Over the years, there have been a few companies that have come out with their own version of the Glock.
Shadow Systems has made a name for itself in this market with its reimagined and heavily upgraded Combat and Elite series.
While these versions took the platform to its highest heights, the accompanying price tag may have left a few shoppers breathless.
Recently, Shadow Systems released the Foundation Series to give thrifty shooters some options.
We can agree a more reasonable price point makes a product more attractive, but do we also have to sacrifice features to achieve this lofty goal? With a whole set of Foundation Series Pistols, we headed out to the range.
So follow along as we talk about the features, specs, pros, and cons of the new Foundation Series.
Table of Contents
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Foundation Series Pros & Cons
Pros
- Upgraded Features
- Lower price
- Good performance
Cons
- Occasional QC issues
The Bottom Line
The Foundation Series from Shadow Systems cuts back some of the more premium features of their other offerings and makes them more affordable without sacrificing performance.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Foundation Series Specs & Features
Features
- Slide serrations
- Metal sights
- Optics capable
Specs
| DR920 | MR920 | XR920 | |
| Caliber | 9mm | 9mm | 9mm |
| Action | Semi-auto striker fired | Semi-auto striker fired | Semi-auto striker fired |
| Width | 1″ | 1″ | 1″ |
| Length | 7 3/4″ | 7 1/8″ | 7 3/8″ |
| Barrel Length | 4.5″ | 4″ | 4″ |
| Height | 5 1/4″ | 4 3/4″ | 5 1/4″ |
| Weight | 22.4 oz. | 22.04 oz. | 22.4 oz. |
| Capacity | 17+1 | 15+1 | 17+1 |
| Comes with | Cardboard box, manual, optics hardware | Cardboard box, manual, optics hardware | Cardboard box, manual, optics hardware |
Foundation Series Background
The Foundation Series is new, so there aren’t previous versions to compare it with.
That said, Shadow Systems sells the Combat and Elite series, each with more features and a higher price point respectively.
With the Elite Series ranging around $1,000 and the Combat Series coming in at around $800, it makes sense for Shadow Systems to create something for folks who can’t wrap their head around paying that much for a Glock clone.
This was the reason the Foundation Series was created…
Who Is It For?
As noted above, the Foundation Series is for people who want to enjoy an improved Glock-style pistol without spending close to a grand to do it.
Shadow Systems accomplished this by leaving out a few things that weren’t crucial to overall performance.
Anyone in the market for a good pistol would appreciate the Foundation Series.
Whether they are employed for home defense or concealed carry, these pistols are reliable (with one noted exception), accurate, and run really well.
Fit & Feel
While the Foundation Series is still essentially upgraded Glocks, they feel a little different in the hand. We tested all three models: the DR920 (similar to a G17), MR920 (similar to a G19), and XR920 (similar to a G19X).
The grip texture is more aggressive, with a solid medium grit. The general shape and angle are very similar to a standard Glock.
There is no extra magwell at the bottom of the grip, though there are nicely cut angles on the interior that aid with guiding magazines home.
Each gun came with two Magpul Glock magazines.
In addition, the undercut near the trigger guard allows a slightly higher grip, and I didn’t have the exposed feeling the web of my hand gets with a stock Glock. The generous beavertail covers this exceedingly well.
Another upgrade I really appreciated was found forward of the takedown pins on the frame.
On both sides, Shadow Systems installed a textured portion for indexing your trigger finger or providing a little extra support for your thumb.
Closing out the frame, there is even a textured portion on the front of the trigger guard that might assist with braced shooting. Finally, there is also an accessory rail on the front.
The slide features angled serrations — front and rear — that assist greatly with racking or simple press-checking.
In addition, metal sights are mounted, with a serrated black in the rear and a single, white-dot front post on the muzzle.
The trigger is much improved over the standard Glock, in my opinion. First, the shoe is wider and has a gentle curve that borders on flat.
Even the trigger safety is improved because it sits flush with the shoe face when depressed. Pulling back, the trigger reaches a defined wall, then travels a slight bit further before a fairly crisp breaking.
On the Lyman Digital Gauge, the trigger averaged 4 pounds and 10 ounces.
Reset was audible and tactile. The trigger is a good example of what can be accomplished with a striker-fired pistol.
How Does It Shoot?
The combination of the nicely done metal sights and excellent trigger makes these guns accurate.
Although I mounted two Classic Series red dots from Primary Arms, I kept the DR920 stock and focused on the irons.
Shooting five shots with each gun from seven yards, I was able to achieve a 1.24-inch group with the DR920, a 1.19-inch group with the MR920, and a 1.48-inch group with the XR920.
The trigger is easy to learn and provides predictable performance you can repeat.
Improved ergonomics and increased grip texture allowed me to speed up shots because I was able to establish sight picture a bit more quickly. With the two guns using red dots, I could ride the dot through recoil.
The Magpul magazines fed nicely, and both inserted and dropped easily when called upon to do so. Malfunctions are something I watch keenly for and try to diagnose whenever we’re testing firearms.
When we first went to the range with all three guns, the DR920 and MR920 ran like champs.
However, the XR920 would not feed. I tried multiple magazines, even varied ammunition, and I could not get a round to seat in the chamber.
In my mind, the slide was somehow out of spec, possibly the feed ramp, but I couldn’t be certain. I contacted Shadow Systems, and they sent me a replacement slide for the XR920.
After we mounted the new slide, there were zero malfunctions with the XR. Over the course of a couple of outings and several hundred rounds through all three guns, there were zero malfunctions.
9mm Ammo in Stock
What Sets it Apart?
There are a number of Glock clones out there, but Shadow Systems has done a great job of improving on the original by improving a number of key interfaces. First, the ergonomics are improved.
There are many improvements on the frame in general that fall under this category, but the slide serrations also help with manipulations too.
Finally, the trigger is much improved and a welcome addition to the Foundation Series.
By The Numbers
Accuracy
4/5
The trigger and ergonomics come together nicely allowing shooters to make accurate shots.
Reliability
3.5/5
This score simply reflects the first version of the XR we received. Once we replaced the slide there were zero malfunctions and notably, the DR and MR never had any malfunctions over the course of a few hundred rounds each.
Customization
5/5
Being at its base a Glock, the whole aftermarket world is open to the Foundation Series.
Ergonomics
4/5
Given the base design is still largely Glock, the ergonomics are much improved on the Foundation Series.
Value
4/5
The price for these seems to be locked in a $679 over a few online retailers I reviewed.
Overall
4/5
Upgrades for Foundation Series
Final Verdict
I had never tried any Shadow Systems guns before this review and, frankly, haven’t spent a lot of time with Glock clones. I totally see the appeal now.
If you imagine what Glock has accomplished and don’t get hung up on stopping at “perfection,” you enable yourself to seek out and implement improvements.
Shadow Systems has done that without sacrificing key features that affect performance.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
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To my way of thinking, these firearms outperform Glocks in many ways. The only comparison left in my mind is long-time durability, and that is going to take some time to test!
Are you considering the Foundation Series? Let us know in the comments below! Need more clones? Head to the 8 Best Custom Glock Clones for more recommendations.
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LENGTHY BUT HONEST USER OPINION REF. SHADOW SYSTEMS: I am a VERY satisfied owner/daily user of three Shadow Systems pistols (MR920 Elite, XR920 Foundation & DR920 Foundation). I highly recommend these pistols for the "Non Glock Fanboy". Glock Fanboys probably will not stomach the cost, for a near Glock. Although, the Foundation Series has all the features of an MOS Gen 5 Glock & some. Foundation trigger though may be more Gen 3 ish for Glock purists. I respect the heck outta the Glock platform/machine. It's simplistic reliability is legendary & I can't argue that. As a 38yr Cop (still on the job) I've been "forced" to on-duty carry a multitude of handgun platforms. S&W Model 65, then S&W 66, then Beretta 92FS, then Sig P226 (9 & .40), then Glock 22 (Gen4) & finally Glock 45MOS. I served primarily in Patrol, Tactical and Instructor (Firearms & DT). I retired from that larger agency w/ the Glock 45 MOS. I always immersed myself in whatever weapons platform we were handed & learned to run & shoot those platforms very well. Glock changed that for me, in the negative. Glock Ergo's DO NOT fit me well (meaty XL hands...short fingers). I have to work EXTREMELY hard, while running the Glock hard, to maintain historically consistent accuracy. Glock just does not naturally point for me at all. Very frustrating, has taken alot of work & focus to group tightly & consistently...ONLY W/ "Block" GLOCK! Alas, my new agency has a much more liberal policy on duty carry. My Shadow Love Affair started while shooting my buddy's MR920 Elite (w/ all the fancy gold & spiral trimmings). "A BLOCK That Fits Me" & performs LIGHTS OUT! Elite trigger is much BETTER than Gen5 Glock & Ergo's are perfect (Med. backstrap). So, I treated myself w/ my own (custom ordered w/o all the fancy bling). I was not disappointed and over 2,000rnds in it's been a flawless performer. I carried MR920 Elite on & off duty solely. I dawned on me that I was daily banging a pricey pistol around all day. So, in January I bought myself a late Christmas present, The XR920 Foundation (affordable...same price as MOS Gen5 Glock). The XR Trigger was indeed creepy & gritty (very Glock Gen3 Like) and a did have a few "failure to completely go into battery" malfunctions w/in the 1st 100rnds. The XR stayed out of my duty holster until I got over 1000 flawless rounds through, and Elite Trigger Group (from Shadow) and a tritium front sight. Now at 2,000rnds & those upgrades it's in my duty holster & I love it as much as my Elite (off-duty EDC). I recently bought the DR920 Foundation, just to have. It was about $50 cheaper than the XR. It's trigger was better than the original XR trigger but not as nice as the Elite (Glock Gen4 like?). Same few malfunctions in 1st 100 rounds, I'm about 1,00rnds into the DR & it's been flawless since & I'm happy. My Glocks (Gens 3's, 4's, 5's) are resting in the back of my safe. I Love My Shadows! In the end, if you are a die hard Glock Gen5 guy, I think you'd be satisfied w/ the upgrades of a Shadow Foundation probs won't be impressed w/ the expense of the Elite or Combat. If you're not a Glock Fan Boy but Respect it...you'll love a Shadow! Shadows have fixed everything I detested about Glock & thus far have shown to retain everything I respect about Glock. Worth it to me, especially the more budget friendly Foundation Series! The END.
Maybe I'm missing something but I would you drop $700 on a clone when you can get a great Sig at that price (and even cheaper).
Which $700 Sig are you referring to? The P320? I like them, have one (used to have several). Bore Axis is much higher on the 320 thus I can't run it quite as quick. The self detonation issues of late have me apprehensive about carrying the P320.
Hmmmm... sounds like they need to work on QC more for this model.
I’m really not sure what all the fuss is about when it comes to the shadow system line. I have the MR920 and I carry it every day. I really like my shadow a lot. No pun intended, but for
the price it’s somewhat overkill. Nothing special
about the trigger. It doesn’t have a threaded barrel for a price point of 750.00. The plus side is that it does have interchangeable back straps and it is optics ready. That’s not really saying a lot these days. I know this isn’t the pistol you reviewed, but I’m sure it’s really close. Anyway, my point is that you can put together a pistol just as nice for under 300.00
Polymer 80 and a palmetto slide assembly. I’ve done it and the trigger is actually better.
Paul, I liked them and I'm sure they're pretty similar like you said. Your idea of building something better sounds intriguing, would make for a great video if it weren't against the rules.
You can buy a new Gen 4 Glock 19 at Bass Pro TODAY for $499 (clearance). Palmetto State Armory has them (Gen 5)for $539, every day, retail. With Glock Blue label pricing, it (Gen 5) is available for $398.40 (your article suggests "close to a grand"). So I wonder why a buyer would go for one of these Shadow Systems offerings, when they are more expensive at $662(despite the article suggesting they were "budget minded" ) and at best similar? Good article, and appears to be a decent gun, but why? I have come to expect more accurate comparisons, at least price comparison wise, from Pew Pew!
Thanks Bill,
Not everyone can buy Blue Label, but I take your point. This gun is upgraded when compared to a stock Glock. Some folks run stock Glocks, but the burgeoning aftermarket suggests many do not. The Shadow Systems guns offer upgraded features by comparison--even the Foundation Series--trigger, ergonomics, slide milling and more. A straight up comparison wouldn't be accurate.
I've had great experience with Shadow Systems. Have not tried the Foundation series, but I've had their MR920 for almost 3 years and am approaching 12,000 rounds through it with all types of ammo and have never had a malfunction. I recently picked up their CR920 for another carry option and have seen the same quality through about 500 rounds in just a few weeks.
Russell, I was really impressed with these. Besides the obvious problem at the beginning, they were a cut above Glocks which I've used for years.
It says Mr. Curtis is an author. What book(s) did he write?
author noun
a writer of a book, article, or report.
"he is the author of several books on the subject"