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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Most Affordable
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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
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Best Mid-Tier Glock Clone
Table of Contents
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Best Glock Clones
1. PSA Dagger Compact – Most Affordable Glock Clone
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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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
PSA Dagger Specs
- Caliber: 9mm Luger
- Barrel Length: 3.9in
- Overall Length: 7.15in
- Weight: 22.4oz
- Magazine Capacity: 15+1 rounds
- Safety: Striker Block Safety & Trigger Safety
- Sights: Steel – White Dot
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 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 around $300! PSA’s Dagger provides an affordable Glock option full of features for a very low price point.
Now, there are tons of extra options, such as different colors, grip sizes, barrel coatings, threaded options, and red dot cuts.
Want more info on the Dagger? Check out our full review.
2. Shadow Systems MR920 – Best High-End Glock Clone
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- Optics ready
- Ameriglo sights
- Massive mag well
Cons
- Works best after a break-in period
Shadow Systems MR920 Specs
- Caliber: 9×19
- Weight: 21.5 oz (Combat); 20.9 oz (Elite)
- Frame: Textured polymer
- Length: 7 ⅛” (unthreaded)
- Height: 4 ¾”
- Capacity: 15+1
- Front sight: Green Outline, Tritium Dot
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.
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 PFC9 – Best Budget Glock Clone
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- Scalloped magazine release
- Picatinny rail
- Budget-friendly
- Great ergonomics
Cons
- Not compatible with all Glock parts and accessories
Polymer80 PFC9 Specs
- Caliber: 9mm Luger
- Barrel Length: 4.02″
- Overall Length: 7.36″
- Frame Size: Compact
- Capacity: 15+1
- Finish: Black Nitride Stainless Steel
- Grips: Aggressive Textured Black Polymer
- Sights: 3-Dot
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 PFC9 represents a compact variant built on 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.
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.) This pistol features 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 and steel rounded sights are very nice. At a relatively affordable price point of $550, the Polymer 80 pistols make a budget-friendly alternative to Gaston’s Glock.
Read our review of the PFC9 here!
4. Faxon FX-19 HellFire Compact Pistol – Best Plug and Play Clone
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- Awesome ergonomics
- Picatinny rail
- Lightening cuts for reduced weight
- Threaded barrel
Cons
- Expensive
- Caliber: 9mm Luger
- Barrel Length: 4.5″
- Overall Length: 7.85″
- Weight: 24.5oz
- Capacity: 15+1
- Sights: Suppressor-Height Night Sights
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.
Check out our review of the Faxon FX-19 Hellfire here, or give it a rating below!
5. ZRO Delta One – Best Modular Glock Clone
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
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Pros
- Highly customizable
- Steel sights
- Undercut trigger guard
Cons
- Very expensive
- Caliber: 9x19mm
- Barrel Length: 4″
- Overall Length: 6.75″
- Weight: 21.5oz
- Capacity: 15+1
- Sights: White Dot Rear/Front
- Frame Configurations: Duty, Race, Compact
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?
While it’s not for everyone, it’s a truly beautiful and functional feat of engineering.
6. Lone Wolf LTD19 V1 – Best Mid-Tier Glock Clone
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
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Pros
- Lone Wolf Timberwolf frame
- Lightweight
- Takes Glock mags
Cons
- A little pricier than budget picks
Lone Wolf LTD19 V1 Specs
- Width: 0.99”
- Length: 7.16”
- Barrel Length: 4”
- Height: 4.77”
- Weight: 21.3 oz (empty)
- Capacity: 15+1
Rounding out our list is the LTD19 from Lone Wolf. This pistol sports a capacity of 15 rounds and offers a Glock 19 look and feel.
Though it is a bit pricier, the LTD19 is very reliable and durable. It held up quite well during our testing and produced some solid groups. Though the grip is textured, it’s not overly aggressive and it comes with an extra backstrap to dial in fit.
What sets it apart from a regular ole Glock? It goes the extra mile with slide cuts, angular styling, nice “overbite” at the muzzle, and an optics cut.
If you like the G19 style but want something that comes with a few bells and whistles out of the box, then the LTD19 is a great option to consider.
Want to learn more? Check out our full review on the LTD19 V1!
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.
How We Chose the Best Glock Clones
This article is based on our experience testing and reviewing an assortment of Glock clones over the years. Input for this article came from author Travis Pike with input from Editor-in-Chief Jacki Billings. You can learn more about their experience and expertise below.
Every Glock clone on this list has spent hands-on time with our staff, undergoing 500+ rounds of testing at various distances with FMJ and JHP ammunition. Pistols were evaluated based on their ability to produce accurate, reliable shots on target and also assessed for ergonomics, features, durability, and overall value.
We also include a link to a full hands-on review of each handgun so you can learn more about their individual performance.
Why Trust Pew Pew Tactical
Pew Pew Tactical freelance contributor Travis Pike led this article, assessing various Glock clones. Travis has spent a lifetime shooting — starting as a kid and later joining the United States Marine Corps, where he spent five years as an infantryman. In the middle of his Marine Corps career, he began writing and never stopped. Travis is an NRA-certified Basic Pistol instructor and also teaches concealed carry classes in Florida. He has written hundreds of reviews and articles for the gun industry and has been published in a variety of publications.
Jacki Billings serves as Editor-in-Chief and oversees Pew Pew Tactical’s team of writers and reviewers.
She has a bachelor’s degree in journalism and has worked as a media professional for close to 20 years, specializing in gun media for almost 10 years. She uses her professional journalism and editing experience to set testing protocols and editorial standards for Pew Pew Tactical. Additionally, Jacki carried a Glock 19 for close to a decade before switching over to a Glock clone as her primary EDC.
Pew Pew Tactical CEO/Founder Eric Hung and freelance writer Mike Hardesty also contributed to this article.
Final Thoughts
Glock Clones are almost a dime a dozen these days. Every year it seems like more and more companies introduce new clones.
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
- September 2024: Added Lone Wolf LTD19 to recommendations after testing.
- April 2024: Removed some other options that are no longer in production. Updated Dagger information.
- July 2023: Removed 80% Arms.
41 Leave a Reply
As a bucket list project I built a 80% Arms GST-9 in 9mm using G19 15 round magazines. Funny thing is I liked it better than the factory G19 I had at the time. Four builds later, two in 9mm (one currently is a 16" carbine conversion) and two in .40 S&W with full size grip modules using G22 15 round magazines, I can say I enjoyed building and shooting them. I hope someday the People's Republic of Washington State comes to its senses on gun control so I can bring them home from Idaho.
Is Polymer80 still a viable option? I ordered a G17 clone frame and a G19 clone frame about 18 months ago. I received the G17 within a couple of weeks, I was pleased with that build. But I never did receive the G19. After waiting 6 months I asked for a refund, I was told that due to credit card processor issues and their accounting workload, it was taking longer than normal to process refunds. Now, 5 months later, I still don’t have a refund. Based on blogs I’ve seen, my issue is not unique.
Maybe ordering thru their distributor network is safer, I don’t know…. but I doubt I’d trust another direct order with them.
"We saw the aftermarket continuously upgrade the Glock platform, pushing the design..."
"...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."
So which is it? Clone makers are faster than Glock or clone makers are slower than Glock?
I noticed that, too...
Check out the BUL Armory Axe and Tomahawk. Best I've come across.
Can't believe Zev Technologies didn't even make the cut! I have their OZ.9c Elite (X-Grip) and it is WICKED! Can't beat it for the price, honestly.
"Well, Glock is a behemoth of a company. And like behemoths, they are slow to move and adapt."
This is BS. Glock, as a company, doesn't care to update or redesign anything. They are only interested in large contracts. They don't have any interest in appeasing the civilian sector.
There are plenty of "large companies" that actually have an R&D Dept, and utilize it regularly.
Smith, Sig and Springfield (just to mention a few) have new offerings and real world advances that are constantly being pushed out, ,making Glock look like the outdated version of a handgun that it is...
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!
Exactly !
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.
Smith and Wesson and Springfield sell pistols in all of those calibers that are neither Glocks nor 1911s.
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