Top 10 Guns of 2022
Whether you’re looking to purchase your first handgun or can’t decide which model to add to your collection, this list of the top gun picks of 2022 can help you decide which is next on your list.
We’ve taken old and new guns alike into consideration to determine which gun models deserve a place among the top 10 guns of 2022. From newer guns like the Sig P365 X-Macro to classic options like the Glock 19, there is something on this list for everyone.
You’ve been waiting all year for this, so let’s not wait any longer. Keep reading to find out some of the most popular guns of 2022 – starting with number 10.
10. Sig P320 XCompact
Starting off our list strong is the 9mm Sig Sauer P320 XCompact. Everything you love about the P320 XSeries fits into a compact package with this unique pistol. Popular among our customers, this 9mm pistol is a great option for concealed carry.
Featuring a 3.6” barrel and X-Ray sights, the P320 XCompact is chambered in 9mm Luger. The modular grip frame, extended beavertail, and undercut trigger guard make this gun highly ergonomic. Each P320 XCompact comes standard with two 15-round magazines and is compatible with the ROMEO1PRO optic.
This popular pistol weighs only 25.3 ounces, and each model features improved recoil control and an XSeries slide with enhanced serrations. A 10-round magazine model is available for those in states with restrictions on capacity.
For more information on the Sig Sauer P320 XCompact 9mm, visit Sig’s website here. Or, if you are looking for holsters because you already own this popular pistol, check out our holster options for the Sig P320 XCompact.
9. Springfield Armory Hellcat OSP
It’s probably no surprise that this version of the original Springfield Hellcat made our list of the top 10 guns of 2022.
Chambered in 9mm Luger, the striker-fired Hellcat OSP is known for being incredibly accurate and compact. It comes standard with an 11-round flush magazine, though a 13-round extended mag is available.
Weighing only 17.9 ounces, the Hellcat OSP comes optics-ready and has a few additional features like its adaptive grip texture and tritium U-Dot tactical sight that made it a great choice of a firearm in 2022.
For more information on the Springfield Hellcat OSP, visit Springfield’s website here. Or, if you are looking for holsters because you already own this popular pistol, check out our holster options for the Springfield Hellcat OSP.
8. Glock 17
Our Top 10 Guns of 2022 list wouldn’t be complete without a few Glocks, starting with the Glock 17. Known for its reliability and high magazine capacity for its size, the Glock 17 is a popular gun commonly used by law enforcement and the military in addition to EDC.
This striker-fired pistol is chambered in 9mm Luger and the Gen5 model features interchangeable backstraps to accommodate both small and extra small hand sizes.
Weighing only 22.05 ounces and packing an impressive 17 rounds, this pistol is a great option for whatever you may need. An extended magazine of up to 33 rounds is available if you are looking for a higher capacity. Additional features include Glock’s Safe ActionⓇ system, and Gen5 models come standard with the Glock Marksman Barrel.
For more information on the Glock 17, visit Glock’s website here. Or, if you are looking for holsters because you already own this popular pistol, check out our holster options for the Glock 17 here.
7. Glock 26
Closely following the G17 is the Glock 26 – a popular backup gun for shooters who prefer the G17 or G19. Its compact size makes it a great choice for ankle or pocket carry.
Chambered in 9mm Luger, this striker-fired pistol features minimal recoil with great accuracy at an impressive rate of fire.
This sub-compact pistol weighs 21.52 ounces and comes standard with a 10-round magazine. Additional magazine options are available, which increase the capacity to up to 33 rounds.
For more information on the Glock 26, visit Glock’s website here. Or, if you are looking for holsters because you already own this popular pistol, check out our holster options for the Glock 26.
6. Glock 43
Known for accuracy and concealability, it comes as no surprise that the Glock 43 would make our list of the Top 10 Guns of 2022.
This striker-fired pistol is chambered in 9mm Luger and features the Glock Safe Action trigger system. This is a popular option for shooters of all hand sizes and comes standard with a 6-round magazine. If you are looking for higher capacity, extended magazines are also available.
Weighing only 17.99 ounces, the Glock 43 offers shooters the best of both worlds, combining the popular features of full-size Glocks into a compact package.
For more information on the Glock 43, visit Glock’s website here. Or, if you are looking for holsters because you already own this popular pistol, check out our holster options for the Glock 43.
5. S&W M&P Shield Plus
Designed with concealed carry in mind, the Smith & Wesson M&P Shield Plus features some of the same things Shield owners have grown to love, with a few improvements and new features.
Starting with capacity, Smith & Wesson made the Shield Plus with a 10-round flush magazine or an optional 13-round extended magazine. Chambered in 9mm Luger and available with a 3.1” or 4” barrel, the M&P Shield Plus has an 18-degree grip angle for a more natural aim and better recoil management.
The new flat trigger results in more consistent finger placement and increased accuracy. Available with or without a thumb safety, this extremely thin and lightweight tactical pistol weighs only 20.2 ounces and is a great option for your next gun.
For more information on the Smith & Wesson M&P Shield Plus, visit Smith & Wesson’s website here. If you are looking for holsters because you already own this popular pistol, check out our holster options for the Smith & Wesson M&P Shield Plus.
4. Ruger LCP Max
If you are a diehard Ruger fan, then the LCP Max is a great option for concealed carry guns and was a popular choice in 2022.
This double-action only pistol is chambered in .380 Auto and is classified as a micro-compact pistol, making it easy to conceal inside the waistband or even in a pocket holster like our Pocket Locker.
Featuring a textured grip frame, tritium front sights, and reduced recoil, this pistol is a great option for self-defense, home defense, or whatever you need. Weighing only 10.6 ounces, this micro-compact pistol comes standard with a 10-round magazine. Extended 12-round magazines are also available from Ruger.
For more information on the Ruger LCP Max, visit Ruger’s website here. Or, if you are looking for holsters because you already own this popular pistol, check out our holster options for the Ruger LCP Max.
3. Sig Sauer P365
The award-winning Sig P365 is one of the most popular concealed carry firearms to date. It’s lightweight, compact, and known for its smooth shooting, which are only a few of the reasons it made our Top 10 Guns of 2022 list.
The P365 is chambered in 9mm and features the standard sights and trigger that people know and love. Built with a lightweight stainless steel frame, this striker-fired pistol comes standard with not one but two 10-round flush magazines. If you are looking for a higher capacity, optional 12- or 15-round extended magazines are available.
For more information on the Sig Sauer P365, visit Sig’s website here. Or, if you are looking for Sig Sauer P365 holsters because you already own this popular pistol, check out our holster options for the Sig Sauer P365.
In addition to the classic P365, additional models that are popular among our customers are the X, XL, and X-MACRO P365 models.
Sig P365 XL
The P365 XL features an extended slide and many of the XSeries features shooters have grown to love. An increased capacity of 12 rounds of 9mm Luger gives this pistol the perfect balance of full-size shootability and concealability.
Additional features including the “X” flat profile trigger, new slide, and grip module have made this P365 model a popular choice for many shooters.
For more information on the Sig P365 XL, visit Sig’s website here. Or, if you are looking for holsters because you already own this popular pistol, check out our holster options for the Sig P365 XL.
Sig P365X
The P365X features the XSeries grip and XRAY 3 sights that are popular among XSeries models. Chambered in 9mm Luger, this striker-fired gun comes standard with two 12-round magazines. If you are interested in adding optics, the P365X is compatible with the ROMEOZero.
For more information on the Sig P365X, visit Sig’s website here. Or, if you are looking for holsters because you already own this popular pistol, check out our holster options for the Sig P365X.
Sig P365-XMACRO
Everything that made the original P365 one of the most popular guns to date is included in the P365-XMACRO, plus some additional features.
This gun features the largest capacity in the series, holding up to 17+1 rounds. Chambered in 9mm Luger, this striker-fired gun features a new macro-compact grip and interchangeable backstraps.
For more information on the Sig P365-XMACRO, visit Sig’s website here. Or, if you are looking for holsters because you already own this popular pistol, check out our holster options for the Sig P3650-XMACRO.
2. Glock 43x
Next up on our list is the Glock 43x, another classic gun known for its reliability. If you are familiar with the Glock 48, you’ll love the G43x.
This striker-fired pistol is chambered in 9mm Luger and features a single stack 10-round magazine. The single stack gives this gun a slim frame that only adds to its ease of concealability.
The Glock 43x features a built-in beaver tail and compact grip length. The Gen 5 model has a few upgrades that may be worth considering, such as a reversible magazine catch and the Glock Marksman Barrel.
Weighing only 18.7 ounces, this subcompact pistol is a great option for concealed carry, and there’s no question as to why it landed the number two spot on our Top 10 Guns of 2022 list.
For more information on the Glock 43x, visit Glock’s website here. Or if you are looking for holsters because you already own this popular pistol, check out our holster options for the Glock 43x here.
1. Glock 19
Known for its use as a service pistol, it comes as no surprise that the Glock 19 is number one on the list of the Top 10 Guns of 2022. Compact and versatile, this gun is a great option for concealed carry, home defense, or whatever you may need.
Chambered in 9mm Luger, this striker-fired pistol features the Safe ActionⓇ system that Glock owners have come to know and love. The Glock 19 comes standard with a 15-round magazine, though extended magazines are available, increasing the capacity to upwards of 33 rounds.
Built with a high-strength nylon-based polymer, the Gen 5 model includes upgraded features like a reversible magazine release and the Glock Marksman Barrel. This popular pistol is known for its safety, reliability, and durability.
The G19 earned popularity as a concealed carry firearm and backup gun due to its small size, accuracy, and impressive capacity options.
For more information on the Glock 19 Gen 5, visit Glock’s website here. Or, if you are looking for holsters because you already own this popular pistol, check out our holster options for the Glock 19.
Top 10 Guns of 2022 Comparison
Which is Right for Me?
Picking a handgun for concealed carry, home defense, or even just for fun can be a big decision, especially if you are new to owning a gun. At the end of the day, each of these pistols has its pros and cons, and the best one for you will depend on your personal needs and preferences.
Now that you better understand these firearms' differences, strengths, and weaknesses, you can make the right choice for yourself. If you want to try some of these popular gun models, we suggest heading to the range and renting your top choices to better understand how each one feels and shoots.
If you’re looking for belts or holsters for the above gun models or others, we recommend visiting our Holsters by Gun Model page for holsters that are custom-made for your weapon of choice. For all of our belt and holster options and for more information to help you choose the carry system that works best for you, visit our Vedder Holsters website.
Looking for items beyond holsters and belts, check out our Resources Page for popular product links like lights, lasers, first aid, maintenance, and more.
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