Compact is a term that’s seen as rather relative in most things. In the gun world, the term compact pistol seems firmly rooted as a firearm’s descriptor.
What size is compact?
Typically, a compact pistol has a barrel length between 3.7 to 4 inches. It also sports a double-stack type magazine with a capacity of at least 15 rounds (if 9mm) and features similar to a full-sized gun – like a rail for lights and optics compatibility.
The Glock 19 defined an entire generation of pistols as the standard-bearer for what a compact pistol should be. It’s small enough to be carried concealed but big enough to be a duty or home defense pistol.
New generations have seen a rail for lights and a cut for optics.
Being a standard-bearer meant you were innovative enough to be successful. However, does that mean the Glock 19 is the best compact pistol on the market?
I don’t think so.
I appreciate Glocks, and I own them, but I think Glock has gotten complacent. They still equip those not-so-great sights to their guns, and they won’t release the MOS 3 to us average joes. Not to mention, they ignore most ergonomic complaints until a big contract calls for changes.
With that in mind, if the Glock 19 is no longer the best, what is?
That’s tough. The compact handgun genre has become incredibly popular and is filled with outstanding options.
I can’t tell you which is the very best, but I can tell which guns are gunning for Glock’s top spot.
So, keep reading to see some Glock 19 alternatives in the compact realm.
THE QUICK LIST
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Editor’ Pick
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Best Budget Glock Alternative
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Best Ergonomics
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Best Striker-Fired
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Best Red Dot Ready Model
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Best Trigger
How We Tested the Best Glock 19 Alternatives
Input for this article came from the Pew Pew Tactical editorial team and freelance staff, comprised of competition shooters, hobbyists, former law enforcement and military, and concealed carry instructors.
We first chose our criteria for what would be the “best Glock 19 alternative” handgun and made sure to include models at a variety of price points. We narrowed the list down by examining features, controls, reliability/accuracy, and value.
Every gun on this list has been hands-on tested at the range with a minimum of 500 rounds of both FMJ practice ammo and JHP defensive rounds, though most recommendations have more than 1,500 rounds through them.
We also include a link to a full hands-on review of the handguns so you get additional details.
Best Glock 19 Alternatives
1. Sig Sauer P365 XL – Editor’s Pick
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- Great 12+1 or 15+1 9mm capacity
- Crisp flat-faced trigger
- Nice feeling nearly full-sized grip
- Thin for easy carrying
- Tritium sights
Cons
- Slide lock harder to hit
- Reassembly sometimes tricky
Sig Sauer P365XL
Specs
Features
You may claim the Sig Sauer P365 XL isn’t a compact pistol. You might be right, but then what is it?
The P365 XL has a 3.7-inch barrel, a 15-round magazine, and a width of 1.1 inches. It’s smaller than the Glock 19 but still meets the dimensions of a compact pistol.
This gun packs a rail…even though it’s proprietary, it can mount a TLR 7 SUB. Don’t forget, you can also attach a red dot, and every P365 XL is optic ready.
The main benefit is that the P365 is much thinner than the Glock 19. It easily pulls double duty as a self-defense handgun and a concealed carry pistol.
Not to mention, it conceals easier…and that matters to a lot of smaller shooters.
Besides being a little smaller, it packs the same style of FCU the P320 does. You can use multiple grip modules from Sig and the aftermarket to get various grip sizes, terrains, features, and more.
Heck, I have an all-metal grip for my P365. What’s not to love?
Besides being optics-ready, we also get great Sig Day/Night sights, a great trigger, an ergonomic grip, and multiple options for magazines. The 15-rounder fits, but so do 12-rounders, which shrink the gun.
What Glock does better, besides magazines, is control. The larger, wider grip offers better control over the gun, making it easier to fire faster and more accurately.
The Sig Sauer P365 XL redefines a compact handgun and offers an option for someone who might prioritize concealment more than control.
We have more info on the P365XL in our review!
2. Palmetto State Armory Dagger Compact – Best Budget Glock Alternative
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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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 Compact
Specs
Features
The PSA Dagger Compact is a 9mm Glock 19 clone that occupies a sweet spot when it comes to price. Hovering around $300, it’s a great budget option for those who like a Glock-ish look but not the price.
Most of our editorial team owns one of these and it’s seen well over 3,000+ rounds through it. While it does require a small break-in period (1-2 mags), once you get it up and running, it runs smooth and reliably.
It does have better ergonomics than Glock, featuring a larger beavertail and better finger grooves. Trigger also feels pretty good. So, if the Glock blocky design isn’t really your vibe, the PSA Dagger Compact might be more your speed.
Aside from the budget aspect, the PSA Dagger Compact excels at defensive shooting. We ran all sorts of ammo through it and even carried it for a while with no issues. There are also plenty of options for upgrading it if you’re the type who likes to tinker with their guns.
Overall, we think this is a great alternative to the Glock 19.
You can read our full review of the PSA Dagger Compact for more details!
3. HK VP9 – Best Ergonomics
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- Great ergonomics
- Crisp & light trigger
- Easy field stripping
Cons
- Odd placement of the takedown lever
- High price tag
H&K VP9
Specs
Features
We knew the HK fanbois would be distraught if we didn’t mention their favorite company, so, of course, we had to include the VP9.
The VP9 is a smooth shooter that certainly gives the Glock 19 a run for its money. A reliable, accurate model, we’ve sent well over a thousand rounds downrange with this gun with no issues to report.
While the ergonomics are much better than Glock’s, some of our testers did report that the takedown lever was not as conveniently placed and had a tendency to be bothersome while shooting. They recommended gloves to overcome this issue.
Though the accessory market isn’t quite as robust as Glock’s, there are enough VP9 variants that you should be able to dial in what you want out of the box.
In our opinion, the VP9 (and variants like the VP9SK) represent a quality option that excels. For more details on the VP9, check out our full review or watch the video below.
What do you think of the HK VP9? Rate it below!
4. CZ P-10C – Best Striker-Fired
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- Optics-ready versions available
- Good trigger for the price point
- Great ergonomics
- Proven track record
Cons
- Grip texture is very sharp and may be too aggressive for some.
- Front serrations are too shallow/short for some
- Slide catch tough to reach for smaller-handed shooters
CZ P10 C
Specs
Features
CZ produced a striker-fired pistol before, but we don’t talk about the CZ 100. What the CZ 100 got wrong doesn’t matter because the CZ P-10C got it right. The latest and arguably greatest striker-fired from CZ hit all the right marks.
The C stands for compact, and the barrel measures 4.02 inches long, the capacity of flush-fitting magazines is 15 rounds, and the pistol is 1.26 inches wide.
Optics-ready options are available, and the gun has a Picatinny rail and backstraps that can be adjusted for different hand sizes.
On top of that, CZ makes numerous models with different features, including suppressor height sights, threaded barrels, and different frame colors.
The P-10C does a few things notably better than the Glock…
First, the trigger is superior. It’s a cleaner break with a flat-faced trigger that performs better and feels better in hand. Second, I find the ergonomics to be phenomenal. This includes the slide lock placement, the magazine release size, and the ultra-aggressive grip texture.
Oh, and the sights are made of metal — not plastic.
Glock still has CZ licked in simplicity and magazine prices as CZ mags are pricey. While the P10-C can be upgraded with new controls, triggers, etc., the Glock is still the easier gun to work on.
Even so, the P-10C offers more features, better ergonomics, and more configurations, and they do so for about the same price as a Glock 19.
Want to learn more? Check out our review of the CZ P-10C.
5. Walther PDP Compact – Best Red-Dot Ready Glock Alternative
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- Great ergonomics
- Smooth shooter
- Looks great
Cons
- Can malfunction if you run it too dry
- May feel a little too big for smaller hands
Walther PDP
Specs
Features
PDP might as well stand for Pretty Damn Perfect because Walther blew it out of the park with this gun. The PDP is a successor and evolution of the PPQ.
It’s the first pistol I know of designed with the use of red dots in mind.
That said, of course, it’s red dot ready and outfitted with a plate system superior to the Glock MOS system in design.
The PDP compact features a 4-inch barrel, a width of 1.34 inches, and a magazine capacity of 15 rounds.
Walther designed the gun’s grip ergonomics around using a red dot, which shows.
Finding the dot and completing a good presentation of the gun makes it easy to find and quick on target. That by itself is innovative and makes the PDP Compact stand out.
Like the PPQ, the PDP features an amazing trigger. In fact, it’s even better than the PPQ with a shorter travel and a tactile reset you can’t miss.
Hot dang, the ergonomics of the PDP are awesome, and the gun feels so good in the hand. Besides feeling gun, the grip texture and the slide serrations are aggressive and sticky.
All the controls are large and easy to engage, especially the slide lock. Walther also allows you to swap frames and slides to create numerous gun configurations.
Glock does come in cheaper at both gun and magazine prices, though.
The Glock MOS series provides the plates to the shooter, while the PDP forces owners to order their free plate from Walther. Glocks are also easier to find and widely available.
The Walther PDP continues Walther’s tradition of being very underrated and under-appreciated. In most respects, Walther’s Compact model blows the Glock away and is an awesome gun.
Want to learn more? Check out our written review here or watch the video review below!
6. Canik TP9 Elite SC – Best Trigger
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
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Pros
- Excellent trigger
- Accurate
- Great value with included accessories
- Optics-ready
Cons
- Wider than most micro-compacts
- Higher bore axis
Canik TP9 Elite SC
Specs
Features
Okay, so technically this is a sub-compact and therefore not a direct, apples-apples comparison, but we’ve recently fell in love with this model so we’re rolling with it.
Canik has been pumping out some really cool guns in the past couple of years — like the TP9 Elite SC. This pistol brings excellent shooting at a value-driven price point.
It lacks an aftermarket, which is slightly disappointing, but it does come with an optics cut slide and Picatinny rail so all is not lost.
Controls are laid out nicely and the gun is easy to operate. The trigger is smooth, which we really appreciate on handguns you might want to conceal or use defensively.
We pushed over 500 rounds through it with both FMJ and JHP and experienced zero malfunctions. It also is quite accurate, despite its smaller stature.
In short, it’s one of our favorite pistols right now and doesn’t disappoint.
We have a full Canik TP9 Elite SC review if you’re looking for more details!
Final Thoughts
Though the Glock fanguys and girls will lament the fact that I’m suggesting anything other than Gaston’s Glory, the PPT team likes options.
So, when you want something that’s just as good (or even better…yeah, I said it) than Glock, check out the options above.
Which gun do you think out-Glocks the Glock 19? Or have I committed sacrilege even suggesting such a thing? Let me know below. If you need a Glock, check out our list of the Best Glock Models or the Glock Clones we think are worthy of your attention.
Latest Updates
June 7, 2024: Removed Sig P320C, HK P30, Glock 48, and Beretta Centurion. Added PSA Dagger Compact, HK VP9, and Canik TP9 Elite SC. Included more supplemental data and media into each product section. Added more details on how we tested and chose the Glock 19 alternatives in this list.
70 Leave a Reply
Might be nice if you evaluated some Grand Power offerings...they're very popular in Europe.
One advantage of the Glock many don't know- If the trigger return spring breaks on all these guns -as far as I know you're out the fight. Interestingly though- if the trigger return spring breaks in a Glock- the trigger can still be manually pushed forward for each next shot and the gun still fires.....
Can we please stop using Glock for every comparison article? The fact that they flooded the market as soon as they found the formula for a quality semi-auto pistol doesn't make them an idol in need of worship. We have created the mythos. They don't absorb the power from our enemy's blood - I tried this once, and an empty mag is an empty mag. I walk with a limp now... (I keed, I keed. I have miraculously avoided being shot, although I was shot at once). There are so many guns that could be used in comparison articles. I realize if the word is in the title, the clicks will come, but it's old, played-out, over-cooked, and yawn-worthy, as this article is. I rarely bother reading or watching videos when I see "Glock". Blah! Try slowing the inundation and creating these snooze-fests. Are they the best overall? Hell if I know. Do they need to show up in every other semi-pistol article. Peace!!! I'm out...
tl;dr - please stop putting us to sleep from counting Glocks. My inbox requires weekly cleaning with a bore brush. I feel like everything that isn't Glock-related is just filler.
LOVE my HK VP9 so much I got the VP9SK as my EDC. Same great feel, same great gun, just slightly shorter in height, length and weight, it prints less than the full-size VP9. Runs great and accurate, also with no issues with any ammo. Same width and great ergonomics. Fits MY hand perfectly! The take-down lever (although you can get the button version) is one of its best characteristics for mag dump and reloading.
You guys only fooled me on the PSA Dagger, the rest are standard writers' picks. Would have expected Walther to be second.
Growing up working in a gun shop I learned that the best gun is the one that fits the gun owners hand and the gun owner can handle the recoil . I now have a bone marrow issue and carrying a gun has now come into play . Weight “loaded” can also be an issue . Yes , price , also comes into play as well as functionality . I would suggestion people rent a few guns at a gun range before purchasing one . The same goes with guns as it does with clothing . If the gun does not fit the shooter well the gun most likely will be put on a shelf and never be carried or taken to the gun range to practice .
Excellent point. This is why I am sticking with my FNS-9. My hand tells me it is what the VP9 wishes it could be. Plus, it came with 3 mags, like every good combat pistol should.
You two writers sure took on a task when you decided to publish this article. How can it not flush every opinion known to the human race out of the bushes, and it's clear from the comments that it is doing exactly that. I own a modified Glock G45 with trigger, spring, and sight modifications, a PDP Pro Compact SD w/ ZR Tactical 15lb spring, and a Dagger set up like the Glock G45. All three pistols take Glock aftermarket sights and I have installed Ameriglo GL-611 iron sights on all three.
I bought the G45 before the other two because I wanted to start with Glock (and because the other two were not even available when I first got the G45), but got interested in the other options because I was open to exploration. Now that I have all three and have had ample opportunity to test each of them out to a sufficient degree., I carry the Dagger w/ Ameriglo GL-611 sights when I am hiking because it is lighter, and is like a truck gun to me. I don't feel concerned about it getting bumped around as much as I would the other two. Parts are also easily replaced and are quite inexpensive. But for daily EDC, I carry the G45 and PDP.
When I first got the PDP Pro Compact, I was in love with it because of all of the refinements that it offers, which are well covered in this article. I have a Holosun HE508T mounted on the PDP Pro and use it as my "battle pistol" with T.Rex Ragnarok OWB holster mounted on Safariland UBL low plate. For that application, the PDP is my #1 choice.
But after living with all three for a period of time, and largely because the PDP is the largest of the three pistols, I began to feel an attraction back to the G45 because it has a more narrow slide and it fits under my belt a little more comfortably. Comfort is a key factor to me in the longterm. My modified Glock G45 sees the most affection now because it is my #1 pick for daily carry. I carry it in a Tenicore Certum Lux2 holster with Streamlight TLR-7A compact light. I have tried many different brands of IWB holsters, and the Tenicore the most comfortable IWB holster I have ever ever used. It also lets me carry the Glock with or without the light attached.
Guns are like any other product. There is the top product-the best seller. Others compete with features, and price. WE users and purchasers benefit. No shortage of great choices. People are also resistant to change. I am used to ............ The weakest link in the chain with a gun is often the user. At least it is for me.
If you want a little more capacity for your XL, there's a company in Wyoming called Magguts that makes your 12 round mags 14 round and only adds less than an 1/8 of an inch to the length
I think the reviewer's comments on the PDP are right on. It has a fantastic trigger and is made for your hand. And it's dead-on accurate. This stands in stark contrast to the Glock 19's un-ergonomic feel (bricks are more comfortable in my hand than a Glock) and spongy trigger. But the PDP is a bit more expensive than the Glock, so that may be an issue for some.
I'm not a Glock-hater--I had a Glock 19 for a long time--they have their place as an extremely reliable, affordable, rock-solid pistol. But I think some of these pistols in this review offer good alternatives. Good review! Thanks!
No Smith M&P 2.0 included here? It meets all the specs of a compact.
I was going to make this exact comment.
It's probably the best out of the box striker fired pistol.
You showed me NOTHING that convinced me to switch from my Glock 19 3rd generation, absolutely nothing.you almost lost a fan...all the pistols had issues,like a Glock,but longevity and dependability are why I stay with my glock.its been proven,...
Beretta PX4 Storm Compact is outstanding. Carried it on duty, off duty, and into retirement. Now I sometimes carry the S&W M&P Shield in 30 super carry. I can’t comment on many of these other handguns because I never utilized them. To each his own. Bless you all.
I have been carrying the Canik TP9 Elite for 9 months now. I love this gun. It beat out a Springfield XDM, a SCCY DVG 1, Taurus G2C in 9 and 40 and a S&W MP 2.0.
I have a Sig 365XL, and the Walther. Still prefer My Glock Gen 5 -19. No trust in Century-Canik here.
Prefer the HK P30 over VP9, but that's a matter of opinion (I get that.) Why wasn't the Zev OZ9c or Shadow Systems MR920 even considered??? Both are superior right out of the box as compared to the G19!
Honorable mention for the price. Ruger Security 9. Love mine!
I didn’t know that there were different grip options for the 365 XL. I have big hands and having a consistent, fast defensive grip is a challenge. I’m finding a full wrap around grip seems to be the only solution I find.
Do you recommend after market grips for the 365 XL?
I bought a Sig 365XL last year. Added a Wilson Combat grip module, a Sig extended slide release, and 3 Mag-guts kits for my 3 12-round magazines which increases their capacity to 14-rounds!
Sounds like a lot of extra money.
No Shadow Systems MR920? That’s a phenomenal pistol!
How could you miss the S&W M&P 2.0 line of nines? It's the most captivating Smith in years and as good or better than the fine guns on your list. The Glock 19X has become my goto 9mm.
Me personally, I like the Glock, my daughter loves her Walther and wants a Glock.
I would like to try the CZ, either. P07 or a P10C or the P10S.
My favorite is the Beretta, followed by the Glock. I don’t own it anymore, the APX is a lot better than the Glock, but doesn’t have the aftermarket support.
I will stick with my 92 and my Glock.
I also like Beretta, but have to go with the 19.
Disappointed that Springfield Armory Hellcat was not on the list. It is a great reliable handgun and I find it great for conceal carry.
No S and W M and P 2.0 compact???? SERIOUSLY?? What are you smokin??
My M and P 2.0 compact has done over 23,000 rounds (yes I count!) without a SINGLE stoppage. NOT ONE! (And I cannot say that about my gen3 Glock 19 which did 14,000 rounds with plenty of stoppages).
M and P has longer (twice as long!)slide rails than the Glock (front and back!), it has metal all the way to the end of the frame under the barrel (unlike the Glock that flexes like a flag in the wind or wags like a dog's tale), metal mag release button, and a grip texture that glues the gun to sweaty greasy wet hands.....
And with an Apex flat faced trigger setup it shoots like a precision tuned rifle.
The M and P compact kills the Glock....
You forgot the HK VP9SK. Very reliable, great trigger and super accurate. Need I say more.
I’m not a fan of plastic guns (simply because they have little character) I’m more of a 1911 guy. That said I do own Glocks and after thousands of rounds have never had a single malfunction. The 19 is an excellent tool, not gonna win any beauty contest but it’s accurate and reliable. Can’t say any of the above guns are better although I really do like the PDP and APX. The HK seems way overpriced for a plastic striker. I carried a 19 in Iraq as did the seals my team was attached to. You may equal a Glock not sure you can beat it. Reliability is key. Sgt B 7th grp
Staccato C2... need I say more?
sw9ve add a $75 optic cut.
I believe any one of the Canik models would out Glock the Glock. there is the TP9 series, the Mete series, Rival series, Signature series, and the future Mete pro series, that in my opinion are all superior to the all Glock models, and generation. don't get me wrong Glocks are okay in my book, just not my goto. I would rather have S & W shield at least S&W is trying to innovate. truly the best thing about Glock is the variety & cost of mags, and the plethora of mag manufacturers. it put me in mind of AR-15 mags. where there technically is no original OEM mag, just a variety of mag Mfg's. Then there is the up and coming Tauras models making a splash of popularity with the G3, G3c, G3 Tactical, G3xl, and the Toro models, even though Taurus is getting there in innovation there are still a good viable option to a Glock. Now in my opinion if Glock would get with the program and listen to their fanatics patrons, and upgrade and innovate their platform. then they would be contenders in today's market. instead of riding the shirt tails of Glock's original model that made them famous, and it is truly a shame Glock has not innovated, because they have allot of potential. Thank you & God Bless
Sorry I was hoping the Springfield XDM's would be mentioned, mine makes my sorry marksmanship look acceptable.
I guess I bought the wrong 9…. Taurus is never mentioned in these articles…..
I love mine too but I bought the p111 g2 and discovered the hard way that they don't like dry fire. It took Terms 2 months to get the gun back to me. Though they were in the process of moving their operations to a more gun friendly state at the time.
Because Taurus should never be mentioned when talking about good guns. You might as well have bought a Hipoint.
You mentioned both the Walther and Beretta being underrated firearms. Both great guns and your description of both are spot on. The MOST underrated firearm and not mentioned here, of course, is the Arex Delta. My wife is a southpaw and I’m not. The Gen2 has ambi controls plus everything else you said the other guns are good for. Price, trigger, ergonomics and a full set of plates for red dots. Some manufacturers are now not sending those. Food for thought. Cheers!
No love for the Canik TP9SF Elite?
No.
I have a Sig P365xl with the Wilson Combat grip mod. With standard XRAY3 sights and no light or laser on the rail. It is all around smaller than the Glock 19, especially in the width (1.1” vs 1.3”). The trigger is superior and the ergonomics massively so, especially with the WC grip. But even the standard xl grip module is much better than the Glock for ergonomics.
I carry IWB with the 12 round magazine. I don’t believe the 3 extra rounds, whether using the extended mag for the P365xl or the Glock 19, is worth it compared to the ability to conceal and carry the Sig.
As far as shooting it goes … I’ve been shooting handguns since 1985: 1911’s, M9’s, Glocks, Kimber’s, Sigs, Springfields, etc ….. Mostly .45acp, 9mm, and some .40 …. The Sig P365xl is quite manageable and accurate at 7 meters. Which is self-defense range.
Since we are talking self-defense and concealed carry, that’s what I’m concerned with. This pistol is not a range queen or a competition piece.
And the Sig P365xl beats the Glock 19 in every category I care about for EDC.
How can not list the one that has sold more that all the rest, and cheaper. Taurus G3, G3C
The Glock 19 debuted in 1988. It is now on the 5th generation platform, 34 years later. The Taurus G2/3 series only goes back to 2005. Your “sold more that all the rest” needs a citation.
First I did not say anything about selling more than the Glock, but only the 7 listed. All (most) the ones on the list have not been around as long as the G2/G3. Second, most manufactures do not break down sales, only give totals sales on most places you can check. I have seen the G2/G3 listed as the highest traded pistol over the last several years, by most groups or organizations the track sales. Your results may vary.
I also think the S&W Shield Plus is a worthy candidate and might be added to the list.
I like the Shield Plus, but I think it’s more Micro Compact
I carry the M&P 9 shield plus, definitely a micro that packs a bunch! Quick question, have you been able to get 13 rounds in that mag? I can force the last but issues loading the mag. Still shoots better than I am capable...and hides very well appendix.
Agreed! Back in 2016/17 I purchased one w/ a Crimson Tracer from Gander Mntn on sale for $299 and @ the time S&W offered a limited time $150 rebate - it ended up costing like $189 & change - ABSURD! It was such a great deal I went back the next day and bought another one which I ended up gifting to me ex-partner. I still use it as my back up. Nifty, reliable, slim & S&W Cust Srvc is 2nd to none. And with the extended 10 rd mag & 1 in the pipe I'm good.
As I agree with Mr.T-Rex about the Canik, the thing is when people want to but a 9mm the stores have the glock on hand these others not so much, and the glock does beat them in price most of the time.
I’ve yet to find the Sig P365xl in stock at any of my LGS. But since we have a 10 day wait in WA state, ordering it is not a big deal. If it was in stock, they’d just have to hold it for me anyhow. And yeah, the G19 is always in stock at one, or more, of my LGS
I myself have discovered the best all around "compact" for me was the Canik tp9 series, although not as easily modified as the Glock, I found it ultra reliable and at a great price point. I've owned my tp9sf for 6 years, put several thousand rounds through it with no malfunction of any kind with you name it for ammo.
My first polymer was a G19 gen 5. Then G23 , had to have a G21 which all feels natural for me. Reliable and accurate. Recently picked up a Canik TP9 Elite SC all dressed out, The best SC to carry, accurate does anything you want. My favorite of all.
I have a few points I'd like to hit on. I'd like to start by saying this is a good article. However I notice a lot of the articles I see from yall like to ignore Springfield. I'm aware there was a confusing moment in the past with them but regardless of your opinion of that, you can't deny they make some good guns. For example. You listed the Walther as the first red dot centered pistol. Springfield has an entire lineup, and has had it for a while, of optics ready pistols and some that come with a red dot already on. They use all high quality materials and processes, are simple and reliable with plenty of features and they keep them at an affordable pricepoint. If I were to have to choose between owning any springfield vs any glock I'd choose the springfield
What about the M&P 9 Compact? The optics ready version is definitely on par with the G19, and the new trigger is definitely an upgrade. I would also say that the Hellcat Pro is another worthy option. It’s good that we have so many options for compact pistols.
Once again you never mention the Bersa TPR9-C. A compact, service weapon that is not a striker fired pistol. Mine has easily handled every different brand and weight of ammo that I've stuffed into its magazines. Doesn't have all the fancy accessories, comes with two 13 round magazines. It's a little beast of a compact 9mm.
I’m a big walthers fan all my friends that have shot my ppq go out and buy one very if not the best trigger of any market hand gun and very accurate.
What?!…
No mention of PSA Dagger, S&W M&P, Springfield Hellcat Pro, FN 509?
Eric, come on man!
Unfortunately most of those guns aren't CA friendly. Can you do a comparison with CA friendly models?
The Sig P365xl with 10 rd CA compliant mags works great for you, I believe.
In California we have list of approved handguns for sale: the Sig P365 isn't on that list so it is not readily available to regular citizens.
Ugh …. That’s the stupid micro stamping BS that Sig (and others) refuse to do. I bailed out of CA in 2006 and never looked back.
Honestly, I'm glad no one is following through with it considering the new law making it easier to get pistols on the roster but removing 3 old pistols from the roster every time a new one is added.
Glock. 5 Generations and the trigge,r though improved, still sucks. I own a PPQ M2 that has a phenomenal trigger right out of the box. They say the PDP is even better. Haven't tried one yet, but I'll take their word for it.
For now, I'm still pleased with PPQ M2.
The PSA Dagger is fantastic alternative and takes all Glock 19 parts. It shoots amazing and feels so good in your hand, better than a G19 IMO.
Add Shadow Systems to the list.
We have them listed in our favorite clones article! https://www.pewpewtactical.com/best-glock-clones/
You missed the FN 509 line. I borrowed a friend’s FN-9 a few years ago and made the switch from Glock. You don’t have as many after market options as Glock, however I find it shoots and handles better.
I was forced into a striker fired weapon by my agency going to them ( from SIG to Glock!). I own a couple of striker fired platforms, but if my life is on the line, I am going to a hammer fired. Why limit myself in a bad situation to DA only when I could have DA or SA?
Why the preference for hammer fired? Not hating on hammer fired - I'm a big 1911 fan - but curious on your opinion.
Check the last sentence..."Why limit myself in a bad situation to DA only when I could have DA or SA?". With a striker fired you have to stop everything, move grip hands and rack the slide. With a hammer all I have to do is grab the hammer...