Best Guns to Buy in 2025: A Comprehensive Guide
Whether you are a first-time buyer or an experienced shooter looking to add to your collection, 2025 has been an outstanding year for firearms. From everyday carry pistols to precision rifles, the market is packed with excellent options at every price point. This comprehensive guide breaks down the best guns to buy in 2025 across every major category, helping you find the right firearm for your needs and budget. Every firearm purchase in the United States must go through a licensed Federal Firearms Licensee (FFL) dealer — use FFLSearch.net to find a licensed FFL dealer near you.
Best Handguns to Buy in 2025
Handguns remain the most purchased firearms in the United States, and 2025 has delivered outstanding options across all price tiers.
Glock 19 Gen 5 - The Glock 19 Gen 5 continues to be the gold standard in carry pistols. Chambered in 9mm, it offers a compact frame, 15+1 capacity, the Marksman Barrel for improved accuracy, and near-indestructible reliability. MSRP: ~$599.
Sig Sauer P365 XL - The P365 XL packs 12+1 rounds of 9mm into an ultra-compact frame with an optics-ready slide and excellent trigger. It is one of the most popular concealed carry choices of 2025. MSRP: ~$679.
Smith & Wesson M&P 2.0 Compact - The M&P 2.0 Compact delivers a crisp trigger, interchangeable palm swell grips, and solid reliability in a mid-size package. Chambered in 9mm with a 15-round capacity. MSRP: ~$569.
Springfield Armory Hellcat Pro - The Hellcat Pro offers 15+1 capacity in a micro-compact frame, making it one of the highest-capacity micro pistols available. It features an optic-ready slide and excellent ergonomics. MSRP: ~$649.
Best AR-15 Style Rifles to Buy in 2025
AR-15 platform rifles remain the most popular centerfire rifles in America, and 2025 has some outstanding options.
Palmetto State Armory PA-15 - For shooters on a budget, the PSA PA-15 delivers reliable performance in 5.56 NATO at an unbeatable price point starting around $499. It is a solid entry-level AR-15 backed by one of the most popular manufacturers in the country.
Daniel Defense DDM4 V7 - For premium buyers, the DDM4 V7 offers cold hammer-forged barrels, M-LOK handguards, and exceptional build quality. It is the choice of serious shooters and military veterans. MSRP: ~$1,999.
Ruger SFAR (Small Frame Autoloading Rifle) - The SFAR packs 7.62x51mm NATO/.308 Win power into an AR-15 sized platform, making it one of the most versatile rifles of 2025. MSRP: ~$1,199.
BCM RECCE-16 - Bravo Company's RECCE-16 is built to the same standards as military contract rifles, with mil-spec components throughout and outstanding accuracy. MSRP: ~$1,349.
Best Shotguns to Buy in 2025
Mossberg 500 - The Mossberg 500 remains one of the best-selling pump-action shotguns in America for good reason: it is durable, reliable, affordable (~$399), and available in dozens of configurations for hunting, home defense, and tactical use.
Remington 870 Express - The iconic Remington 870 is chambered in 12 gauge and trusted by law enforcement and hunters alike. The 870 Express starts at around $449 and offers a rock-solid pump action with an enormous aftermarket ecosystem.
Benelli M4 - For those wanting the best semi-automatic tactical shotgun available, the Benelli M4 is the gold standard. Used by U.S. Marines, it features the ARGO gas system for exceptional reliability. MSRP: ~$1,999.
Best Bolt-Action Rifles to Buy in 2025
Ruger American Rifle - The Ruger American offers exceptional value for budget-conscious hunters and long-range shooters. Available in numerous calibers from .243 Win to .30-06 Springfield, starting at ~$499.
Savage 110 Apex Hunter XP - The Savage 110 platform is renowned for its AccuTrigger and exceptional out-of-the-box accuracy. The Apex Hunter XP comes with a Vortex Crossfire II scope included, making it an incredible value at ~$649.
Tikka T3x Hunter - Finnish-made Tikka T3x rifles are known for sub-MOA accuracy and silky-smooth bolt action. They are the preferred choice for serious hunters and long-range shooters. MSRP: ~$899.
Best Budget Guns to Buy in 2025
Not every shooter has an unlimited budget. These firearms deliver outstanding performance at accessible price points.
Taurus G3C - At around $299, the Taurus G3C is one of the best budget 9mm handguns available. It offers a 12-round capacity, excellent ergonomics, and a clean trigger for its price range.
Hi-Point Carbine 9mm - An unconventional but extremely reliable carbine chambered in 9mm at around $399, the Hi-Point carbine is surprisingly accurate and backed by a lifetime warranty.
Mossberg Maverick 88 - At ~$249, the Maverick 88 is one of the most affordable reliable shotguns on the market. It shares many parts with the Mossberg 500 and is an excellent home defense option on a budget.
How to Buy Any of These Guns: Find an FFL Dealer Near You
Every firearm purchase in the United States requires transfer through a licensed Federal Firearms Licensee (FFL) dealer. Whether you are buying online or at a local shop, your firearm must be shipped to or purchased at an FFL dealer, who will conduct the required NICS background check before completing the transfer. Use FFLSearch.net to find a licensed FFL dealer near you and ensure your purchase is handled legally and efficiently.