We all like to ring steel and shoot small groups. This is not just great for your ego at the range, it’s also good for defensive shooting. Indeed, it’s often the archer, not the arrow, but training goes a long way and hardware is no supplement for learning the fundamentals. However, some firearms are more accurate than others and can give you an added edge. I wanted to focus on handguns that could serve in alternative roles as well, rather than specialized bullseye target shooting pistols from companies such as Mateba, Hammerli, and Pardini. With that, here are some of the most accurate handguns ever produced.
1911/2011 Platform
For anyone paying attention to the industry, it’s no surprise that the 1911 makes the list. John Browning’s design was revolutionary and still holds weight today. The same goes for modern 2011 adaptations. Given its popularity, there are tons of different examples being produced today by a number of varying manufacturers. Some are better than others, but the overall design makes for good inherent accuracy.
Custom-grade pistols generally achieve the most accuracy, given they often feature hand-fit parts. Production models are still exceptional. Staccato, Wilson Combat, Springfield, Dan Wesson, Les Baer, and Nighthawk Custom are some of the best. S&W, Ruger, and Kimber also make good pistols with solid accuracy.
The single-action trigger with straight-to-the-rear pull makes for the best trigger in the business. It’s light, crisp, and the same every time. The grip angle offers a natural point, and the firearm balances well in the hand. These are just some of the many reasons the 1911/2011 design is still around today.
CZ Shadow 2/TS2
The CZ Shadow 2 features a unique rail design where the slide rides inside the frame. Based on the well-tested CZ 75B, the pistol is double-action/single-action and incorporates a solid steel frame. Additionally, the pistol features an optics-ready slide for mounting your preferred red dot.
For those who prefer a single-action pistol that is similar to the 1911, the Tactical Sport 2 offers a similar design and features. There are also models from Tanfoglio out of Italy with comparable construction. All are very popular in competition shooting due to their impressive accuracy potential.
The inverted slide rail design works to mitigate recoil by allowing a lower bore axis and higher grip. This provides the shooter with more leverage to keep the sights on target, allowing for incredibly fast follow-up shots.
SIG P210
The SIG P210 incorporates a similar design to the CZ, where the slide rides inside the frame. In fact, this is the original firearm the others were based on. Both firearms use a similar modified Browning barrel lock-up as well. The single-stack grip frame fits nicely in hand and the single-action trigger breaks like a custom 1911. Being a European design, the P210 is chambered in 9mm.
There are plenty of reports of legendary accuracy from the original Swiss models. SIG has also reproduced the P210 with a modern Target variation that has nice wraparound wooden grips and forward slide serrations. Modern machining has kept these pistols performing well and lowered the cost considerably.
SIG X5/X6
The SIG X5 (or X6) is an absolute tank of a firearm with a heavy steel frame that significantly reduces recoil. The original German custom shop guns are some of the finest examples of firearm craftsmanship. They are hand fit and finished for the utmost accuracy and reliability. New production versions are no slouch, especially the Legion model with its integrated compensator. The single-action pistols feature a light, crisp trigger pull with a match-grade barrel.
Geared toward serious competitive shooting, the pistols incorporate a flared magazine well, extended dust cover, and fully-adjustable sights. From the moment you pick one up, you can tell it’s a quality piece.
S&W Model 41
For the rimfire shooter, Smith & Wesson’s Model 41 is hard to beat. The pistol is offered with both 5.5- and 7-inch precision button-rifled barrels. Both are absolute tack drivers that are perfect for target shooting or small game hunting. Additionally, the switch-barrel design allows both barrels to be interchanged on the same frame.
The Model 41 accepts 10-round .22 mags. An adjustable trigger stop allows shooters to customize and tune their pistol for the perfect trigger pull. The Performance Center option incorporates a micrometer click-adjustable target rear sight with a removable Patridge front sight. Used by national level competitors for acute precision in competition, the Model 41 is considered one of the best .22 target pistols ever manufactured.
S&W Model 17 Masterpiece
If a wheel gun is more your speed, the Model 17 Masterpiece, aka the K-22, is a rimfire revolver with highly-touted accuracy. Originally introduced in 1931 as the Model 17 Outdoorsman, the K-22 was built on the medium-sized K-Frame. It was updated in 1939 to the “Masterpiece,” when S&W determined it was the best revolver made at the time. Fortunately, S&W has brought back some of its classic line and the Model 17 is on the list.
New production pistols feature all the modern machining and build quality with the classic styling of old-world steel and wood. The 6-inch barrel balances well and provides an extended sight radius conducive to good accuracy.
Manurhin MR73
The Manurhin .357 Magnum revolver was originally designed for the French Gendarmerie Nationale (GIGN) Special Forces and other specialized police and military units. Available in 3-, 5.25-, and 8-inch variations, these revolvers were hailed for their legendary accuracy and durability. The issued S&W revolvers were having issues holding up to the 150+ daily training rounds of full-power NORMA .357. During GIGN testing, the Manurhin went 170,000 rounds and was still going strong.
The 8-inch model was the most notable, as it was designed for urban sniping. It was outfitted with a bipod and magnified scope to act as a sort of miniature rifle. This allowed operators to fit in a more compact space for cramped city engagements such as terrorist engagements and hostage rescue situations.
Beretta is supposed to be bringing these back. However, I’m still holding my breath (and turning blue). Maybe someday I’ll be reviewing a new production model here.
HK USP Expert/Elite
Supreme accuracy and polymer-frame pistols don’t typically go hand in hand. HK didn’t get the message when it designed the USP. Standard models are reliable and accurate enough for duty use. Expert, Elite, and Tactical models take this a step further by incorporating a rubber O-ring for improved lockup and barrel positioning. Additionally, the USP features adjustable sights to really dial-in the pistol to your preferred loads.
With both .45 ACP and 9mm variations, shooters can take their picks on caliber preference. The USP is one of the most durable and proven designs, so you can be sure you’re getting a pistol that will outlast you.
Walther Q5 Steel Frame Match
Walther pulled out all the stops when designing its Q5 Steel Frame Match pistol. The updated pistol builds on the original Q5 design and pairs Walther’s excellent striker-fired trigger with a heavy, recoil-dampening steel frame machined from a solid billet. It has excellent ergonomics with its wrap-around grip panel, extended beavertail, full-length picatinny rail, and recessed slide release. The 9mm pistol features a 5-inch match-grade barrel that’s ported to reduce felt recoil and an optics-ready slide for mounting a red dot.
For the even more discerning accuracy snob, the Pro model is a work of art. This custom shop pistol is truly worthy of some of the highest honors.
Final Thoughts
I shoot a SIG P226 better than other models. My father shoots his Glock the best. Some pistols fit the individual better than others, giving it that X-factor. Your personal accuracy with the firearm is what matters. However, some guns are inherently more accurate than others, giving you a better platform to work off of. If you want the best, it doesn’t get better than any of the handguns on this list.
I fired a S&W mod 41 until I picked up a H.S. Victor, I never looked back.
My Hand K p7m8 is the most accurate 9mm I have shot.
My High Standard Trophymatic .22 suffers no rivals for accuracy.
The most accurate pistol I have shot and still own, is my Hammerli 280 in .22LR. A friend wanted to see who was a better shot. we were equal in the larger calibers. He used a Ruger Mk IV with the bull barrel and laser. He still could not beat my Hammerli. My next target pistol will probably be a Pardini SP. I do like Olympic level guns.
Nice article! First off, I am 84 years old with sort of bad eyes. So tack driving accuracy is not that important to me. My main interest is self defense. At 3, 5, 7, and 10 yards, with my Glock 30 (.45 ACP), I still shoot a little smaller than fist sized groups. The maximum sight picture in my house is 9 yards. I am thinking of getting a 1911 so your review will help me. Thanks!
Ruger MK series Target models? The Ruger MK series are inherently more accurate than standard semi-autos, do to, for the same reason like a revolver, the sights are mounted directly on the barrel (not a moving slide), as the “slide” is internal like an AR, rather than depending on good tolerances for all the moving parts on a standard semi-auto pistol to line up for an accurate shot.
The MKIIs are the best version, as they do not have the oxymoron “magazine safety” disconnect.
As for field stripping, and more importantly, reassembly of a pre-MKIV version, it is really very logical, in sequence, and once learned can be done with the eyes closed.
@GRUMPY 49, “HINT – A large/jumbo paper clip makes a good tool.” Like a Glock, have you tried pulling the trigger first? Doing so releases all the mainspring pressure on the hammer link, then the lever is very easy to pull, with or without a paper clip. Same for going back together, with the bolt inserted, point the barrel down, pull the trigger, and make sure the hammer goes all the way into firing position. While still pointed down, insert the mainspring linkage leaving the locking lever in the open position. At this point there will not be any pressure on the mainspring. Next point the barrel up, and with a thumb on the mainspring housing, and under the open locking lever, let the mainspring housing come out, roughly 1/4″ or so, to allow the hammer link (the hammer link should be free moving, if not lubricate it) to fall into place on the mainspring pocket, repeat this, testing for spring pressure, and when spring pressure is present, lock the lever. Do a function test. Now try it with your eyes closed. LOL
For me it’s a 1911 Llama Extra Model VIII in 9mm Largo. The “Extra” is for a longer 5.5″ barrel. The bigger grip to accomodate the longer cartridge and a palm-swelled mainspring housing make a near-perfect fit to my large hand and balances for the longer barrel and slide. The fixed blade and notch sights are on the short side but offer over 7 inches of sight radius. It’s won me a few friendly wagers on the range by ringing a 12-inch gong 3 times in a row at 100 yards.
No RUGER 22 pistol? For anyone starting out, the RUGER 22 pistol is almost the ideal starter pistol. Small bore pistol target shooting is a great way to get into target shooting at minimal expense. Even better, the RUGER 22 pistol is also a great KIT/FIELD gun. Even more better, the new MK IV model was redesigned to not require an advanced Engineering degree to disassemble/reassemble when cleaning it. HINT – A large/jumbo paper clip makes a good tool to use to disassemble/reassemble the older MK II series RUGER 22 pistols.
Congrats on an excellent article. 50 years after it’s purchase and decades of on-duty service, my Colt Series 70 Gold Cup ,45 ACP is still my most accurate reliable pistol I’ve ever shot. There have been more accurate (Ransom Rest Tested) – High Standard “Olympic” .22 short, S&W .22, .44 special, etc. I’ve owned that are tack drivers, but my well-worn Goold Cup wins my vote.
The article is concise, honest and clearly written. Brevity demanded short shrift as to reliability/accuracy with various types of pistol fodder which is, in the end, where my choice shines.