A handgun is any firearm that is small and light enough to be held one-handed when fired, although both hands may be used to help with aim and accuracy. Handguns were revolutionized in the 1830s when Samuel Colt invented the Colt Revolver, a gun popularly used by the Texas Rangers. Today, handguns have come a long way from the original Colt Revolver. If you’re thinking about purchasing a handgun, remember to check the law for carrying firearms in public in every state.
24/7 Wall St. identified the most powerful handguns by using ballistics data compiled by outdoor gear retailer Sportsman’s Warehouse. All 25 calibers with available data on the foot-pounds of energy delivered at 50 yards were ranked here. We selected the bullet weight, or grain, for each caliber, that delivers the most force at 50 yards. This ranking does not account for variations in barrel length and is based on a limited, and not necessarily comprehensive, list of available bullet weights.
Why This Matters
Americans love guns. In fact, at times, these weapons are synonymous with personal identity. Furthermore, the United States has seen an increase in gun sales in recent years. When it comes to purchasing a gun, 24/7 Wall St. wants to help you spend your money wisely. We’re covering the most powerful handguns you can buy to help you know if the handgun you are considering gives you the most bang for your buck.
Scroll below to see the most powerful handgun you can buy, and it’s not even close:
25. 25 Auto
- Pounds of energy: 51 ft/lbs.
- Maximum effective velocity: 813 ft.
- Grain: 35 grain bullet
- Use: personal defense
24. 22 WMR
- Pounds of energy: 85 ft/lbs.
- Maximum effective velocity: 920 ft.
- Grain: 45 grain bullet
- Use: personal defense
23. 32 Auto
- Pounds of energy: 105 ft/lbs.
- Maximum effective velocity: 905 ft.
- Grain: 60 grain bullet
- Use: personal defense
22. 32 NAA
- Pounds of energy: 155 ft/lbs.
- Maximum effective velocity: 933 ft.
- Grain: 80 grain bullet
- Use: personal defense
21. 380 Auto
- Pounds of energy: 166 ft/lbs.
- Maximum effective velocity: 912 ft.
- Grain: 90 grain bullet
- Use: personal defense
20. 9X18mm Makarov
- Pounds of energy: 176 ft/lbs.
- Maximum effective velocity: 913 ft.
- Grain: 95 grain bullet
- Use: personal defense
19. 32 H&R
- Pounds of energy: 192 ft/lbs.
- Maximum effective velocity: 1,039 ft.
- Grain: 80 grain bullet
- Use: personal defense
18. 38 Special
- Pounds of energy: 215 ft/lbs.
- Maximum effective velocity: 1,037 ft.
- Grain: 90 grain bullet
- Use: personal defense
17. 44-40 Cowboy
- Pounds of energy: 216 ft/lbs.
- Maximum effective velocity: 689 ft.
- Grain: 205 grain bullet
- Use: varmint hunting and target shooting
16. 9mm Luger
- Pounds of energy: 290 ft/lbs.
- Maximum effective velocity: 1,027 ft.
- Grain: 124 grain bullet
- Use: personal defense and varmint hunting
15. 45 Auto
- Pounds of energy: 341 ft/lbs.
- Maximum effective velocity: 911 ft.
- Grain: 185 grain bullet
- Use: personal defense
14. 44 Special
- Pounds of energy: 349 ft/lbs.
- Maximum effective velocity: 934 ft.
- Grain: 180 grain bullet
- Use: personal defense and medium game hunting
13. 40 S&W
- Pounds of energy: 387 ft/lbs.
- Maximum effective velocity: 1,060 ft.
- Grain: 155 grain bullet
- Use: personal defense and varmint hunting
12. 45 Colt
- Pounds of energy: 407 ft/lbs.
- Maximum effective velocity: 903 ft.
- Grain: 225 grain bullet
- Use: personal defense and medium game hunting
11. 357 Sig
- Pounds of energy: 418 ft/lbs.
- Maximum effective velocity: 1,132 ft.
- Grain: 147 grain bullet
- Use: personal defense and varmint hunting
10. 10mm Auto
- Pounds of energy: 463 ft/lbs.
- Maximum effective velocity: 1,077 ft.
- Grain: 180 grain bullet
- Use: personal defense and medium game hunting
9. 357 Magnum
- Pounds of energy: 510 ft/lbs.
- Maximum effective velocity: 1,281 ft.
- Grain: 140 grain bullet
- Use: personal defense, varmint hunting, and medium game hunting
8. 44 Rem Mag
- Pounds of energy: 806 ft/lbs.
- Maximum effective velocity: 1,230 ft.
- Grain: 240 grain bullet
- Use: personal defense and medium/large game hunting
7. 41 Rem Mag
- Pounds of energy: 892 ft/lbs.
- Maximum effective velocity: 1,383 ft.
- Grain: 210 grain bullet
- Use: personal defense and medium game hunting
6. 480 Ruger
- Pounds of energy: 1,024 ft/lbs.
- Maximum effective velocity: 1,191 ft.
- Grain: 325 grain bullet
- Use: medium and large game hunting
5. 50 AE
- Pounds of energy: 1,043 ft/lbs.
- Maximum effective velocity: 1,251 ft.
- Grain: 300 grain bullet
- Use: personal defense and medium game hunting
4. 475 Linebaugh
- Pounds of energy: 1,229 ft/lbs.
- Maximum effective velocity: 1,176 ft.
- Grain: 400 grain bullet
- Use: personal defense
3. 454 Casull
- Pounds of energy: 1,500 ft/lbs.
- Maximum effective velocity: 1,678 ft.
- Grain: 240 grain bullet
- Use: personal defense and medium/large game hunting
2. 460 S&W Mag
- Pounds of energy: 1,673 ft/lbs.
- Maximum effective velocity: 1,941 ft.
- Grain: 200 grain bullet
- Use: medium and large game hunting
1. 500 S&W Mag
- Pounds of energy: 2,600 ft/lbs.
- Maximum effective velocity: 1,653 ft.
- Grain: 300 grain bullet
- Use: medium and large game hunting
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