The 5 Most UNDERRATED Handguns in 2025
Some of the best handguns on the market fly under the radar. They lack the marketing budgets of industry giants, are overlooked by influencers, or compete in crowded categories where the dominant brand gets all the attention. These underrated pistols offer exceptional performance, reliability, and value. Here are the most underrated handguns in 2025 that deserve a serious look.
1. Walther PDP — Underrated because Walther lacks Glock's marketing muscle
The Walther PDP has the best striker-fired trigger on the market — period. The trigger breaks cleanly at 4.5 pounds with a short, tactile reset that makes fast shooting effortless. The grip texture is the most aggressive on a factory pistol, providing unmatched control during rapid fire. The PDP is optics-ready from the factory, with an interface that accepts over a dozen different red dot footprints. The SuperTerrain slide serrations provide positive grip in any condition. Despite all this, Walther sells a fraction of what Glock and SIG move. The PDP is underrated because shooters default to bigger brands. If you want a pistol that actually shoots better than a Glock 19, try the PDP. It is that good.
2. Canik TP9 Series — Underrated because Turkish origin carries stigma
Canik has been quietly producing some of the best value pistols in the world. The TP9SFx features a competition-ready trigger that rivals $1,000-plus pistols, an optics-ready slide, a threaded barrel, and a 20+1 capacity — all for under $500. The trigger is light, with a short reset and a crisp break. The ergonomics are Walther-inspired and excellent. Canik includes a holster, cleaning kit, optics plates, and two magazines in every box. The stigma of Turkish manufacturing persists, but the evidence is overwhelming: Canik pistols are reliable, accurate, and backed by an improving warranty. They are the best value in the handgun market.
3. CZ P-10 Series — Underrated because CZ is still known for hammer-fired guns
CZ's hammer-fired CZ 75 series is legendary, and rightly so. But CZ's striker-fired P-10 series deserves equal recognition. The P-10 C (compact) features an ergonomic grip that feels like it was molded from your hand — widely considered the most comfortable polymer grip in the industry. The trigger is competitive with the Walther PDP, with a clean break and positive reset. The slide has aggressive serrations for positive manipulation. The P-10 is available with factory optics-ready cuts, suppressor-height sights, and threaded barrels. Despite being more comfortable and better-featured than a Glock 19, the P-10 C sells at a fraction of the volume. It is the most underrated compact 9mm on the market.
4. Arex Delta — Underrated because it comes from Slovenia
The Arex Delta is the best handgun you have never heard of. This Slovenian-made pistol features a cold hammer-forged barrel (better than most competitors), a crisp trigger with a short reset, fully interchangeable backstraps, and a thin 11+1 profile that conceals easily. The build quality is exceptional — the slide-to-frame fit rivals SIG's premium offerings. The Delta is optics-ready with mounting plates included. The price: under $400. Arex has won contracts with European military and law enforcement agencies, proving its reliability. The only reason the Delta is not more popular is brand recognition. On technical merit, it outperforms handguns costing twice as much.
5. Smith & Wesson M&P 2.0 — Underrated because it is the quiet professional
The M&P 2.0 has been one of the best polymer duty pistols for years, but it lives in Glock's shadow. The M&P 2.0 offers better ergonomics than a Glock (adjustable backstraps, comfortable grip angle), better grip texture (aggressive without being abrasive), a better trigger (cleaner break, shorter reset), and comparable reliability. The M&P 2.0 was chosen by the FBI after extensive testing that included Glock 19s. The aftermarket is extensive, with holsters, sights, and triggers available from dozens of manufacturers. The M&P 2.0 is the definition of underrated: it is at least as good as the Glock 19 in every meaningful metric, yet it sells for less and gets less attention.
Why These Pistols Are Underrated
The common thread among underrated handguns is that they are objectively competitive with market leaders but lack the brand recognition, marketing budget, or historical momentum to capture the spotlight. The Walther PDP has a better trigger than the Glock 19. The Canik TP9 offers more features at half the price. The CZ P-10 has better ergonomics than any competitor. The Arex Delta delivers premium features at a budget price. The M&P 2.0 is as good as the Glock 19 in every measurable way. Do not let brand inertia determine your choice — try the underdog and discover what you have been missing.