Modern handguns are compatible with a variety of ammunition, but the 9mm cartridge remains the most dominant.

The Austrian manufacturer Glock has long been associated with high-quality handguns known for their dependability, accuracy, and ease of use.

With its polymer frame designed to handle recoil with surprising grace, the Glock 19’s versatility is further enhanced by its compatibility with a wide array of accessories and magazines, making it turn one of the most versatile handguns on the entire market.

In contrast to the modernistic Glock stands the venerable Browning Hi-Power. Conceived by John Browning and perfected by Diedonne Saive in 1935, the Hi-Power was the first handgun to introduce the double-stack magazine. Its design features a single-action trigger and an ergonomic grip, combining aesthetics with performance and durability—a testament to its standing as one of the most influential handguns in history.

Then there’s the Beretta 92, often designated as the M9 in military service, which has gained a reputation for exceptional handling and reliability. Combined with its locking block barrel for improved accuracy and open slide design, this makes the Beretta 92 the pistol of choice for beginners and professionals alike. The DA/SA trigger and durability under extreme conditions are what led it to become military firearm.

Barely beaten out by the Beretta 92 as the US military’s preferred handgun, the Sig Sauer P226 still found success as the favored pistol of the Navy SEALS. The Sig P226 also features an all-metal construction, with a shorter barrel that makes it ideal in close-quarters. It too boasts a DA/SA trigger and exceptional reliability, with modern versions accommodating accessories such as Picatinny rails and red dot sights.

A historical gem on this list is the Luger P08, the trailblazer of the 9mm caliber. Developed in the early 1900s, it was the standard issue for German forces in both World Wars.

Its recoil-operated design allowed for rapid and accurate firing, making it as efficient as it was iconic. Today, while often seen as a collector’s item, the Luger P08’s influence on pistol design is indisputable.

Moving on to the Czech Republic’s pride, the CZ 75, which masterfully marries aesthetics with functionality.

With an all-metal frame, ergonomic design, and the innovative placement of slide rails inside the frame, the CZ 75 offers a slim grip with an uncommonly high capacity for its class, proving that performance need not be sacrificed for style.

The list continues with the Glock 17, the Glock 19’s larger sibling, which set the standard for polymer-framed pistols and remains a prime choice for U.S. law enforcement.

The Colt 1911 in 9mm, a compact variant of the classic .45, retains the stellar accuracy and comfortable grip of its ancestor while offering increased capacity and reduced recoil.

The Smith & Wesson M&P Shield, designed with the needs of military and police forces in mind, excels in accuracy and ease of carry due to its light frame and compact size, without compromising on capacity.

Lastly, the Heckler & Koch VP70, aesthetically unique, revolutionized the ways that pistols were designed and developed in a way that is still influencing the industry to this day.

These 10 handguns, each in its own right, have more than secured their place in the annals of firearms excellence. With how influential and effective these handguns are, it’s easy to see why they’re still a popular choice for marksmen and collectors alike.

Relevant articles:
– Top 10 9mm Handguns Of All Time, Texas Prepares.org
– What is the best full-size 9mm for concealed carry?, gogunzee.com
– Most Reliable Handguns: A Clear Guide for Buyers, cyasupply.com