Since the introduction of the Glock 17 back in the mid-1980s, Glock’s semi-auto pistols have taken the country by storm. And there’s little wonder why: They are durable, reliable, accurate and easy to find on both the new and used markets.

5 of the Best Glock Clones on the Market

That popularity has spilled over into a number of companies making Glock “clones” that in some cases are even better than the real thing. Many of these clones use parts and magazines that are interchangeable with real Glocks and fit in holsters made for Glocks. Consequently, their popularity has also been on the rise in recent years.

A Little Glock History

Before we look at five Glock clones that you might want to consider for your next handgun purchase, let’s take a brief look at a little Glock history. In the early 1980s, the semi-automatic Glock service pistol debuted to meet the needs of the Austrian military. In 1984 the Glock 17, chambered in 9mm, passed the NATO durability test; Glock subsequently introduced it in the United States in 1986.

A downsized version, the Glock 19, came next, introduced in 1988. The rest, as they say, is history, as since then the company, which has an American headquarters in Smyrna, Georgia, has introduced dozens of models, both large and small, in a number of different handgun chamberings.

Now, let’s get back to those clones we were talking about and look at five models currently available in a variety of price ranges.  

Zev OZ 9 V2 

Zev Technologies has been in the Glock market for several years, starting out by offering an aftermarket Glock trigger that was much better than the stock trigger. Soon, the company was making a number of aftermarket parts for those wanting to spruce up their Glocks.

In 2019, Zev introduced its first complete pistol—the 0.Z-9, tailed after the G19. At the time, the company boasted that the gun had the “accuracy, control and balance of a 1911, the reliability of a striker-fired pistol and is fully modular, allowing for grip changes and compatibility with Glock and ZEV parts.”

Last November, the company introduced an improved version of the 0.Z-9, the 0.Z-9 V2 Elite Pistols. Available in a number of different models—all chambered in 9mm—these pistols are really something special. With this line, full customization is at hand with three slide lengths, threaded or non-threaded barrels and two grip sizes, giving users a total of 10 possible configurations to choose from—all from one single platform.

The patented compact steel receiver is the serialized component that can easily be interchanged between grip sizes with the removal of a single pin. The upgraded trigger is housed in the steel receiver, allowing for grip changes without completely breaking down the pistol. And slide and barrel swaps allow the user to convert a compact to a full-size and back again.

The slide features ZEV’s patented RMR cut, which enables the installation of red-dot sights using an RMR footprint. Spec-wise, the full-size model has an overall length of about 8 inches and weighs in at 1.6 pounds empty. The compact measures 7.3 inches in length and weighs 1.5 pounds empty. MSRP ranges from $1,763 to $1,815 depending on model and configuration. (zevtechnologies.com)

Faxon FS-19 

The Faxon Firearms FX-19 Pistols, the Hellfire and Patriot, are both compact Glock clones that were built from the ground up with the quality and precision shooters have come to expect from the company. 

The FX-19 pistols have successfully completed a 15,000-round durability test, as outlined in U.S. ARMY TOP 3-2-045, along with the NATO standard drop test. The pistols feature a slide machined from 416-R Stainless steel that has a Diamond-Like Carbon (DLC) finished. An optics cut allows for the mounting of Trijicon RMR or Holosun 507C red-dot sights, and for those not wanting to use an optic the pistols come stock with suppressor-height night sights.

The pistol also features a Faxon Match Series G19 1/2×28 Threaded Barrel and enhanced front, rear and top serrations. The custom Faxon PF940C Frame gives users 1911-Style grip angle, alleviating the grip angle problem that many shooters have with Glock pistols. The front and rear slide rails are polished to a custom finish for sure reliability, and the gun also features a double undercut trigger guard for those who prefer that feature.

The FX-19’s Overwatch Precision Trigger is a big step up from the stock Glock trigger, and an enhanced, low-profile magazine well makes feeding a new magazine easy while not causing a concealability problem. The Hellfire ships with one G19 magazine with a Faxon +5 Modular Magazine extension, while the Patriot ships with one 15-round G19 mag. MSRP runs from $775 to $1,189 depending on model. (faxonfirearms.com)

Lone Wolf DUSK19 

Lone Wolf has made a number of top-quality Glock barrels and other parts for over 25 years. At the 2023 SHOT Show in Las Vegas, Lone Wolf surprised many with its introduction of the DUSK19, called by the company “the pinnacle of Glock aftermarket innovation.”

Chambered in 9mm, the DUSK19 features a meticulously crafted upper with a 17-4SS DUSK19 profile slide, available in a black nitride finish or a range of eye-catching PVD options. The slide boasts front and rear serrations for effortless chambering and press-check, and is reflex sight-ready with an included optic cover plate compatible with various popular footprints. For those not wishing to use an optic, the gun comes stock with Ameriglo night sights. Complementing the slide is a 416 stainless steel barrel with DUSK19 profile, reducing cycling time and enhancing coating wear resistance. 

The DUSK19 frame has a 19-degree grip angle for sure purchase, interchangeable backstraps to make fitting easy, integrated grip panels with textured grip and an integrated, flared magazine well for effortless reloading. Additionally, the DUSK19’s flat, enhanced trigger system, with improved geometry for trigger take-up and decreased energy to actuate, ensures smooth and accurate shooting by delivering a 30% reduction in peak force.

Spec-wise, the DUSK19 has an overall length of 6.95 inches and weighs in at only 19.8 ounces without the magazine inserted. And, of course, it uses Glock mags. The DUSK19 comes in a number of models, with MSRP ranging from $529.95 up to $799.95. (lonewolfdist.com)

PSA Dagger 

Palmetto State Armory has long been known for providing the quality AR-15 parts and accessories at a very good price, so it came as a surprise to many when the company jumped into the Glock clone game. But for those looking for a Glock clone on a little less exorbitant budget, the Dagger from PSA is a good option. 

Constructed from high-quality stainless steel and advanced polymers, the PSA Dagger line features great ergonomics and excellent controllability. Available in Compact, Full Size and Micro models, each Dagger pistol is feature-rich in its standard form and provides a framework for further customization with parts from the aftermarket handgun accessories market.

For those searching for a Glock clone for carry purposes, the PSA Dagger Compact 9mm RMR Pistol with Extreme Carry Cuts might be just the everyday carry gun they have been seeking. This Dagger is fed from a supplied PMAG 15-Round magazine and operated by a smooth, single-action striker-fired trigger mechanism. The slide cut accommodates an RMR footprint with capability with RMR-style reflex sights. Additionally, this model offers PSA’s new Extreme Carry Cuts, offering smoother edges to the rear and front of the slide to help with faster drawing without snagging.

Spec-wise, the Dagger Compact barrel length is 3.9 inches, with a 7.15-inch overall length. Weight is 22.4 ounces empty, and overall width is 1.28 inches. The Dagger Compact sells for just under $400 at palmettostatearmory.com.

Polymer80 PFC9 

Prior to going out of business, Polymer80 was better known as a manufacturer of parts kits containing firearm parts, including unfinished receivers used for making privately made firearms. But the company’s intro into the Glock clone market—the PFC9—is a pretty good pistol at a reasonable price.

Polymer80 described the PFC9 Complete Compact Pistols “combine innovative ergonomics and features to provide the ultimate in shoot-ability and comfortable concealment.” Built with high-strength reinforced polymer construction, the pistol’s frame includes the company’s aggressive standard texture on the sides, front and backstrap for a sure grip in multiple environments. The slide features front and rear serrations coupled with clean, modern lines and a heavy front chamfer, which allows effective manipulation and holstering of the pistol while maintaining a low-key aesthetic profile.

Featuring a Glock-like striker-fired operating system, the 9mm pistol has a fractionally longer grip than a stock Glock and also a 19-degree grip angle compared to the 22-degree angle on a real Glock. A flat trigger makes precision work possible, and the frame includes a standard Picatinny rail on bottom.

The trigger guard on the PFC9 is double undercut for comfort when shooting, plus it has a small beavertail for those who prefer that. Of course, like most of the other Glock clones, this pistol will accept Glock OEM magazines or aftermarket Glock mags. While Polymer80 recently closed its doors because of the cost of multiple court battles, many FPC90s are still available at retail and used. While not exactly a “budget” gun, the PFC9 is a little less expensive than a real Glock. MSRP is right around $500. (Find Polymer80 frames and parts at masdefense.com)