The hosts introduce another “top five fight,” this time focused on hammer-fired pistols. Each has created a separate list of five pistols without seeing the other’s choices. They plan to present their rankings from number five to number one and let viewers decide in the comments which list is better. The discussion is framed around personal experience and preferences rather than price. They emphasize hammer-fired designs specifically, setting aside striker-fired pistols, and plan to highlight durability, handling, capacity, and shooting characteristics as they move through their picks.
For the first list, number five is the HK USP series, with specific praise for the USP9 as a compact, durable, and well-handling hammer-fired pistol. The Mark 23 is shown as an example of the platform’s origins in the offensive handgun program and its use with Navy SEALs, though it is acknowledged as a very large handgun. The other list counters with the FNX-45 as number five. The FNX-45 is highlighted for its .45 ACP chambering, 15-round capacity, and durability. It is described as a capable fighting pistol that combines high capacity in .45 caliber with robust construction.
At number four, the HK USP appears again, this time explicitly for its durability. The host calls it possibly the most durable hammer-fired pistol ever made in his view, noting its track record and reliability. The opposing number four pick is the FNX-45 Tactical. This version is described as more feature-rich than the standard FNX-45, with an optics-ready slide, decocker, and polymer frame, while still offering a 15-round .45 ACP capacity. The FNX-45 Tactical is linked to early SOCOM use of optics-equipped pistols. The host explains that ranking the USP and FNX-45 Tactical was a close decision, ultimately favoring the USP slightly for its history and perceived toughness, even though the FNX-45 Tactical is said to shoot better.
For number three, one list selects the SIG P226, specifically referencing the Mark 25 variant issued to Navy SEALs. The P226 is credited with extensive service in law enforcement and military roles, operating reliably in water, sand, and harsh conditions. Despite broader debates around SIG Sauer, the P226 itself is presented as an iconic, proven hammer-fired platform and an excellent shooter. The other list chooses the 1911 platform in general for the third spot, mentioning examples like the Springfield TRP Operator and an Alpha Foxtrot model. The argument is that any serious top five hammer-fired list should include a 1911 or similar single-stack design because of its enduring popularity, long history, and continued production by multiple manufacturers.
At number two, one host picks the SIG P226 X5 Legion. This model is praised for its excellent trigger, described as having a short, defined wall and a very light break, likely the best trigger on his list. The pistol includes a compensator and is characterized as a high-end, refined evolution of the P226 platform, evaluated here without regard to price. The competing number two choice is the CZ 75 family, including the CZ Shadow 2 Compact, CZ 75 SP-01, and CZ RAMI. The CZ 75 series is highlighted for its outstanding triggers and strong following. To compare, they use a trigger gauge on the P226 X5 Legion and a CZ Shadow 2, getting readings around 2.1 pounds for the SIG and roughly 2.9 pounds for the CZ. The SIG shows a slightly lighter pull and shorter reset, but the CZ’s feel and fan base are emphasized, with the CZ 75 series portrayed as a benchmark hammer-fired design.
Before revealing their top picks, both hosts present an honorable mention and unexpectedly agree on the Beretta M9A4. The M9A4 is tied to the broader M9 lineage and U.S. military service, with the host referencing its progression through earlier M9 variants. It is acknowledged as a historically significant service pistol with a strong military background and an attractive overall appearance. One host notes that Beretta products do not usually appear on his lists, but the M9A4 earns a place due to its history and capability. At the same time, he admits he is not personally fond of its ergonomics and does not prefer to use it himself, separating objective merit from individual comfort and fit.
For number one, one list crowns a 2011-style pistol, specifically naming the Atlas Gunworks Athena, though an MAC DS Comp is used on camera as a stand-in. The MAC DS Comp is described as a double-stack 1911-style pistol with a compensator and porting, on which they have fired over 1,000 rounds without malfunctions. The host argues that in 2025, capacity is critical, pointing to 20-round capacity in a full-size frame similar to a traditional 1911 as a major advantage. He notes that 2011s build on the proven 1911 platform by adding double-stack capacity, similar to how many designs borrow from the CZ 75 pattern. The other list takes a more accessible route with the CZ P-09, shown in a compact version with full-size variants also available. The point is made that most viewers are unlikely to afford an Atlas-level 2011, while a CZ P-09 is realistically attainable, offering a practical hammer-fired choice with modern capacity for the majority of shooters.
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