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So many new handguns are introduced each year that the only way to cover the key ones in a reasonable space is to break them down into categories. So, we’ve assembled what we think are the 10 best new models for outdoorspeople in 2025. In fact, this might just be the best group of 10 new handguns that I can remember, and I've been testing and covering handguns for decades. There’s a new rimfire pistol, the lightest 5.7mm pistol ever made, hard-hitting big-bore revolvers, 10mm pistols, and maybe the most advanced 1911 to date. And all of these handguns have application for outdoor folk, largely because today's models are so versatile. Thanks to huge improvements in modern ammunition, almost any centerfire handgun is suitable for hunting, home or camp protection, and even predator defense. The only questions is, which one—or ones—do you want? Here's a closer look.
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Top New Handguns for 2025
Finks Custom Guns Hog Hammer
Finks Custom Guns serves as the on-site gunsmithy for Gunsite Academy, but they also craft some exceptional firearms. The new Hog Hammer is their latest, and it’s a single-stacked 1911 chambered for the 10mm Auto. All the sharp edges on this pistol have been smoothed, it has a Cerakote finish, and it’s been tuned for optimal reliability. The Hog Hammer comes with a crisp 4.25-pound trigger, G-10 Super Scoop grips, and the optics cut accepts the Holosun K/EPS optic footprint that allows reflex sight co-witnessing with an adjustable battlesight rear sight. Hog hunters, get out your checkbook, and piggies beware. The gun retails for $2,499.99.
KelTec PR57
The new PR57 from KelTec is chambered for the 5.7x28mm cartridge and has a unique top-loading design that replaces traditional magazines with stripper clips. It also operates with an unusual rotary barrel. This pistol has a 20+1 round capacity but only weighs 14 ounces and is just 7.16 inches long. The PR57 has a 4.64-inch barrel with a 1-7 twist and is red-dot-sight compatible. For outdoorspeople looking for a light-recoiling but powerful handgun for the trail or hunting, the PR57 offers a harder-hitting option than a rimfire but with much less recoil than the most common centerfire handguns. It is the lightest 5.7x28mm pistol currently manufactured, and it goes for just $399.
Related: The Hottest New Rifles for 2025
Lipsey’s Ruger Flattop Bisley – John Taffin Perfect Packing Pistol Edition
Created in honor of legendary gun writer John Taffin, this exclusive revolver from Lipsey’s is available in 45 Colt with a 45 Auto convertible cylinder, in either stainless or blued steel, and with either a 4-5/8- or 5 ½-inch barrel. Ruger builds these revolvers on the mid-size flattop Bisley frame, and they come with an exquisite set of fancy walnut grips from Tyler Gun Works. In the box with each revolver, there’s a card detailing John Taffin’s writing career, and another card to order a special holster from Barranti Leather, designed to specifically match these guns. Marked with special “JT” serial numbers, these revolvers have an MSRP of $1,149.
Lipsey’s S&W Model 629 Mountain Gun
This is a special version of Smith & Wesson’s Model 629 Mountain Gun that’s chambered for the 44 Magnum, and it is only available through Lipsey’s. The stainless-steel revolver has a 4-inch tapered barrel and comes with a gold bead front sight, walnut Bear Hug grips crafted by Tyler Gun Works, and it also has a narrow flash-chromed hammer and trigger. This version does not have the irritating S&W key-lock so many despise, and it retails for $1199. Many would consider it ideal for wandering or fishing in locations where big bears live.
Retay RXP22
The RXP 22 from Retay combines the feel of a compact 9mm pistol with the affordability and comfortable shooting experience of the rimfire 22 Long Rifle cartridge. The RXP 22 has an aerospace-grade 7075 aluminum alloy slide and an internal frame that’s integrated into a durable polymer lower chassis. It also has a textured grip and a weighted metal magazine to help replicate the feel of a 9mm pistol. The slide accepts RMR and RMSC optics, and a manual safety and accessory rail are standard. The pistol ships with two 13- or 10-round magazines, weighs 24 ounces, and is 7.5 inches long. The 4-inch barrel is also threaded/suppressor ready. The RXP 22 is available with an OD Green, Flat Dark Earth, Sniper Grey, or Matte Black Cerakote finish and would make a great sub-caliber training pistol as well as a perfect companion for trail carry or small-game hunting. It retails for $279.99.
Related: The Hottest New Shotguns for 2025
Ruger RXM
The Ruger RXM pistol looks like a Glock and feels sort of like a Glock, but it is more than just another Glock-pistol clone. Ruger partnered with Magpul on the RXM to create what is meant to be, in essence, a better Glock. Magpul crafts the grip frame with enhanced geometry to make it more comfortable in hand and to accept the new fire-control module designed by Ruger. With a unique optics mount system, the cut in the RXM’s slide will accept reflex sights with the RMR, DeltaPoint Pro, and RMSc footprint without adapter bases. The RMX is chambered for 9mm Luger, has a 4-inch barrel, and weighs 23.2 ounces. It is available with a 15+1 or 10+1 capacity, is compact enough to pack along when hiking or hunting, and retails for only $499.
Sig Sauer P320 XTEN Endure
This 10mm Auto pistol from Sig Sauer is a full-size model with a 5-inch carbon-steel barrel. The XTEN’s slide is fitted with XRAY3 day/night sights and a removeable plate that allows for an optical sight with an RX PRO footprint. The slide also has a unique and very attractive, three-color topographic Cerakote pattern. The XTEN has a stainless-steel frame inside a LXG polymer grip that includes a M1913 accessory rail, and the pistol is 8.5 inches long. Unloaded, it weighs 33 ounces. If you like a striker-fired pistol for big-game hunting or for predator defense, SIG has outfitted this good-looking handgun well for either task. It retails for $1,099.99.
Springfield-Armory Prodigy Compact
Springfield-Armory has introduced two new high-capacity 1911 9mm handguns. These are compact versions of their Prodigy pistol introduced in 2023. With the exception of slide length, barrel length, and weight, these new versions are identical. They ship with two 15-round magazines, have a hardcoat-anodized and black Cerakote finish, a polymer grip frame, and a Tritium front sight and serrated rear sight. The 4.25-inch barreled version weighs 29 ounces, and the 3.5-inch barreled version weighs 25.5 ounces. The optics cut on both pistols uses a plate system for maximum compatibility and each pistol ships with a plate for the HEX Dragonfly reflex sight. Both retail for $1,549.
Tisas USA 45 Raider Special Feature
Tisas has made a name for themselves by offering Turkish-made 1911-style handguns that can be depended on and won’t make your wallet bleed green. Their new Raider 1911 is chambered for 45 Auto and has an accessory rail, a Novak front sight, and Glock dovetail rear sight for co-witnessing with a reflex sight with either the 507k or RMSc footprint when the optics-mount plate is removed. The Raider has a hammer-forged full-size frame, a 5-inch barrel, and a skeletonized hammer. It ships with two eight-round magazines, weighs 37.2 ounces, and should serve the handgun hunter well. MSRP: $749.99.
Wilson Combat P1 (Division 77)
With the P1, Wilson Combat has created what might be the most advanced 1911 to date. It’s not just an enhanced EDC X9 2.0 pistol; it’s the first firearm out of Wilson Combat’s new Division 77. Division 77 firearms are crafted to showcase the company's very best in weapon design and functionality, and this new model is only offered in limited quantities. The P1 is a high-capacity, ported, 9mm pistol, that reduces recoils by an incredible 40%. With the P1, you can choose between open sights and three different reflex sight footprints, and the first 100 guns come with a commemorative metal magnetized box, three 18-round magazines, and a challenge coin. It’s ideally suited for protection, hunting, or recreational shooting. Base price is $3,995.
Related: The Hottest New Crossbows for 2025
