1. Best New Concealed Carry Handgun
A crowded field of new concealed carry handguns meant readers had at least 13 guns to choose from in this category. The three that came out on top (in no particular order) were the CZ Shadow 2 Carry, an update to CZ’s Shadow 2 Compact with even more carry-friendly features; and two new compensated models in the Smith & Wesson Bodyguard 2.0 Carry Comp and the SIG P365 Luxe.
2. Best New Full-Sized Handgun
For full-sized handguns, the Walther PDP Pro-X PMM, Canik TTI Combat, and SIG Sauer 1911 XCarry took the lead. With the recent boom in compensated pistols, it’s no surprise to see a new comped model from Walther in the top three for this category. With Canik’s TTI collab, it's easier to afford a “John Wick” gun, and SIG’s 1911 XCarry is a well-executed modern take on the classic design.
3. Best New Handgun Optic
When you pick a new handgun from the finalists above, you’ll want a good optic, and there were several innovative red dot sights to choose from last year. Our readers’ picks for the top three were the Aimpoint COA collaboration with Glock, Vortex’s new Defender Enclosed Solar Micro Red Dot, and the Burris Fastfire E, which is the company’s first fully enclosed emitter reflex sight.
4. Best New Hunting Rifle
Browning’s updated bolt-action series, the X-Bolt 2, is a natural contender for the best new hunting rifle of 2025, but the other two at the top of the heap in this category are less traditional choices. Henry’s Lever Action Supreme feeds from a detachable 10-round magazine, and Smith & Wesson’s new 1854 Stealth Hunter is a blacked-out tactical take on the cowboy classic.
5. Best New Tactical Rifle
From AR-15s to .50-cals, there were some serious tactical rifles released in 2025. Guns.com readers named the PSA JAKL-10 (the long-awaited .308 JAKL), the LWRCI IC MKII, and the Bushmaster V-Radicator .223 Wylde AR as the top three. Stay tuned to see which claims the ultimate title of best new tactical rifle for 2025.
6. Best New PCC
Pistol caliber carbines are a hot item on today's market, and some big names came out with new offerings for the platform in 2025. Smith & Wesson added a stout new chambering to its popular FPC lineup with the FPC 10mm, while SIG gave the P365 its Flux treatment. Last but not least, Springfield Armory’s roller-delayed Kuna hit the ground running and was one of our best-selling guns of the year.
7. Best New LVPO
For glass to accompany those carbines, our three finalists for best new LVPO are all great choices. We've had good experiences with pretty much everything from Vortex, so it's no shock to see the Vortex Strike Eagle 1-8x in this group. Likewise, the Trijicon Credo HX 1-6x delivered big time on several hunting trips, and the Leupold VX-6HD Gen 2 is a welcome update from another quality manufacturer.
8. Best New Tactical Shotgun
The latest models of some long-proven shotgun lineups captured our readers' attention last year in the tactical shotgun category. We think the Beretta 1301 Tactical Mod 2 Chisel Stock could be the coolest Beretta shotgun ever, and the Mossberg 940 Pro Tactical SPX adds some sweet high-end features to the already beloved 940 Pro Tactical. New shotguns from Benelli's Nova line found their way into the finalists for both the tactical and hunting shotgun categories of these awards, with the Nova 3 Tactical rounding out this selection.
9. Best New Hunting Shotgun
With a pump action, an over/under, and a semi-auto for our top three new hunting shotguns of 2025, there’s something for every style of scattergun hunter. The Benelli Nova 3 Pump is updated to be faster, lighter, and more rugged, and Browning claims to have built the “next evolution of the over/under” with its Citori 825 Field. The semi-auto Weatherby Element II, as the name suggests, was designed to thrive in harsh environments.
10. Best Overall Ammo Manufacturer
A lot goes into choosing ammunition, and choosing a favorite manufacturer is equally as subjective as narrowing down a preferred hunting or self-defense load. That said, we asked our readers to vote for the best overall ammo manufacturer in 2025, and the three companies that came out on top (in no particular order) were: Remington, Hornady, and Federal.
11. Best Tactical Gear & Accessories
When it comes to the gear and accessories you carry and train with, quality is paramount. Our three finalists for best tactical gear and accessories have only the best to offer, whether it’s Midwest Industries, Blackhawk, or 5.11 Tactical.
12. Best Holsters
For best holsters of 2025, our three finalists offer a wide range of products and styles, from your classic leather OWB handgun holsters to modular systems to fit any tactical rig. DeSantis, Alien Gear, and Safariland have you covered for all your carry needs.
