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The Glock 17 was introduced to the world in 1982. Though many questioned the pistol’s polymer frame and hammerless fire control system, it has become the most recognized and popular defensive handgun worldwide. It also spawned a plethora of copies. The Glock’s straightforward utilitarian style, combined with its reliability and ruggedness, has made it a favorite of law enforcement and armed civilians.
But with the prices of some Glocks now between $700 and $800, they are more expensive than they’ve ever been. Because of all this pandemic and political craziness, some can’t afford a Glock or even find one for sale at their local gun shop. If you find yourself in either of those situations, these are your other-than-Glock options. They say imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, and while the following pistols do emulate the Glock, some offer more at an even lesser price.
1. Smith & Wesson M&P
| The Glock-like Smith & Wesson M&P 2.0 has found favor with many law enforcement agencies and those who carry concealed. Smith & Wesson |
The S&W M&P—now in its 2.0 configuration—is a common, and one of the first, Glock alternatives. Base price starts at about $569, and like the Glock, they’re available in 9mm, .40 S&W, and .45 ACP with either 3.6-, 4.0-, or 4.6-inch barrels, which are comparable to the sub-compact, compact, and duty-sized Glocks. Feature-wise they’re nearly identical, and both the M&P and Glock come in optics-ready configurations. Even the Performance Center M&P is a little less expensive than a stock Glock. Many law enforcement agencies opted for the M&P over the Glock, and over time, it has proven to be a reliable alternative to the Austrian legend. Check availability here.
2. Springfield-Armory XD
| Just as with Glocks, Springfield-Armory XD pistols come in various chamberings and sizes. Springfield Armory |
Springfield-Armory’s selection of XD pistols is broad, with small, medium, and large versions of 9mm, .40 S&W, and .45 ACP. Like the Glock and M&P, they’re polymer-framed, striker-fired handguns, and prices that range between $400 and $600. The Elite optics-ready version of the XD only pushes the price to just a shade over $700, which is less than some base model Glocks. XD pistols have a good reputation and in addition to their Glock-like passive trigger safety, they also have a grip safety. Capacities, sizes, and weights are comparable to both Glock and M&P handguns. Check availability here.
3. Walther PPQ
| Walther’s PPQ is a very ergonomic, polymer-framed striker-fired pistol that directly competes against the Glock. Walther |
Walther’s PPQ pistol, with its interchangeable backstrap, is a bit more ergonomic than a Glock, and the trigger feels very similar. It also features an ambidextrous slide lock and a reversible magazine release. Walther offers both four- and five-inch barreled models. The size and weight of each PPQ are similar to comparable model Glocks, XDs, or M&Ps. Suggested retail prices are not much less than Glocks but across the counter prices are. Walther also offers a more expensive steel-frame version they call the Q4. Check availability here.
4. CZ-USA P10
| CZ-USA’s Glock alternative is the excellent and very ergonomic P-10. CZ-USA |
One of the most overlooked Glock-like pistols is the CZ-USA P-10. Like all CZ-USA firearms, the P-10s are very reliable, good shooting handguns. They come in various sizes, with or without threaded barrels, suppressor-height sights, and optics-ready cutouts. With sub-compact, compact, and duty-size options, and with barrel lengths from 3 to 4.5 inches, there are quite a few models to choose from. A mild palm swell, deep beavertail, and three interchangeable backstraps make the P-10 adaptable to almost any hand. Check availability here.
5. Sig Sauer P320
| Because of its modularity and adoption by the U.S. Military, the Sig Sauer P320 is currently Glock’s strongest competitor. Sig Sauer |
When the U.S. Military’s adopted the Sig Sauer P320, it became an extremely popular polymer-framed, striker-fired handgun, offering direct competition to the Glock. P320s come in a wide array of configurations. The trigger is a bit better than the Glock’s, and the slide lock is ambidextrous. Optics-ready, standard sight, compact, and full-size guns are available. But what really sets the P320 apart is how the fire control unit can be switched between frames for easy slide-length and cartridge conversions. P320s retail for about $100 less than comparable Glocks. Check availability here.
6. Canik TP9
| The Canik TP9 is a polymer-framed, striker-fired handgun very similar to the Glock but much less expensive. Richard Mann |
If you’re looking for an affordable Glock alternative, you might want to consider the Turkish-made Canik TP9. Base striker-fired TP9s with a polymer frame and interchangeable back straps start at about 350 bucks. An optics-ready variant costs about the same as a base model Glock, but also comes with a Shield SMS2 reflex sight already installed. The TP9 is available in several configurations including a suppressor-ready version. It is a true sleeper in the poly-pistol category and ships with two magazines, a holster, interchangeable backstraps, and it has a limited lifetime warranty. Check availability here.
Read Next: 5 of the Best Concealed Carry Guns for Under $500
7. Sarsilmaz SAR9
| The Sarsilmaz SAR9 is a fantastic polymer-framed, striker-fired pistol that’s made in Turkey. In addition to the Glock-like passive trigger safety it’s also available with a thumb safety. Richard Mann |
This second Turkish-made affordable Glock alternative was the winner of an incredibly rigorous trial by the Turkish army where it competed against handguns submitted from Austria, Germany, Belgium, and the United States. It has a very low barrel axis, interchangeable backstraps, and grip side plates. It also comes with or without a thumb safety. The SAR9 is available in one size and is sort of a direct challenge to the Glock 17, which is slightly lighter. It has a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of only $449, but actual retail prices and dip below $400.00. Check availability here.
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