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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 by1,126
Caliber
Size and Weight
Ergonomics

Most important from
203 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 by1,126
Caliber
Size and Weight
Ergonomics

Most important from
203 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

Beretta 92FS, Nickel, Wood Grips air pistol

Rating
9.4
Ergonomics

Most important from
342 reviews

Ergonomics
The nickel finish combined with wood grips adds a sophisticated, classy touch that enhances both aesthetics and grip comfort.

The Beretta 92FS Nickel with Wood Grips is a well-crafted air pistol designed mainly for collectors and shooting enthusiasts who appreciate realistic designs. It fires .177 caliber pellets using CO2 power, reaching speeds up to 425 feet per second, which makes it suitable for target practice and casual shooting rather than self-defense. Its all-metal construction gives it a solid, authentic feel, with a weight of about 1.5 kilograms and compact dimensions that mimic a real pistol's size. With an 8-shot rotary magazine, it offers reasonable capacity, though you’ll need to reload frequently compared to larger magazines.

The pistol features adjustable rear sights for better aiming and a manual safety to help prevent accidental firing, both important for safe handling. Ergonomically, the wood grips add a nice touch in comfort and style, but the heavier metal frame might feel somewhat heavy for younger or smaller hands. It runs on easily available 12-gram CO2 cartridges, though these are sold separately and performance is best when using the recommended brand. While it scores well for realism and build quality, it’s not suited for serious hunting or high-power shooting due to its pellet caliber and velocity. This air pistol is ideal for anyone interested in a realistic, collectible piece or someone looking to practice shooting skills in a safe, low-power format.

Rating
9.4
Ergonomics

Most important from
342 reviews

Ergonomics
The nickel finish combined with wood grips adds a sophisticated, classy touch that enhances both aesthetics and grip comfort.
#3

Springfield Armory 1911 Mil-Spec. CO2 BB Gun Air Pistol, 177 Caliber

Rating
8.5
Size and Weight
Action Type

Most important from
285 reviews

Size and Weight
Feels nearly identical to a real 1911 with very close weight and functioning mechanisms.
Action Type
The blowback action adds a satisfying recoil effect that enhances shooting realism.

The Springfield Armory 1911 Mil-Spec CO2 BB pistol is a faithful replica of the classic 1911 firearm, designed for casual target practice and plinking rather than self-defense or hunting. It shoots .177 caliber BBs powered by a 12-gram CO2 cartridge, delivering a respectable velocity of up to 320 feet per second, which is sufficient for backyard shooting. Weighing about 2 pounds and featuring full-metal construction, it feels solid and realistic in the hand, mimicking the size and heft of its real firearm counterpart. The single-action trigger with a functioning grip safety adds to its authenticity and safety. It holds 12 BBs in a drop-free metal magazine, and with about 65 shots per CO2 cartridge, it offers decent shooting time between refills.

The fixed 3-dot sights are basic but offer steady aiming for beginners. The blowback action provides a nice recoil effect, enhancing the shooting experience. On the downside, this is a smooth-bore BB pistol, meaning it lacks rifling for greater accuracy, so shots may not be very precise at longer distances. The capacity and power are modest, limiting its use mostly to casual plinking and not serious target shooting or competitive use. Also, the CO2 system requires purchasing cartridges regularly, which adds to ongoing costs.

This air pistol is best for hobbyists or collectors who want a realistic 1911 feel and a fun, low-power BB gun for informal shooting sessions.

Rating
8.5
Size and Weight
Action Type

Most important from
285 reviews

Size and Weight
Feels nearly identical to a real 1911 with very close weight and functioning mechanisms.
Action Type
The blowback action adds a satisfying recoil effect that enhances shooting realism.

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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