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The 10 Best New Pistols Of The 2020s (So Far)
The 2020s have been an excellent decade so far for firearms innovation. Gun enthusiasts have demanded, and manufacturers have provided, increased modularity, optics-readiness, and compact designs. The fact the demands were met without sacrificing performance speaks to the quality of manufacturers and their ability to evolve as necessary.
Our options for a concealed carry gun, a duty-ready firearm, or a specialty pistol have improved drastically. This list highlights the “best” pistols released between 2020 and 2024. Grouped by primary purpose, these handguns represent the cutting edge of modern firearm development.
Concealed Carry
Smith & Wesson Bodyguard 2.0
One of the newest pistols on this list, the Bodyguard 2.0 was released in 2024 and completely changed the .380 ACP concealed carry category. Featuring magazines with ten and 12 round capacities, the Bodyguard 2.0 sets itself apart from other pocket pistols.
The Bodyguard 2.0 is one of my favorite concealed carry pistols.
The Bodyguard 2.0’s ergonomics, surprisingly good trigger for a pocket pistol, and functional sights make it an excellent package. It is a great choice for your primary concealed carry pistol or a top-notch backup. I purchased one for my wife a few months ago, and we’ve both been extremely impressed with it.
Ruger Max-9
Like the GX4, the Max-9 enters the market as a direct competitor of the P365 and other micro-compact pistols. To compete with the P365, Ruger sought to strike a balance between size and performance and managed to succeed, whereas many others failed.
The Ruger Max-9 fits nicely in your hand. Source
The features include an optics-ready slide, tritium front sight, and a 12+1 capacity, which belie the pistol’s subcompact size. The Ruger Max-9 is an excellent choice if you want advanced features and a subcompact frame. Add in Ruger’s commitment to quality, reliability, and second-to-none customer service, and you have one of the best new pistols of the 2020s.
Taurus GX4
Since the release of the Sig P365, firearms manufacturers have been seeking to meet Sig’s challenge of making a 9MM pistol with adequate capacity, shootability, and concealability. The Taurus GX4 made waves with its release, as it has basically the same footprint as the P365 but at a budget-friendly price.
The Taurus GX4 with a Swampfox Sentinel II and Ironsides shield has been a staple in my concealed carry rotation.
Explicitly designed for concealed carry, the GX4 features a 10+1 capacity with a flush-fit magazine and 13+1 with the extended magazine. It isn’t light on features either as it offers a clean and crisp trigger, an ergonomic grip, and an optic-ready option in the form of the GX4 TORO. For those who want a reliable concealed carry option that doesn’t break the bank, the GX4 delivers.
Ruger LCP Max
Ruger’s LCP and LCP II are two of the top pocket pistols of the 2000s and 2010s. As with many concealed carry pistols from these years, they were single stacks lacking capacity. Ruger went to the drawing board and brought us the LCP Max. The 12+1 capacity with an extended magazine or 10+1 with a flush fit magazine was a significant upgrade to the 6+1 and 7+1 that typified pocket pistols before the LCP Max’s arrival.
The Ruger LCP Max is one of the top pocket pistols on the market. Source
Lightweight and easy to carry, the LCP Max quickly became a favorite of those seeking deep concealment. With the arrival of the Bodyguard 2.0, it is no longer the only 10+1 pocket pistol available, but it is still one of the best.
Ruger RXM
The newest pistol on this list, Ruger’s RXM, barely makes it under the wire for consideration, but I am glad it does. The RXM is a collaboration between Ruger and Magpul. It uses what Ruger calls a Fire Control Insert (FCI), like on the Sig P320, as the serialized part of the RXM to set itself apart with its modularity.
The RXM is the latest and greatest from Ruger. Source
The RXM can easily change grip frames using the FCI, allowing for incredible customization. Since the RXM is based on the Gen 3 Glock 19, the customization options are limitless. Out of the box, the RXM is optics-ready and can fit multiple optics without needing adaptor plates. Plus, it takes Glock magazines.
While the Glock 19’s footprint might be a bit large for some, remember that it wasn’t too long ago that the Glock 19 was the standard bearer for concealed carry. The FCI allows the user to change the frame to something more compact, such as a Glock 26-sized frame.
Duty/Performance
Walter PDP
The Walter PDP (Performance Duty Pistol) was introduced in 2021 and has steadily gained popularity since then. The polymer-framed handgun market is competitive, and Walther couldn’t afford to release a subpar design.
The Walther PDP is for both professionals and casual shooters. Source
Modularity is the watchword of firearms design in the 2020s, and the PDP is designed to be mixed and matched with parts to your heart’s content. The PDP also has one of the best factory triggers on the market, and most pistols require a trigger replacement to match what the PDP comes with out of the box. Add in the ergonomics, superior capacity, optics-ready slide, and adaptability of the firearm, and you have a true winner.
Springfield Echelon
If you are a fan of pistols with a chassis system/fire control unit system, the Springfield Echelon is for you. Springfield built the Echelon around a chassis to increase its modularity and allow the user to swap slides and the whole frame of the pistol. Its modularity, 20+1 capacity, quality trigger, and optics-ready slide make the Echelon another top-tier pistol of the 2020s.
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The Echelon is one of the better-looking guns that has been released lately, too. Source
Beretta APX A1
Beretta improved the APX A1 in almost every way. The trigger, ergonomics, sights, and finish all received upgrades over the original APX. The modern APX A1 excels as a duty pistol and a home defense tool.
Beretta’s quality is hard to miss. Source
Beretta is a high-quality manufacturer, and its upgrades to the APX A1 demonstrate this fact. With an impressive magazine capacity of up to 21 rounds, it’ll ensure you’re ready to tackle almost any task.
Specialty/Rimfire
Sig Sauer P322
Every firearms collection needs at least one pistol chambered in .22 LR. Sig’s P322 is the best, so far, of the 2020s. Featuring a 20+1 capacity, an optics-ready slide, and a threaded barrel, the P322 has features many of its competitors can only dream of.
The often varying quality of .22 LR ammo means that some pistols can struggle with their reliability. The P322 seems not to care what you feed it.
The Sig P322’s 20+1 capacity is excellent for a .22 LR pistol. Source
The P322 is a fantastic addition to the firearms world. It is ideal for training, plinking, or introducing people to the sport of shooting.
PSA Rock
5.7x28mm is growing in popularity, and multiple manufacturers have released pistols to capitalize on this (or help fuel it). Palmetto State Armory has entered the market with its PSA Rock. Sporting an affordable price point, low recoil, and solid performance, the PSA Rock uses the 5.7’s ballistics to make a fun pistol that can be a practical home defense weapon or a toy for the range.
The Rock is one of the best 5.7 pistols on the market and will continue to enjoy support from PSA and its growing firearms empire. Source
Honorable mentions
Whenever you make a list of the “best firearms,” you must leave some deserving firearms out. A quick rundown of some firearms that could have made the list includes, but is not limited to, the Walther Q4 SF, FN 545 MRD and FN 510 MRD, Smith & Wesson .22 Magnum, Tisas PX-5.7, Smith & Wesson M&P 5.7, and Kel-Tex P50. Give these quality pistols a look as well.
Last Words
The 2020s, like many decades before, have ushered in innovations within the firearms industry. Each pistol on this list represents improvements in design and performance. They cater to a wide range of shooters with various needs. Whether you are a newcomer to the shooting world or an old hand looking for something new, you can find a pistol that meets your needs here.
