Which polymer-framed pistols have reigned supreme since the 1980s?
I don’t have to tell you; it’s Glock.
Over 60% of the American police force carry Glocks. SOCOM carries Glocks, and numerous international police and military forces all choose Glocks.
They are also extremely popular in the hands of concealed carriers, home defenders, and competition shooters.
But as Glocks grew in popularity, so did their aftermarket.
Recently that same aftermarket has become so big and expansive that these same companies are now producing Glock clones.
Yep, the design has spread like wildfire, and Gaston’s plastic fantastics are no longer just made by Glock.
So, of course, we had to dive further into the clone phenomena.
We’ll run you through why you might want a Glock clone (or not) and also give you some recommendations on which ones are best if you’re in the mood to buy.
Keep reading to learn more.
THE QUICK LIST
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Best Budget Glock Clone
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Best High-End Clone
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Best Budget Clone
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Best Plug and Play Clone
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Best Modular Clone
Table of Contents
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Why Trust Us?
I’ve spent a lifetime shooting that started in a family that hunted every season they legally could. From there, I joined the United States Marine Corps and spent five years as an infantryman.
In the middle of my Marine Corps career, I began writing and have never stopped. I soon earned my NRA instructor certification.
I love shooting, and I love guns — weird guns, old guns, new guns, tactical guns, you name it. I’m a continual student of firearms, and I strive to educate myself to provide the best information possible to the readers of Pew Pew Tactical.
Input from this article came from hands-on testing with the models suggested.
Why a Glock Clone?
Glock clearly makes excellent pistols, so why would you ever want a clone?
Well, Glock is a behemoth of a company. And like behemoths, they are slow to move and adapt.
We saw the aftermarket continuously upgrade the Glock platform, pushing the design — from high-end race guns to perfected defensive firearms.
A Glock clone allows you to buy the Glock-style pistol with the features you want.
Instead of buying a Glock and then spending double the money to cut the slide for an optic, add suppressor height sights and a threaded barrel, drop in a nice trigger, tweak the mag well, etc., you can just…buy it the way you want.
Honestly, it’s cheaper to buy a fully customized Glock than to customize a stock Glock piece by piece.
When you start looking at clones, you’ll realize some people might not want a Glock but want the reliability, simplicity, and parts availability associated with the build.
As such, the Glock clone market gives you a not a Glock with Glock compatibility.
Clones allow for upgrades that Glock fans want that the company refuses to release.
A Glock Clone can give me a dedicated optic footprint not reliant on the less-than-stellar Glock MOS system.
Also, maybe you want a better grip angle, an undercut trigger guard, an enhanced beavertail, and the like…well, then a Glock clone is the only way to do that.
Cons
But nothing is without a downside, clones included. The biggest issue with a Glock clone is that it doesn’t have the factory support a standard Glock does.
If your OEM pistol breaks, Glock can easily fix the problem and ship it back.
With a clone, you’re at the mercy of smaller/boutique companies that can’t always match Glock’s lead times.
That and clones are often a generation or even two generations behind Glock OEM pistols.
This leads to Glock clones lacking the stock OEM features of the current Glock generation.
Best Glock Clones
1. PSA Dagger
Pros
- Great value
- Accurate and reliable
- Lots of customization options
- More ergonomic than the G19
Cons
- Initial feeding issue when mag was full
- No option for changing backstops
- Comes with only 1 magazine
Palmetto State Armory entered the world of Glock clones in 2021 with the Dagger and we’ve been testing it ever since.
Essentially, it’s a Glock G19 Gen 3 but heavily modified and upgraded from the standard Glock format.
A compact build, it’s well-suited for both concealed carry and home defense.
The frame features a heavy-duty grip texture that’s beyond aggressive in its stippling, while the slide offers melted corners for more comfortable concealment.
It also sports front and rear slide serrations.
PSA improved the ergonomics of the Glock by including an undercut under the trigger guard, a more aggressive beavertail, and a massive magazine release.
They did all of this on a pistol they sell for a mere $300!
PSA’s Dagger provides an affordable Glock option full of features for a very low price point.
Now there’s tons of extra options such as different colors, grip sizes, barrel coatings, threaded options, and red dot cuts.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
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Want more info on the Dagger? Check out our full review.
2. Shadow Systems MR920
Pros
- Optics ready
- Ameriglo sights
- Massive mag well
Cons
- Works best after a break-in period
Gucci Glocks have become one of the most common Glock configurations, and the Shadow Systems MR920 embraces that.
Shadow Systems’ MR920 ships with all the features and add-ons you could ever want. These pistols are Glock 19-sized and come factory-ready for gettin’ Gucci.
First, they offer an optics cut compatible with most major optic brands without the need for plates.
The optics cut is optional, but if you step into 2021, you can rock a Holosun, Trijicon, Vortex, or Leupold optics.
Its frame is built around user control with an aggressive beavertail, a dynamic trigger undercut, and a very aggressive grip texture.
Not to mention, the slide features its own serrations for easy racking and press checks.
Obviously, Glock’s crappy plastic sights are tossed — these guns wear Ameriglo sights instead.
The MR920 takes Glock mags, and to make shoving those mags faster into the gun Shadow Systems includes a massive mag well for speed reloads.
From top to bottom, the Shadow Systems MR920 comes complete with all the Gucci features most Glock owners want, making it one of the best out-of-the-box Glock clones on the market.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
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If the standard MR920 isn’t your style, Shadow Systems has a plethora of other flavors that might work better. So check out our reviews on the MR920L, XR920, and DR920.
3. Polymer80 PFS9/PFC9
Pros
- Scalloped magazine release
- Picatinny rail
- Budget-friendly
- Great ergonomics
Cons
- Not compatible with all Glock parts and accessories
Polymer80 made its bones in the 80% lower market and turned heads with its Glock 80% frames.
And the company spun that into a successful line of complete pistols utilizing the famed P80 Glock frames.
The PFS9 and PFC9 represent the full-size and compact variants, respectively.
Both opt for a P80 frame, notable for being more ergonomic than the stock Glock frame.
Its grip features a massive undercut in the trigger guard and aggressive beavertail to maximize control and improve comfort.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
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Also, the grip texture feels extremely aggressive with a scalloped magazine release for easier activation.
The frame also follows the same grip angle as a 1911 with a bit straighter frame design.
It’s personal preference, but many folks prefer that more ‘American’ angle on their pistols. (I’m one of them.)
The PFS9 and PFC9 also feature an actual Picatinny rail in spec and not Glock’s own weird OEM rail.
Internals are Gen 3 parts, and most are compatible with aftermarket Glock goodness. However, there isn’t much I’d change.
The flat-faced trigger is very nice, as are the steel rounded sights. At a relatively affordable price point of $550, the Polymer 80 pistols make a budget-friendly alternative to Gaston’s Glock.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
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Read our review of the PFC9 here!
4. Faxon FX-19 HellFire Compact Pistol
Pros
- Awesome ergonomics
- Picatinny rail
- Lightening cuts for reduced weight
- Threaded barrel
Cons
- Expensive
Faxon is well known—mostly for the ARAK 21, which has awesome barrels—but go ahead and add the FX-19 to that list.
As you’d expect, the FX-19 is a Glock 19-sized clone, but it’s built from the ground up to embrace the Gucci Glock theme.
The frame is a collaboration between Faxon and Polymer80 — a custom rig using a special PF940C frame.
Its grip texture feels aggressive, and the high undercut trigger guard allows for a high grip. All the while, the beavertail continues to reinforce that nice high grip.
You still get a Picatinny rail, making light and laser additions a bit easier.
The FX-19 HellFire Compact Pistol comes with a heavily customized slide featuring lightening cuts. These cuts reduce weight and recoil via mass reduction.
Optics cuts come standard, and the mount fits the Trijicon RMR and similar optics.
To back that optic up, you get a set of suppressor height sights for easy co-witnessing.
Don’t forget the threaded barrel for compensators or cans. Rounding out the features, the Overwatch Precision trigger gives a light and smooth pull.
When you want a plug-and-play customized Glock clone, the FX-19 fills that gap.
No need to gather parts and play amateur gunsmith when Faxon can do it for you.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
Copied! Visit Merchant
Check out our review of the Faxon FX-19 Hellfire here, or give it a rating below!
5. ZRO Delta One
Pros
- Highly customizable
- Steel sights
- Undercut trigger guard
Cons
- Very expensive
What if you wanted a Glock for every occasion but also only wanted it to be one pistol?
Well, then the ZRO Delta One has you covered.
This engineering marvel starts as a compact Glock clone but can transform via ‘conversions’ to a Glock of any size and design.
Like the Sig Sauer P320, the ZRO Delta One uses a fire control unit that acts as the firearm portion.
Shooters then customize their modulus to whatever they want it…and I mean whatever.
It’s not just swapping slides but swapping dustcovers, backstraps, mag wells, and more.
The frame can grow from a Glock 19 to a Glock 17 with a specific mag well or go full gamer with a massive mag well for the faster funnel of reloads.
You can even move from a Glock 19 size to a Glock 34!
We get all the necessary upgrades, including an optics cut, an undercut trigger guard, a beavertail, steel sights, and so on.
Oh, did I mention the frame is also made from metal?
That said, this is a very expensive gun…a nice gun, but an expensive one.
While it’s not for everyone, it’s a truly beautiful and functional feat of engineering.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
Copied! Visit Merchant
Final Thoughts
Glock Clones are almost a dime a dozen these days. Every year it seems like more and more companies introduce new clones.
Let’s face it; Glock is clearly on the way to becoming the AR-15 of the handgun world, and why not?
They are reliable with a modern design, extremely simple to use, and easy to work on or fix. It’s unlikely we’ll see the world of Glock clones slow down anytime soon.
So, what’s your favorite Glock clone? Let us know below! If a clone won’t do and you need the real deal, check out our recommendations of the Best Glocks or customize your Glock with the Best Glock Upgrades.
LATEST UPDATES
April 25, 2024 – Removed some other options that are no longer in production. Updated Dagger information.
July 9, 2023 – Removed 80% Arms option.
32 Leave a Reply
I duty carried Glock 17 for years. I can’t even venture a guess as to how many rounds I put through it. Never a failure but always cleaned . I have a 26 and 43x with same results. My HK 40 was an excellent gun also. My H&K VP9 SK has a much better trigger but terrible sights. The 43x is a bit more compact so that is my EDC. Reliability is key for me. If the gun doesn’t fire you may as well carry a brick. Glock was the game changer in handguns. You may copy it but you will probably sacrifice reliability.
I'm not quite sure why you described the ZRO Delta One as an expensive gun, which it is, but not the FX-19 ($200 more). I don't think I'd spend that much on a fancied-up Glock. I'd rather spend it on training to use the pistol more effectively.
I've found my plain old Springfield XD9 to be an excellent bang-for-your-buck G19/1911 mashup clone.
I wasn't and still am not a Glock Fan, from when the G17 first hit the market, always because of their crappy trigger. It took Glock Four Generations to address the problem, and though the 5tg Gen Triggers are improved, they're still not that good.
What was one of the very first After Market Parts offered for the Glock? A better trigger.
Other than that, I've no other major complaints about their design.
I purchased a G17 in 1984, a year later, I sold it because the trigger sucked so badly.
I've heard that many of the clones address that deficiency from the start, but I've not handled one to confirm that.
If you’re on a tight budget, buy a Glock. If you can splurge you will really enjoy an Sig much more. I own a P226 Navy Seals and a P238 and they are both fantastic. Incredible quality. It’s like a Porsche vs a Toyota. The Toyota works, but it’s not the same experience.
Sigs are overpriced and just a trouble prone as some much cheaper, less reliable brands. Sigs have a major "snob" factor to them mostly. IF I wanted "better", I'd got with Canik or IWI although neither are "Glock Clones". In alot of ways, you're buying the "Glock" name and as long as they can provide municiple governments with mass purchase deals, they'll remain a Name Brand. I find them "cheap feeling" though. The two aforementioned brands (Canik and IWI) along with a CZ 01 or P75b would be my choices in a quality firearm
Glocks are not but over priced cheap plastic guns and you should be ashamed of yourself calling them" The gold standard". 60% of PD's do NOT carry Glocks. SOCOM does NOT carry Glocks. Glocks are all sizzle and no steak junk. Deal with it.
I'll be as nice as I can.....you sir, are entitled to your opinion.... I however do not wish to adopt your opinion as my own.....deal with that
I was not aware of PSA's offerings in G19 clones. I may have a hard time deciding which I want, and per their web page, most are currently in stock! Thanks for opening up my eyes to these Glock alternatives! Unbelievable that they can offer a complete well optioned Glock 19 clone handgun for $400ish! I am going to buy one just to compare to my many MUCH more expensive (and upgraded) Glocks. Thanks!
Interesting article until I got sidetracked by a pop up ad selling 12 gauge double barrel pistols….
A Glock 19G3 was my first handgun and is still my go-to. I've had it for about 15 years. It's an engineering marvel and I still use it all the time. That's because Glock customer service is unsurpassed. On a few occasions I returned the gun to Georgia to correct an issue. Each time, the gun was promptly returned -without charge- beautifully clean and in perfect working order. I'm sure all these others are fine weapons, but to me customer service is the proof of the pudding.
I'll take my Springfield Armory XD Mod2 service or my XD mod2 never fail and 15 rnds of 45. Glock is the Walmart copy
I'll take my old Browning Hi-Power over all this junk, anyday!
If Glocks didn't need so many things tweaked or adjusted from the factory there wouldn't need to be so much aftermarket support.
another honorable mention is the Bul Armory Axe, the Cleaver and the Tomahawk models.
I fired 2 shadow firearms MR-920 and DR-920 loved them both bought a XR 920 same as a glock mod 45 put a Riton red dot on it, now my EDC firearm. It is faster on follow up shots, next purchase is full size shadow. By the way i am a glock guy own many of them, that's what our dept was issued.
Kimber micro 9 STG. 7 WITH ONE IN. LIGHT!! GREAT GRIP!!
Yah, I wanna trust my life to a Kimber Jamatic.
Hard Pass
Somehow the message I wrote months ago is not listed. My issue then and my issue now is why include a gun that is perpetually unavailable, the PSA Dagger Compact 9mm Pistol?
I just bought my first pistol after looking at several, and when I saw it and held it, I had to have it. It’s the Beretta APX. Not sure why it’s not on this list.
The Beretta APX isn't a clone of a Beretta APX, it is a Beretta handgun. The article is about clones.
Virtually all modern striker fire guns are glock clones
Because its not a glock clone clearly
The Canik TP9SF is also a good Glock alternative and has a great trigger.
In this era of ammo shortage, I want to thank Pew Pew for leaving out the out the .40. The G23 is the 19 in .40. Much appreciated.
If you’re in this market, also consider the STK100 by Rock Island Armory.
Lots of clones, but only one caliber. What if you want a .40, .45, 10mm? Got to go with a Glock or 1911.
I think the PSA Dagger, all things considered for a basic gun and for the price, is the best deal on the list.
I've got one of the first ones made and of course they were delayed so it was a while before I got it. To make matters right for waiting so long I was offered a refund but decided to wait and now am glad I did because I got the offered "apology" package of an upgraded threaded barrel and a stripped AR lower completely free for waiting.
I like mine. Some people reported they had problems feeding when the magazines were at full capacity at 15 +1 but solved their problem by going to 14 +1. I never experienced that with mine except one time and it hasn't happened again since. And of course there are the usual "haters" that grumble about it. But I've put several hundred rounds through mine so far and its been a solid performer.
When they get back in stock I'm going to order another one for my wife. My wife likes it. But like I said, all things considered for a basic gun and for the price its the best deal on the list.
It got pointed out to me I need to clarify this:
"Some people reported they had problems feeding when the magazines were at full capacity at 15 +1 but solved their problem by going to 14 +1. I never experienced that with mine except one time and it hasn't happened again since."
What I meant was that I only experienced it one time by trying to go with 15 +1.
I normally do not go with 15 +1 but tried it that time, 'cause 14 +1 is what I normally use. I never experienced that 15 +1 thing again because I went back to my normal 14 +1.
sorry for any confusion.
I always appreciate the guns that PSA offers and have been looking forward to owning a PSA Dagger. However it is never available. I have been on the notification list for many months and never saw one available. Are they even considering making them anymore?
That Shadow Systems MR920 Elite... lets just say they were really generous with that grip real-estate. You need to have some big hands.
Agreed. Which is just one of many reasons I love mine so much.
It's nice to see them represented here at PPT