Doc's Favorite Handguns of 2024: Top Picks

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In the world of handguns, finding the perfect balance of reliability, accuracy, and versatility is paramount. Whether for self-defense, target shooting, or concealed carry, the right handgun can make all the difference. We'll explore a diverse range of options that cater to the needs and preferences of every shooter.  

SMITH & WESSON M&P9 M2.0C OR

These models are chambered in 9mm with a 4 barrel, feature a slide cut for optics, co-witness white-dot front and rear sights, and enlarged forward serrations. This pistol will ship with two 15-round magazines and comes standard with seven mounting plates designed to fit popular slide-mounted optics. Highlights of the M&P M2.0 pistol include an extended stainless-steel chassis and a low barrel bore axis for reduced muzzle rise and faster aim recovery. The M&P M2.0 pistol further improves performance with a fine-tuned, flat-face trigger, lighter pull and a tactile and audible reset. The pistol includes an aggressively-textured grip and four interchangeable palmswell inserts for optimal hand-fit and trigger reach.

Doc: The Smith & Wesson M&P9 M2.0 Compact Optics Ready is a standout choice for those seeking a versatile, high-performance handgun. Its robust build, ergonomic design, and optics-ready capability make it suitable for a variety of applications, from concealed carry to competitive shooting. Whether you are a seasoned shooter or a newcomer looking for a reliable and adaptable handgun, the M&P9 M2.0 Compact OR delivers impressive performance and value, making it a top-tier option in the compact handgun market.

The Smith & Wesson M&P9 M2.0 Compact OR offers exceptional value for shooters seeking a reliable, optics-ready handgun. Priced competitively within its segment, it provides a range of features typically found on higher-end models. The combination of its durable construction, ergonomic design, and performance-enhancing features make it a worthwhile investment for both casual and serious shooters.

COLT PYTHON 2020 STAINLESS 6" BARREL

Building on Colt's Snake Gun legacy, the legendary double-action revolver returns in stainless steel in 4.25" and 6" barrel lengths. The 2020 Colt Python features modern stainless steel alloys and a re-designed rear sight.
Thirty percent more steel beneath the rear adjustable target sight gives you a stronger revolver and more robust shooting experience. A recessed target crown, user-interchangeable front sight, and Walnut grip with the iconic Colt medallion make this a gun you'll want to shoot AND show off.
The Python is chambered in .357 Magnum and also accommodates .38 Special cartridges.

Doc: The Colt Python 2020 Stainless 6" Barrel offers exceptional value for shooters and collectors alike. While it is positioned at a premium price point, the revolver’s quality construction, legendary performance, and iconic design justify the investment. It is a revolver that is built to last, offering reliability and precision that few other handguns can match.

For collectors, the Colt Python 2020 holds significant appeal as a modern iteration of a classic revolver. For shooters, its performance and craftsmanship make it a standout choice for target shooting, hunting, and even self-defense.

SIG SAUER P365X ROMEOZERO

The P365X is a revolutionary concealed carry pistol that gives you more capacity, more concealability and more capability. It's the one gun you can carry every day of the year. This P365 features a patented modified double-stack magazine capable of full-size capacity.
Its ergonomic design makes it more shootable than the typical pocket-sized pistols with a clean, crisp trigger pull you expect from a Sig.
These features, along with the signature XSeries flat trigger and XSeries grip module, all come standard with a ROMEOZero 3 MOA optic installed and ready to go right out of the box.

Doc: The SIG SAUER P365X ROMEOZERO offers exceptional value for shooters seeking a compact, optics-ready pistol for concealed carry or personal defense. While it is priced at a premium compared to some other compact pistols, the combination of features, performance, and build quality justifies the investment. The ROMEOZERO red dot sight adds versatility and capability to an already outstanding pistol, making it a top-tier choice for shooters looking to upgrade their concealed carry setup.

RUGER LC9S

An updated version of the much-loved LC9, this Ruger LC9s Pro is a semi-automatic handgun chambered in 9mm. This pistol retains many of the beloved features of the original LC9, while offering some anticipated changes, such as a shorter and crisper trigger pull with an integrated safety.
It was also designed to meet law enforcement specifications. The absence of the magazine disconnect safety allows for tactical reloads, enabling the user to reload the magazine while one round remains in the chamber. Steel construction ensures durability, while the glass-filled nylon grip is checkered for added comfort and better purchase.
The LC9s is suitable for self-defense and as a back-up weapon for law enforcement.

Doc: The Ruger LC9s is a compact and reliable pistol that excels in the role of concealed carry and personal defense. Its slim profile, lightweight construction, and striker-fired operation make it easy to carry all day while providing peace of mind in any self-defense situation. While it may not have all the bells and whistles of more expensive pistols, the LC9s delivers where it counts: reliability, accuracy, and affordability. Whether you're a seasoned shooter or new to concealed carry, the Ruger LC9s is a solid choice for everyday protection.

Whether you're a seasoned shooter or new to the world of handguns, these handguns exemplify the pinnacle of performance and innovation in the firearms industry. Whatever your shooting needs or preferences may be, rest assured that these handguns will deliver reliability, accuracy, and peace of mind for years to come.