The Best Handguns of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

What actually issues with handguns is how properly they perform and the way simple they’re to shoot precisely in dynamic conditions. For this, we spend hours firing the pistols from varied positions on metal, executing reloads, working drills, and even doing a little holster work. By the point we’re choosing up brass, every shooter on the take a look at crew is intimately conversant in each gun within the take a look at.

How We Grade Handguns

Every take a look at crew member grades the handguns in 9 totally different classes and information extra notes about every firearm on their scorecards. The accuracy scores are attained from the cumulative averages of the accuracy information generated by the crew, however every little thing else is as much as every tester. We grade on dealing with, accuracy, workmanship, aesthetics, ergonomics, meets objective, versatility, reliability, and worth, utilizing a 1- to five grading system. 

The ultimate report card for every firearm averages and consolidates scores into three classes: Efficiency (dealing with, accuracy, ergonomics, and reliability), Design (workmanship, aesthetics, meets objective, and flexibility), and Worth, which stands by itself. 

Right here is how our 1-to-5 numerical grading works:

• 4.5+ = Wonderful
• 3.5 to 4.5 = Very Good
• 2.5 to three.5 = Good
• 1.5 to 2.5 = Honest
• Lower than 1.5 = Poor

To obtain an “Wonderful” grade, a gun should actually impress us, and current best-in-class traits. It’s not a grade we throw round frivolously. Poor, on the opposite finish of the spectrum, is a grade for one thing we discover unacceptable.

Selecting The Winners

You’ll discover that our printed report card grades don’t all the time translate to which weapons win. That’s as a result of the grades will not be granular sufficient. To select our general winners, we rank weapons primarily based upon the cumulative variety of take a look at crew factors awarded. For our Nice Purchase award, we look at the worth scores, but in addition how the gun’s different scores evaluate to similarly-priced weapons. The Nice Purchase winners are these weapons that supply the very best bang for the buck, plain and easy. 

A Numerous 2024 Area

Regardless of our post-SHOT-show impressions, we’re nearly all the time shocked by the sphere of weapons after we take roll name for the take a look at. After the earlier two years, the 2024 subject of handguns felt a bit small and disjointed. Prior to now we’ve seen themes that appear to hold all through the sphere, corresponding to micro-compact 9mm pistols, however this yr was totally different. Our subject of 11 handguns represented a variety of classes, designs, and values. We’ve developed a dependable instinct for what the winner’s circle will appear to be in every take a look at, however none of us actually knew how this yr’s subject would shake out till the brass settled and scores have been tallied.

Finest Handguns: Critiques and Suggestions

Editor’s Alternative: Walther PDP Compact Steel Frame 4-inch

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Report Card

• Efficiency: Very Good
• Design: Very Good
• Worth: Good
• Common 5-shot group dimension at 15 yards: 1.830 inches (9 teams with iron sights)

Accuracy Be aware: Accuracy figures have been recorded utilizing the pistol’s iron sights, and it carried out fairly properly. The pistol is optic-compatible, however we didn’t have an adapter plate. Accuracy often improves when including a red dot optic, however this pistol hung proper in with a number of that have been optic geared up. 

Walther PDP Compact Metal Body 4-inch Specs

• Cartridge: 9mm 
• Capability: 15+1
• Motion: Semi-auto, single-action, striker-fired
• Barrel size: 4 inches
• Body materials:  Metal
• Optic compatibility: Makes use of optic-specific adapter plates.
• Set off: Single-action 5 kilos, 1 ounce (measured)
• Weight: 2 kilos, 7 ounces (weighed with empty journal)
• Value: $1,699

The Walther PDP Compact Metal Body pistol was one which took our take a look at crew a bit without warning. There aren’t any notably eye-catching options on this pistol and regardless of its good ergonomics, it does really feel a bit chunky for a compact gun. Add to that the load of the metal body and preliminary take a look at crew impressions have been considerably skeptical. These misgivings melted away as quickly because the taking pictures began, although. 

This PDP is likely one of the newest in Walther’s profitable striker-fired lineup that features the polymer-framed PDP-F series and the full-sized PDP Match SF — each of which I’ve shot extensively up to now yr. This new metal body compact mannequin goals to seize the tangible recoil-mitigating traits of the match gun, however in a carry-friendly package deal. Although heavy and thick it’s, the pistol sports activities wrap-around grip panels with glorious hexagonal texturing and excellent ergonomics for large-handed shooters. 

This compact pistol carries over most of the options we already like concerning the PDP together with the lengthy ambidextrous slide cease levers which can be simple to achieve with the thumb, a reversible journal catch button, and nicely-executed scalloping and serrations on the slide. It’s bought a 3-slot accent rail machined into the mud cowl, and is appropriate with a wide range of optics utilizing Walther’s adapter plates. 

Throughout testing, we have been lacking an optic adapter plate, so we fired the pistol utilizing its adjustable white 3-dot iron sights. Even with a slight handicap, the pistol was fairly correct, and actually started to shine after we began working drills and taking pictures metal. The only-action set off is sweet for a striker-fired gun, and practically each take a look at crew member gravitated in direction of the PDP.

We really feel that this compact mannequin continues to be too cumbersome and heavy to have mass IWB carry attraction, however is a wonderful possibility for off-body carry. The additional weight of the metal body makes this one of many smoothest-shooting striker-fired pistols we’ve examined, and the take a look at crew scores mirrored that.

Nice Purchase: Springfield Armory Echelon

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Report Card

• Efficiency: Very Good
• Design: Very Good
• Worth: Wonderful
• Common 5-shot group dimension at 15 yards: 1.675 inches (9 teams with purple dot optic)

Springfield Echelon Specs

• Cartridge: 9mm 
• Capability: 17+1, 20+1
• Motion: Semi-auto, single-action, striker-fired
• Barrel size: 4.5 inches
• Body materials:  Metal (with polymer grip module)
• Optic compatibility: Detachable pillars to accommodate a number of optic footprints
• Set off: Single-action 5 kilos, 7 ounces (measured)
• Weight: 1 pound, 13 ounces (weighed with empty journal)
• Value: $650

Launched mid-2023, the Echelon is a big departure from Springfield’s different striker-fired pistols just like the XD and Hellcat collection. Most notably, it adopts a detachable hearth management group chassis system just like these of the P320 and P365 from Sig. This units the platform up for modularity and potential upgrades, aiding Springfield’s goal to supply a greater duty-grade pistol.

The Echelon is a full-size gun that comes with 17- and 20-rounds magazines, and has a properly contoured and textured polymer grip module. It’s bought a helpful undercut-profile set off guard and aggressive cocking tabs and serrations on the entrance and rear of the slide. The mud cowl on the grip module has a 4-slot accent rail to deal with all kinds of tactical lights, and each the pivoting takedown lever and support-hand thumb pads are given a grippy texture. 

One of the considerate options of the Echelon is its optic-mounting system. The pistol comes with a canopy plate, however doesn’t use optic adapter plates. As a substitute, it employs a set of detachable pins that may be configured within the slide reduce to suit a wide range of optic footprints — giving the consumer a decrease, easier-acquiring optic placement. 

Downsides of the Echelon are its small and considerably sharp slide cease levers, and I’d prefer to see them use a stainless or tungsten information rod slightly than polymer – although Apex tactical already makes a pleasant aftermarket information rod for it. All in all, The Echelon is a well-executed, feature-rich pistol that scored neck-and-neck with the costlier Walther. It represents a screaming worth at $650 — roughly the worth of a regular Glock — and unquestionably deserves a Nice Purchase award. You’ll be able to learn a full in-depth review here. 

Nice Purchase: Military Armament Corporation MAC 9 DS

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Report Card

• Efficiency: Very Good
• Design: Very Good
• Worth: Wonderful
• Common 5-shot group dimension at 15 yards: 1.830 inches (9 teams with iron sights)

Accuracy Be aware: The MAC 9 DS we had on the gun take a look at was shot with iron sights. The optic cowl plate was caught in place and we didn’t have the instruments within the subject to take away it. I’ve examined one other MAC 9 DS pistol with a purple dot optic and the identical Staccato Match ammo and recorded a mean group dimension of 1.242 inches (5 teams).

Army Armament Company MAC 9 DS Specs

• Cartridge: 9mm 
• Capability: 17+1
• Motion: Semi-auto, single-action, hammer fired
• Barrel size: 4.25 inches
• Body materials:  Metal
• Optic compatibility: Holosun 507K and RMSc footprint
• Set off: Single-action, flat shoe, 3 kilos, 4 ounces (measured)
• Weight: 2 kilos, 5 ounces (weighed with empty journal)
• Value: $1,040

After we decide a Nice Purchase award winner, we don’t merely select the most affordable gun that bothered to point out up — it has to symbolize a legitimately spectacular worth in its class. That’s precisely what we bought with the MAC 9 DS 1911 9mm. This pistol, following within the footsteps of the Springfield Prodigy, is a budget-priced 2011-style pistol that mimics the design of weapons like the favored Staccato P. Although Turkish-imported weapons typically garner truthful criticism, MAC (which is underneath SDS Imports) has hit a house run with this one.

The MAC 9 DS adheres the identical fundamental formulation as most 2011-style pistols: It’s a 1911 design with a body that terminates on the prime of the grip. In contrast to common 1911s that incorporate the deal with or grip into the body, 2011-style weapons use a detachable grip module that features the set off guard. The MAC 9 DS makes use of 17-round TISAS 2011-style magazines which can be copies of (and interchangeable with) the Staccato 2011 and Duramag metal magazines. 

Although it intently resembles the Staccato P (which prices about $1,500 extra), the MAC 9 DS makes use of a extra primitive information rod and recoil spring meeting, and isn’t as refined. Nonetheless, our take a look at crew liked this pistol and we recorded no malfunctions or important complaints. It’s bought a great set off and the bushingless bull barrel is kind of correct. I reviewed the MAC 9 DS earlier, testing with an optic, however I used to be unable to take away the optic cowl plate from our take a look at pattern on the vary at Gunsite — so we ran it with the iron sights which encompass a black serrated rear notch and fiber-optic entrance. 

For simply over a thousand bucks, you’re not getting a Staccato, however the MAC 9 DS is an incredible worth for that worth. It performs properly, is easy and neatly executed, and makes an superior entry-level gun for anybody seeking to dabble with the 2011-style platform. An improved recoil system or set off job could be a simple pull if you wish to tinker or improve. 

Finest Backcountry Handgun: Sig Sauer P320 XTen Comp

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Report Card

• Efficiency: Very Good
• Design: Good
• Worth: Wonderful
• Common 5-shot group dimension at 15 yards: 1.801 inches (9 teams with purple dot optic)

Sig Sauer P320 XTen Comp Specs

• Cartridge: 10mm 
• Capability: 15+1
• Motion: Semi-auto, single-action, striker-fired
• Barrel size: 3.8 inches
• Body materials:  Stainless-steel
• Optic compatibility: Delta Level footprint
• Set off: Single-action, flat shoe, 5 kilos, 9 ounces (measured)
• Weight: 2 kilos, 0 ounces (weighed with empty journal)
• Value: $950

The 10mm has loved a wave of recognition in recent times, primarily as a extra shootable various to large-bore wheelgun cartridges that Fudd lore has instructed us are obligatory for efficient bear safety. Many have acknowledged the worth of the 10mm within the position of wilderness protection and we’ve seen a number of new weapons annually. The Sig Sauer P320 XTen Comp is what we imagine to be the very best, most shooter-friendly platform for the 10mm that additionally capabilities properly in a backcountry carry capability. Why? It has nice ergonomics and is flat-out simpler to shoot properly and handle recoil than with every other 10mm we have now examined. 

The P320 XTen comp (you’ll be able to learn a full review here) is a second, extra optimized iteration of their first P320 10mm, the Xten. The characterizing function of the XTen Comp is, after all, the built-in muzzle compensator. Usually, compensators constructed into the slides of weapons are lackluster of their recoil discount, however the one on this pistol is properly dished out and gives important recoil and muzzle flip discount. This allowed us to snap again on course extra rapidly than we may with different 10mms just like the Glock G20 Gen 5 or FN 510.

Apart from the recoil discount, advantages are discovered within the comparatively slender grip profile and stellar ergonomics. The grip dimensions of the P320 XTen are just about similar to these of the 9mm P320 fashions. The pistol makes use of the same however longer detachable hearth management unit and body to accommodate the longer 10mm cartridge, but it surely’s appropriate with aftermarket triggers like the improved set off from KGM Technologies. 

The P320 XTen Comp can also be extra compact than the unique XTen and ubiquitous Glock G20. The shorter 3.8-inch barrel will lead to slight velocity drops, however on-average a 3.8-inch barrel solely lags behind 4.6- or 5-inch barrels by about 50 to 75 fps. Mix this packable, ergo-friendly, manageable pistol with 10mm ammo like Black Hills HoneyBadger or G9 External Hollowpoint, and also you’ve bought a successful backcountry combo.

TISAS 1911 Night Stalker Double Stack 9mm SF

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Report Card

• Efficiency: Very Good
• Design: Good
• Worth: Wonderful
• Common 5-shot group dimension at 15 yards: 1.833 inches (9 teams with purple dot optic)

Walther PDP Compact Metal Body 4-inch Specs

• Cartridge: 9mm 
• Capability: 17+1
• Motion: Semi-auto, single-action, hammer-fired
• Barrel size: 4 inches
• Body materials:  Metal with Polymer Grip module
• Optic compatibility: Holoson 507k and RMSC footprint
• Set off: Single-action 5 kilos, 9 ounces (measured)
• Weight: 2 kilos, 6 ounces (weighed with empty journal)
• Value: $900

One other stunning entry to this yr’s take a look at was the TISAS 1911 Night time Stalker DS 9mm, which is one other Turkish 2011-style pistol from SDS imports. Even after being impressed by the MAC 9 DS, I had my reservations concerning the Night time Stalker. Some Turkish pistols have a gaudy function set tacked onto a so-so basis — the basic instance of placing lipstick on a pig — however happily that wasn’t the case right here. Just like the MAC 9, this pistol ran properly and it brings so much to the desk for that worth. The truth is, this was tightly within the working for a Nice Purchase award, however the MAC 9 edged it out by a couple of general efficiency factors. Relaxation assured, its worth didn’t go unnoticed by us.

The TISAS Night time Stalker is just like the MAC 9 and different 2011-style pistols in some ways, but it surely’s about $200 cheaper and sports activities a threaded muzzle and grey Cerakote end on each the slide and body. It has modest cocking serrations on the rear and principally aesthetic slide porting up entrance. General, we couldn’t discover something fallacious with the Night time Stalker — it had a reasonably good set off and easy operation — however every little thing was a bit much less refined than on the MAC 9 DS. 

The threaded barrel on the Night time Stalker is thinner than the bull barrel on the MAC 9 DS and doesn’t supply the identical degree of accuracy, but it surely greater than compensates with enjoyable when a suppressor is hooked up. I configured my Silencerco Omega 36M for pistols and we burned a whole bunch of rounds pinging away at metal. 

For underneath $1,000, this is a wonderful worth for this fashion of pistol, however you could ultimately wish to improve. 

Hammerli Forge H1 1911 .22 LR

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Report Card

• Efficiency: Good
• Design: Good
• Worth: Very Good
• Common 5-shot group dimension at 15 yards: 1.962 inches (10 teams with iron sights)

Hammerli Forge H1 1911 .22 LR Specs

• Cartridge: .22 LR 
• Capability: 12+1
• Motion: Semi-auto, single-action, hammer fired
• Barrel size: 5 inches
• Body materials:  Aluminum
• Optic compatibility: Not optic appropriate
• Set off: Single-action, curved shoe, 7 kilos, 3 ounces (measured)
• Weight: 2 kilos, 1 ounce (weighed with empty journal)
• Value: $334

No sane shooter can deny having fun with a .22 LR pistol, particularly one which seems like a full-size 1911 .45. This yr, Hammerli Arms — underneath Walther — has launched the Pressure H1 1911/22, manufactured by Umarex in Germany. I’ve touted their wonderful full-auto BB guns, and it seems that they make an ideal .22 pistol as properly.

The Forge H1 is just like earlier full-size 1911-22 designs fielded underneath Colt’s model, and includes a mounted barrel that’s flush with the slide on the muzzle, however might be fitted with a suppressor adapter. It’s fed from a single-stack journal that holds 12 rounds, and the gun is externally the identical dimensions as a full-sized 1911 chambered in .45 ACP. It’s weighted robustly and suits in lots of 1911 holsters, making it an ideal coaching device or plinker. 

Everybody on the take a look at crew had enjoyable with this gun and it ran and not using a hitch. I had an early manufacturing mannequin that appeared to have a recoil spring problem and wouldn’t run with a full journal — however our gun take a look at pattern was a peach. The pistol was fairly correct, and the one downside we had was that we couldn’t reload magazines quick sufficient.

Beretta 92XI Squalo

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Report Card

• Efficiency: Very Good
• Design: Good
• Worth: Good
• Common 5-shot group dimension at 15 yards: 1.262 inches (9 teams with a purple dot optic)

Beretta 92XI Squalo Specs

• Cartridge: 9mm 
• Capability: 22+1
• Motion: Semi-auto, single motion, hammer-fired
• Barrel size: 4.7 inches
• Body materials:  Metal
• Optic compatibility: Makes use of optic-specific adapter plates.
• Set off: Single-action 5 kilos, 5 ounces (measured)
• Weight: 2 kilos, 3 ounces (weighed with empty journal)
• Value: $1,329

The brand new Beretta 92XI Squalo isn’t your pappy’s Desert Storm M9 — it’s a slicked up race gun that any Beretta 92 fan will fall in love with. I can’t say that I used to be ever keen on the Mannequin 92, however this new iteration wipes out my important gripe, which was the double/single-action set off. The 92 XI is single-action-only, and has a properly profiled match set off that breaks crisply and resets properly. 

Different main updates to the platform embody the grip. The backstrap has been nearly completely straightened, and the entrance is gently contoured with good checkering within the metal body. The straight backstrap permits you to actually choke up on the pistol with a excessive grip and supplies a brief set off attain. An optic-mounting system can also be included, the place a plate is put in atop the slide. 

We discovered the 92XI Squalo to be fairly correct and a easy shooter. Its 22-round magazines are nice for competitors, and the recoil impulse is gentle, permitting fast follow-up pictures. We did really feel that the optic plate put the glass too excessive above the bore axis for quick acquisition although, and a shooter would most likely do properly to stay with irons or a low-profile purple dot. 

OA Defense OA 2311 Compact Pro

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Report Card

• Efficiency: Good
• Design: Very Good
• Worth: Good
• Common 5-shot group dimension at 15 yards: 1.816 inches (12 teams with purple dot sight)

OA Protection OA 2311 Compact Professional Specs

• Cartridge: 9mm 
• Capability: 15+1
• Motion: Semi-auto, single-action, hammer-fired
• Barrel size: 4.25 inches
• Body materials:  7075 Aluminum
• Optic compatibility: Consists of optic-specific adapter plates.
• Set off: Single-action, flat shoe, 4 kilos, 8 ounces (measured)
• Weight: 1 pound, 12 ounces (weighed with empty journal and no optic)
• Value: $2,349

This premium-grade pistol has taken the 2011 pattern in a novel path. Most of the fundamental parts of a 2011-style pistol are there, like a brief body with grip module and a 1911-style set off and hammer, but it surely’s constructed to make use of Sig Sauer P320-pattern magazines — that are extra quite a few, inexpensive, and are usually much less finicky than precise 2011-style magazines. This promoting level bought the corporate numerous consideration since their debut in 2023, and I used to be very excited to shoot their new Compact Professional mannequin after taking it for a spin at SHOT Present 2024. 

The OA 2311 Compact Professional has a profile just like a Glock G19, however makes use of an aluminum body and polymer grip module that’s capped with a magwell. The grip module is meant to be user-modified or stippled, and options gas-pedal-type thumb rests on either side, in addition to ambidextrous controls and a reversible magazine catch button. We bought the ported mannequin, which has ports drilled via the slide and barrel to assist cut back muzzle flip — and it really works splendidly at that. This is likely one of the flattest-shooting 9mm compacts that I’ve ever fired. As a package deal, it comes with 5 magazines, a pleasant carrying case, and plenty of optic plates. I put in a Holosun EPS Carry for my full-length review, however we additionally examined it with iron sights on the gun take a look at. 

Some testers weren’t sizzling on the pistol’s ergonomics, and the grip didn’t match my hand completely. The one actual demerit although, was the tough break-in interval the gun had. It took roughly 300 rounds for the pistol to run most varieties of ammo easily, and it was nonetheless a little bit choosy. I observed some extreme put on on the inside surfaces of the slide and behind the disconnector — that binding and friction will sluggish a gun down simply sufficient to trigger issues. It wasn’t a deal breaker for the take a look at, however one thing we took word of.

Sig Sauer P322 Comp

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 Report Card

• Efficiency: Good
• Design: Good
• Worth: Good
• Common 5-shot group dimension at 15 yards: 1.264 inches (9 teams with purple dot optic)

Sig Sauer P322 Comp Specs

• Cartridge: .22 LR 
• Capability: 20+1, 25+1
• Motion: Semi-auto, single-action, inside hammer fired
• Barrel size: 4 inches
• Body materials:  Stainless-steel, polymer grip module
• Optic compatibility: Consists of Sig Romeo Zero Elite purple dot
• Set off: Single-action, curved and flat footwear included, 4 kilos, 6 ounces (measured)
• Weight: 1 pound, 4 ounces (weighed with empty journal)
• Value: $680

This .22 LR race gun is a provocative mixture of enjoyable and flashy options. It’s primarily based on Sig’s profitable P322 platform that mimics the scale and really feel of the P365 XMacro in 9mm, however filled with the options of an open-class race blaster. It’s bought a transparent anodized aluminum slide that homes a metal bolt insert, and operates on a set barrel housed in its black polymer grip module. In contrast to the centerfire fashions, the P322 is fired by an inside hammer, not a striker. 

The highlights of the P322 comp are, after all, its race-gun options. It sports activities a two-port muzzle compensator up entrance, a GoGun-style gas pedal takedown lever, cocking tabs on the rear of the slide, and is topped with a Sig Romeo Zero Elite purple dot sight. They offer the gun some hot-rod attraction, even when their effectiveness with the little .22 LR cartridge might be nominal.

This pistol has many sterling qualities, but in addition some drawbacks. Certainly one of our favourite issues is a double-stack journal — that are shockingly scarce in .22 pistols within the yr 2024. The 20- and 25-round magazines perform very properly and needs to be customary with each .22 pistol. On the opposite facet, a few of the take a look at crew didn’t assume that the P322 Comp felt like a “actual gun,” and it actually doesn’t have the mass or character of a Mark IV that you may move alongside to your grandkids. Additionally, the pistol ran reliably for us, however inside a couple of hundred rounds, the barrel leaded up so badly that bullets have been key-holing at 15 yards — a difficulty I skilled with the common P322 and a few ammo. Scrubbing the bore relieves the issue, but it surely’s one thing to remember.

Glock G29 Gen 5

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Report Card

• Efficiency: Good
• Design: Good
• Worth: Good
• Common 5-shot group dimension at 15 yards: 2.381 inches (9 teams with iron sights)

Glock G29 Gen 5 Specs

• Cartridge: 10mm 
• Capability: 10+1
• Motion: Semi-auto, single-action, striker-fired
• Barrel size: 3.78 inches
• Body materials:  Polymer
• Optic compatibility: Not optic appropriate
• Set off: Single-action 7 kilos, (measured)
• Weight: 1 pound, 11 ounces (weighed with empty journal)
• MSRP: $550

The world of Glocks is constant and dependable, even when which means no massive surprises. The oldsters in Austria are repeatedly chugging away, including slight enhancements to a recipe that works, and this yr we noticed a Gen 5 replace to the compact 10mm G29. Notable enhancements embody updates to the barrel, elimination of the finger grooves, and the addition of entrance slide serrations for us front-cockers. These final two give the G29 a bit extra buy for each cocking the gun and hanging on through the brutal recoil cycle — the finger grooves typically inhibited a great, correct grip greater than they facilitated it. With this little package deal in 10mm, you’ll actually want a great grip. There’s no room to your pinkie on this one.

To say that this gun wasn’t the take a look at crew’s favourite plinker would shock nobody, however we have been in a position to get surprisingly good accuracy out of it with iron sights. A notable level is the shortage of M.O.S. optic compatibility — there’s no optic reduce on the G29 Gen 5.

The G29 is the O.G. compact 10mm, however it would all the time be a distinct segment gun — particularly with the plethora of extra manageable 9mm micro compacts. Nonetheless, the G29 might be (and has been) employed as an efficient bear protection gun and should you’re prepared to observe and take the appendage abuse, it’s a strong decide.

Beretta PX4 Storm Compact Carry 2

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Report Card

• Efficiency: Good
• Design: Honest
• Worth: Honest
• Common 5-shot group dimension at 15 yards: 2.509 inches (9 teams with iron sights)

Walther PDP Compact Metal Body 4-inch Specs

• Cartridge: 9mm 
• Capability: 15+1
• Motion: Semi-auto, double/single-action, hammer-fired
• Barrel size: 3.2 inches
• Body materials:  Polymer
• Optic compatibility: Not optic appropriate
• Set off: Double/single-action 7 kilos, 9 ounces (measured)
• Weight: 1 pound, 11 ounces (weighed with empty journal)
• MSRP: $802

Beretta’s PX4 Storm has been a preferred carry gun, and the brand new PX4 Storm Hid Carry 2 is additional optimized for that activity. Just like the common PX4, it includes a rotating barrel design, however the CC2 model has a heavier barrel that provides mass and mitigates recoil. Notably, it additionally has an improved de-cocker and bobbed, snag-free hammer and improved double-action set off pull. 

The entire take a look at crew discovered the PX4 to be a smooth, manageable shooter, and a few actually favored it. We had blended emotions although. A few of us plainly thought it will be smaller than it’s, and it actually does have a thick, chunky really feel to it. That thickness does assist the shooter get extra buy on the gun, however contemplating the considerable variety of manageable pistols which can be extra compact with equal or larger capability, we had a tough time falling in love with this one. 

Although the double-action set off pull isn’t dangerous, the decocker and double-action perform merely isn’t one thing that shooters wish to see on a hid carry pistol in 2024. 

Remaining Ideas on the Finest Handguns of 2024

Although we have been initially underwhelmed by the scale of the handgun subject — as a result of we’ve tackled such massive numbers of entries the previous two years — we have been impressed and shocked with the standard of this yr’s handguns. We’ve to be sincere about what we like and what we don’t, however we didn’t have to scratch a single gun from the take a look at this yr, and each pistol had its charms. 

Most excitingly, none of us may predict the outcomes of such a mixture of good handguns. The sector was filled with stunning performers, glorious values, and market-driving ingenuity. I hope that these themes proceed for a few years to come back.

About Gunsite Academy

This yr’s take a look at of the very best handguns was as soon as once more graciously hosted by Gunsite Academy in Paulden, Arizona. As the house of the legendary Jeff Cooper and one of many first firearm coaching amenities that supplied lessons to most of the people, Gunsite is likely one of the premier gun coaching locations within the nation.

At Gunsite we work with their top-line instructors and use their glorious ranges and amenities. The genuinely pleasant, useful, and overly-accommodating employees at Gunsite allowed us to conduct our most bold gun take a look at so far. You’ll be able to expertise the magic of Gunsite, and enhance your abilities, by signing up for a class.