If you’ve carried a Glock for years, it’s easy to think you’ve already found handgun perfection. Reliable, rugged, and simple – sure. But the gun world doesn’t stop spinning, and lately, it’s been pumping out some serious contenders that might just change your mind. Whether you’re looking for a better fit, cleaner trigger, modularity, or just something different, these 10 pistols might have you rethinking that Glock loyalty. Let’s take a look at 10 new handguns that go head-to-head with Glock – and in some cases, leave it in the dust.
1. Springfield Echelon
The Echelon might be the most complete full-size 9mm on the market right now. With a modular chassis system similar to SIG’s FCU, the serialized fire control group pops out of the grip module for easy swaps and upgrades. It’s sleek, well-balanced, and the trigger is excellent – breaking at just over 3 pounds. You get a 4.5-inch hammer-forged barrel, optics-ready slide, tritium front sight, and ambidextrous controls. At under $700, it’s affordable for what you get and feels like the Glock 17’s smarter, more refined cousin.
2. Kimber KDS9C
Kimber went all-in with this one. The KDS9C is a high-end alloy-framed 9mm with serious attention to detail. With a stainless steel 4.09-inch barrel, crisp 3.5–4.5 lb trigger, and optics-ready slide, it’s built for those who appreciate fine mechanics and aesthetics. The cross-hatched grip texture and six included backstraps ensure a custom feel, and the gun ships with two 15-round magazines. If Glock’s plastic feel has ever left you cold, the KDS9C might be your dream upgrade – it’s pure class.
3. DWX Compact
Think of the DWX Compact as the child of a CZ-75 and a 1911, and you’re in the ballpark. It offers a phenomenal trigger, rock-solid build quality, and full compatibility with 1911 parts. It even uses a double-stack mag with a 15+1 capacity. The aluminum frame, tritium night sights, and ergonomic lines make this gun a standout for shooters who value precision and control. Glock might be reliable, but the DWX is an enthusiast’s pistol – refined and built to perform.
4. Oracle Arms 2311
If the Glock feels like your Toyota Camry, the Oracle Arms 2311 is your high-performance race car. This hybrid beast takes 2011 styling and combines it with SIG P320 magazine compatibility – making it both high-tech and practical. With a 5-inch barrel, aluminum frame, ambi controls, and optics-ready design, this pistol screams innovation. It’s not cheap, sitting north of $2,000, but for those who want a trigger that sings and accuracy that borders on surgical, this gun delivers.
5. CZ Shadow 2 Compact
The Shadow 2 Compact brings championship-grade performance to a concealed carry format. Derived from the dominant CZ Shadow 2 competition pistol, this downsized version still carries the DNA of its big brother. With a 4-inch barrel, aluminum frame, buttery-smooth trigger (3.4 lbs single-action), and 15-round capacity, this gun feels like a tuned race gun for your holster. Glock might be a jack-of-all-trades, but the Shadow 2 Compact is a master of one: accuracy.
6. Caracal Enhanced F
Designed by Wilhelm Bubits – a name Glock fans might recognize – the Caracal Enhanced F brings something unique to the table. With a sleek design, smooth 4.8-lb trigger, and integrated rear sight and firing pin unit, it stands out visually and functionally. It ships with an 18-round mag and offers a low bore axis for soft shooting. At around $600, it undercuts many competitors in price while still offering a high-end shooting experience. If you’re ready to move beyond the predictable Glock 17, this is a worthy replacement.
7. Girsan MCP35 Match OPS Optic High Power
High-power fans, rejoice. The MCP35 OPS Optic is Girsan’s modern take on Browning’s legendary design, now red-dot ready. It features a factory-installed fiber optic front sight and red dot, extended beavertail, beveled magwell, and crisp straight-pull trigger. Its all-steel construction gives it a sturdy feel in the hand, and the controls are sharp and responsive. At under $900, it’s a classy, capable alternative for those tired of polymer and looking for something with vintage charm and modern function.
8. Walther PDP F Series Pro
Walther’s PDP F Series Pro brings a tailored approach to handgun ergonomics, especially for those with smaller hands. With reduced grip circumference, outstanding trigger design, and aggressive grip texturing, it’s one of the most shootable striker-fired pistols available. The slide is optics-ready, and it ships with three 18-round magazines – a welcome surprise in an era of one-and-done mag inclusions. Whether you’re training or carrying, the PDP F Series Pro offers Glock-level reliability with an ergonomics upgrade.
9. HK SFP9CC
HK’s SFP9CC (known elsewhere as the VP9CC) is compact, modular, and ready for any setup you prefer. Inspired by the VP9 line, it features a removable chassis, interchangeable frames and slides, and compatibility with red dots. The inclusion of two frame options (with and without rails) and six backstraps means it’s one of the most customizable guns in its class. For those who always wished their Glock could feel more tailored, the SFP9CC grants that wish and then some.
10. Smith & Wesson Bodyguard 2.0
Sometimes you need something slim, light, and low-profile. The Bodyguard 2.0 takes everything great about the original and improves it. At under 10 ounces, this .380 ACP micro-compact is perfect for pocket carry or deep concealment. With a 2.75-inch barrel, tritium night sights, and 12-round capacity, it punches above its weight in both features and firepower. The flat-face trigger and reversible mag release add real-world usability, and it shoots far better than you’d expect for something so small. Glock’s micro options? This one might outclass them in both comfort and shootability.
Glock is Not the Only Game in Town
There’s no doubt Glock changed the handgun world – and earned a reputation for unshakeable reliability. But that doesn’t mean it’s still the best option for everyone. Today’s market is stacked with innovative pistols that offer better ergonomics, modularity, triggers, and out-of-the-box features. Whether you’re looking to upgrade your EDC, find your next range toy, or just try something new, these ten guns prove that Glock isn’t the only game in town – and might not even be the best one anymore.
Mark grew up in the heart of Texas, where tornadoes and extreme weather were a part of life. His early experiences sparked a fascination with emergency preparedness and homesteading. A father of three, Mark is dedicated to teaching families how to be self-sufficient, with a focus on food storage, DIY projects, and energy independence. His writing empowers everyday people to take small steps toward greater self-reliance without feeling overwhelmed.