Some handguns just feel right the second you pick them up. Whether it’s the grip angle, balance, or recoil management, these models are easier on the hands than you’d expect—especially for folks who usually shy away from pistols. If you’ve ever been surprised by how smooth a gun felt at the range, you’re not alone. These ten handguns have earned a reputation for shooting better than they look on paper.
Smith & Wesson M&P 9 Shield EZ
This one was built with easy operation in mind, and it shows. The slide is light, the grip safety is forgiving, and the recoil is minimal for a small 9mm.
Many shooters, especially those with weaker hands or new to handguns, find the EZ surprisingly comfortable. It’s user-friendly without feeling flimsy.
Glock 19
Despite the boxy look, the Glock 19 fits a lot of hands well. The grip texture isn’t aggressive, and the recoil is easy to manage thanks to its weight and balance.
It’s not flashy, but it’s predictable and smooth—two things that make it more enjoyable to shoot than you might expect from a duty pistol.
Ruger SR22
It’s a rimfire pistol, sure—but the SR22 has earned a fan base for being an easy, fun shooter. It’s light, the recoil is nearly nonexistent, and the controls are intuitive.
If you want a plinker that doesn’t beat you up, this little pistol is surprisingly satisfying. Even folks used to full-size guns enjoy it.
CZ 75B
The all-steel frame soaks up recoil, and the grip contours just seem to work for most people. The weight helps it sit flat during strings of fire.
It may look a little dated compared to polymer guns, but the CZ 75B is shockingly smooth. A lot of shooters walk away impressed after a few rounds.
Walther PDP
The PDP’s grip texture and trigger get a lot of attention, but it’s the ergonomics that steal the show. It settles into the hand easily and doesn’t shift under recoil.
You don’t need to fight it—it just shoots naturally. Walther really nailed the feel on this one, and it shows the first time you pull the trigger.
Beretta PX4 Storm
This one flies under the radar, but it’s a sleeper in terms of shootability. The rotating barrel design reduces muzzle flip more than you’d think.
It has a rounded grip and soft shooting characteristics that catch people off guard. Don’t let the chunky frame fool you—it’s a comfortable ride.
Springfield XD-M Elite
The grip angle and texture work together to keep the XD-M Elite planted. It points well, tracks easily, and doesn’t sting during long sessions.
Even with higher-pressure rounds, it manages recoil well. If you’ve got larger hands, this one might surprise you in all the right ways.
FN 509
It’s a combat-style pistol, but the 509 doesn’t punish you. The grip is well-shaped, the trigger isn’t heavy, and the slide has just enough heft to eat recoil.
FN packed some nice features into a gun that feels more refined than you might expect. It handles like a softer gun than its looks suggest.
SIG Sauer P226
This classic double-action pistol is all about smooth shooting. The full-size frame helps, but it’s the balance and trigger that really shine.
Even after decades on the market, the P226 still gets praise for how easy it is to control. If you haven’t tried one, you might be missing out.
Taurus TX22
This one surprised a lot of folks when it came out. It’s a budget-friendly .22, but it feels like a much more expensive gun in the hand.
The grip is comfortable, the trigger is crisp, and it’s just plain fun to shoot. Great for beginners or anyone who wants some low-stress range time.
*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.
