Running a handgun hard means things will eventually loosen, wear, or shift—unless the platform was built right from the start. After thousands of rounds, accuracy tends to slip on a lot of guns, whether it’s from barrel wear, slop in the slide, or changes in point of impact. But there are pistols that stay dialed in, even after extensive range time. If you’re training regularly or carrying something that gets shot often, these are the ones that’ll still be hitting where they should long after others start to drift.
Glock 17
The Glock 17 has a reputation for taking a beating and staying consistent. It’s not flashy, but that tight barrel lock-up and low bore axis help it stay accurate across thousands of rounds. Even after 5,000, it still shoots to the same point of aim.
The polymer frame doesn’t stretch or warp under heat, and the slide fit doesn’t loosen up in any meaningful way. As long as you keep it maintained and swap springs when needed, it keeps running—and keeps hitting. Plenty of instructors run them well past 20,000 rounds.
SIG Sauer P226
The P226 earned its reputation with military and law enforcement for a reason. It’s one of those pistols that stays true even under heavy use. The slide-to-frame fit holds up well over time, and the barrel design contributes to consistent point-of-impact.
After 5,000 rounds, you might see finish wear, but you won’t notice a drop in accuracy. The aluminum frame and steel slide combination wears in rather than wears out. You can trust it to stay zeroed and dependable, even when the round count climbs high.
CZ Shadow 2
The Shadow 2 was built with performance in mind. Its full steel frame adds weight that helps control recoil and preserve long-term accuracy. The barrel fit and slide-to-frame relationship are tight, which keeps shots on track even with heavy use.
You’ll see competitive shooters put tens of thousands of rounds through one without any major shift in zero. It’s one of those pistols that stays consistent as long as you keep up with basic maintenance. The accuracy you get on day one holds steady long after.
Walther PPQ M2
The PPQ M2 has one of the best striker-fired triggers out there, and that contributes to tight, repeatable groups over time. The barrel lock-up is precise, and the polymer frame holds firm even after thousands of rounds.
Shooters who run this gun hard report little to no degradation in accuracy after 5,000 rounds or more. The ergonomics also help you maintain control during long sessions, which translates to consistent performance. It’s reliable, and more importantly—it stays zeroed under real use.
HK VP9
The VP9 has a reputation for holding zero and staying tight even after extended use. Its cold hammer-forged barrel is known to last, and the overall fit and finish stay sharp even when the round count climbs into the thousands.
The slide rides on internal steel rails that resist wear, and the recoil spring system helps absorb shock without loosening up the gun. After 5,000 rounds, this pistol still tracks accurately and runs without drama. It’s a workhorse that doesn’t lose its edge.
Beretta 92FS
The open-slide design of the 92FS doesn’t affect how well it holds zero. In fact, its consistent barrel lock-up and smooth cycling are part of why it’s stayed relevant for so long. Even after high round counts, the accuracy stays predictable.
The frame and slide wear together evenly, and many users have hit the 10,000 mark without any loss of grouping. As long as you take care of the locking block, the rest of the gun will hold up to long-term use without drifting off target.
Staccato P
Built for duty and competition, the Staccato P is known for staying accurate well past the 5,000-round mark. Its barrel-to-slide fit is tight, the lock-up is repeatable, and the steel frame doesn’t flex under heat or pressure.
You’ll see law enforcement and competitive shooters run these hard without seeing any shift in performance. The trigger helps too—it’s clean and crisp, which keeps your groups tight. If you’re serious about accuracy and durability, this is one of the top-tier options that stays put.
Smith & Wesson M&P9 M2.0
The M&P9 M2.0 fixed a lot of what folks didn’t love about the original—and the result is a pistol that shoots flat and stays accurate. The improved trigger and aggressive grip texture help keep you consistent shot to shot.
Its stainless steel chassis insert keeps the frame rigid, even under heat. With regular shooting, you can pass 5,000 rounds and still expect it to hit where you left it. For training, carry, or duty use, it holds up and keeps shooting straight.
FN 509 Tactical
The FN 509 Tactical was built for high round counts and hard use. It has a cold hammer-forged barrel, reinforced internals, and an optic-ready slide—all of which hold up well over time. Accuracy stays consistent even after extended sessions.
It’s one of the few striker-fired pistols that doesn’t loosen up or wander after heavy training use. Whether you’re running irons or a dot, you’ll find the point-of-impact stays stable. This one was designed to handle serious use—and it shows when you pass the 5,000 mark.
Canik TP9SFX
The TP9SFX punches well above its price point, especially when it comes to long-term accuracy. It has a match-grade barrel, good trigger, and solid construction that holds zero after heavy shooting.
Shooters often report sub-2-inch groups at 25 yards—and those groups stay consistent deep into the round count. It’s surprisingly tough, even when run hard. For a pistol that’s seen in competition and training circles alike, the TP9SFX proves that affordable doesn’t mean disposable. It holds steady, round after round.
*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.
