The Most Popular Gun in the World, Ranked

Choose the gun you think is the most popular!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on Jul 16, 2024 06:55
Globally, firearms serve a variety of purposes from personal protection to sporting activities, and their popularity can greatly differ based on regional and legal contexts. Determining the most popular gun involves understanding diverse perspectives and needs that drive choices among different populations. This ranking provides a snapshot of which firearms garner the most approval and usage in different parts of the world. By participating in this ranking, users contribute to a broader comprehension of global preferences and trends in firearm ownership and usage. Your votes help clarify which models stand out in terms of reliability, effectiveness, and popularity, offering both new enthusiasts and seasoned experts valuable insights. This dynamic overview updates constantly with new user inputs, reflecting the latest shifts in public opinion and market trends.

What Is the Most Popular Gun in the World?

  1. 1
    83
    points
    AK-47

    AK-47

    The AK-47, or Kalashnikov, is a gas-operated, 7.62×39mm assault rifle, developed in the Soviet Union by Mikhail Kalashnikov. It is the originating firearm of the Kalashnikov rifle (or "AK") family.
    • Origin: Soviet Union
    • Introduced: 1948
    • Estimated Production: More than 100 million
  2. 2
    25
    points
    AR-15

    AR-15

    The AR-15 is a lightweight, 5.56×45mm, magazine-fed, gas-operated semi-automatic rifle. It was designed in 1956 by Eugene Stoner for ArmaLite, and is the basis for the M16 and M4 series of rifles currently used by the American military.
    • Origin: United States
    • Introduced: 1956
    • Popularity: Widely used in the United States
  3. 3
    12
    points
    MP5

    MP5

    The MP5 is a 9mm submachine gun of German design, developed in the 1960s by a team of engineers from the German small arms manufacturer Heckler & Koch GmbH (H&K).
    • Origin: Germany
    • Introduced: 1966
    • Users: Numerous military and law enforcement agencies worldwide
  4. 4
    9
    points
    SIG Sauer P226

    SIG Sauer P226

    The SIG Sauer P226 is a full-sized, service-type pistol made by SIG Sauer. It is chambered for the 9×19mm Parabellum, .40 S&W, .357 SIG, and .22 Long Rifle. It was introduced in the 1980s by the company SIG Sauer GmbH & Co. KG.
    • Origin: Germany/Switzerland
    • Introduced: 1984
    • Users: Numerous military and law enforcement agencies
  5. 5
    1
    points
    Desert Eagle

    Desert Eagle

    The Desert Eagle is a gas-operated, semi-automatic pistol known for its large size, large caliber, and high power. It was designed by Magnum Research in the United States.
    • Origin: United States
    • Introduced: 1983
    • Calibers: Includes .357 Magnum, .44 Magnum, and .50 Action Express
  6. 6
    1
    points
    Glock

    Glock

    The Glock is a series of polymer-framed, short recoil-operated, locked-breech semi-automatic pistols designed and produced by Austrian manufacturer Glock Ges.m.b.H.
    • Origin: Austria
    • Introduced: 1982
    • Variants: Multiple across different calibers
  7. 7
    0
    points
    M16 Rifle

    M16 Rifle

    The M16 rifle, officially designated Rifle, Caliber 5.56 mm, M16, is a family of military rifles adapted from the ArmaLite AR-15 rifle for the United States military.
    • Origin: United States
    • Introduced: 1964
    • Users: Over 15 countries
  8. 8
    0
    points
    Beretta 92

    Beretta 92

    The Beretta 92 is a series of semi-automatic pistols designed and manufactured by Beretta of Italy. The model 92 was designed in 1972 and production of many variants in different calibers continues today.
    • Origin: Italy
    • Introduced: 1972
    • Users: Used by numerous military and law enforcement agencies
  9. 9
    0
    points
    Uzi

    Uzi

    The Uzi is a family of Israeli open-bolt, blowback-operated submachine guns. Smaller variants are considered to be machine pistols.
    • Origin: Israel
    • Introduced: 1950
    • Users: More than 90 countries
  10. 10
    0
    points
    AKM

    AKM

    The AKM is a 7.62mm assault rifle designed by Soviet engineer Mikhail Kalashnikov. It is a common modernized variant of the AK-47 rifle developed in the 1950s.
    • Origin: Soviet Union
    • Introduced: 1959
    • Estimated Production: Over 75 million

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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

  • 3136 views
  • 130 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Movers & Shakers

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.

Additional Information

More about the Most Popular Gun in the World

AK-47
Rank #1 for the most popular gun in the world: AK-47 (Source)
Guns have shaped history in many ways. Among them, one stands out as the most popular. This gun has roots in the mid-20th century. It emerged during a time of great conflict and change. Its design focused on reliability and ease of use. This made it a favorite among soldiers and civilians alike.

The gun's creator wanted a weapon that could withstand harsh conditions. It needed to work in cold, heat, and dirt. The design achieved this goal. Its simple mechanism rarely jams. This reliability became one of its key strengths. Users could depend on it in almost any situation.

Ease of use was another factor. The gun's design allows for quick training. New users can learn to operate it in a short time. This made it ideal for large, diverse armies. It also became popular among irregular forces. The gun's simplicity meant that even those with little training could use it well.

Durability is another hallmark. The gun uses materials that resist wear and tear. It can last for many years with minimal maintenance. This long lifespan increased its appeal. In many places, it became a family heirloom, passed from one generation to the next.

The gun's design also allows for mass production. Factories can produce it quickly and cheaply. This made it accessible to many countries. It spread across the globe, from deserts to jungles. Its widespread availability contributed to its popularity.

The gun's influence extends beyond the battlefield. It appears in movies, books, and video games. It has become a symbol of power and resilience. This cultural impact adds to its fame. People recognize it even if they have never seen one in real life.

Despite its popularity, the gun has faced criticism. Some argue that its ease of use makes it too accessible. It has been used in many conflicts, often by those with little regard for human life. This has led to calls for stricter controls. However, its widespread presence makes regulation difficult.

The gun's role in history is undeniable. It has been part of many key events. From wars to revolutions, it has played a role. Its design has influenced many other weapons. Even today, new guns borrow elements from its design.

The gun's popularity shows no signs of waning. It remains in use around the world. Its reputation for reliability and ease of use ensures it will continue to be a favorite. While its impact is complex, its place in history is secure.

In summary, the most popular gun in the world is known for its reliability, ease of use, and durability. Its simple design allows for mass production and widespread use. It has influenced culture and other weapons. Despite criticism, it remains a key part of many arsenals. Its legacy will likely endure for many years to come.

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