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I enjoyed putting together the CZ-75 multiverse comparison videos and article and so was inspired to take a look at another common firearm with many variants: the Glock 19.
Glock handguns are known for design simplicity, and also leaving most shooters wishing something was a little different. Those two factors lead to an incredible aftermarket that grew to the point that one could easily assemble a complete Glock 19 pistol without using any Glock parts. Now, add to that the expiration of a patent on a model still in production and on the market, and we've got the recipe for the explosion of Glock clones and Glock-based pistols we see ont he market today.
Some appear to really be improvements on the design, others seem to be a "me too" attempt to cash in on a market so saturated and so well supported. I know many shooters who may not prefer a Glock, but have one anyways because no matter where you are or how soon you need it, chances are you can find parts, magazines, or holsters for a Glock 19.
For this article I rounded up my old Gen 3 Glock 19 and a few "clones" and "Glock akin" models to run them all one after another and try to highlight for you. Like the CZ-75 piece, I wanted to look at speed control, ease of quick accuracy, price, and other basic specs.
For your comparison this list includes an old and modified Glock 19, Palmettos State Armory Dagger, Lone Wolf Arms Dusk 19, Derya Arms DY9, BUL Armory Axe C Hatchet, FMK 9C1, and as a wildcard, the Ermox Defense X-Fire. Guns previously reviewed on this site are linked internally.
Complete Test Video. Drills attempted once per firearm, no warm-ups, no do-overs.
Glock 19: The 4" barrel and 15-round capacity is considered by many as the perfect size compromise. Small and light enough for most to carry, large enough to still be enjoyable in long range sessions and training. I bought this pistol over a decade ago, long before knowing much about guns or shooting. It was recommended to me by the employee at the gun shop, and being used, was something I could afford. I spent the next couple years (and lots of money) tinkering with it, trying different parts and accessories, trying to make it something I liked. Ultimately I couldn't get past the ergonomics and the trigger was either going to be crunchy, or so light and short that it felt inapropriate for carry. I'm glad I gained the experience, but was never fully pleased with the Glock 19. As shown here it's got an L2D Combat slide, magaine well, and guide rod. The trigger, and related parts are a mix of early 2010's aftermarket parts.
Original Factory Specs:
Length (Overall): 7.36"
Slide Length: 6.85"
Width (Overall): 1.26 inch
Slide Width: 1.0"
Height incl.Mag.: 5.04"
Weight: 23.63oz (Note, my modifications and parts shaved almost 2oz)
MSRP: ?
Pricing around the web as of date article was written
Click links for current pricing
Palmetto State Armory Dagger: PSA's affordable alternative may clone the internal parts dimensions, but the frame is considerably different. Palm swells along the sides of the stock appear a bit odd, but work wonders to increase contact area between hand and gun, enhancing control. The slide run in this test was the second one I bought for this firearm and after comparing the two decided I prefer.
Specifications
Model: Palmetto Dagger Compact
Caliber: 9mm
Action: Striker Fired
Weight: 22.4oz (unloaded) (NOTE: My slide choice shaved 1.3oz)
Overall Length: 7.15"
Overall Width: 1.28"
Overall Height: 4.78" (Without Mag)
Barrel Length: 3.9"
Barrel Material: Stainless Steel
Barrel Finish: DLC Coating
Twist Rate: SAAMI Spec 1:10
Slide Material: Stainless Steel
Slide Finish: DLC Coating
Frame: Polymer
Front Sight: Co-Witness, Black (Not a Night Sight)
Rear Sight: Co-Witness, Black (Not a Night Sight)
Safety: Striker Block Safety & Trigger Safety
Magazine: Comes with One (1) 15rd Magazine
Pricing around the web as of date article was written
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Lone Wolf Arms Dusk 19: After 20 years of making alternative parts for Glock pistols it only makes sense that Lone Wolf would produce their own complete pistol. The Dusk 19 probably feels the least "Glock" out of this lineup with a smaller grip circumference and greatly different ergonomics that make the gun feel smaller that others.
Specifications
OAL: 6.95"
Black Nitride finished slide
Non-Threaded Barrel Length (breach – muzzle): 3.90”
Height (without sights): 4.61"
Non-Threaded Barrel Height (with sights): 4.94"
Upper Width: 1.00"
Lower Width: 1.14"
Magwell Width: 1.23"
Weight (without magazine): 19.8/oz.
Pricing around the web as of date article was written
Click links for current pricing
Derya Arms DY9: This gun was the most-recently reviewed of the batch. The fiber-optic sights are the largest I've encountered on a pistol and made target shooting a challenge, but in the drill test done for this comparison, was like having a 8moa red dot to track. While the ergonomics are certainly enhanced over the classic Glock design, the front strap is rather squared off. Depending on how your hand fits the grip that could be ideal or uncomfortable.
Specifications
Capacity: 15+1
Barrel Length: 4.02"
Overall Length: 6.9"
Weight: 23.63oz
MSRP (Rock Island): $399
Pricing around the web as of date article was written
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BUL Armory Axe C Hatchet: One of three trim line options for the Axe C. BUL Armrory's take ont he Glock 19 feels to me like what everyone was trying to do to their Glocks, but if it were done by someone who really knew what they were doing. It's effectively an ultimate range/competition build right out of the box.
Specifications
Barrel length: 102mm/4.02 inch
Slide: Hatchet serrations.
Steel 3-Dot sights (glock dovetail)
Magazine capacity: 15 rounds .
Optic ready: Trijicon RMR footprint.
Weight without magazine: 587g / 1.2lbs
3.5 - 4.0 LB trigger pull.
Available colors: Black (PVD) / Silver (Natural finish)
Integrated flared magwell with side cuts.
High grip beavertail.
Trigger guard with a high double undercut.
Reversible magazine release.
Extended slide lock lever.
Ambidextrous integrated thumb rest.
Flat face trigger shoe.
1913 Picatinny rail.
Stainless steel guide rod.
Dimpled stainless steel pin kit.
Pricing around the web as of date article was written
Click links for current pricing
FMK 9C1: I have two of these; an early one that has effectively been a malfunction drill trainer, and a later model that runs 100%. Unfortunately I grabbed the wrong one and appologize both to you and to FMK for the mis representation. There is now a Gen 3 model, but I have yet to be able to review one. FMK is one of the earliest Glock-like pistols I ever encountered. They carefully stepped around things that might get them in trouble, and all part (as far as I know) are unique to FMK including magazines. While fighting unAmerican legislation and taxes in California, FMK produces an alternative at an affordable price. The ergonomics are the strongest differentiation including a rubberized backstrap that soaks up most ofthe shock one might feel from the heel of the gun.
Gen 2 Specifications
Action: Single-Action
Drop Free Magazines
No Mag-Out Safety
Shorter, lighter trigger pull, 804 Fast Action Trigger
Magazine Capacity: 10+1, 14+1 and 17+1 Magazines
Slide: High-Carbon Steel
Barrel: Black Cerakote Stainless Steel
Frame: Polymer (Black, Dark Earth, Burnt Bronze, Brick Red, OD Green, Dark Grey, Blue Jay, and Pink Raspberry)
Sights: Third-Party Glock 19 compatible sights
Barrel Length: 3.87”
Overall Length: 6.85”
Height: 5.09”
Width: 1.14”
Weight: 23.45 oz.
Twist: 1:16” LH
Rifle Grooves: 6
MSRP: $299.99
Pricing around the web as of date article was written
Click links for current pricing
Ermox Defense X-Fire: As far as I know, the only Glock compatability is the barrel and magazine, but since so many on the internet call this a "Glock Clone" I included it as a wild card. I suppose those who call it a "clone" must have missed the billet aluminum grip and full-length rails. The Ermox is definitely heaver, and feels broader in hand, but as a result feels very anchored during recoil. My example is an early one, but after talking to them at IWA Classic 2024 learned that there are both rolling changes happening in production as well as generational-like updates in the works. Aside from a trigger heavier than necessary, it's a fun gun to own and shoot.
Specifications
Caliber: 9mm
Length: 7.29"
Width: 1.29"
Unloaded weight: 28.87oz
Capacity: 15rd (Glock 19 pattern)
Pricing around the web as of date article was written
Click links for current pricing
To Conclude, there are many options out therefollowing the Glock design pattern. Prices can vary widely, and may not always indicate performacne potential. The Derya Arms DY9 did very well for its price but personally is not the most comfortable hand fit. The most expensive of this group also performed the best. Is it because of a magical trigger? No, in fact the Derya's trigger is easily the heaviest of the group and yet I was quicker withh it than I was with pistols that have "better" triggers.
Ultimately I think the biggest factor in how well you and a pistol will perform comes down to ergonomics; the more natural the fit the more comfortable you'll be and better sensory input you'll have from the firearm. For any serious shooter or those looking to get the most out of their gun I think that explains the 3x price factor between the Derya Arms and BUL Armory.