There’s no denying Glock pistols are legends in the firearms world. They’re everywhere – from law enforcement holsters to bedside nightstands – and for good reason. Glocks are famously reliable, simple, and easy to maintain. But in recent years, several other manufacturers have stepped up their game, producing striker-fired polymer pistols that match or even surpass Glock’s performance – often with more features and a lower price tag.
Whether it’s superior ergonomics, better triggers, or optics-ready slides right out of the box, these 10 pistols deserve serious attention. If you’re open to something new, these are the Glock killers worth checking out.
1. Walther PDP
The Walther PDP is one of the most complete and refined striker-fired pistols on the market today. It builds on the legacy of the PPQ and brings forward a next-generation platform that’s ergonomic, accurate, and optics-ready from the factory. The Performance Duty Trigger is one of the best stock triggers available, offering a clean break and short reset that make rapid shooting intuitive and precise.
The aggressive front and rear slide serrations offer excellent grip for manipulation, especially when running optics. Its grip texture is another standout, providing excellent control without being abrasive. If you want a pistol that’s ready for competition, home defense, or concealed carry right out of the box, the PDP is tough to beat – and often at a lower price than a stock Glock.
2. Canik TP9 Series
Canik’s TP9 series might be one of the best values in the gun world. These pistols bring top-tier features like optics-ready slides, threaded barrels, extended magazine releases, and match-grade triggers – all for a price that undercuts Glock by hundreds of dollars. The TP9 SFX in particular has earned praise from competitive shooters for its crisp trigger, excellent recoil control, and easy customization.
Even subcompact models like the TP9 SC Elite are packed with value, offering optics mounts and night sights right out of the box. Canik’s pre-cocked striker system gives the TP9 one of the lightest and smoothest triggers available in a production pistol. While they may not have the same long-term track record as Glock, their performance and price make them serious contenders.
3. Smith & Wesson M&P M2.0
The M&P M2.0 is one of the most mature and battle-tested Glock alternatives on the market. This American-made pistol brings excellent grip texture, interchangeable backstraps, and a more aggressive feel than the often bland Glock frame. The trigger on newer M&P models has also been vastly improved, offering a better break and reset than early versions.
What sets the M&P apart is its balance – slightly heavier than Glock, it handles recoil beautifully, making follow-up shots faster and more accurate. It’s also proven in law enforcement and military circles. With availability of parts, holsters, and aftermarket support on par with Glock, the M2.0 is a rock-solid choice.
4. CZ P10 Series
The CZ P10 series, especially the P10 C and P10 F, bring European craftsmanship and performance to the striker-fired arena. Built with a fiberglass-reinforced polymer frame and CZ’s traditional inverted rail design, the P10 runs with low recoil and superb accuracy. It also features a flat-face trigger that feels sharp and responsive, with a shorter pull and reset than most Glock triggers.
Magazine compatibility across the different size models mirrors Glock’s famous versatility. The grip texture and ergonomics are widely regarded as superior, and many shooters report faster follow-up shots and tighter groups with the CZ. It’s everything people love about Glocks – only refined and improved.
5. SIG Sauer P365 XL
The P365 XL takes everything people love about SIG’s micro-compact line and stretches it into something even more capable. With a slightly longer barrel and grip than the original P365, the XL reduces recoil and offers better control while still being incredibly concealable. It comes optics-ready, with X-Ray night sights, and a flat-faced trigger that feels closer to a single-action break.
While it doesn’t share Glock’s parts interchangeability, it outpaces many of Glock’s offerings in terms of concealability and features. For EDC, the P365 XL is one of the best options on the market – especially for those who want compact size without compromising shootability.
6. IWI Masada
The IWI Masada might be one of the most underrated pistols available today. Developed by Israel Weapon Industries for military and law enforcement, it offers incredible reliability and durability at a very reasonable price. The Masada is optics-ready with a modular trigger assembly, great stock sights, and a good trigger.
While it doesn’t have the same level of aftermarket support as Glock, it comes out of the box with everything most shooters will need. In terms of reliability, the Masada is on par with many higher-end pistols. If you’re looking for a duty-ready handgun that won’t break the bank, the Masada delivers in spades.
7. Heckler & Koch VP9
The VP9 brings H&K’s legendary design and quality to the striker-fired world. It’s known for one of the best factory triggers in its class and features fully ambidextrous controls, including the paddle-style mag release favored by many European shooters. The VP9 also comes with interchangeable backstraps and side panels, allowing shooters to truly customize the grip.
The ergonomics are widely considered among the best in the industry. While it’s more expensive than a base Glock, the VP9 offers refinement and quality that justify the price. For shooters who want that German engineering touch, the VP9 is a top-tier option.
8. Taurus G3
For those on a tight budget, the Taurus G3 offers incredible value. While Taurus had a shaky reputation in the past, the G3 has changed the conversation. This 9mm striker-fired pistol offers a 15+1 capacity, a clean trigger with a crisp break, and safety features like a manual safety and trigger safety.
Its grip design is surprisingly ergonomic, with memory pads and a high grip cut that aid in control and comfort. While it won’t match the Glock in long-term durability, for under $300 in many cases, the G3 is a reliable and affordable option for new shooters or those on a budget.
9. Ruger American Compact
Ruger’s American Compact pistol isn’t trying to copy Glock – it’s doing its own thing, and doing it well. This pistol comes with a real external safety (something Glock doesn’t have), a customizable grip system, and a solid 17+1 round capacity. Ruger’s reputation for building dependable firearms carries over here, and while it’s not the prettiest gun, it performs where it matters.
The American Compact is often overlooked but offers solid performance, decent ergonomics, and a price that’s usually well under what you’d pay for a Glock. For someone looking for a U.S.-made duty or home defense pistol, it’s worth a look.
10. Arex Delta
Coming out of Slovenia, the Arex Delta is a surprisingly capable and lightweight Glock competitor that packs a ton of features into a sleek package. It has a 15+1 capacity, comes optics-ready, includes a flared magwell, ambidextrous controls, and a fast-resetting trigger.
The Arex Delta is also one of the slimmest double-stack striker-fired pistols in its class, making it ideal for EDC. Its polymer frame and interchangeable backstraps make it adaptable to various shooters. With a price tag well under $500 and performance that rivals more expensive models, it’s no wonder this pistol has become popular in military and law enforcement circles overseas.
Beyond the Brand: Why Glocks Aren’t the Only Option
Glock set the standard, but it’s no longer alone at the top. Modern firearms manufacturing has leveled the playing field. Companies across Europe, the U.S., and beyond are now offering pistols with better triggers, refined ergonomics, and optics-ready features as standard – not expensive add-ons.
Budget Doesn’t Mean Compromise
One of the most important takeaways from this list is that you don’t need to spend a fortune to get a quality handgun. Models like the Taurus G3, Ruger American Compact, and Canik TP9 deliver real-world reliability and accuracy at a fraction of the price of a tricked-out Glock. For first-time buyers or budget-conscious carriers, these choices offer real peace of mind.
Even though many of these pistols outperform Glocks on paper, nothing beats how a gun feels in your hand. Grip texture, sight picture, recoil impulse – these all come down to personal preference. The best pistol for you is the one you can shoot comfortably, accurately, and confidently. Try them out if you can. You might just discover a new favorite that isn’t a Glock.
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.