The Best Glock
Firearms can be a world of serious business, but let's lighten the mood and dive into the universe of Glocks & Their Clones - equally serious, but significantly friendlier on your wallet.
The Glock, a long-standing titan of the gun world, might be out of reach for some, but that doesn't mean you have to miss out on the fun. Glock clones offer the same sturdiness, precision, and reliability of their pricier counterpart. Join us as we delve into the specifics of five popular Glock clones, including the elusive, no-longer-in-production F1 Firearms BSF19, the budget-friendly PSA Dagger, and the shadowy yet formidable Shadow Systems MR920. It's going to be a wild, pun-laden ride, so buckle up!
Glock 19
Our journey begins with the Glock 19, a paragon of compactness and dependability. Renowned for its well-balanced design, 15-round capacity, 7.28" overall length, and 4.99" height, the Glock 19 has etched itself as a popular choice among law enforcement and civilian users.
Pros: Its compact size makes it perfect for concealed carry without sacrificing capacity. Plus, it's a Glock - it's got a well-deserved reputation for reliability and durability.
Cons: While compact, the recoil might be a bit snappy for new shooters. Don't worry though, it's all part of the fun as you build your shooting skills.
Glock 43X MOS
Next, we have the Glock 43x MOS, a slim, high-capacity pistol designed for concealed carry. It has a length of 6.5", a height of 5.04", and a slimline width of just 1.1", allowing for easier concealment. The Modular Optic System (MOS) is the cherry on top, providing adaptability with popular optic sights. While it only holds 6 rounds, the lightweight profile makes it easy to carry regardless of body type or Glock 43 holster design.
Pros: The slimline design ensures excellent concealability, while the MOS provides versatility, accommodating most optic sights.
Cons: Its slim design, while excellent for concealment, might not be the best for shooters with larger hands. But hey, nobody said being a secret agent was easy!
F1 Firearms BSF19
Onto our first clone, the F1 Firearms BSF19, is like the unicorn of the Glock clone world - not in production anymore but forever admired for its outstanding quality and performance. It offered a stainless-steel barrel with a 1:10 twist rate, and a black nitride finish for durability.
Pros: It was renowned for its top-tier performance and high-quality build, maintaining a unique position among Glock clone enthusiasts.
Cons: Unfortunately, the BSF19 is no longer available. Finding one today would be akin to discovering a treasure, and a costly one at that.
PSA DAGGER
Next, we have the PSA Dagger, the everyday hero of Glock clones. Despite its budget-friendly pricing, it offers a 4" stainless steel barrel, a nitride finish, and a 15+1 capacity, similar to a Glock 19.
Pros: The Dagger is a testament that quality doesn't always have to come with a high price tag. With a comfortable grip and reliable performance, it's a favorite among budget-conscious shooters.
Cons: While great for its price, it might not entirely match up to the performance of pricier clones or the original Glocks. But for its unbeatable value, it's a worthy contender.
Shadow Systems MR920
Last, but not least, we have the Shadow Systems MR920. This Glock clone has pushed past the shadow of its inspiration, offering an impressive 4.5" match grade barrel, a redesigned slide, and an improved trigger for an unmatched shooting experience.
Pros: With a smooth, crisp trigger, improved grip texture, and high accuracy, the MR920 is a top-tier Glock clone that stands its ground.
Cons: All these superior features come at a higher cost. But if you're ready to invest, the MR920 will not disappoint.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Glock the best?
While each person has their opinion, there are many shooters who do consider Glock to be the best due to their reliability, versatility, and widespread use. There is also the most amount of support and after-market support for Glock pistols than any other brand.
What is the best Glock?
This will depend on personal preference and needs, but most shooters will often be very satisfied with either a Glock 19 or Glock 17 in their everyday lives. For a more specific need or want, a Glock 43, Glock 21, or Glock 34 might be better suited for a particular situation.
Do Glocks have a safety?
Glocks do not feature a manual safety and instead include an entire safety system that has a trigger safety, drop safety, and firing pin safety. All of these combined allow Glocks to bypass a manual safety and still provide a safe and reliable shooting platform.
How do you legally own a Glock switch?
A Glock switch is an auto sear that allows you to fire a Glock pistol in a fully automatic mode. These devices are heavily regulated under the National Firearms Act (NFA) and require a license from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF). The process for obtaining this device is lengthy and requires a long background check, fingerprinting, and payment of special taxes.
Final Thoughts
From original Glocks to their equally impressive clones, the options are as diverse as they are intriguing. Despite the F1 Firearms BSF19's retirement, models like the PSA Dagger and Shadow Systems MR920 continue to demonstrate that quality, performance, and value aren't exclusive to brand-name firearms. So, go out there, arm yourself with knowledge, aim for the best deal, and always remember – the best firearm for you is the one that's safe, legal, and fits your needs perfectly. And while we're at it, let's keep the fun in it!
Martin Lukačko
5.5.2023