Glock is the most popular handgun platform in the world. No matter what you throw at them, they never seem to skip a beat. As the YouTube testers have shown, you can even drag them behind a truck or submerge them in water, and they still run just fine. 

They say that owning a Glock is an obligation when you get into shooting, but that’s typically due to how cheap they are relative to what you get out of them. And a massive bonus of owning a Glock is magazine compatibility. Many other platforms are built around Glock magazines, so having a few (or more) in your arsenal is always a good idea!

Glock

One is a genuine Glock, the other is not. Source

However, Glocks don’t offer much beyond reliability and durability. I know, those are the two most important things for a firearm, but some may want less of that and a bit more looks or performance. And that’s where a Glock clone comes in. 

Here’s the thing, though. None of these clones will be as reliable as a genuine Glock…even if the clone’s other features blow it out of the water. 

So here are the best Glock clones that can perform the job when Glock reliability is not required.

Zev Technologies OZ9

The Zev Technologies OZ9, specifically the V2 Combat Pistol, is everything the Glock 19x should have been from the factory. It’s optics-ready, has front and rear slide serrations, a phenomenal trigger, and possibly the best undercut on any Glock clone out there.

Zev Technologies OZ9

I run a similar setup. Believe me, it’s the truth. Source

It’s not cheap by any means, so you can consider this the Gucci Glock clone. But for what you pay, you get a great pistol out of the box. The accuracy is excellent, thanks to the match barrel, and ZEV has combined all the best Glock internals to make this a standout pistol. 

Buy once, cry once applies here, but the OZ9 is a great Glock clone with all the desirable features. 

Shadow Systems MR920 

The Shadow Systems MR920 is one of the more popular Glock clones, primarily due to its impressive aesthetic appeal. This clone is for those who like to look at their guns as much as they like to shoot them. I will say, though, that if looks are not one of the most important factors, skip this one. 

It’s a bit pricey for a clone that doesn’t run like a beast.

Shadow Systems MR920

One thing is for sure, it looks great. Source

Everything about the MR920 (and other Shadow Systems clones) is geared toward shooting and looking great. The bronze barrel contrasts with the black frame and slide, and the aggressive wrap-around slide serrations add to the mystique. 

Of course, it’s optics-ready from the factory and has other nice touches, such as an undercut trigger guard and night sights.

Ruger RXM 

The Ruger RXM is one of the less expensive clones on the list, but don’t be confused by that; it’s one of the better clones on the list as well. It sticks closer to Glock pricing while offering features that you’ll never find in a Glock. 

Ruger RXM

Magpul and Ruger are bringing stiff competition.

The star of the show is its removable fire control unit, which provides options for different grip modules. Ergonomics is essential for the accuracy of every shooter, so having a grip that suits you is crucial. 

What’s sweeter is that you can directly mount most popular optics to the RXM without needing a plate, and it comes with tall sights to co-witness said optic. 

The RXM is an excellent clone; if I had to choose one, this would be it. 

Polymer80 PFC9 

The Polymer80 PFC9 was one of the first Glock clones I ever shot. And I have to say, it’s a damn good clone. Jams were always ammo-related, and once I switched it up, it ran like a dream. One stovepipe out of nearly 1,000 rounds is a good deal to me. 

The PFC9 has excellent ergonomics. The undercut allows you to get your fingers as high as possible, thereby mitigating the already low recoil. The rear slide cuts make chambering a round easy, and the front slide serrations are more than aggressive enough to press check and load from the front as well.

Polymer80 PFC9

You can get a lot of hard work from the PFC9 (ammo permitting). Source

Most come optics-ready but require a plate for mounting certain optics. But thanks to the Glock pricing, I’d give the PFC9 two thumbs up. Oh, and due to the extra Picatinny slots, you won’t get that wiggle on your Surefire X300 that you typically get. 

ZRO Delta FKS-9

The ZRO Delta FKS-9 is the cheapest clone on the list. However, don’t be confused; the quality is there. The 18-degree grip angle is the standout feature of the FKS-9. Where most Glocks come with a 22-degree grip angle, the FKS-9 is more upright, giving you a more 1911 feel. 

And that’s one of the primary reasons many shooters run a 1911-style pistol. With the grip angle and undercuts, the FKS-9 becomes one of the most ergonomic pistols on the list.

ZRO Delta FKS-9

Not bad. Not bad at all. Source

If you opt for the “deluxe” slide, you’ll be able to mount any optic with an RMR footprint directly. I do recommend a sealing plate, though, since I’ve seen RMRs slightly overlap the slide. 

ZRO delivered the goods with this one. And if you’re looking for a Glock clone that can do everything all the others can do for a fraction of the price, here’s your clone. 

Conclusion

Glock clones are pretty cool. Many offer features that no Glocks do, but there’s a trade-off to everything. If you want the utmost reliability and the comfort of knowing your pistol will run every time, get a Glock. 

Even though clones have very similar parts, a Glock is a Glock, and a clone is a clone. 

Be good and take care.

Brian Zerbian
Brian is a USMC Veteran and avid gun enthusiast from New Jersey who loves to spend his time shooting, writing, listening to classic rock, and learning new things.
Learn more