TOP 5 PISTOLS OF 2025

The top 5 pistols of 2025 combine advanced materials, improved ergonomics, and cutting-edge technology to enhance reliability and user experience. Leading the list is the Glock 19 Gen 5, known for its ambidextrous qualities and enhanced internals. The SIG Sauer P365 continues to make superior sales due to its unique trigger system, despite the current safety issues. The M&P Shield Plus offers durability and a trusted reliability in an ultra-compact carry package. The FN 509MRD integrates optics ready design into an ergonomic and easy to use design, which the LAPD just adopted. Lastly, the Walther PDP Compact provides customizable optics-ready options with a focus on quick target acquisition and superior ergonomics, making it a top choice for both personal defense and tactical applications.

GLOCK 19 GEN5

At $540, the Glock 19 in its current iteration is a very good shooting pistol. The recoil impulse is smooth and tame and the trigger system makes the pistol easy to make precision hits with, even for a beginner. I recently had my father try out the Glock at an indoor range, and he preferred it over other pistols like the M&P. My father is not very experienced with pistols, and is relatively intimidated by shooting, but some of his best shooting was with the Glock, and it gave him more confidence than the other pistols.

SIG SAUER P365

The Sig P365 is a compact, striker-fired pistol designed for concealed carry and personal defense. For $550, it features a high-capacity magazine for its size, typically holding 10 to 12 rounds, which sets it apart from many similarly compact handguns. The pistol’s ergonomic design and textured grip provide comfortable handling and control, while its trigger mechanism is one of the lightest on the market. With a slim profile and lightweight construction, the Sig P365 is easy to carry discreetly, making it a popular choice among law enforcement officers and civilian carriers alike. Its customizable options contribute to its reputation as a desirable everyday carry firearm.

The SIG P365 has been reported by some users to experience uncommanded discharges, which are unintended firings occurring without the trigger being pulled. These incidents have raised concerns about the firearm’s internal safety mechanisms, specifically relating to trigger and sear engagement. SIG Sauer has addressed some of these reports through voluntary upgrades to improve the pistol’s safety and reliability. It's important for owners to ensure their P365 is updated with any manufacturer-recommended modifications and to practice strict firearm safety protocols to prevent accidental discharges.

M&P SHIELD PLUS

The M&P Shield Plus is a compact, striker-fired pistol designed for personal defense and concealed carry. At $550 it features a higher-capacity magazine than its predecessor, holding up to 10 or 13 rounds depending on the model, without increasing the size of the firearm. The Shield Plus combines a slim profile with enhanced grip texture for improved control and comfort. Its crisp trigger, consistent reset, and ambidextrous slide stop contribute to its reputation as a reliable and user-friendly handgun. Additionally, the pistol includes standard safety features and is compatible with various optics, making it a versatile choice for both new and experienced shooters.

FN509 MRD

The FN509MRD is a compact, striker-fired 9mm pistol designed for reliability and performance in both personal defense and law enforcement applications. Featuring a durable stainless steel slide with a nitride finish, the FN509MRD includes an optic-ready slide cut to mount micro red dot sights, enhancing target acquisition and accuracy, all for about $850. Its ergonomic grip with interchangeable backstraps allows for a customizable fit, while the aggressive slide serrations improve manipulation under stress. The pistol also incorporates a robust striker safety system and a crisp trigger pull, making it a dependable choice for shooters seeking adaptability and precision in a concealed-carry or duty firearm.

WALTHER PDP COMPACT

The Walther PDP Compact is a versatile semi-automatic pistol designed for reliable performance and enhanced ergonomics. It costs about $600 and features a striker-fired mechanism with a crisp trigger, improving accuracy and control during rapid fire. The polymer frame offers a comfortable grip, while the compact size makes it suitable for concealed carry and everyday use. Equipped with a high-capacity magazine and advanced sighting options, the PDP Compact balances capacity, concealability, and ease of use, making it a solid choice for both law enforcement and civilian self-defense applications.

WRAPUP

When selecting a pistol for self-defense or tactical training, reliability, ergonomics, and ease of use are paramount. Among the five pistols discussed in our article, the Glock 19 stands out as the optimal choice for most users. Its balanced size offers a perfect blend of concealability and shootability, making it versatile for everyday carry and range training alike. The Glock 19’s intuitive controls accommodate both beginners and experienced shooters. However, I would place the Walther PDP Compact on the same level as the Glock in all the categories. The PDP is based on the PPQ design, which was well known for being rugged and reliable, and set the standard for a safe and fast trigger out of the box.