10 Classic American Guns That Are Still Popular Today

Some guns fade into history. Others keep showing up — on the range, in the woods, handed down from dad to daughter, or cleaned and loaded by someone who just trusts what works. The ones on this list didn’t just shape American firearm culture; they’re still part of it. Built tough, built here, and still finding new fans every year.

Whether you’re into lever-actions that smell like hunting season or sidearms with a little kick and a lot of character, these classics have earned their staying power.

1. Colt 1911

Introduced: 1911

Why it’s still popular: Over 100 years later, the 1911 still holds its ground as one of the most beloved handguns in America. Fans say it has serious stopping power and a clean trigger pull. Whether it’s a military-issued original or a modern rebuild, people keep coming back to it, for both carry and collection.

2. Winchester Model 70

Introduced: 1936

Why it’s still popular: Dubbed “the rifleman’s rifle,” the Model 70 has earned a cult following among hunters and precision shooters. It’s smooth, dependable, and accurate enough to trust on any serious hunt. 

3. Remington Model 870

Introduced: 1950

Why it’s still popular: If you’ve ever been bird hunting or shot clays, chances are you’ve handled an 870. This pump-action shotgun is built like a brick house and keeps running even after years of abuse.

4. Smith & Wesson Model 29

Introduced: 1955

Why it’s still popular: You don’t have to be a Clint Eastwood fan to appreciate the muscle of the Model 29. This .44 Magnum revolver isn’t just about firepower — fans say it’s beautifully built and satisfying to shoot. 

5. Ruger 10/22

Introduced: 1964

Why it’s still popular: The 10/22 is often a shooter’s first rifle, and for good reason. It’s inexpensive, reliable, and can be customized with endless parts and accessories. 

6. M1 Garand

Introduced: 1936

Why it’s still popular: Ask any WWII buff or range junkie, and they’ll light up talking about the M1 Garand. It’s big, heavy, and kicks like a mule, and that distinctive “ping” after the last shot and its historic ties make it a bucket-list gun for a lot of folks.

7. Colt AR-15

Introduced: 1964

Why it’s still popular: Love it or hate it, the AR-15 is the most popular rifle in the country. Its modular design means you can build it out exactly how you want, plus it’s light and versatile.

8. Marlin Model 336

Introduced: 1948

Why it’s still popular: There’s something timeless about working a lever-action in the woods, and the Model 336 delivers on that nostalgia. Chambered in .30-30, it’s a go-to rifle for deer hunters in thick brush. It’s fast, durable, and still looks like something straight out of an old western.

9. Thompson Submachine Gun (‘Tommy Gun’)

Introduced: 1921

Why it’s still popular: You won’t see a Tommy Gun on many ranges these days, but it still holds a special place in American firearms history. Between Prohibition-era gangsters and WWII paratroopers, it’s got serious lore. Modern collectors and reenactors keep their memory alive, and the few still in circulation are treasured.

10. Smith & Wesson Model 686

Introduced: 1980

Why it’s still popular: This stainless steel .357 Magnum is as solid as they come. It’s got a smooth trigger, just enough weight to soak up recoil, and is a favorite among revolver fans who actually shoot their guns and don’t just store them in a safe to go untouched.

Looking for more gun content?

There’s plenty to explore, including 10 Historic Guns That Sold for Sky-High Prices, 10 Valuable Civil War Weapons, and 19 Photos of Antique and Iconic Firearms in Photos.