Is There A Legitimate Glock Killer? Here Are 7 Serious Contenders

Glock Pistols Probably Aren't Going Anywhere...But Here Are Some Seriously Good Alternatives

There have been a number of pistols over the years that have been tipped as a Glock killer, meaning that someone made a gun that's as good as or better than a Glock 19 or something. Usually it gets used once or twice a year, and...well, it doesn't really happen.

Look, Glock pistols are excellent. They aren't perfect, and there are a lot of people with a strange and overwhelming devotion to them, but the truth is they are solid working-class guns. You won't go wrong with one.

But is there a gun that offers the same reliability, simplicity, accuracy? Or perhaps offers better quality in some aspect? Or the same attributes for less money?

In fact, there really are. If you aren't so obsessed with brand that you can look at alternatives, here are 7 pistols that give Glock a run for their money...or may even be better.

Sig P320 XCompact

Of the P320 family, the Sig P320 XCompact has real potential as a Glock killer. Granted, you pay a bit more for the privilege...but it's actually worth it.

The XCompact adds Sig Sauer's X-frame, with an extended beavertail and a slightly narrower grip. The frame has relief cuts above the grip, and an undercut trigger guard and ambidextrous controls. Sig Sauer's Xray3 night sights are standard, and the slide comes optics-ready.

The upgraded frame and appointments make the pistol comfortable, easy to manipulate and VERY shootable. The XCompact, with a 3.8-inch barrel and 15+1 capacity of 9mm makes a heck of a concealed carry gun.

Oh, and in case you're wondering...it costs the same as a Glock 19 MOS with the optics-ready slide. You're spending the same amount, and getting more features, so it's a serious pistol.

PS9 Dagger

The PS9 Dagger, made by Palmetto State Armory, is a near complete clone of the Glock 19 Gen 3. It looks darn near the same, the firing system is basically the same, the capacity is the same, it even uses some Glock parts and takes Glock magazines.

So it's a clone. HOW could it possibly be a Glock killer?

Because it costs $300. An optics ready version is $350. That's upward of $200 cheaper. If they run just as well...that's nothing to sneeze at.

Canik TP9 SF Elite

Canik's TP9 pistols have long been touted as Glock killers, and the Canik TP9 SF Elite is definitely one to look at. The SF Elite differs from the standard TP9 in that it has a slightly shorter barrel (4.2 inches) and slide, and slightly shorter grip and magazine (15+1) that makes it just dainty enough to carry everyday.

The TP9 series is partially based on the Walther P99, with a Walther-esque palmswell - with interchangeable panels - and smooth, crisp trigger. Target sights (black steel rear, front FO) with ambi controls, accessory rail, and a very ample amount of gear that comes in the case with the gun.

Canik, one of the largest firearms concerns in Turkey, is a NATO- and ISO9000-certified firearms maker, and they supply a number of police and military forces worldwide, so quality is not an area where they compromise. Sure, it's a bit bigger than a 19...but at less thamn $400...it presents a darn viable budget-friendly alternative.

Beretta APX Centurion

Beretta APX pistols, including the Beretta APX Centurion, just don't get the kind of attention they deserve. It's a shame, because they're excellent.

The APX Centurion, with a 3.7-inch barrel and CCW-friendly overall dimensions (and 15+1 of 9mm onboard) makes a great carry pistol. The ergonomics are outstanding, with a generous beavertail for a naturally high, tight shooting grip. The trigger is excellent, with a smooth and crisp break, and short reset. Controls are lefty-friendly as well.

The Beretta APX Centurion is kind of an undiscovered gem. Check one out, and you'll see what you're missing.

Walther PPQ M2

If you've never handled or fired a Walther PPQ M2 or even M1...you're missing out. A lot of people have been saying over the years that the PPQ is a Glock killer and for good reasons.

The PPQ is known for having excellent ergonomics, as it is second to none for a comfortable fit in the hand. The other aspect it's known for is a trigger that is better than almost any other on the market. Smooth travel, a shockingly crisp break, short reset...it's incredible.

And because the name on the slide is "Walther" and not "Glock," that means you can find this exemplar among the poly striker guns for an extremely competitive rate.

H&K VP9 and VP92020

The H&K VP9 might be the snob's poly striker gun, but darned if it isn't excellent.

Outstanding ergonomics, with swappable backstrap and side panels. The trigger is really the only one to give the PPQ a run for its money. It's smooth, breaks clean and crisp, with a short reset perfect for running the gun fast and hard. The charging handles on the back of the slide are a wickedly smart tough, which make for easy handling. Your choice of ambidextrous paddles or a push-button magazine release.

H&K also announced some new stuff for 2020. The 15-round magazines will be replaced with 17-round units that still fit flush with the grip, and will now be the standard magazine. Additionally, the VP9 2020 will come optic-ready, milled for use with an adapter plate to mount an optic.

Again, you'll pay for the privilege, as they run a little more in stores compared to a Glock 17 or Glock 19. But you're paying for quality.

CZ P10C

The CZ P10C was created for entry in the XM17 pistol trials, but after it was quickly disregarded for reasons unknown to...basically anyone whose gotten their hands on one...CZ released them into the wild.

It's CZ's first poly striker pistol, with a 15+1 capacity magazine. It has all the features you'd normally expect a compact pistol of this type to have; accessory rail, forward and rearward cocking serrations, and ambi-friendly controls. However, you also get the superb ergonomics that CZs are known for, and frankly a better trigger than standard G19s. Smooth, crisp break and a short, positive reset.

You can even get suppressor-ready and optics-ready models.

So it's a Glock for hipsters. But they go for very reasonable prices, and a whole lot of people are getting convinced that they're better.

Granted, Glock Pistols Are Still Pretty Darned Good

Let's not mince words: Glock pistols occupy the space in the market that they do for good reason. They make a great product, and there's no denying it.

Love em or hate em, the truth is that Glock has become the standard by which other pistols are usually judged. You can buy a Glock 19, or a 17, or what have you, and trust it to run. Provided even a modest amount of care, it will last for years.

Are they really as perfect as some people like to say that they are? That would be hard to agree with if a person is evaluating handguns as a product, as a thing that people enjoy. That's like anything else; just because people who buy pickup trucks seem to prefer Ford or GM doesn't mean only those pickup trucks are good. (A Ford will get you there, but a Toyota will get you back!) And plenty of people are of the same opinion.

So are any of these guns really going to be a Glock killer? If we're honest...probably not, no. The same cachet in the market just isn't there. But by the same token, if you're shopping for a new pistol and prefer those blasters of the poly-striker variety...take a look outside the most popular examples. You might be shocked at how good a gun you can get if you do.