12 All-Metal 9mm Pistols That Redefined Handgun Design

All-metal 9mm handguns are the embodiment of over a century of precision engineering and craftsmanship. While polymer frames dominate the market today, these steel and aluminum-framed classics have defined reliability, accuracy, and performance.

As the demand for timeless designs surges, these 12 iconic pistols showcase the enduring appeal and influence of metal-framed firearms that continue to shape military, law enforcement, and civilian use worldwide.

1. Browning Hi-Power

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Image Credit: Robert Sarnowski/Shutterstock

The Browning Hi-Power stands as perhaps the most influential 9mm pistol ever created. This John Browning design saw service in over 50 armies worldwide and established many features we take for granted today. 

Its 13-round magazine capacity was revolutionary for its time, while its ergonomic design and reliable operation set standards that modern pistols still follow.

Key Features

  • Single-action operation
  • 13+1 capacity (original design)
  • Military service in over 50 nations
  • Available in multiple finishes

2. Beretta 92 Series

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Image Credit: MMXeon/Shutterstock

The Beretta 92 series earned its legendary status through decades of military service as the M9. Its distinctive open-slide design and reliability in harsh conditions made it a trusted sidearm for U.S. forces. 

The current 92X Performance models continue this legacy with modern improvements for competition shooting.

Key Features

  • Open-slide design
  • Double-action/single-action
  • 15-round standard capacity
  • Aluminum frame construction

3. CZ 75

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Image Credit: Kaban-Sila/Shutterstock

Introduced in 1975, the CZ 75 pioneered the “wonder nine” era with its high capacity and innovative design. Its slide-in-frame design provides excellent accuracy and reduced recoil, making it a favorite among competitive shooters and military units worldwide.

Key Features

  • Slide-in-frame design
  • Double-action/single-action
  • 16+1 capacity
  • All-steel construction

4. Walther P38

12 All-Metal 9mm Pistols That Redefined Handgun Design » walther p38 ss1483639862 dnoh
Image Credit: Militarist/Shutterstock

The P38 revolutionized military pistols with its double-action/single-action system. This WWII-era design influenced countless modern handguns and set new standards for military sidearms.

Key Features

  • First DA/SA military pistol
  • 8-round capacity
  • Fixed barrel design
  • Steel frame and slide

5. SIG P226 Legion

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Image Credit: VoronStudio/Shutterstock

The P226 Legion represents the evolution of SIG’s classic P226 design. With enhanced ergonomics and premium features, it delivers exceptional accuracy and reliability.

Key Features

  • Enhanced G10 grips
  • X-Ray day/night sights
  • 15+1 capacity
  • Legion gray PVD finish

6. Luger P08

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Image Credit: Dmitri T/Shutterstock

The iconic Luger P08 introduced the 9mm Parabellum cartridge to the world. Its distinctive toggle-lock action and sleek profile make it one of the most recognizable handguns ever created.

Key Features

  • Toggle-lock action
  • 8-round capacity
  • Artillery and standard variants
  • All-steel construction

7. Smith & Wesson Model 39

12 All-Metal 9mm Pistols That Redefined Handgun Design » smith and wesson model 39 wc
Image Credit: Musée du château de Morges, CC BY-SA 2.0 FR, via Wikimedia Commons

As America’s first double-action 9mm pistol, the Model 39 blazed new trails. It served with U.S. Navy SEALs as the “Hush Puppy” and helped establish 9mm acceptance in American law enforcement.

Key Features

  • First American DA/SA 9mm
  • 8-round capacity
  • Aluminum alloy frame
  • Decocker safety

8. CZ Shadow 2

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Image Credit: MMXeon/Shutterstock

Building on the CZ 75 platform, the Shadow 2 dominates competitive shooting circuits. Its refined trigger, perfect balance, and match-grade accuracy make it a formidable competition pistol.

Key Features

  • Competition-tuned action
  • Adjustable sights
  • 17+1 capacity
  • Steel frame and slide

9. SIG P210

12 All-Metal 9mm Pistols That Redefined Handgun Design » sig p210 wc
Image Credit: Rama, CC BY-SA 2.0 FR, via Wikimedia Commons

The SIG P210 sets the standard for precision in service pistols. Its legendary Swiss craftsmanship and match-grade accuracy make it one of the most precise service pistols ever made.

Key Features

  • Single-action only
  • 8-round capacity
  • Target-grade accuracy
  • All-steel construction

10. HK P7M8

12 All-Metal 9mm Pistols That Redefined Handgun Design » hk p7m8 wc
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The innovative P7M8 features a unique squeeze-cocking mechanism and fixed barrel design. Its advanced engineering and exceptional accuracy earned it a devoted following among enthusiasts.

Key Features

  • Squeeze-cocking mechanism
  • Gas-delayed blowback
  • 8-round capacity
  • Fixed barrel design

11. Star Model B

12 All-Metal 9mm Pistols That Redefined Handgun Design » star model b wc
Image Credit: Askild Antonsen, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

This Spanish-made pistol served worldwide and influenced many later designs. Its reliable operation and excellent ergonomics made it a popular service weapon.

Key Features

  • Single-action operation
  • 8-round capacity
  • All-steel construction
  • Military service worldwide

12. Radom P35

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Image Credit: Aleks49/Shutterstock

The Polish Radom P35 combines elements of both the Browning Hi-Power and P38 designs. Its robust construction and reliable operation made it a respected military sidearm.

Key Features

  • DA/SA operation
  • 8-round capacity
  • Milled steel construction
  • Military service pattern

These steel-framed masterpieces prove that superior engineering and quality never go out of style. Whether for competitive shooting, collecting, or personal defense, these iconic pistols demonstrate why the marriage of steel and the 9mm cartridge remains a benchmark for excellence in handgun design.

Martha A. Lavallie
Martha A. Lavallie
Author & Editor | + posts

Martha is a journalist with close to a decade of experience in uncovering and reporting on the most compelling stories of our time. Passionate about staying ahead of the curve, she specializes in shedding light on trending topics and captivating global narratives. Her insightful articles have garnered acclaim, making her a trusted voice in today's dynamic media landscape.