It can be a bit of a challenge deciphering the many popular handgun sales reports. The results depend on the source, and the source in question often pulls from a limited data pool. If you’ve been wondering about 2023 handgun trends and what people consider the latest hotness, or the classics that just don’t stop, we’ve got you covered. We’ve taken the numbers from various sources and pulled together a list of the top five most popular handguns. Think we got it wrong? Share your thoughts in the comments.
1. SIG P365
Here’s a gun a few different sources name as the current top-selling handgun. It’s no surprise, really; the SIG P365 has been wildly popular since it first appeared on the gun scene in late 2017/early 2018. This pistol was one of the earlier greater capacity sub-compacts to come along, and there’s good reason for its popularity.
The SIG P365 is a striker-fired gun chambered in 9x19mm Parabellum. It has a 10 +1 capacity with a flush-fit magazine or 12 +1 with an extended magazine (there’s also a 15-round mag if you’re not trying to conceal the gun). Considering it’s only 5.8 inches in length and 4.2 inches tall, that’s a pretty nice capacity. The P365 weighs just over 15 ounces empty and has a 3.1-inch barrel. Since the original model was officially launched quite a few variants have been introduced including the slightly larger P365XL, an optics-ready P365, and models chambered in 380 ACP. It’s an accurate pistol that’s comfortable to shoot and easy to conceal. No wonder it’s still a bestseller.
2. SIG Sauer P320
Depending on the source, the SIG P320 falls in one of the first three spots for top sales. This is a gun that’s been around for almost a decade and continues to enjoy wide use. Maybe it’s due to the modularity of the pistol and maybe it’s simply because of its accuracy and reliable performance, but whatever the reason, the P320 remains a headliner among gun owners. It’s also spawned so many variants it’s hard to keep track.
The P320 is another 9x19mm Parabellum handgun, although it’s full-sized rather than sub-compact. It has a 17 +1 capacity, a 4.7-inch barrel, and an empty weight of 29.5 ounces. Although it’s certainly possible to conceal a gun this size, it’s more of a challenge for most people. Even so, it’s a great gun whether for competition, home defense, or range use. The P320 is a well-balanced gun that has a lot of customization possibilities. It also has an accessory rail for the easy addition of lights and lasers, aggressively textured grips for a firm hold during live fire, and an aesthetic that’s managed to stand up to the passage of time and trends.
3. Glock 19
It comes as a surprise to no one that the Glock 19 is making an appearance on a top-selling handgun list. Now, it might surprise you to know it doesn’t seem to be the front-runner anywhere at the time of this writing, but it does at least remain among the top few handguns. It also depends on the month you’re checking for sales statistics, because here and there you’ll still find the G19 at the top.
The G19 is the compact version of the full-size G17, but it’s still a relatively large gun. It’s chambered in 9x19mm Parabellum, has a 4.02-inch barrel, and an empty weight of 21.16 ounces. Loaded, it weighs in at 30.16 ounces, which isn’t too surprising given its 15 +1 standard capacity. The G19 has an overall length of 7.36 inches, an overall height of 5.04 inches with a magazine inserted, and a width of 1.26 inches. This is an incredibly reliable gun that keeps on cycling regardless of having abuse heaped onto it, so it’s not shocking it’s maintained its popularity since 1988. And, of course, you can Cerakote Glocks, Hydro Dip them, and add practically endless aftermarket accessories.
4. Colt Python
Revolver sales are frequently tallied up separately from the semi-autos, and the current winner for revolver sales is the Colt Python. Really, it makes sense. The Colt Python was designed in the 1950s and entered production in 1955. It stayed in production until 1999 when mass production was ended and availability was limited to the gun maker’s custom shop. Then, in 2005, that also ended. For years gun lovers were quite vocal about their desire for the return of the Python, but it didn’t happen until 2020. The original models remain idealized and searched for by serious collectors, but the new run of Pythons has a lot of fans as well.
The Colt Python in its new production run is being offered with a 3.0-inch, 4.25-inch, or 6.0-inch barrel. It’s chambered in 357 Magnum/38 Special and has a 6-round capacity. The 4.25-inch barrel model has a 5.5-inch height and a 9.75-inch overall length. It’s possible to conceal the 4.25-inch model, but the 3.0-inch model would be a little easier to carry regularly. This “new” version utilizes 30% more steel in its frame and has been modernized for the best possible overall performance. Many revolver lovers say the new version can’t stand up to the original due in part to it not being hand-fitted, but in reality, Colt did an excellent job bringing the Python back.
5. Beretta 90 Series
Here’s an interesting one that’s been making an increasing number of appearances: the entire Beretta 90 Series. These handguns have enjoyed a following due to their high quality and fantastic performance, but also due to their past use as the duty guns for the military. Now, with the launch of even more 90 Series guns like the pictured 92X1 SAO, more gun owners are gravitating toward Beretta.
The Beretta 92XI is a full-size, 9mm chambered handgun with an 18 +1 capacity (it’s also offered 10 +1 and 15 +1). It has a frame-mounted safety, which is noteworthy for a 90 Series gun, and is a single-action-only model as its name suggests. The gun also has upright, narrow serrations at the front and back of the slide, an accessory rail for lights and lasers, and a standard fiber optic front sight. It’s by no means the only gun in the 90 Series, and it appears to be the entire family of guns that’s doing so well. Quality really does speak for itself.
Other Hot Sellers
Some of the other hot sellers are the Glock 17, Glock 22, Smith & Wesson 686, and Glock 43. If you’re sensing a polymer pistol theme, yes, there is one. It’s hard to beat reliable, affordably priced handguns. And it’s tough to beat classics, as you can see by the presence of well-known revolver models. It seems to take a lot for a newcomer to knock a long-time winner out of the running, but who knows? Anything is possible.
What gun are you surprised not to see listed? Drop your opinion in the comments section.
