161 Best Pistols

This list is going to be a grab bag of all the best pistols in the WORLD. Seems kind of daunting doesn't it? While there's obviously a huge element of this being a matter of personal opinion. At GunCritic we're confident that this list could easily be the most comprehensive list of the best pistols ever created. The history of the pistol is certainly incredible. The first pistol can be traced back to Europe circa 1550, referred to as a pistolet. The first pistols were typically just single shot weapons, which were all the rage during the flintlock and musket era. Incredibily, single shot pistols are still produced to this day.

When the revolver came to prominence in the 19th century, the world was forever changed. Multiple rounds being able to be fired in quick succession was an incredible development. These weapons shot anywhere from five to eight rounds and were manufactured to make the cylinder rotate to ready the next round. Another huge breakthrough came with the invention of the semi automatic pistols, which will obviously be the majority of our list. The major advantage of this type of pistol was that each chamber did not need to reloaded individually. This was a gigantic breakthrough, as the pistol could fire much faster and reloading took seconds.

Eventually machine pistols became available around 1916. This is also referred to as a sub machine gun. Rapid and burst fire became possible for the first time, shaking up the military landscape once again. So, without further ado, here's our list of the best pistols in the world. Don't agree with our list? Be sure to let us know in the comments below, we'd love to hear your feedback! Also, if you click any of the weapons below you'll find the best prices online we can find for each pistol.

From $503.99

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Beretta PX4 Storm

The Beretta PX4 Compact Semi Auto Pistol is an ideal carry gun for just about anyone. It features a lightweight polymer frame, ambidextrous safety, interchangeable back straps, and a stainless steel b... read more

GunCritic Score

94%

User Rating

99%

#71

Best Handgun Brands

#21

Best Budget 9mm

#24

Best Pistols in The World

#21

Best First Handguns

From $607.75

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CZ 75 B Stainless Steel

The new CZ 75 Stainless is the first stainless steel firearm that bears the CZ name. With the exception of ambidextrous manual safety and rubber grips, the stainless version is functionally identical... read more

GunCritic Score

98%

User Rating

99%

Best Full Size Carry Pistols

Best Home Defense Handguns

Best 9mm Handguns For Women

#11

Best CZ Handguns

From $1082.90

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EAA Tanfoglio Witness Hunter

Been thinking about doing a little Pistol Hunting? Get a Witness Hunter and you will drop them where they stand. The Witness Hunter becomes an extension of you arm, youaim, squeeze the trigger and the... read more

GunCritic Score

100%

User Rating

99%

Best 10mm Pistols

Best 10mm Handguns

#24

Best Competition Pistols

From $5616.80

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Beretta 92FS Fusion Exclusive

The 92FS Fusion Black is the result of careful design research, with the objective of striking the perfect balance: the fusion between tradition and innovation. This new Limited-Edition gun reinterpre... read more

GunCritic Score

50%

User Rating

99%

From $475.99

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Browning Buck Mark Hunter

The Buck Mark Hunter is perfect for small game. With a 7-1/4" heavy tapered bull barrel, it has just enough weight to keep it steady for quick follow-up shots, but not so heavy as to make it ungainly... read more

GunCritic Score

98%

User Rating

99%

#18

Best Target _22LR Pistols

Best 22 Pistols For Self-Defense

#14

Best Pistol Brands

From $1004.99

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Springfield Armory 1911 Loaded Operator

1911 Loaded OperatorÂ®. 45 ACP pistol includes an extended ambidextrous thumb safety along with a 5" stainless steel match-grade barrel and fitted bushing to render custom shop performance at a produc... read more

GunCritic Score

100%

User Rating

99%

#27

Best 1911 Brands

From $503.99

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Beretta PX4 Storm Sub-Compact

The Beretta Px4 Storm Sub-Compact pistol delivers concealed carry handling with large frame firepower. The Px4 series is built around a modular concept so these pistols can be adapted to different nee... read more

GunCritic Score

90%

User Rating

99%

Best Pistols in The World

#23

Best Handguns for Black-Tie Events

Best Handguns for Beginner

Best First Handguns

From $329.04

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Springfield Armory XD Sub-Compact

This XD is thumb safety equipped and a 3"sub- compact size XD. Single Action built on a compact-size frame with a 3" barrel, this XD delivers superior ergonomics and reliable performance. This pistol... read more

GunCritic Score

98%

User Rating

99%

From $472.59

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EAA Tanfoglio Witness Elite 1911

Witness the FIRST Polymer Single Stack 1911 Pistol, similar to that of the classic 1911 with the same dimensions and technical characteristics; ideal for Target Shooting, I.P.S.C. and I.D.P.A. (SINGLE... read more

GunCritic Score

96%

User Rating

99%

From $561.34

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EAA Tanfoglio Witness Polymer Carry

Say you want a pistol for self defense, home defense or lawful concealed carry. There are so many choices out there. You want a pistol that could be a carry gun as well as enjoyable to shoot and chamb... read more

GunCritic Score

94%

User Rating

99%

#16

Best Compact Pistols

Best 22 Magnum Pistols

Best 9mm Compacts

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