The Most Popular Gun in the World, Ranked
Voting rules: Choose the gun you think is the most popular!
Updated on Apr 24, 2024 07:14
In a world where security concerns and recreational activities intertwine, the debate over which firearms top the list in reliability, performance, and popularity is ongoing. Enthusiasts and professionals alike seek to understand which models are esteemed by their peers. This not only helps in making informed purchases but also fosters a community of informed, responsible gun owners.
Our live ranking system allows you, the user, to cast your vote and see real-time results on which guns are favored by the majority. By contributing your opinion, you help shape a comprehensive, crowd-sourced database of the top firearms. This information is invaluable for new buyers, collectors, and experts who rely on up-to-date public consensus to gauge the market and its trends.
What Is the Most Popular Gun in the World?
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178votesThe AK-47 is the most popular gun in the world due to its reliability, durability, and simplicity. It is widely used by militaries, guerrilla groups, and civilians around the world.The AK-47, also known as Avtomat Kalashnikova Model 1947, is a widely recognized carbine rifle that has gained legendary status among firearms enthusiasts. It is renowned for its durability, ease of use, and reliability even in adverse conditions.
- Caliber: 7.62x39mm
- Action: Gas-operated, rotating bolt
- Fire modes: Safe, semi-automatic, fully automatic
- Rate of fire: 600 rounds per minute
- Effective range: 400 meters
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234votesThe M16 is the standard rifle for the United States military and has been in service since the Vietnam War. It is also widely used by other militaries around the world.The M16 is a highly popular military assault rifle renowned for its reliable performance and widespread use worldwide.
- Type: Assault rifle
- Manufacturer: Colt's Manufacturing Company
- Caliber: 5.56x45mm NATO
- Action: Gas-operated, rotating bolt
- Effective firing range: 550 meters (point target), 800 meters (area target)
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315votes
Glock 17
Glock Ges.m.b.H.The Glock 17 is a popular handgun due to its reliability, ease of use, and versatility. It is widely used by law enforcement agencies and civilians around the world.The Glock 17 is a popular 9mm handgun known for its reliability, ease of use, and wide usage among law enforcement and military forces worldwide. It is a semi-automatic pistol designed and manufactured by Glock Ges.m.b.H., an Austrian firearm manufacturer.- Caliber: 9x19mm
- Weight (unloaded): 625 grams (22.04 ounces)
- Barrel Length: 114 mm (4.49 inches)
- Overall Length: 186 mm (7.32 inches)
- Height: 138 mm (5.43 inches)
Glock 17 in other rankings- Position 2 of 10 in Most popular Glock to buy
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422votesThe AR-15 is a popular rifle among civilians in the United States due to its customization options and availability. It has also been used by militaries and law enforcement agencies around the world.The AR-15 is a highly popular carbine rifle known for its versatility and widespread use. It is a lightweight, magazine-fed firearm that has become a symbol of American gun culture.
- Caliber: 5.56x45mm NATO
- Action: Direct impingement gas-operated, rotating bolt
- Barrel length: 16 inches
- Overall length: 32.5 - 36.5 inches
- Weight: 6.5 - 7.5 pounds
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512votesThe MP5 is a popular submachine gun used by law enforcement agencies and special forces around the world due to its compact size and reliability.The MP5 is a widely recognized submachine gun that was first introduced in the 1960s. It is renowned for its compact size, reliability, and versatility.
- Caliber: 9x19mm Parabellum
- Action: Delayed blowback
- Rate of fire: 800 rounds per minute
- Effective range: 100 meters
- Barrel length: 225 mm
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610votes
US Air Force from USA · Public domainRemington 870
Remington Arms CompanyThe Remington 870 is a popular shotgun used for hunting and self-defense due to its reliability and versatility. It is also used by law enforcement agencies around the world.The Remington 870 is a pump-action shotgun, widely regarded as one of the most popular firearms in America. It is renowned for its reliability, versatility, and solid construction, making it a favorite among hunters, sport shooters, and law enforcement personnel.- Action: Pump-action
- Gauge: 12, 20, 28, and .410 bore
- Capacity: Varies (typically 4-8 rounds)
- Barrel Length: 18.5 to 30 inches
- Choke System: Interchangeable
Remington 870 in other rankings- Position 1 of 10 in Most popular Remington shotgun
- Position 1 of 10 in Most popular shotgun in the U.S.
- Position 2 of 10 in Most popular tactical shotgun
- Position 3 of 10 in Most popular firearm in America
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79votes
Browning Hi-Power
John BrowningThe Browning Hi-Power is a popular handgun used by military and law enforcement agencies around the world due to its reliability and accuracy.The Browning Hi-Power is a semi-automatic pistol that is widely regarded as one of the most popular handguns in the world. It was designed by the renowned firearms inventor John Browning during the late 1920s and was first manufactured in 1935 by Fabrique Nationale (FN) in Belgium.- Caliber: 9mm
- Action: Short recoil, Single-action
- Capacity: Various: typically 13 rounds
- Barrel length: 4.6 in (117 mm)
- Overall length: 7.8 in (198 mm)
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89votes
Hardenacke · GFDLSIG Sauer P226
SIG SauerThe SIG Sauer P226 is a popular handgun used by law enforcement agencies and military forces around the world due to its accuracy and reliability.The SIG Sauer P226 is a semi-automatic pistol widely regarded as one of the most popular handguns in the world. Known for its reliability and accuracy, it is commonly used by military and law enforcement agencies.- Caliber: 9mm, .40 S&W, .357 SIG
- Action: Short recoil operated, locked breech
- Capacity: 15+1 rounds
- Barrel Length: 4.4 inches
- Overall Length: 7.7 inches
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99votesThe FN FAL is a popular battle rifle used by militaries around the world due to its reliability and accuracy. It has been in service since the 1950s.The FN FAL (Fusil Automatique Léger) is a popular and widely recognized battle rifle.
- Type: Battle rifle
- Caliber: .308 Winchester / 7.62×51mm NATO
- Action: Gas-operated, tilting bolt
- Feed system: Detachable box magazine
- Effective firing range: 600 meters (656 yards)
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107votes
Mike Cumpston · Public domainColt Single Action Army
Samuel ColtThe Colt Single Action Army, also known as the "Peacemaker," is a popular revolver used by cowboys and lawmen in the Wild West. It has since become a popular collector's item.The Colt Single Action Army, also known as the Colt Peacemaker or simply the Single Action Army (SAA), is a legendary six-shot single-action revolver. It is widely considered one of the most beautiful guns ever made due to its elegant design, craftsmanship, and historical significance.- Caliber: .45 Colt
- Action: Single-action
- Capacity: 6 rounds
- Barrel Length: 4.75 inches
- Overall Length: 11 inches
Colt Single Action Army in other rankings- Position 1 of 10 in Most beautiful gun ever made
- Position 2 of 10 in Most beautiful revolver
- Position 3 of 10 in Most popular revolver in America
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Discussion
Ranking factors for popular gun
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Number of units produced and soldThe total number of guns manufactured and sold worldwide is a significant factor in determining popularity. A higher number of units sold indicates wider acceptance and usage of the firearm.
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Global distributionA popular gun would have a wide distribution and usage across various countries, continents, and regions. The more countries and military organizations that use the gun, the higher its popularity.
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Effectiveness and reliabilityA widely popular gun would be known for its effectiveness, performance, and reliability in various conditions and situations. It should have a proven track record in combat, law enforcement, or self-defense situations.
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Ease of use and maintenanceA popular gun should be user-friendly, with simple and easy-to-understand mechanisms. Additionally, it should be easy to maintain and clean, with readily available spare parts and accessories.
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Versatility and adaptabilityA firearm that is suitable for various purposes and can be customized to fit different user needs would likely be more popular. This includes having different sizes, calibers, configurations, and accessories available for the gun.
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Cost and affordabilityA popular gun would typically be more affordable and accessible to a wider range of users, including military, law enforcement, and civilians.
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Historic significance and reputationA firearm with a rich history and a strong reputation in its performance would likely contribute to its global popularity. High-profile usage, cultural impact, or well-documented success in conflicts can contribute to a gun's fame and demand.
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Legal and regulatory landscapeAvailability and ease of acquisition can play a significant role in a firearm's popularity. Guns that are more widely accessible due to fewer legal restrictions or requirements will generally be more popular.
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Media portrayal and cultural impactFirearms that are frequently featured in movies, television shows, video games, and other media tend to have a higher level of recognition and popularity among the general public.
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User reviews and recommendationsPositive reviews and recommendations from gun enthusiasts, experts, and organizations can also play a role in determining the popularity of a firearm.
About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most popular gun in the world. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or gun is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!
Statistics
- 2504 views
- 191 votes
- 10 ranked items
Voting Rules
A participant may cast an up or down vote for each gun once every 24 hours. The rank of each gun is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.
More information on most popular gun in the world
Firearms have been around for centuries, and with the advent of modern technology, they have become more efficient and sophisticated than ever before. With so many different types of guns available today, it can be difficult to determine which one is the most popular. However, one gun stands out above the rest when it comes to popularity: the AK-47. Developed in the Soviet Union in the late 1940s, the AK-47 has become a symbol of revolution and resistance around the world. Its simplicity, reliability, and affordability have made it a favorite among military forces, guerrilla fighters, and even terrorists. Despite its reputation as a weapon of war, the AK-47 is also a popular choice for hunters and civilian gun enthusiasts. The gun's popularity has even inspired a number of imitations and variations, making it one of the most widely recognized firearms in the world.
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