Call me lucky: I get to shoot a lot of guns during the course of a year. Now, the powers that be would like me to distill that list to my top six favorite guns. It’s no small task. Still, I will give it a valiant effort.
Though I do have one clear favorite (listed at the bottom), the rest are in no particular order. These are simply great guns that stood out after a lot of trigger time.
Springfield Armory Echelon
I fell in love with the Echelon the first time I touched it. Since that time, Springfield has introduced an entire family of Echelon pistols, with three grip sizes, from compact to full-sized.
There are models available with an integral compensator or with a threaded barrel, and multiple color variations are available. No matter the version, you get all the cool features that make this a great pistol: excellent ergonomics, great adaptability and legendary Springfield Armory performance.
Ruger Match Champion
The Ruger Match Champion is a big, heavy six-shot revolver chambered in .40 S&W. It was a dream to shoot. Powerful, yet easy to control, this would make for a great backcountry gun when carried in a chest rig.
Diamondback SDR
Diamondback has developed an exceptional little .38/357 fighting revolver. No matter what you may have thought about this company in the past, look again. This is a grown-up revolver by a manufacturer that clearly cares about quality and performance. You will love the fit and finish, performance, and quality.
Kimber CDS 9
This is a top-quality single-action 9mm built for concealed carry. It is easy to carry, comfortable to shoot and just looks great. The double-stack magazine gives you more ammo in a compact package. Everything about this gun just works.
Glock Gen 6
In early December, Glock invited a group of folks to come take a look at their new Gen 6. While the pistol officially goes on sale January 20, 2026, I first saw it in 2025 … and it was impressive.
The Gen 6 has a host of new user-requested features, including:
- Improved forward cocking serrations
- Updated grip frame that includes a palmswell
- Enlarged beavertail
- Improved grip texture
- A recess on the trigger guard
- New flat-faced trigger.
None of these changes are earth-shattering on their own, but together they show that Glock is listening to the market. The Gen 6 is offered in Models 17, 19 and 45. It’s a solid step forward for the platform.
Tisas PX9 Duty Comp
My personal favorite! What came as a shock to some and a complete surprise to me was the gun I stumbled upon and how quickly it became my favorite pistol of 2025.
This polymer-framed import has a trigger that other companies should envy. It manages to be crisp and smooth without being too light for defensive use. The integral compensator helps tame recoil. Though the 9mm is not known for savage recoil, every little bit helps.
The Tisas PX9 has a host of features that make it an outstanding choice. The grip panels alone give you 27 different variations, allowing you to customize this pistol for just about any hand. The performance and durability are top-notch. The gun is reliable, and its performance is well beyond its price point.
The PX9 uses standard magazines that can be found just about anywhere. I have begun carrying this pistol daily and continue to be impressed with everything about it.
Heading Into 2026
There you have it. As we move into 2026, I am sure more gunmakers will offer more guns and there will always be something new and different. The innovations might not be earth-shattering. A revolver will still have a cylinder, and an autoloader will still have a slide and a magazine. But even small improvements can make a big difference when it comes to everyday carry.
Stay armed. Stay safe.
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