Thefactsofwar ranks these weapons based on a combination of factors, including accuracy, reliability, range, penetration capability, magazine capacity, production volume, number of users, and other features.
These factors not only reflect the handgun’s effectiveness in real-world conditions but also highlight their popularity and favorability among global users.
TT Handgun, Soviet Union
- Country of Manufacture: Soviet Union
- Year Designed: 1930
- Full Weight: 0.94 kg
- Length: 195 mm
- Barrel Length: 116 mm
- Muzzle Velocity: 420 m/s
- Magazine Capacity: 8 rounds
The TT handgun stands out with its significant power and good penetration through various obstacles. Due to its compact size, it can be easily carried discreetly. Developed in 1930, the TT was widely used by the Soviet military over the years.
Advantages: The TT is very easy to use, contributing to its popularity in the military and security forces. It is a reliable choice for missions requiring mobility and efficiency.
Disadvantages
- However, the main drawback of the TT is its reliability when locking the magazine. This design sometimes leads to misfires, posing a danger to the user.
- Despite some limitations, the TT remains an important weapon symbol in Soviet military history, playing a pioneering role in equipping soldiers of that era.
FN Five-seveN Handgun, Belgium
- Country of Manufacture: Belgium
- Design Period: 1993-1998
- Full Weight: 0.744 kg
- Length: 208 mm
- Barrel Length: 122 mm
- Muzzle Velocity: 520-650 m/s (depending on ammunition type)
- Magazine Capacity: 10 rounds (limited), 20 rounds (standard), 30 rounds (enhanced)
Notable Features
The FN Five-seveN ranks fourth among the best handguns in the world. Designed and produced since 1998, this handgun has been successfully used by numerous NATO military units and forces.
The Five-seveN is known for its lightweight, flexible design, and ease of use, even in challenging situations. A key advantage of this gun is its ability to optimize combat effectiveness when using special ammunition. This allows rounds to penetrate bulletproof vests, increasing effectiveness in combat missions. With its superior features and high adaptability, the FN Five-seveN has proven to be an outstanding choice in modern combat situations.
Glock 17, Austria
- Country of Manufacture: Austria
- Year Designed: 1982
- Full Weight: 0.905 kg
- Length: 186 mm
- Barrel Length: 114 mm
- Muzzle Velocity: 350-360 m/s
- Magazine Capacity: 17 rounds (standard), 19 or 30 rounds (enhanced)
The Glock 17 is ranked third in the best handgun rankings globally and is widely used by armed forces in dozens of countries. With its optimized design, the Glock 17 is made from 30 parts, simplifying maintenance. A gun expert can disassemble it in under 60 seconds with just a pin.
Advantages
- High Reliability: The Glock 17 can fire up to half a million rounds while maintaining stable performance.
- Creative Design: Unlike traditional handguns, the Glock 17 lacks a typical trigger and safety lever, allowing users to quickly draw and fire the weapon.
- Durable Materials: Many parts are made from super-durable polymers that are resistant to impact and mechanical pressure.
The Glock 17 is considered one of the most convenient and reliable handguns. In the U.S., it is the top choice for many law enforcement agencies. About 40% of police officers surveyed consider it the most convenient and effective handgun of all time.
With its modern design, optimal weight, and versatile application, the Glock 17 not only meets the needs of military forces but has also become a symbol of simplicity, efficiency, and durability in personal firearm manufacturing.
SIG-Sauer P226, Germany-Switzerland
- Country of Manufacture: Germany, Switzerland
- Year Designed: 1981
- Full Weight: 0.802 or 0.867 kg (depending on ammunition type)
- Length: 196 mm
- Barrel Length: 112 mm
- Magazine Capacity: 12, 13, 15, 17, 18, or 20 rounds (depending on ammunition type)
The SIG-Sauer P226 is a handgun with a special history, earning a high rank due to its approval by military and special forces worldwide. Developed through a collaboration between SIG and Sauer, the P226 inherits its design from the P220, a prominent handgun of the mid-20th century.
Weapon experts appreciate the precision in design and the quality finish of each component. However, due to its larger size, the P226 is not ideal for being a compact concealed carry weapon. Nevertheless, for professionals, its larger size and good combat strength make it an indispensable tool.
Notable Advantages
- High Reliability: The P226 is considered one of the most stable and reliable handguns, suitable for various tasks from military to security operations.
- Quality Finish: Small components are crafted with high precision, showcasing professionalism in production.
- Compatibility: The P226 can use various magazine types, from 12 to 20 rounds, meeting a wide range of combat needs.
Disadvantages
- Disadvantages: The main drawback of the P226 is its high production cost, making it unsuitable for becoming a top choice in the U.S. military’s arms competitions at the time of its release.
- Although not the first choice due to its cost, the P226 is still widely used by many military and special forces due to its superior features. It represents the blend of top-tier design and modern technology, offering impressive performance on the battlefield.
- With its high quality and efficiency, the SIG-Sauer P226 has proven its position as one of the top handguns in the world.
Beretta 92 Handgun, Italy
- Country of Manufacture: Italy
- Year Designed: 1975
- Full Weight: 0.95 kg
- Length: 217 mm
- Barrel Length: 125 mm
- Muzzle Velocity: 390 m/s
- Magazine Capacity: 15 rounds
The Beretta 92, produced by one of the oldest firearm manufacturers in Europe, is an iconic and outstanding handgun in many aspects. Designed in 1975, this handgun quickly became the top choice of militaries and special forces in many countries around the world due to its stability and high reliability.
The Beretta 92 is not only famous for its aesthetic design but also for its continuous improvements, producing many different versions to adapt to modern combat conditions.
Advantages
- High Durability: The Beretta 92 is known for its ability to withstand harsh conditions, ensuring effective operation on the battlefield.
- Versatility: The handgun is used in military forces, law enforcement, and special operations.
- Large Magazine Capacity: With a capacity of up to 15 rounds, the Beretta 92 offers high combat efficiency.
Disadvantages
- Large Grip: The grip of the Beretta 92 is considered quite large, making it difficult for people with smaller hands to handle it effectively.
- Weight: Compared to other handguns in the same category, the Beretta 92 is relatively heavy, affecting its mobility in certain situations.
Despite a few drawbacks, the Beretta 92 still deserves recognition as one of the best handguns in the world due to its exquisite design, reliability, and exceptional performance. It is not only a symbol of Italy’s firearms industry but also a top choice for various units worldwide.
Conclusion
Through this article, we have explored a list of the world’s best handguns, from iconic designs like the Beretta 92 and SIG-Sauer P226 to modern models like the Glock 17 and FN Five-seveN. Each handgun provides outstanding performance through a perfect blend of accuracy, reliability, and special features.
Thefactsofwar hopes this article has given you an overview of the development of handguns in history and the remarkable advancements in personal weapon manufacturing technology. Stay tuned to learn more fascinating stories and useful information about various weapons and the history of world warfare!
