Some guns don’t just sell well for a season—they stay on the leaderboards year after year. These firearms balance performance, reliability, and reputation in ways that keep them relevant no matter how trends shift. Whether you’re looking at the concealed carry market, service pistols, or hunting rifles, these models have proven themselves with staying power. They’re the guns shooters keep buying, and the reason is simple: they deliver every time they’re pulled from the case.
AR-15 Platform
Love it or hate it, the AR-15 platform has dominated sales charts for years. Its modularity, light recoil, and wide parts availability make it one of the most versatile rifles you can own. Shooters use it for everything from home defense to varmint hunting to competition, and it can be configured to fit nearly any role.
The staying power comes from its adaptability. With endless options for uppers, calibers, and accessories, the AR-15 remains a top choice because it can be built into exactly what you need.
Remington 870
The Remington 870 pump-action shotgun has been trusted by hunters, homeowners, and police forces for generations. Its rugged steel receiver and reliable action give it the durability to last decades with basic care. It’s been chambered in everything from 12 gauge to .410, making it a workhorse across different uses.
Its spot on the charts comes from proven reliability. Whether you’re busting clays, taking ducks, or defending your house, the 870 delivers performance you can count on. That reputation keeps it near the top every year.
Ruger 10/22
The Ruger 10/22 is one of the most popular rimfire rifles ever made. Affordable, reliable, and endlessly customizable, it’s the .22 many shooters start with and never put down. Its rotary magazine and semi-auto action make it fun and practical for plinking, small game hunting, and training new shooters.
Longevity is the secret here. The 10/22 is simple enough to run forever and adaptable enough to upgrade endlessly. Those qualities make it a perennial top-seller in the rimfire world.
Smith & Wesson M&P9
Smith & Wesson’s M&P9 has carved out its place in the modern striker-fired pistol market. With ergonomics many shooters find more comfortable than Glock’s, it’s become a popular choice for both law enforcement and civilians. Its reliability and price point help it stay competitive year after year.
The M&P9 thrives because it keeps evolving without losing its core strengths. Updated triggers, optics-ready slides, and improved ergonomics keep it modern, ensuring it doesn’t get bumped out of the rankings.
Winchester Model 70
Often called “the rifleman’s rifle,” the Winchester Model 70 has been around since 1936 and still sells strong today. Its controlled-round feed action and solid build quality make it a trusted choice for hunters worldwide. Whether chambered in .30-06 or newer calibers, it delivers consistent performance in the field.
The Model 70’s staying power comes from trust. Hunters know it cycles smoothly, handles recoil well, and holds zero through rough use. That reputation keeps it among the best-sellers decade after decade.
Sig Sauer P320
The Sig Sauer P320 rose to prominence when the U.S. military adopted it as the M17/M18 service pistol. Since then, its modular design and wide range of options have made it a consistent seller among civilians. With swappable frames and slides, it adapts to different roles with ease.
Reliability and military adoption are big reasons it stays on the charts. The P320 has proven itself in demanding conditions, and that credibility translates into consistent sales at the civilian level.
Mossberg 500
The Mossberg 500 has been competing with the Remington 870 for decades and continues to sell in huge numbers. Its dual-extractor design and ambidextrous safety make it both rugged and user-friendly. Like the 870, it’s been used everywhere—from duck blinds to patrol cars.
Affordability gives it an edge. It delivers proven pump-action reliability at a price that’s hard to beat, keeping it accessible to hunters, homeowners, and professionals alike. That balance ensures it never drops off the top lists.
Colt 1911
Over a century after its introduction, the Colt 1911 remains one of the most popular handguns in America. Its .45 ACP chambering, crisp single-action trigger, and historic reputation keep it relevant with both collectors and shooters. Countless variations exist, but the classic design still sells consistently.
The 1911 survives on performance and legacy. Shooters know it’s accurate, reliable, and capable in skilled hands. Add in its history as a service pistol, and it’s easy to see why it stays at the top.
Savage Axis II
The Savage Axis II may not have the legacy of a Model 70 or Remington 700, but it’s earned a place among top-selling bolt-actions. Its affordability, accuracy, and factory-installed AccuTrigger make it attractive to hunters looking for a capable rifle without spending a fortune.
What keeps it selling year after year is its balance of value and performance. It’s often the first rifle for new hunters and still accurate enough to stay in the safe for seasoned ones.
Glock 19
The Glock 19 has been the benchmark for compact 9mm pistols for decades. Its balance of size, capacity, and reliability keeps it at the top of both civilian and law enforcement lists. You’ll find it praised as a carry option, a duty gun, and even as a training pistol because it does so much well.
Durability and simplicity are what cement the Glock 19’s spot. It handles abuse, feeds a wide variety of ammo, and stays accurate enough for serious use. That combination explains why it never falls out of the top tier.
*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.
