Best New Handguns of 2023

As the year draws to a close, we’re taking a moment to reflect on the best guns of 2023. Today, we’re specifically looking at handguns and what made a splash in the past year. From concealed carry gems to race guns, 2023 delivered a lot of really cool handguns. So, let’s dive in and look at what moved the needle and got people going this year.

Related: Best Guns of 2023

FN Reflex

FN finally jumped into the doublestack micro-compact game headfirst in 2023 with the release of the Reflex. Notably, the Reflex has a concealed hammer-fired trigger, which sets it apart from the rest of the striker-fired crowd. It showed to have a noticeably better trigger than others in its class. Of course, it wouldn’t be an FN if it didn’t live up to the “Battle Proven” moniker, and that proved true on the range with superb reliability.

The combination of great trigger and ergonomics mixed with the pedigree of FN puts this gun near the top of our list for best-in-class 2023.

cz shadow 2 compact

The CZ Shadow 2 Compact sent shockwaves through the concealed carry community when it was announced back in August. Is it a competition pistol? Is it an EDC gun? Is it both? One thing is for sure, it’s a looker and has gotten glowing reviews from the shooting community. It carries everything over from the legendary Shadow 2 but in a more concealed package. It has us clamoring to get our hands on one to review, as this gun looks like it’s begging to be shot.

Glock 49

Glock rolled out what was once only a concept gun in the Glock 19L, with the Glock 49. Even though the gun has unofficially existed for years, that didn’t make the news of its release any less pertinent, as it was still one of top news stories of 2023. It seems now that the masses can have it directly from Glock, they want it. The gun comes with the Gen 5 treatment and is ready to shoot with an optic right out of the gate with the MOS mounting system.

It's been a big hit, both on the news cycle and in the sales charts, with Glock adding another successful model to its lineup.

Cabot Insurrection

From the everyman’s gun in the Glock 49 to the gun that practically no one can afford: the Cabot Insurrection. Cabot is best known for making unique, high-end guns, like taking a meteorite and turning it into a gun a few years back. The Insurrection lives up to the hype, carrying a 17+1 payload to go along with all the looks and sophistication that the company has become known for. If you want to get your hands on one of these, though, you’ll need deep pockets and will have to play the waiting game. Price starts at $5,995 with an expected lead time of eight to 10 months.

Beretta LTT Tomcat

Who doesn’t love a mouse gun? How about a tactical mouse gun? That’s right – the fine folks over at Langdon Tactical Technology have taken the iconic Beretta Tomcat and put it through the tactical paces. Although the Tomcat isn’t exactly new, the LTT treatment is, so we’re going to count it.

First, they cut the slide so that it accepts an optic. Slide cuts range from the Holosun 407/507k and EPS Optics, to SIG Romeo, Romeo Zero, Shield RMSc, and other RMSc footprints. Other upgrades include a Langdon trigger job and a rear slide bevel with a Cerakote finish on the slide. You can order direct from LTT starting at $649 and ranging up to $920, depending on options.

SIG Sauer P365 AXG Legion Comp

Taking a page from CZ is the competition gun turned concealed carry darling: the P365 AXG Legion Comp. SIG has upgraded its P365 lineup with the Legion treatment. While neither the P365 nor the Legion series are new, they are new together. The P365 AXG Legion will get the XMacro treatment with the integrated compensator. Other notable Legion series features are the upgraded grips, with G10 panels, competition-style removeable mag well, a slide cut for optics, and SIG’s own X-ray day/night sights.

Like the XMacro, it uses the 17+1 magazines, so there is plenty of reason to like it for concealed carry. Granted, it tips the scales a bit heavier due to the metal frame, but when paired with the compensator recoil is sure to be minimal.

Springfield Echelon

Springfield Armory Echelon 9mm semi auto handgun

Springfield Armory welcomed its latest full-sized duty gun with Hellcat-like stylings this year: the Echelon. The gun has a lot to like. From versatility with mounting an optic, 360-degree aggressive grip texture, to the 20+1 capacity, it’s been a hit. The new handgun from Springfield also sports ambi controls and a tritium front sight. With a price point under $700, you can’t go wrong with this reliable winner for concealed carry or home defense.

EAA Girsan MC 14 T

EAA and Girsan brought something new this year with the MC 14T. The gun features a tip-up barrel more akin to the Beretta mouse guns (see the Tomcat above). Billed as an alternative for those who have weaker hands or don’t have the ability to rack the slide, this gun is a solution that now delivers more power than the mouse guns. The MC 14T also delivers more capacity, too, giving the end user 13+1 rounds of .380 ACP, while weighing a slim 25.8 ounces unloaded.

Not bad for a gun that you can consistently get for under $500. EAA even offers models available in many different colors and finishes to fit individual style and taste.

Wather PDP Match Steel

We’ve been a big fan of Walther and the PDP since it dropped a couple years ago. Walther recently introduced the PDP Match Steel, a steel-framed gun (PDP Match also available in polymer) billed to race with a full-sized 5-inch barrel. Walther upgraded the trigger to their Dynamic Performance Trigger and took those distinctive PDP slide serrations and turned them into lightening cuts. It sits at 41 ounces unloaded, which is sure to eat up any recoil and keep follow-up shots on target.

Taurus Judge Home Defender

We couldn’t make a list of best handguns of the year without including at least one revolver. This year, Taurus gave us a whopper of a revolver in the Judge Home Defender. Like all other guns in the Judge lineup, this is chambered in .45 LC/.410 bore. Unlike every other Judge, though, this gun has a 13-inch barrel and a forend to make it both wieldy and a formidable defender of the domicile. A bottom and top Pic rail offer areas for accessories and optics.

Like most other Taurus products, this is affordable. It’s currently selling for under $700, which gives you a worthy bedside or truck gun for an great price tag.