From personal defense and sport shooting to law enforcement and military use, pistols have played a unique role in American culture. Over decades, certain handguns have earned widespread popularity not just for their performance, but for their reliability, design, and reputation. Whether chosen for concealed carry, home protection, or time at the range, these pistols have become trusted favorites across the country.
This article looks at America’s favorite pistols and what makes them better than the rest. We examine factors like ergonomics, durability, ease of use, and real-world adoption to reveal why some models rise above others. Together, these firearms tell a story about practicality, innovation, and overall preferences of American shooters.
Using a report from Gun Genius, which analyzed sales data from the online firearm marketplace GunBroker.com, 24/7 Wall St. identified the 10 best-selling pistols in the United States. Guns are ranked on sales volume in the 2024 calendar year, though exact sales figures were not provided. Supplemental data on the approximate base price for each make and model are from online retailers, including GunBroker. It is important to note that this list was compiled using online gun sales only.
This post was updated on January 14, 2026 to provide a more in-depth overview of pistol sales in America.
Why It Matters
In recent decades, Americans have become increasingly likely to cite personal protection as the top reason for choosing to own a firearm — and changing gun laws have allowed more Americans to carry a concealed weapon in public with no special permit. This shift has coincided with a surge in consumer demand for handguns — particularly semi-automatic pistols. While those in the market for a pistol have countless brands, configurations, and calibers to choose from, certain models have emerged as clear favorites among American gun owners.
10. Armscor/RIA Rock
- Approx. base price: $380
- Available caliber(s) include: 9mm, .45 ACP, 10mm
- Manufacturer: Armscor/RIA
- Manufacturer’s U.S. headquarters: Pahrump, Nevada
- Manufacturer’s parent company: Armscor Precision International
9. Smith & Wesson M&P9
- Approx. base price: $350
- Available caliber(s) include: 9mm
- Manufacturer: Smith & Wesson
- Manufacturer’s U.S. headquarters: Maryville, Tennessee
- Manufacturer’s parent company: Smith & Wesson Brands, Inc.
8. Springfield Hellcat
- Approx. base price: $500
- Available caliber(s) include: 9mm
- Manufacturer: Springfield
- Manufacturer’s U.S. headquarters: Geneseo, Illinois
- Manufacturer’s parent company: None
7. Ruger Mark IV
- Approx. base price: $400
- Available caliber(s) include: .22 LR
- Manufacturer: Ruger
- Manufacturer’s U.S. headquarters: Southport, Connecticut
- Manufacturer’s parent company: None
6. CZ-USA CZ 75
- Approx. base price: $620
- Available caliber(s) include: 9mm, .40 S&W, .45 ACP
- Manufacturer: CZ-USA
- Manufacturer’s U.S. headquarters: Kansas City, Kansas
- Manufacturer’s parent company: Colt CZ Group
5. Glock G43
- Approx. base price: $450
- Available caliber(s) include: 9mm
- Manufacturer: Glock
- Manufacturer’s U.S. headquarters: Smyrna, Georgia
- Manufacturer’s parent company: Glock Ges.m.b.H.
4. Ruger American series pistols
- Approx. base price: $450
- Available caliber(s) include: 9mm, .45 ACP
- Manufacturer: Ruger
- Manufacturer’s U.S. headquarters: Southport, Connecticut
- Manufacturer’s parent company: None
3. Glock G19
- Approx. base price: $500
- Available caliber(s) include: 9mm
- Manufacturer: Glock
- Manufacturer’s U.S. headquarters: Smyrna, Georgia
- Manufacturer’s parent company: Glock Ges.m.b.H.
2. Sig Sauer P320
- Approx. base price: $460
- Available caliber(s) include: 9mm, .357 SIG, .40 S&W, .45 ACP
- Manufacturer: Sig Sauer
- Manufacturer’s U.S. headquarters: Newington, New Hampshire
- Manufacturer’s parent company: L&O Holding
1. Sig Sauer P365
- Approx. base price: $500
- Available caliber(s) include: 9mm
- Manufacturer: Sig Sauer
- Manufacturer’s U.S. headquarters: Newington, New Hampshire
- Manufacturer’s parent company: L&O Holding
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