The invention relates to a piston pump for a slip-controlled, hydraulic vehicle brake system. In order to be able to simply and inexpensively produce the piston pump as a stepped piston pump, the invention embodies a piston as a tubular deep drawn part made of sheet metal, with an outwardly protruding circumferential bead. The bead is produced by axially compressing the piston. The bead constitutes an axial support for a guide ring and sealing ring placed onto the piston. A disk-shaped, abrasion resistant striking piece is press-fitted into an open end of the tubular piston, and is used by the piston for resting against a circumference of a cam element used for the stroke drive.