Top 5 Handguns of 2025
With the start of 2025 kicking off, it’s time to start looking at some of the best pistols to watch in the coming year. There’s no better feeling than getting a new handgun and these are certainly some options to check out if you’re looking to pick up a new pistol this year. In a market full of great pistols it can be tough to decide on just one pistol but hopefully, this article will help you narrow down your list and show attention to some fantastic pistols.
Top Gun Lists @ TFB:
5. Beretta GTS
One of the most overlooked firearms on the market is the Beretta GTS and it’s a real shame. Beretta came out with the GTS a few years ago and it’s the most modern variant of the classic 92 series. The 92 GTS has a frame-mounted decocker instead of the slide-mounted one. Combine that with an optics-ready slide and shaved-down frame to make it lighter and you have a real shooter on your hands. This is one of the smoothest pistols to fire DA/SA, I have a fair amount of rounds through the 92 GTS, and it's by far my favorite variant of the 92 series.
If you want to have a spicy variant, I would highly suggest sending it to Langdon Tactical to install their trigger kit making it one of the smoothest DA/SA options on the market. When it comes to new pistols, the industry is mostly focused on striker-fired ones but there are plenty of amazing DA/SA handguns that are an absolute joy to take out and shoot. The Beretta 92 GTS is certainly one on my list to pick up in 2025.
4. Alchemy Custom Weapons 1911
Here at TFB, the number 4 spot on our lists is typically marked for controversial choices and the one handgun I absolutely plan on purchasing in 2025 is an Alchemy Custom Weapons 1911 because they are truly works of art. These pistols are all hand-built handguns with a mix of modern machining while respecting the legacy John Moses Browning left with his design of the 1911. These pistols are incredibly well built with the highest quality materials while keeping the aesthetic as classic as possible.
With 1911 double stack variants available in 9mm or 45ACP in addition to classic well-built 1911s, they offer a wide variety of hand-built pistols with some of the wildest options available on production models with the ability to order upgrades like Mammoth ivory grips and gold bead front sights. Having the ability to order a one-of-a-kind custom pistol allows you to order a handgun exactly how you want it and that is the reason I put them on this list. They make some of the highest-quality 1911 and double-stack variants so they certainly deserve to be on this list.
3. Smith & Wesson Shield Plus Carry Comp
One of the biggest surprises for me in 2024 was just how great the new Shield Plus Carry Comp shot. There are some guns I take to the range just to put 500+ rounds through to see if it’s reliable as well as get a rough understanding of how it shoots. When I started shooting the Carry Comp last year, I was shocked at how flat it shot along with how easily it was to shoot quickly while maintaining tight groups. The aggressive serrations on the slide allow for easy racking and having an optics cut as standard.
Whenever a gun comes out of the performance center, it’s gone through and upgraded in almost every aspect whether it’s the trigger, sights, or internal parts. This Shield Plus Carry Comp is no exception and the PC version of this gun is turned up to 11. Of course, there are a number of fantastic carry guns on the market today, but this one earned a spot on my list based on how it shot and the ease of putting rounds on target quickly. I am seriously considering having this be one of my main carry guns as a result of my testing and how well the Shield Plus performed. I was never a fan of the original shield but this Shield Plus Carry Comp is a different animal.
2. FN 545
Another favorite of mine from 2024 was when I purchased and heavily tested my FN 545 in 45 ACP. This gun is the highest capacity 45 on the market with a standard 15+1 magazine and extended 18+1 capacity along with being optics ready and threaded for a suppressor right out of the gate. With the 45 ACP cartridge being naturally subsonic, it's the perfect host for a suppressor which the FN comes ready to go right out of the box. Having the larger capacity and optics cut for a variety of different red dot sights make this gun a fantastic choice for a “do all” pistol that many talk about.
FN also makes a 10mm Auto variant of the pistol called FN 510. With all the new models of 9mm and various carry guns coming out, it’s nice to see companies making a useful handgun that is different from the general trend. Combine that with the fact this comes with a soft shell case and optics plates for all the major red dot footprints on the market and you have a real winner here. If you haven’t checked out the new FN 545, I highly suggest you check it out if you’re in the market for something interesting and something different.
1. Glock 47/49
When it comes to new Glocks, you oftentimes can guess what the pistol will roughly look like whether it’s a long-barreled competition model or a small-frame pocket gun. The new Glock 47 and 49 models may not be a drastic departure from what Glock has offered or made in the past but it is certainly an interesting step towards Glock being more modular. The new 47 variant is the same size as the full-size Glock 17 but has the same recoil spring as the Glock 19 allowing you to get a 19 slide and create something identical to the 19X or have it be the full-size variant with the factory slide it comes with.
The Glock 49 is the same way where you have a Glock 19 size frame with a longer full-size slide that would be the same as the Glock 17 creating a longer barrel with a compact frame. It’s not a fully modular system but allows you to change out slides crafting whatever size gun you want to based on your preferences. It’s certainly a great option for those who want a full-size handgun to train with but prefer to carry a smaller gun every day.
Suppressor Options
With the exception of the Shield Plus, every other handgun on this list either has or can be equipped with a threaded barrel so let’s take a closer look at some fantastic options.
Dead Air Wolfman
The Dead Air Wolfman suppressor is one of the toughest 9mm suppressors I have used on pistols and PDWs as well. It’s not the lightest option but in terms of reliability, it is a fantastic choice. Regular height sights won’t typically clear the top of the suppressor but anything with an optics cut will do just fine which most of the pistols on this list have options for already. Overall, this suppressor is a fantastic choice and versatile for both pistols and PDW-style firearms.
Technical Specifications:
- Length: Long Configuration - 7.5 inches, Short Configuration - 5.13 inches
- Weight: Long Configuration - 14.4 ounces, Short Configuration - 9.8 ounces
- Diameter: 1.618 inches
- Build Materials: Fully welded 17-4 stainless steel
- Finish: Cerakote™
- Full Auto Rated: Yes
- No Barrel Restrictions: No
Silencer Shop makes getting suppressors easy and you can buy the Dead Air Wolfman suppressor from the link below.
Dead Air Wolfman Suppressor
SIG Sauer ModX-45 Suppressor
The SIG Sauer ModX-45 suppressor is a newer 3D-printed design that allows the user to have a modular adjustable can on their gun. Being 45 caliber, it can take everything on this list without issue and allows you to adjust how many baffles you want on the suppressor. Depending on what you shoot with the ModX-45, it can be configured to a shorter profile or something longer for a PDW for better noise suppression. Modular style suppressors are something of a new idea but they are becoming more common.
Technical Specifications:
- Caliber: 45 Auto
- Diameter: 1.38 in
- Overall Length: 9.25 in
- Threads: .578 in - 28 tpi & M16 x 1 mm LH
- Weight: 8.75 oz (248 g)
- Material: Titanium / Stainless Steel
- Attachment Type: Direct Thread
The SIG Sauer ModX-45 suppressor is also available through Silencer Shop.
SIG Sauer ModX-45 Suppressor
Overall Thoughts
These pistols are all great options that offer various perks and are all fantastic shooting handguns in their own way. Ther are going to be more handguns released this year like there are every other year. If you are in the market for a new handgun, I hope you’ll consider these options for a solid reliable firearm.
Let me know what you guys think about my top handgun list in the comments below. If you have questions about any of these handguns or firearms in general, feel free to shoot me a message on Instagram @fridgeoperator. Stay safe out there and we will see you in the next review.
TFB is proud to partner with Silencer Shop as our preferred vendor for all of your NFA needs. Whether you are searching for a new suppressor, SBR, or trust, Silencer Shop is here to provide a seamless and fast service for your next NFA purchase. Head over to www.silencershop.com to begin your NFA journey.
I'm an avid shooter and love educating whether it's at my job or in the shooting community. I'm an average joe that really loves talking with other people about firearms and other passions.I'm active on Instagram on @fridgeoperator.
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Polymer 80 beat Glock to the 49 over 5 years ago, I always thought Glock was doing It backwards with the 19x.
#1 The 92 gts is barely more expensive than the comparable Taurus, so very well priced. #2 Very nice, too much for me. #3 Yup. #4 Needs a flush fit magazine. #5 Meh, just another boring Glock.