The popular Glock series of handguns has inspired several companies to produce Glock-like weapons for sale. Why buy a Glock clone instead of a real Glock firearm? There are two primary reasons: Features and cost.
Best Glock Clones
Many gun owners contract gunsmiths to customize their Glock handguns, altering the ergonomics, trigger mechanism, barrel, or sights to suit different applications. The best Glock clones are generally pistols that provide a low-cost alternative to a stock Glock or competition-grade features out of the box.
You should also look for a Glock clone that’s compatible with Glock holsters, especially if you intend to carry for self-defense or shoot competitively.
Polymer80
According to federal law, the receiver or frame is the regulated part (i.e., the legal firearm). Incomplete receivers or frames, also known as blanks or 80% lowers, are not regulated as firearms.
You can buy a blank online and have it shipped directly to your private residence — no FFL required. If you want to build your own firearm, you can buy a receiver blank and complete the necessary machining operations yourself.
Polymer80 introduced a series of 80% frame pistol kits, depending on the frame size you’re interested in using. The kit includes a finishing jig, which acts as a machining guide, and other parts needed to complete the gun.
If you don’t want to build your own Glock clone, Polymer80 also offers complete pistols for sale. The P80 PFS9 and PFC9 — full size and compact — chambered in 9mm are available with either 10-round magazines for restrictive states or standard 15- and 17-round Glock magazines.
While the Polymer80 complete and kit weapons are designed to replicate the ergonomics of Glock firearms, there is an important difference: In standard Glock pistols, the grip angle is 22°. Polymer80 has a different grip angle. The manufacturer emulated the 1911 and used an 18° grip angle.
PSA Dagger
Palmetto State Armory is a manufacturer of low-cost, high quality firearms is and an online retailer. Known for its affordably priced AR-15-pattern rifles and pistols, the company introduced a budget Glock clone called the PSA Dagger. The PSA Dagger shares parts compatibility with Gen3 Glock 19 parts, such as slides and barrels.
While compatible with Glock magazines, the pistol ships with a PMAG 15 GL9 15-round magazine. However, as the PSA Dagger frame does not use the same exterior dimensions, you may have difficulty finding a holster compatible with the pistol if you’ve attached a light or laser.
The trigger is similar to the Glock’s regarding the pre-travel, break, over-travel, and reset phases. But while the Glock has a safety lever in the center of the trigger face, the Dagger uses a pivoting trigger safety similar to that of the Smith & Wesson M&P series. In this design, the lower half of the trigger pivots first, unlocking the trigger for a full stroke.
The frame has an extended beavertail, trigger-guard undercut, and texturing for increased grip. In addition, the slide has front and rear charging serrations, allowing you to rack the slide even when it’s wet and slippery.
Shadow Systems MR920
The Shadow Systems MR920 is a competition-ready and optics-compatible Glock 19 clone. The frame has aggressive texturing on the front strap, backstrap, and sides for increased traction. The backstraps are also interchangeable, allowing you to adjust the angle of the grip to suit your preferences. Fortunately, the MR920 is compatible with Glock 19 holsters.
If you’re interested in an optics-ready handgun, Shadow Systems has its own patent-pending optics-mounting system, which it describes as the “strongest direct connect system in the industry.”
The frame forward of and above the trigger has two textured panels the company calls recoil control ledges. A thumbs-forward grip allows for increased control of the weapon.
The aluminum trigger has a flat face and a light 4-4.5-lb. trigger pull, which is about a pound lighter than the standard Glock Safe Action System. The trigger guard is compatible with a variety of holster designs — you don’t need a custom holster for this pistol.
However, one of the most significant differences between the MR920 and a stock Glock pistol is the spiral-fluted match barrel. The 416R stainless-steel barrel is the perfect upgrade for a competition pistol, increasing accuracy and corrosion resistance.
ZEV OZ9
ZEV Technologies is a manufacturer of complete firearms and parts and accessories for rifles and pistols. The ZEV OZ9, or Original ZEV 9, is the company’s modular 9mm semi-automatic, striker-fired handgun that shares some parts compatibility with the Glock series.
Unlike a standard Glock pistol, in which the polymer-composite frame is the serialized receiver, the OZ9 uses a modular steel receiver or chassis separate from the frame. The receiver has extended slide rails, which increases surface-to-surface contact for a more stable and efficient cycle. According to ZEV, this reduces the vibration during firing for more effective recoil control.
If you need to change frames, the process is simple: Remove the takedown pin with a punch to detach the frame from the receiver. That way, you can add a compact frame to a full-size slide and barrel. This combination provides the reduced height of a Glock 19 for concealed carry with the increased sight radius of a full-size slide and barrel.
The OZ9 has a steel chassis, which is heavier than the standard Glock. The frame is textured for increased grip, but it’s not uncomfortable if you have sensitive skin.
Many Glock holsters will fit the OZ9 because the pistol shares the same external dimensions as the Glock. While the PSA Dagger is one of the least expensive Glock-type firearms on the market, the ZEV OZ9 is on the opposite side of the price spectrum.
Find the Holster That’s Right for Your Glock Clone
At We the People Holsters, we manufacture Kydex and leather holsters for various Glock handguns — full size, compact, and subcompact pistols. But not all Glock clones are compatible with Glock holsters.
If you’re unsure whether your Glock clone is compatible with Glock holsters, fill out our Contact Us form to request more information.
