Ever tried to convince yourself, or maybe convince a significant other, that the gun you just want to buy is an investment?
While some handguns can hold their value or even increase in value over time, not all guns do. Knowing which guns are going to be worth something in a few years and which ones lose a ton of value as soon as you sign on the dotted line can be huge.
If you are wondering how to determine whether a specific gun investment is worthwhile, you’re in luck! We are going to cover a few of the key reasons that certain guns maintain their value. And on top of that, we have done some research to compile a small list of guns that should hold their value for years to come.
While we could make an extensive list of ultra-rare investment handguns, we decided to stick to a more manageable list of current production handguns that you can still buy.
Table of Contents
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THE QUICK LIST
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Editor’s Pick
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Best All-Arounder
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Easiest to Resell
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Best Movie Gun
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Most Affordable
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Best Value Potential Revolver
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Biggest Value Gain Potential
How We Chose the Best Value-Holding Pistols
Our team crunched data from GunBroker.com, sales forums, and various manufacturer websites. We looked at the initial starting MSRP and common street price before comparing it to the prices from completed sales.
Keep in mind, this is not an exhaustive list, but rather a small slice of some of the easiest current-production handguns to grab across a few different price points.
Best Current Production Value-Holding Handguns
1. HK Mark 23 – Editor’s Pick
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- Legendary HK durability
- Popular in both media and through military service
- Awesome to shoot suppressed
Cons
- Expensive
- Comically large for a handgun
- Weird barrel thread pitch
Specs:
- Caliber: .45 ACP
- Action: Semi-auto, DA/SA
- Capacity: 12+1
- Barrel Length: 5.2″
- Overall Length: 9.65″
- Height: 5.91″
- Width: 1.54″
- Weight: 31.2 oz.
Whether someone wants to LARP as a Navy SEAL, is a massive Metal Gear Solid fan, or just wants a .45 pistol the size of a Desert Eagle, the HK Mark 23 is waiting for them in the wings.
The Mark 23 is a supremely cool pistol, but it is expensive and suffers from sporadic production runs and relatively lower overall production numbers.
People tend to associate the HK name with quality and a certain level of exclusivity. This sentiment is amplified even more when it comes to the Mark 23. Of all the current production HK handguns, it is the most expensive.
Even when these guns are in current production, used prices rarely dip below $2,000. And when they are in between production runs? Expect to see used prices ranging anywhere from the original new prices up to $2,800.
Furthermore, the new prices for Mark 23s have been trending upward for the past few years, despite the dated design.
2. Beretta 92FS Inox – Best All-Arounder
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- Affordable to shoot
- Soft recoil impulse
- Magazines are easy to source
- Solid aftermarket
Cons
- Price is more likely to stay stable rather than increase drastically
Specs:
- Caliber: 9mm
- Action: Semi-auto, DA/SA
- Capacity: 15+1
- Barrel Length: 4.9″
- Overall Length: 8.5″
- Height: 5.4″
- Width: 1.5″
- Weight: 33.3 oz.
This one may come as a shocker to some, but if you know, you know.
While there are a ton of Beretta 92s and M9 variants on the used market at any given time, few command the second-hand prices that the ultra-sexy stainless “Inox” versions do.
Seriously, just peek on GunBroker and look at the price difference between a used standard Beretta 92 and an Inox, it is pretty wild.
Like the Mark 23, Beretta has been known to roll out far fewer Inox guns far less often than its standard counterpart. It’s got a bit of rarity, some dashing good looks, the John Woo cool factor (yes, we know they are actually PT-92s), and even some fans from the anime world.
Buy one and you will not only feel cool, but if you get tired of it or need the money, you will get most or all of your cash back – especially if they aren’t in stock at the time.
What do you think of the Beretta? Rate it below!
3. Colt Delta Elite – Easiest to Resell
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- Powerful caliber
- Awesome 1911 ergonomics
- Great trigger
Cons
- Newer Colt quality isn't quite as good as old Colt
Specs:
- Caliber: 10mm
- Action: Semi-auto, SAO
- Capacity: 8+1
- Barrel Length: 5″
- Overall Length: 8.3″
- Height: 5.7″
- Width: 1.26″
- Weight: 35.9 oz.
There will be die-hard Colt collectors and fans out there until the world moves on to laser guns, and even then, they will still probably be around.
While Colt doesn’t have too many crazy cool models available outside of the custom shop right now, the Delta Elite is still up for easy grabs.
Colt? Check. Stainless finish? Check. 1911? Check. 10mm? Check.
These are the OG 10mm 1911s, and as such, they have remained popular. You aren’t going to see these dip much under $1000, which is pretty damn close to where they are priced now.
And you guessed it, like the Mark 23 and the Inox 92, Colt kind of rolls these out in waves. If you sell during a dry period, you can expect to make your money back or snag a bit of extra coin on top.
4. Taran Tactical TTI JW4 Pit Viper – Best Movie Gun
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- Insanely flat-shooting
- Amazingly light trigger
- The John Wick gun
Cons
- Exceedingly expensive
- Can get 90% of the performance for half the price
Specs:
- Caliber: 9mm
- Action: Semi-auto, SAO
- Capacity: 17+1, 21+1
- Barrel Length: 5″
- Weight: ~35 oz.
Despite it being 11 years (I refuse to believe it) since the first John Wick movie came out, the franchise and character have remained a fixture in pop culture.
As the franchise grew, specialized weapons were created specifically for the movies. Of all the handguns that John Wick uses, the Taran Tactical Innovations Pit Viper from the fourth film may be the coolest.
Not only are these guns immortalized through film, but they are actually badass from a performance standpoint.
These are hand-fitted 2011s that have been crafted to be some of the fattest, flattest-shooting pistols ever made, with triggers in the 1.75-lb to 2.25-lb range. With the Pit Viper, you can flex your cool movie gun while also having something that will stack up to even the finest of competition pistols.
Production numbers are limited, and these guns are incredibly expensive. But at the end of the day, they hold their value both on the virtue of their performance and their movie providence.
5. Walther P99 AS Final Edition – Most Affordable
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- Affordable as far as value-holding guns go
- Collector's edition comes with a nice case
- Unique and interesting trigger mechanism
- Accurate and easy to shoot
Cons
- Value likely to not increase until they are officially discontinued again
Specs:
- Caliber: 9mm
- Action: Semi-auto, striker-fired DA/SA
- Capacity: 15+1
- Barrel Length: 4″
- Overall Length: 7.1″
- Height: 5.3″
- Width: 1.3″
- Weight: 24 oz.
When Walther quietly discontinued the P99, the gun community took notice and complained. Walther responded by reintroducing the P99 AS Final Edition, marking what they described as a long farewell to one of the most significant handguns of the last 30 years.
They have outright said that once the demand dwindles enough, the P99 will be gone for good. And, like any discontinued gun, the price is sure to increase. Even during the short period of time after the initial discontinuation, used prices jumped by $200-300 overnight!
The P99 AS Final Edition comes with a nice case and a challenge coin. But the best part? These guns originally sold for around $750-800 but have since dropped to $550-650.
You can hardly even find a clean used 9mm P99 for much under $500 these days, let alone a collector’s edition. Buy the dip!
The unique yet great trigger, solid ergonomics, outstanding accuracy, and the trademark Walther reliability make the P99 more than a good investment; it’s simply a great gun, period.
Even if Walther is fooling us and plans to keep the P99 around, you will barely lose any money, if at all, if you buy one at the current prices. And if they discontinue them? Who knows where prices will end up — all I know is that it will be a chunk more than you paid for it.
6. Ruger SP101 .327 Federal Half Lug – Best Value Potential Revolver
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- Holds 6 shots instead of 5
- Fully adjustable rear sight
- Extremely well balanced
- Can also fire .32 H&R Mag and .32 S&W Long/Short
Cons
- Ammo isn't cheap
- Less holster compatibility with the half lug and taller front sight
Specs:
- Caliber: .327 Federal Magnum
- Action: Double-action revolver
- Capacity: 6
- Barrel Length: 3″
- Overall Length: 8″
- Weight: 27 oz.
Why such a specific revolver, you ask? Great question, let me enlighten you.
Ruger frequently works with wholesale gun distributors such as Lipsey’s and Davidson’s to create special models and configurations. Many of these are produced in limited quantities and only stick around for a year or two.
There is a fairly sizable sect of people who go absolutely bonkers for these rare configurations.
To put it into perspective, I bought a Davidson’s Exclusive version of the Ruger Super Blackhawk Hunter in .41 Magnum with the Bisley grip for $750 about six years ago. Want one today? You are looking at $1,400 plus.
Currently, the neatest odd configuration that Ruger has on tap is the SP101 in .327 Federal, featuring an uncommon-for-the-caliber half-lug barrel and adjustable rear sight.
Aside from being unique, these are sweet guns. I have a standard 3-inch .327 Federal SP101, and it is one of the best carry revolvers ever made. It is the perfect balance of power, concealability, shootability, and size.
This is a Lipsey’s exclusive that I don’t expect to stick around for a terribly long time. And like just about any discontinued exclusive revolver, you can be sure that you can squeeze some extra dollars out of the discerning boomer who wants that model and nothing else.
7. Laugo Alien Creator Evolution Kit – Biggest Value Gain Potential
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- Super low bore axis
- Non-reciprocating sights
- Extremely low recoil
Cons
- Very expensive
- Gas system can cause the gun to heat up quickly
Specs:
- Caliber: 9mm
- Action: Semi-auto, hammer-fired SAO
- Capacity: 17+1
- Barrel Length: 4.8″
- Overall Length: 8.2″
- Height: 5.8″
- Width: 1.1″
- Weight: 39.6 oz.
I saved the strangest gun for last — the Laugo Alien.
The original Laugo Alien was released in 2019 and instantly captured the imagination of many curious gun owners.
It is an absolutely wild design, being a gas-delayed blowback, fixed barrel, non-reciprocating optic, ultra-low bore axis pistol. These are boutique guns designed to be mind-meltingly fast shooters.
The Alien is so cool that Ian McCollum from Forgotten Weapons dropped a video on it despite it being a current production gun.
Yes, they are expensive, but yes, they have been holding their value pretty well. The specific model we are looking at is the Laugo Alien Creator Evolution Kit. These full kits, which include all accessories, magazines, optics, and a holster, will give you the best chance of having something that retains maximum value moving forward.
However, to be honest, the market for a niche $6,000 pistol will likely lead to its discontinuation within the next few years.
You can bet that once the Alien is gone, its reputation as a technical marvel and oddity will almost assuredly cause prices to skyrocket, similar to something like the HK P7.
What Makes a Gun Stay Valuable?
Things that get used tend to depreciate in value, and guns are no exception. But like many other things, guns can either hold or increase in value based on a number of factors.
Original Packaging and Documentation
Many collectors and enthusiasts place great importance on the original box, accessories, manuals, and documentation that originally came with the gun. Having the complete package in good condition almost always guarantees that you can get top dollar for your gun.
Rarity
Supply and demand is huge here. Once something is deemed rare or exclusive by the gun community, people invariably want those items more than ever.
Discontinued guns from popular manufacturers, ones that are likely to be discontinued, and guns that have sporadic production runs are usually at the top of the list when it comes to guns that maintain or increase in value.
Condition
While some rare guns can still command staggering prices in even the worst shape, most guns won’t. It goes without saying that the better condition the gun is in, the more it will be worth.
Magazines
Having additional factory magazines can be a massive selling point when it comes to moving a gun.
Selling a gun with two or three magazines sets you apart from sellers who only include one, or worse, none. If the gun has more than one type of magazine, such as a flush and a factory extended mag, having both types will help immensely.
This is especially true for guns with magazines that can be difficult to source or aren’t always in constant production.
Meet the Experts
Updating this article is Pew Pew Tactical Editor, Wyatt Sloan. Wyatt is an NRA-certified instructor and also has experience as a competition shooter and avid hunter. Wyatt personally owns over 200 firearms and has 10 years of home-based FFL firearm sales. His firearm collection has lent him unique insight into the buying and selling aspects of the gun market and the pricing shifts over the last 20 years.
Editor-in-Chief Jacki Billings runs our experienced team of reviewers. She is a National Rifle Association Basic Pistol Instructor as well as a member of the Society of Professional Journalists, ACES: Society for Editing, and the Professional Outdoor Media Association. Jacki has a bachelor’s degree in journalism and has worked as a media professional for close to 20 years, specializing in gun media for almost 10 years. With 2,000+ articles to her name, she uses her professional journalism and editing experience to set testing protocols and editorial standards for Pew Pew Tactical.
Final Thoughts
Not all guns are meant to be investments. And not all investment guns are meant to be safe queens that you can never shoot.
There are plenty of guns out there that you can purchase right now, enjoy them, and provided you take good care of them, end up making money on later. Like we mentioned earlier, this isn’t an exhaustive list by any means, just a few current gems that might be worth a bit of cheese down the road.
But hey, we’d love to hear your thoughts on this list, as well as some other current guns that you feel are solid investments! Let us know in the comments below! Is investment talk a bit too much? Don’t worry, be sure to check out the other end of the spectrum with our article and video on the Best Budget Handguns!
39 Leave a Reply
Manurhin mr73??
I can honestly say that I have no interest in any of the guns on this list. I guess I have firearms for a different reason than resale…
Many thanks for information,but in Beretta shop you can buy all for pistol M9A4 ,but not the barrel thread protector,best wishes.I placed an order with a gunsmith,Top Gun ,Mariusz
Hi,i have Beretta M9A4 9 mm,but during competion i lost the barrel thread protector.in colour pistolet.Could you help me to buy it.Mariusz
Your best bet is probably to reach out directly to Beretta. They may be able to provide a free replacement, but should for sure have one for sale elsewise.
Glock wasn't even mentioned. You must have been reading something other than this article.
We recently updated this article and completely overhauled the picks. Glock was on the previous version but was removed in favor of some different guns this time around.
Who sells any of their guns?
The boxes at the top of each section have some links to vendors that have those guns for sale. Aside from that, most of these are carried by various online retailers.
Glock number one? What a joke. Exactly how are they collectible or rare? They're cheap trash from the start.
Where is number 5???
Walther is in Arkansas not Texas.
You're right Bond's Ppk and p99 hold their value and yes, even go up in price as they age. I regularly see used p99 selling for 800+
Fun read, didn't realize hi-power was what it is. I was late to the party, but better late than never.
I am the proud owner of the Glock 17 Gen 3 which I was not the least surprised was on this honorable list.I am no firearms expert or aficionado as it goes but I just love everything about the Glock 17.I paid $499 for it 4 months ago.I wondered why the increasingly popular Rock Island 1911 45 acp pistol didn't make the cut here.Vast research on handguns convinced me that the Rock may arguably offer the most value for the money than any handgun currently on the market.It's considered a budget 45 pistol without the "bells & whistles but it's gaining exponential respect for it's great craftsmanship,reliability,and value .That's why l bought one as a sibling for my beloved Glock 17 Gen 3.I know that the Rock Island 1911 45 pistol will eventually become a ranking handgun not only for its quality,but also because it does all that's necessary for a 45 caliber pistol at a consumer friendly price.
Although some of the guns listed above are interesting and have had decent value increases over time, real value comes with guns that are rare, have limited production and are significant in the history of firearms development. One such item is the Smith & Wesson Model 356TSW Limited. Originally developed alongside the .356 cartridge (a round specifically designed to meet power factors for competition). Unfortunately the .356 never caught on, so the guns and ammunition are indeed rare. Nonetheless, guns and rounds for this chambering are indeed rare and will likely increase significanty in value over the years. If you're lucky enough to have one in your collection (like me), hold on to it. Your children and their children will thank you...
my favorite is my High Standard MK 1 nickel 9 shot revolver 2 in barrel walnut grips,this was only produced 2 or 3 years,my guess it will appreciate over the years, I don't need a hand cannon ,well placed shots will work just fine
Wow I have to say I am shocked not a single Hecker & Koch pistol was on that list. Sorry but for me Glocks are for Kool-Aid drinkers and have terrible profile that does not fit naturally in most hands. Had to copy HK's polygonal barrel to even make it an "ok" weapon. Sorry but some of the guns listed I agree with specially Sigs but not to list the HK USP or P30 even the newer VP40 says a lot about the research or lack of here.
Hi, Eric, I really need advice. Bought my M17 it’s Very Accurate, has no safety, but I Hate the Travel to the Trigger and it’s wt.. People say put a grey gun kit in it. No to much $. Decided to trade in & go with & LOOSE $200 ( I paid $650, now sell less here) for a Sig Legion P320 9m X5 cause of the trigger & can lighten the spring. As I don’t have a lot of arm strength fit racking, etc. I called SIG asked them, how much travel on the trigger? No idea? They said 4.5 lb wt. here where I live I am treated w “ well just buy it, but we really don’t want to show it to you” My local gun range young men Only group nice guys, just unfortunately don’t have what I need all time. It can be VERY frustrating being a female and wanting information and no one wanting to bother. I probably can shoot better than they can lol my M 17 is nothing to sneeze at, I’m 5’5” 135 not tiny by any means but I believe Eric men underestimate women shooters and that’s sad. Cause when I go in I want to look, men don’t want to be bothered or sell me the
“ Tiny” guns! Sorry but we’re out there! So what’s ur thoughts on the Legion X5 Triggers?
Sorry so long. Just frustrated with it all. Feel like got ripped off buying my M17 being flooded by market now.
I'm surprised that the H&K VP9 gets no mention anywhere on PPT.
It's amusing that the picture posted as a Colt 1911 is in fact a Taurus PT1911!!
I have one and I love it, despite all the Taurus haters out there.
Oh, and following the link with the pic of the Taurus takes you to a Walther REPLICA of a 1911, in 22LR no less.
Great research.
The link has both a Colt and the Walther, we'll check the picture!
Great list of guns and a well thought-out article. I recently looked at the Sig P320 but opted to buy the Glock G34. Although I’m very happy with the Glock (which I think will also hold its value), I am gonna make the Sig my next purchase. “But honey, they hold their value really well....”
I have both the Browning High Power and the Glock 17. Paid R3000 for the Browning in 2014 and R11500 for the 17 also in 2014. The R stands for South African Rand as I live in South Africa. The Browning High Power belonged to my Grandfather.He bought it in 1975.I bought it out of the estate as he didn't specify it in his testament. Great article thanks!
I'm a revolver guy, and I agree that you can't go wrong with either of the choices you listed. The only addition might be a Colt SAA in .45 LC.
Good article, you can’t go wrong buying any of these pistols recommended above. Just don’t overpay, don’t be afraid to negotiate.
Purchased a Browning high power sport in 1972 for $151.50 & yes I still have it. Also purchased a colt mark 4, series 70, national match in the mid 80's in for $450.00. How about my colt anaconda 6in 44 mag acquired nib in the late 80's for $650.00. I didn't buy them as collector investments but to enjoy. When people ask are firearms a good investment I suggest they buy what they are interested in & enjoy them, if they go up in value it's a bonus.
Picked up a new Sig P229 Legion a couple months ago for $1199, and a new PPQ M2 for $440, 2 weeks ago. Bought the Sig locally, the Walther online (paid an additional $20 to transfer the PPQ).
I also ask why no Kimbers?
I paid $495. for my Glock 17 Gen 3, new in box in November 2018. I paid $795, for my Colt Govt Model 1911, new in box in April 2019.
Good list, though I'm surprised that the USP didn't make the cut. I've got 2 of the pistols in the list (P226 and CZ-75) that are practically neck and neck for my favorite handgun.
I doubt I'll ever sell my Sig, since I managed to find an all original (packaging and everything) W. German P226 for a ridiculous $400 at my LGS.
Good job, but you missed a few really awesome handguns that should be in your top 5.
Why no Kimber weapons?
How about the FN 5.7 bought the actual IOM model with double curved trigger guard for 900.00 five years ago and the last one I saw for sale on unbroken went for 2500
No SW 14-3? The tack driver 38’s have gone up in value. Not sure why it isn’t listed. My 2 cents.
No colt python? Bought mine in '76 when I joined the local pd. New,6in blued was 250.00. Used seems to run from 2500.00 on up based on condition. Trying to figure out a future value of anything is always a crap shoot. Good article.
Thanks Mike, we focused mostly on guns you can still readily buy!
Wow great article,everything in this is true. In my local gun shops the guns that always hold their value are Glocks,Colts,HK,CZ,and Berettas.Usually used their $50-$75 off retail.
I believe the Colt Python demands such a high used price is due to the fact it is the revolver Rick Grimes uses in AMC's TV series The Walking Dead. Nevertheless it is a very sweet revolver.
The python was selling at stratospheric prices long before zombie shows. Besides an early Colt SAA, the Python has been the best collector revolver investment for decades.