Favorite "Fun" Guns
- Graham Baates
- Aug 30
- 5 min read
Updated: Aug 31
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Over the years I have been asked many times to list my "favorite" or "Top 5" guns of a certain category. That's a fair question. My time as a journalist has afforded me the opportunity to not only shoot hundreds of firearms, but also to run them through the GBGuns range protocol which prevents personal bias from impcating overall feelings about a gun. I've also taken several firearms to the more than 60 days I've spent at training courses and so had a chance to really find what works and doesn't after consecutive days of shooting them.
Rumble Link to Favorite Fun Guns video.
One reason why I try to avoid answering the "favorite" or "top 5" question is that the answer is mostly a matter of personal opinion. That said, I've been asked enough times to break down and give a list. Because there are too many ways to be a "favorite" I've created a few categories. This list is of guns that for me are just a good time to go enjoy.
Prices are updated in this article, but if a firearm's name is linked that leads to the original GBGunsDepot review.
In no particular order
Tisas Tank Commander How about a WWII-ish looking 1911 that's tough as nails and has enough updates to be more enjoyable to shoot, but retains the classic look? What if it's chambered in the less-expensive 9mm (yes, they now make them in other calibers too)? How about at a price that makes it ok to have just for fun? The Tisas Tank Commander is all of those things and while I can think of dozens of other guns I'd rather have for carry or self defense, this thing is simply fun to shoot. Note: The price has risen since my original 2022 review.
Web Prices as of 29AUG25
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Bersa M2XI A relatively new addition to the GBGuns library, the Bersa M2XI lets one enjoy the soft recoil of a 5" steel-framed double stack 1911 without breaking the bank for a US-made gun. The M2XI could easily be a competition gun, but I found it pure joy on the range too and it will become one I grab for simply having a good time.
Web prices as of 29AUG25
Click links for current pricing and inventory
CSA Vz 61 Skorpion These are available in a variety of calibers including the original .32acp, but I opted for .380acp for lower cost, more availability, and more energy than the original. I doubt there's anyone who watched action movies or played video games in the last 3 decades who doesn't at least recognize this gun. Impractically weak power for its size, the Skorpion is LOADS of fun to shoot. With a supressor on it things become even more fun as .380 is naturally subsonic so we get to enjoy the noise of the action and the buzzing cartridges ejecting out of the top for a 10'+ flight arc that often leaves shells raining down on the shooter a second or two after they've stopped firing.
Price as of 29AUG25
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Freedom Ordnance FX-9 These have been around for a while and are the old kicks-harder-than-5.56 direct blowback, but what holds a special place in my heart is the fact that Freedom Ordnance didn't just build an AR-9. The receivers of the FX-9 are sized appropriately for a 9mm action which means they are over an inch shorter than what you'll find on a traditional AR-9. As you can see from the photo, the closest I've come to cleaning my FX-9 has been to swap parts and yet it keeps on running. I reviewed a few models several years ago and the lineup has since expanded.
Price as of 29AUG25
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Extar EP9 Another Glock-mag fed large-format pistol that's too much fun to put down is the Extar EP9. Differing from the FX-9, the EP9 uses advanced polymers for most of its construction resulting in a rediculously-light firearm that requires no lubrication. That weight savings would normally make for more felt recoil in a blowback firearm, but Extar has made their own adjustment to the recoil system to end up with the softest-shooting non-delayed 9mm large-format pistol I've ever shot.
Price as of 29AUG25
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Derya Melik Despite my distaste for the abused M9's I served in the Army with, and even disappointment with some of the other clones out there, the Derya Arms Melik really impressed me. I imagine it's what a properly-maintained M9 could have been like. The price makes it an attractive fun gun, but what really makes it fun is how easy it is to be consistently accurate with. The broad frame and lighter slide make for less felt recoil and the gun runs smoothly.
Price as of 29AUG25
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ATI Omni Maxx 410 This is an old one. I had to check ATI's website to see if it's even still offered. It looks like it is, but under a different name. I also know that other 410 AR uppers have been imported over the seven years that have passed since my original review that reportedly are not as reliable as my original ATI. The cost and availability of 410 ammunition means that I don't shoot this as often as I'd like to (plus local range restrictions), but it is loads of fun to throw 410 shot from an AR15 platform. I wish ATI had the gumption to offer a non-NFA "firearm" version of this as that would make for a great home defense gun.
Price as of 29AUG25
Click link for current pricing and inventory
I hope this list gives you some ideas, and would love to hear from you what your favorite "fun guns" are. Remember, though all firearms can be weapons, they don't all need to have a serious purpose. It's ok to have fun.
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