Most Overrated Handguns and What to Get Instead

Many popular handguns get their reputation not from superior performance or value, but from a mix of effective marketing, historical nostalgia, or simply being "the first" in a certain category.

This article challenges some of that conventional wisdom by providing a real-world, no-nonsense analysis for people who want to make an informed decision based on practicality and performance, not hype.

The goal is to provide an honest take on a few popular handguns that are often considered overrated, and then offer genuinely superior alternatives.

The Overrated Pick: M1911

The M1911 is an American icon, a beautiful piece of history with a trigger that can be legendary when executed well. But as a practical, modern fighting handgun, the M1911 has significant drawbacks.

Why it falls short:

• Low Capacity: A standard 1911 in .45 ACP holds 7 or 8 rounds. In a world where compact 9 mm pistols offer 10, 12, or even 15 rounds in a similar footprint, the M1911's capacity is simply inadequate for a defensive role.
• Reliability: The reliability of a 1911 is highly dependent on its construction quality and the magazines used. Many budget and mid-tier 1911s are notoriously picky about ammunition and often require a break-in period.
• Cost: The price-to-performance ratio for most 1911s does not make sense for the average shooter. A reliable, well-made 1911 can be expensive, while many affordable models have reliability issues out of the box.

The Better Option: CZ-75B

For those who appreciate the feel of a classic all-steel handgun with a great trigger, the CZ-75B is an excellent alternative.

Why it's a better choice:

• Superior Ergonomics: The CZ-75 has one of the most comfortable and natural-pointing grips available. It fits a wide range of hand sizes and sits low in the hand, which helps manage recoil effectively.
• High Capacity: A standard full-size CZ-75 magazine holds 16 rounds of 9mm, offering double the capacity of a typical 1911 in a similar footprint.
• Reliability and Value: CZ has a reputation for building incredibly reliable, robust handguns. A brand new CZ-75B will likely be more reliable out of the box than a mid-range 1911 and will cost significantly less.

The Overrated Pick: The Glock 19

The Glock 19 is a phenomenal handgun — reliable, simple, and a benchmark for a reason. However, its reputation was built decades ago. In today's market, the G19's "perfection" has been surpassed by many others who have refined the striker-fired design.

Why it's overrated:

• Poor Ergonomics: The G19's grip angle is a "love-it-or-hate-it" design. For many shooters, the blocky grip can feel uncomfortable and unnatural, and may require some adjustment. 
• Subpar Trigger: The factory Glock trigger is functional, but far from great. The spongy take-up and slightly mushy break make it harder to shoot accurately at a distance compared to many modern competitors.
• Cheap Sights: The standard plastic sights are flimsy and affordable, and most serious shooters replace them immediately, adding an extra cost to a firearm that is supposed to be perfect out of the box.

The Better Option: The Walther PDP

The Walther PDP represents the next evolution of the striker-fired concept, improving on the Glock 19's design in every meaningful way.

Why it's a better choice:

• Superior Ergonomics: The PDP's grip is a masterclass in pistol design. The texture is aggressive but comfortable, and the grip angle is much more natural, making it easier to point and shoot.
• Excellent Trigger: The stock trigger on the PDP is widely considered one of the best factory striker-fired triggers on the market. It has a clean break and a short reset, making it a joy to shoot.
• Ready for Optics: The PDP comes standard with an optics-ready slide and excellent iron sights. It is built for the modern shooter who wants to add a red dot, with everything needed right out of the box.

The Overrated Pick: The Sig Sauer P320

The P320 family has become incredibly popular, especially after its adoption by the US military. While the modular design is a neat concept, the hype has overlooked some real-world issues.

Why it's overrated:

• Military Contract Hype: A military contract is an endorsement of a handgun meeting a specific set of procurement requirements, not an endorsement of it being the best in its class. The P320 won its contract largely because of its modularity and a favorable price point, not necessarily because it was the superior shooter.
• Recoil Impulse: The P320 tends to have a higher bore axis than many of its competitors, which can lead to more muzzle flip and a less-than-smooth recoil impulse.
• Bulky Design: The P320 Compact models often feel larger and chunkier than their name suggests. Many other pistols with similar or higher capacity have a smaller footprint, making them better for concealed carry.

The Better Option: The IWI Masada

The IWI Masada is a sleeper hit that deserves far more attention in the modern striker-fired market.

Why it's a better choice:

• Superior Ergonomics and Handling: The Masada has a more refined, ergonomic grip than the P320. Its low bore axis also makes it a dream to shoot, reducing muzzle flip and allowing for faster shot-to-shot recovery.
• Better Features for the Price: The Masada comes optics-ready out of the box, featuring steel sights which are a huge step up from what many manufacturers include. The trigger is also a solid, flat-faced design that is crisp and predictable.
• Value: When comparing the standard features and performance of the Masada to a similarly priced P320, the Masada is a clear winner. It's a great example of getting a better product by looking beyond the most-hyped models. When considering a purchase, it's worth your time to shop by brand, rather than just relying on marketing buzzwords.

Frequently Asked Questions

What handgun caliber is best for a beginner?

For a beginner, the 9mm is almost always the best choice. It offers a balance of manageable recoil, affordability, and widespread availability. Modern 9mm ammunition is effective for self-defense, and the lower cost of practice rounds allows new shooters to train more frequently.

What's the difference between a pistol and a revolver?

There is a stark difference between pistols and revolvers. A pistol is a semi-automatic handgun that uses a magazine to feed ammunition into the chamber. It fires one round with each pull of the trigger and uses the recoil to load the next round automatically. A revolver is a handgun with a revolving cylinder containing multiple chambers, each holding a single round. The cylinder rotates to align a fresh chamber with the barrel for each shot.

What are the most important factors to consider when buying a handgun for concealed carry?

For concealed carry, the most important factors are reliability, size, and ergonomics. The handgun must be 100% reliable. The size and weight should be appropriate for your body type and chosen carry method. The gun should be comfortable to hold and shoot, allowing for effective training.

Is it better to buy a new or used handgun?

Buying a new handgun ensures that you are the first owner and that it comes with a manufacturer’s warranty. A used handgun can offer great value, but it is important to inspect it thoroughly for wear and tear. It’s often best to buy a used handgun from a reputable dealer who has inspected the firearm and offers a return policy.

Conclusion

The world of handguns is filled with incredible options, but not all popular choices are the best. The key is to look beyond a firearm's reputation and focus on what truly matters: real-world performance, value, and practicality. 

The next time a handgun purchase is considered, we recommend challenging conventional wisdom. Try a few different models and see for yourself what feels best in your hands and what helps you shoot your best. 

Do not let a gun’s legacy or a military contract blind you to the fact that there are better, more modern, and often more affordable options available.