*Some of the external links found on this website are affiliate links. Those links use cookies to generate revenue and fund continuation of this website. By clicking an external link you are consenting to a temporary cookie, by purchasing from that link you are supporting this website. To opt out of cookies do not click external links.
It's that time of year when all the "guntubers" make their "top __" list videos. These videos are easy for creators to make and can have the added value of reminding us of some of the great guns that have come out or were covered that year. We like to do things a bit differently at GBGuns and so after combing through the 100+ videos published in 2023 here's a list of the top five guns reviewed in 2023 by view count.
Views on YouTube come from many sources and don't always indicate audience interest. It could be that these videos were pushed more (or suppressed less) by YouTube, or that you watched a video on the same gun on another channel and so YouTube suggested another one. Regardless of where the views came from, I'm curious to hear your thoughts on this "top 5". My thoughts, and links to the reviews, as well as updated pricing (as of the time this was written) is below.
#5 Taurus TS9
The gun that won't come to the US market finally did. It's a Bubits design and behaves rather nicely on the range. The "mullet" design of a longer slide and shorter barrel is popular with some, a turn off for others. Because this was originally intdended as a Brazillian contract gun it's not red-dot ready, and the trigger's certainly duty-grade, but overall I think the pistol deserves more support in the US market than it got. Maybe, if we're lucky, US sales will inspire Taurus to import more or even make other configurations.
Updated Pricing:
#4 Taurus TX22 Compact
A neat little gun that fills the hand nicely and handles like a compact of a larger caliber. Optics ready, easy to use, and cheap to feed. An easy gun to get used for learning, training, or simple range fun.
Updated Pricing:
#3 Canike METE SF
I'm glad this one did well. Canik released the METE SF somewhat quietly amidst all the other releases of the year. This is the "compact" size that was forever the standard (4" barrel, 15rd 9mm) because it's both small enough for most to carry, but also large enough to be comfortable for extended range sessions. The classic do-all size with all the perks the METE line brings to Canik pistols.
Updated Pricing:
#2 Canik SFX Rival-S
After how popular Walther's Q5 Match Steel Frame was, it's no surprise that Canik's less-expensive equivalent would be popular too. I suspect part of the lower price is less machining time on the frame which appears to be cast, not billet, but the end result is still a nice and heavy range pistol that will have you feeling like an olympian.
Updated Pricing:
#1 Canik METE MC9
This wasn't a surpise. We loved the MC9. I found it to be one of the few "micro" guns that I can shoot comfortably and Teya enjoyed it so much she bought one for herself and has since used it at courses and even when she got her Range Master certification as an instructor. If you already own a Canik you'll be pleased to know that the MC9 can accept regular-sized Canik magazines.
Updated Pricing:
A Patron pointed out when previewing the video one this piece that both Canik and Taurus make affordable firearms. I'll add to that good distribution and generally good availability and it's no wonder that these were the firearms most viewed of videos released in 2023. I'd like to hear from you, which were your favorites and why? Do you think this list represents true viewer interest or did YouTube's magic want simply make them appear more than others to folks browsing for videos?