Last updated and checked October 29, 2026 · By Nick Hall, who tracks gun prices and sales data across 200+ retailers
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Quick answer: The best-selling gun in America is the Sig Sauer P365. It was the #1 handgun on GunBroker for 2025 and the #1 semi-auto pistol in 9 of the 13 months we tracked from January 2025 to February 2026. The Ruger 10/22 was the #1 semi-auto rifle in 12 of those 13 months, followed by the Glock 19, Glock 43X, Taurus TX22 and Sig P320.
How we ranked them: no one publishes national sales by model, so we used the best public data there is: GunBroker’s GunGenius rankings (its 2025 year-end handgun list and 13 months of category rankings published by Guns & Ammo), plus ATF’s count of guns made by each maker. GunBroker is one big online marketplace, not all US retail, but the same names top every list.
Table of Contents
How we tested: Every pick here is ranked against our testing methodology. Minimum round counts, accuracy and reliability protocols, the failures that disqualify a gun.
The Best-Selling Guns in America, by the Data
Americans ran 14,612,314 gun-sale background checks in 2025, down 4.1% from 2024, by the NSSF-adjusted NICS count. A handful of models take a big share of those sales, and they are number one for a reason: they work, they are easy to find, and the price is right for what they do.
The old version of this page was a 2023 list built from guesses. This one is built from sales rankings. The top of the market barely moves: the GunGenius 2025 handgun top 10 was Sig P365, Glock 19, Glock 43X, Taurus TX22, Sig P320, Glock 17, Colt Python, Springfield Kuna, Sig P226 and HK CC9, and the monthly rankings repeat the same names.
Five guns owned their categories. The Ruger 10/22 was the #1 semi-auto rifle in 12 of 13 months, the P365 the #1 pistol in 9, and the Colt Python, Mossberg 590 and Ruger American each led their category in 8.
1. Sig Sauer P365: America’s Best-Selling Handgun
- Caliber: 9mm
- Capacity: 10+1 standard
- Barrel: 3.1 inches
- Sales rank: #1 handgun of 2025; #1 pistol in 9 of 13 months
The P365 put 10+1 rounds of 9mm in a pistol the size of a .380 when it launched in 2018, and it has not let go of the top spot. It was GunGenius’s #1 handgun of 2025 and in the top five pistols in all 13 months we tracked. Sig now sells it as an optic-ready model and calls it “America’s #1 selling micro-compact pistol.”
Sportsman’s Warehouse had the P365 at $499.99 on October 29, 2026. The family has grown into the P365X, XL and XMACRO, but the original micro-compact is still what sells. For more on the line, see our Sig Sauer deals page.
Pros
- 10+1 of 9mm in a micro frame
- Huge holster and parts support
- Optic-ready from the factory
Cons
- Snappy in a small gun
- Short sight radius
- Many variants confuse buyers
Best For: Concealed carry, and anyone who wants the gun everyone else buys.
2. Ruger 10/22: The Best-Selling Rifle
- Caliber: .22 LR
- Capacity: 10-round rotary magazine
- Barrel: 18.5 inches (Carbine)
- Sales rank: #1 rifle of 2025; #1 semi-auto rifle in 12 of 13 months
No rifle sells like the 10/22. It led GunGenius’s 2025 rifle rankings and was the #1 semi-auto rifle in 12 of the 13 months we tracked. In December 2025, every one of the top five semi-auto rifles was a Ruger.
Ruger has renamed the line “10/22 Standard”; the 18.5-inch model 32002 lists at $339, and Guns.com had a 10/22 Carbine at $276.99 on October 29, 2026. It is the rifle most Americans learn on, and the aftermarket is the biggest of any rimfire.
Pros
- Cheap to buy and to feed
- Biggest rimfire aftermarket
- Rotary magazine feeds reliably
Cons
- Stock trigger is heavy
- .22 LR is small-game only
- Plain sights on the base model
![RUGER 10/22 CARBINE (MAGPUL X-22 SERIES) [SILVER]](https://www.usa-gun-shop.com/wp-content/uploads/ugs-pc-img/d12535d359c2e4d6b81f1a522ca378b2.jpg)
Best For: New shooters, kids, plinking and small game.
3. Glock 19: The Default 9mm
- Caliber: 9mm
- Capacity: 15+1
- Barrel: 4.02 inches
- Current model: Gen 6, launched January 20, 2026
- Sales rank: #2 handgun of 2025; #1 pistol in October and November 2025
The Glock 19 was GunGenius’s #2 handgun of 2025 and the #1 pistol in October and November 2025. Glock launched the Gen 6 on January 20, 2026, with a new frame, an optic cut and changed internals, so check fitment before you buy Gen 5 parts for it.
Brownells had the Glock 19 Gen 6 at $620 on October 29, 2026. It is the 9mm that police departments, trainers and first-time buyers default to, and for good reason. Compare it with its rivals in our Glock 19 vs Sig P320 guide.
Pros
- Proven reliability, huge support
- 15+1 in a compact size
- Gen 6 is optic-ready
Cons
- Gen 6 changes parts fitment
- Blocky grip for small hands
- Plain factory sights
Best For: Home defense, carry and a first handgun that does everything.
4. Glock 43X: The Slim Carry Glock
- Caliber: 9mm
- Capacity: 10+1 (15-round magazines also sold)
- Barrel: 3.41 inches
- Sales rank: #3 handgun of 2025
The 43X was GunGenius’s #3 handgun of 2025, the slimline Glock that pairs a longer grip with a single-stack-thin frame. Palmetto State Armory had one with a 15-round magazine at $448 on October 29, 2026.
It is the Glock for people who find the 19 too thick to carry. If you want an optic, buy the MOS version.
Pros
- Thin and easy to conceal
- Full grip for a carry gun
- Glock reliability and support
Cons
- 10+1 standard capacity
- Base model has no optic cut
- Same plain Glock sights
Best For: Everyday concealed carry.
5. Taurus TX22: The Best-Selling .22 Pistol
- Caliber: .22 LR
- Capacity: 16+1
- Barrel: 4.1 inches
- Sales rank: #4 handgun of 2025; #1 pistol in September 2025 and February 2026
The TX22 was GunGenius’s #4 handgun of 2025 and beat the P365 for the top pistol spot in September 2025 and February 2026. A full-size .22 with 16-round magazines makes it the cheapest way to practice handgun skills.
Taurus now sells the TX22 Gen 2; Guns.com had one at $384.99 on October 29, 2026. It is a range gun and a trainer, not a defensive pistol.
Pros
- 16+1 rounds of cheap .22
- Full-size grip for training
- Threaded, optic-ready versions
Cons
- .22 LR is not a defense round
- Rimfire ammo picky in some guns
- Large for its caliber
Best For: New shooters and anyone who wants cheap trigger time.
6. Sig Sauer P320: The Modular Service Pistol
- Caliber: 9mm (other calibers through the modular fire control unit)
- Capacity: 15+1 (Compact)
- Sales rank: #5 handgun of 2025
The P320 was GunGenius’s #5 handgun of 2025 and was in the monthly top five in 8 of 13 months. Its serialized fire control unit moves between grip modules and slides, and the Army adopted it as the M17 and M18.
Brownells had a new P320 Compact at $449.99 on October 29, 2026; Guns.com listed one at $359.99, but Guns.com sells new and used guns under the same title, so check the condition. Read the litigation section of our Sig Sauer deals page before you buy.
Pros
- Modular frame and slide system
- Military M17 and M18 pedigree
- Low price for a Sig
Cons
- Ongoing lawsuits over discharges
- Some police agencies dropped it
- Bulky compared with a Glock
Best For: Shooters who want one pistol they can resize.
7. Mossberg 590: The Best-Selling Pump Shotgun
- Gauge: 12 (also 20 and .410)
- Action: pump
- Sales rank: #1 shotgun of 2025; #1 pump in 8 of 13 months
The Mossberg 590 led GunGenius’s 2025 shotgun rankings and was the #1 pump in 8 of 13 months. It is the defensive version of the Mossberg 500, with a heavier barrel and a magazine tube you can clean, and Mossberg was the #1 shotgun maker in ATF’s count for the fifth year in a row.
Its budget cousin, the Mossberg Maverick 88, took the #1 pump spot from November 2025 to January 2026. Compare the family in our Mossberg 590 vs 590A1 guide.
Pros
- Proven home defense pump
- Ambidextrous tang safety
- Huge parts and accessory support
Cons
- Heavy compared with semi-autos
- Pump action needs practice
- Recoil with full-power loads
Best For: Home defense on a budget.
8. Ruger American Rifle: The Best-Selling Bolt Gun
- Calibers: .270, .308, 6.5 Creedmoor, 6mm ARC, .400 Legend, .450 Bushmaster and more
- Action: bolt
- Sales rank: #2 rifle of 2025; #1 bolt-action in 8 of 13 months
The Ruger American was GunGenius’s #2 rifle of 2025 and the #1 bolt-action in 8 of 13 months; the Tikka T3x Lite took the other five. The Gen II added a fluted, threaded barrel and a better stock at a price deer hunters can afford.
Palmetto State Armory had a Ruger American Gen II in .270 at $563.99 on October 29, 2026. It is the rifle we point first-time deer hunters to.
Pros
- Accurate for the money
- Gen II adds threaded barrel
- Every common deer caliber
Cons
- Plain stock and finish
- Trigger is good, not great
- Gen II costs more than Gen I
Best For: First-time deer hunters.
9. Colt Python: The Best-Selling Revolver
- Caliber: .357 Magnum / .38 Special
- Capacity: 6
- Sales rank: #7 handgun of 2025, the only revolver in the top 10; #1 revolver in 8 of 13 months
The Colt Python was the only revolver in GunGenius’s 2025 handgun top 10, at #7, and the #1 revolver in 8 of 13 months. Colt’s 2020 relaunch turned a collector icon back into a shooter, and it still leads a category full of cheaper guns.
Colt’s store lists it at $1,699, and Palmetto State Armory had a 2.5-inch Python at $1,119.99 on October 29, 2026. See our Colt Python review for the full test.
Pros
- The best double-action revolver trigger
- Classic looks, modern build
- Strong resale value
Cons
- Expensive for a revolver
- Six rounds only
- Heavier than polymer pistols
Best For: Revolver fans and anyone who wants a gun to keep for life.
10. Glock 17: The Full-Size Standard
- Caliber: 9mm
- Capacity: 17+1
- Barrel: 4.49 inches
- Current model: Gen 6
- Sales rank: #6 handgun of 2025
The Glock 17 was GunGenius’s #6 handgun of 2025 and in the monthly top five from October to December 2025. It is the full-size original that the 19 was cut down from, with two more rounds and a longer sight radius.
Brownells had the Glock 17 Gen 6 at $620 on October 29, 2026, the same price as the 19.
Pros
- 17+1 full-size capacity
- Long sight radius for accuracy
- Gen 6 optic-ready
Cons
- Too big for most carry
- Gen 6 changes parts fitment
- Plain factory sights
Best For: Home defense and range shooters who want a full-size 9mm.
Also Near the Top
- Mossberg Maverick 88: the #1 pump shotgun from November 2025 to January 2026 and in the top five in 12 of 13 months. Mossberg lists the Security model at $290.
- Marlin 1895 SBL: GunGenius’s #3 rifle of 2025 and the most frequent #1 lever gun.
- Heritage Rough Rider: the #1 revolver in four months of 2025, and the cheapest way into a single-action .22.
- Springfield Armory Kuna: #8 on the 2025 handgun list.
Off the old list: the Taurus G2C is discontinued (Taurus replaced it with the G3C, $364.99 list), and the Springfield Hellcat, Ruger MAX-9 and S&W M&P15 Sport III did not appear in any monthly top five we tracked.
Who Makes the Most Guns
Sales rankings show what people buy one gun at a time. ATF’s manufacturing report shows the totals. For 2024, the latest year, Ruger made 1,335,753 guns, ahead of Smith & Wesson (970,160) and Sig Sauer (944,437). Ruger led for the third straight year, per American Rifleman, and Mossberg was the #1 shotgun maker for the fifth.
US factories made 9,474,540 guns in 2024, by ATF’s count. Palmetto State Armory, at 560,360, shows how far an online-first maker has come.
Why These Guns Sell
Look at the top ten and a pattern jumps out. Every one is easy to find, easy to feed and easy to get parts and holsters for. The P365 and 43X won concealed carry, the Glock 19 and P320 won the do-everything 9mm, and the 10/22 and TX22 won cheap practice. Nothing exotic makes the list.
The biggest mistake new buyers make is treating a best-seller list as a shopping list. A best-seller is a safe bet on reliability and support, but the right gun depends on the job. Match the gun to the role first, then use this list to pick the most proven option in that role, and check what it costs across retailers with our gun price check.
Facts and Figures
- #1 handgun of 2025 (GunBroker): Sig Sauer P365, then Glock 19, Glock 43X, Taurus TX22, Sig P320
- Most months at #1, January 2025 to February 2026: Ruger 10/22 12 of 13; Sig P365 9 of 13; Colt Python, Mossberg 590, Ruger American 8 of 13
- Gun-sale background checks, 2025: 14,612,314 (NSSF-adjusted NICS), down 4.1% from 15,239,011 in 2024
- Top makers by 2024 units (ATF): Ruger 1,335,753; Smith & Wesson 970,160; Sig Sauer 944,437
- US guns made in 2024: 9,474,540 (ATF)
Best-Selling Guns FAQ
What is the best-selling gun in America?
The Sig Sauer P365. It was the #1 handgun on GunBroker for 2025 and the #1 semi-auto pistol in 9 of the 13 months from January 2025 to February 2026. No one publishes national sales by model, so GunBroker's rankings are the best public data.
What is the best-selling rifle in America?
The Ruger 10/22. It led GunGenius's 2025 rifle rankings and was the #1 semi-auto rifle in 12 of 13 months from January 2025 to February 2026. The Ruger American was the best-selling bolt-action.
What is the best-selling shotgun?
The Mossberg 590 led GunGenius's 2025 shotgun rankings and was the #1 pump in 8 of 13 months. Its budget cousin, the Mossberg Maverick 88, was #1 from November 2025 to January 2026.
What is the best-selling revolver?
The Colt Python, the only revolver in GunGenius's 2025 handgun top 10 at #7 and the #1 revolver in 8 of 13 months. The Heritage Rough Rider led in four months of 2025.
How many guns are sold in the US each year?
NSSF-adjusted background checks, the best proxy for gun sales, totaled 14,612,314 in 2025, down 4.1% from 15,239,011 in 2024. A background check is not a one-to-one count of guns sold.
Which company makes the most guns?
Ruger. ATF's report for 2024 counts 1,335,753 Ruger guns, ahead of Smith & Wesson (970,160) and Sig Sauer (944,437). It was Ruger's third straight year on top.
Is the Taurus G2C still made?
No. Taurus has dropped the G2C and calls the G3 series its follow-on; the G3C lists at $364.99.
Should I buy a gun because it is a best-seller?
A best-seller is a safe bet on reliability, parts and holsters, but pick the gun for the job first: carry, home defense, hunting or practice. Then choose the most proven option in that role.
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