfortably in the hand, and the familiar controls make it easy to use right away.

The T4E Glock 17 Gen 5 is an officially licensed paintball marker that offers a realistic experience for paintball fans. At .43 caliber, it’s designed for both fun and competitive play, making it suitable for various users, especially those looking for an authentic handling experience similar to that of a GLOCK firearm. Its CNC-machined aluminum slide and blowback feature enhance the shooting experience, providing a reliable performance in matches. With an 8-round magazine and compatibility with CO2 cartridges, the marker is easy to use and maintain, allowing quick swaps in the heat of action.

One of the standout aspects is its ergonomics, where the polymer frame can accommodate original backstraps for personalized comfort. The ambidextrous slide stop lever and reversible magazine release ensure that it is user-friendly for both left and right-handed players. Additionally, the alignment with GLOCK accessories means that players can customize their marker to fit their style.

There are some considerations to keep in mind. The marker's reliance on a 12-gram CO2 cartridge (not included) means players need to stock up on these separately, which can be a hassle for some. Although it ranks well in sales, some users may find the initial investment in accessories and maintenance costs a bit high, especially for beginners. Also, the marker may not be suitable for players who prefer higher-capacity options, given its limited 8-round magazine.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,182
Caliber
Size and Weight
Ergonomics

Most important from
207 reviews

Caliber
Fires .43 caliber paintballs with consistent accuracy, and the smooth action makes for a satisfying experience each time.
Size and Weight
The T4E Glock 17 Gen 5 closely mirrors the real Glock 17 Gen 5 in both weight and feel, adding a level of realism that's hard to find elsewhere.
Ergonomics
Ergonomic grip fits comfortably in the hand, and the familiar controls make it easy to use right away.
#2

Sig Sauer P320 M17 CO2-Powered .177 Cal Semi-Automatic Air Pistol with 20rd Pellet Magazine Included

Rating
8.8
Caliber
Size and Weight
Action Type

Most important from
1196 reviews

Caliber
The magazine is impressive with its lever for loading CO2 without any tools and the 20-round .177 pellets rotary mag.
Size and Weight
Great pistol with good grip feel, weight, and balance, closely replicating the real M17.
Action Type
Applying oil to the rotary mag and trigger assembly significantly smoothens the trigger pull, which can be initially clunky.
Ergonomics
The design is very close to the real P320, with the CO2 housed in the removable magazine, making it incredibly fun to shoot.
Sights
Power and accuracy are commendable, especially when using a red dot sight, despite my lack of pistol shooting skills.

The Sig Sauer P320 M17 CO2-Powered .177 Cal Air Pistol is a semi-automatic air pistol modeled after the U.S. Army's P320-M17. It's designed for realistic training and practice, making it ideal for users looking for a cost-effective and authentic training tool. With a caliber of .177, it uses CO2 power to propel pellets at velocities up to 380 fps, providing decent performance for an air pistol.

The full blowback metal slide and field stripping capability enhance its realism and functionality. One of its standout features is the 20-round pellet magazine, allowing for extended shooting sessions without frequent reloading. Ergonomically, the pistol is well-balanced and comfortable to handle, thanks to its 2.1-pound weight and plastic frame with metal barrel construction. The included M1913 accessory rail and reflex sight readiness offer customization options for users.

On the downside, the frame being plastic might not be as durable as metal-framed counterparts, and the CO2 power type means additional cost and maintenance for CO2 cartridges. The trigger weight of 6.25 lbs might be heavier than some users prefer, impacting the ease of repeated shooting. Despite these drawbacks, the Sig Sauer P320 M17 CO2-Powered Air Pistol is a robust option for both new and seasoned air pistol enthusiasts.

Rating
8.8
Caliber
Size and Weight
Action Type

Most important from
1196 reviews

Caliber
The magazine is impressive with its lever for loading CO2 without any tools and the 20-round .177 pellets rotary mag.
Size and Weight
Great pistol with good grip feel, weight, and balance, closely replicating the real M17.
Action Type
Applying oil to the rotary mag and trigger assembly significantly smoothens the trigger pull, which can be initially clunky.
Ergonomics
The design is very close to the real P320, with the CO2 housed in the removable magazine, making it incredibly fun to shoot.
Sights
Power and accuracy are commendable, especially when using a red dot sight, despite my lack of pistol shooting skills.
#3

Daisy Powerline 426 Air Pistol

Rating
8.5
Ergonomics
Sights

Most important from
4004 reviews

Ergonomics
Feels like a real pistol with excellent ergonomics and a great trigger, making it a joy to shoot.
Sights
The sights are functional, though adding color to the front sight can improve aiming clarity.

The Daisy Powerline 426 is a .177 caliber CO2-powered BB pistol designed mostly for casual target shooting and practice. It's lightweight at just under a pound, making it easy to handle, especially for beginners or younger users. With a semi-automatic action and a 15-shot magazine, it offers decent capacity and quick follow-up shots. The pistol features a plastic frame with a steel barrel, which keeps it affordable but may not feel as solid as metal-frame pistols. Its sights are simple but useful: a blade front and fixed open rear sight help line up targets, suitable for basic aiming needs. The grip has molded checkering which improves hold and comfort during use.

It shoots BBs at around 430 feet per second, providing enough power for plinking and casual backyard fun but not for serious competitive shooting or hunting. While the smooth bore barrel is standard for BB guns, it limits precision compared to rifled barrels found on pellet guns. The compact size and low weight make it handy for newcomers, but more experienced shooters might find the plastic build and limited accuracy less satisfying. The included one-year warranty adds some peace of mind.

This pistol is well suited for anyone seeking an affordable, easy-to-use BB pistol for casual shooting and target practice rather than a serious firearm replica or high-performance airgun.

Rating
8.5
Ergonomics
Sights

Most important from
4004 reviews

Ergonomics
Feels like a real pistol with excellent ergonomics and a great trigger, making it a joy to shoot.
Sights
The sights are functional, though adding color to the front sight can improve aiming clarity.

Buying Guide for the Best Pistols

Choosing the right pistol can be a daunting task, especially if you're new to firearms. It's important to consider what you'll be using the pistol for, whether it's for self-defense, target shooting, or competition. Understanding the key specifications and how they align with your needs will help you make an informed decision. Here are some key specs to consider when selecting a pistol and how to navigate them.
CaliberCaliber refers to the diameter of the pistol's barrel and the size of the ammunition it uses. This is important because it affects the pistol's stopping power, recoil, and suitability for different purposes. Common calibers include .22, 9mm, .40 S&W, and .45 ACP. For beginners or those looking for a low-recoil option, a .22 or 9mm might be ideal. For self-defense, many prefer the 9mm or .40 S&W for their balance of power and manageable recoil. Larger calibers like .45 ACP offer more stopping power but come with increased recoil.
Size and WeightThe size and weight of a pistol can greatly affect its usability and comfort. Full-size pistols are generally easier to shoot accurately and have less recoil, making them suitable for home defense and target shooting. Compact and subcompact pistols are lighter and easier to conceal, making them better for concealed carry. Consider how you plan to use the pistol and choose a size that fits your needs. If you plan to carry it daily, a lighter, more compact model might be best. For home defense or range use, a full-size pistol could be more appropriate.
Action TypeThe action type of a pistol refers to how it operates and includes options like single-action (SA), double-action (DA), and striker-fired. Single-action pistols have a lighter trigger pull but require the hammer to be cocked manually. Double-action pistols have a heavier trigger pull but can be fired without manually cocking the hammer. Striker-fired pistols offer a consistent trigger pull and are popular for their simplicity and reliability. Your choice will depend on your comfort level and intended use. Striker-fired pistols are often recommended for beginners due to their ease of use.
CapacityCapacity refers to the number of rounds a pistol can hold in its magazine. This is important for self-defense and competition shooting, where having more rounds can be advantageous. Standard capacity for many pistols is around 10-15 rounds, but some models can hold more or fewer. Consider how many rounds you feel comfortable with and what your intended use is. For self-defense, a higher capacity might provide peace of mind, while for target shooting, capacity might be less critical.
ErgonomicsErgonomics refers to how well the pistol fits in your hand and how comfortable it is to shoot. This includes the grip size, shape, and texture, as well as the placement of controls like the safety and magazine release. A pistol that feels comfortable and natural in your hand will be easier to control and shoot accurately. It's important to handle different models to see which one feels best for you. Consider factors like grip angle, texture, and overall feel when making your decision.
SightsSights are the aiming devices on a pistol and can greatly affect your accuracy. Common types include iron sights, night sights, and red dot sights. Iron sights are standard and reliable, while night sights glow in low light conditions, making them useful for self-defense. Red dot sights offer quick target acquisition and are popular in competition shooting. Choose sights based on your intended use and personal preference. For self-defense, night sights might be beneficial, while for target shooting, you might prefer a red dot sight.

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