Can the Glock Be Beat? These Guns Might Be Able To

Charlie Gao

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Bam!

Key Point: The popularity of the Glock has led to an incredible aftermarket of almost every single part on the gun.

While the Glock is the most popular modern pistol, it may not be the best gun for everyone’s needs. Here are some alternatives to the Glock that could be better than it, and why.

1. STI 2011

The STI 2011 is an updated, double-stack 1911 chambered in 9mm or .40 S&W. Highly customized 2011s have dominated the American competition shooting scene due to their excellent single-action only triggers, high capacity and low recoil impulse.

While triggers and upgrades exist that can get the striker-fired Glock near the level of the 2011, the superior shooting characteristics of the 2011 make it a far more popular choice in many competitive shooting divisions.

However, 2011s are more expensive, require far more maintenance and are less reliable in adverse conditions than Glocks, so they are practically unseen in military service. For non-competitors, the Glock is almost always a better choice.

2. H&K SFP9/VP9

While H&K released the first polymer-framed striker-fired pistol in the VP70, the SFP9 marked their first return to that market, almost thirty years after the release of the Glock.

It improves on the Glock by featuring an “improved” trigger design relative to the Glock. The SFP9’s trigger feels cleaner than even fifth-generation Glocks, resets fully after being pulled, and doesn’t need to be pulled to disassemble the gun.

The SFP9 also features modular grip panels taken from earlier H&K pistols, that allow the user to configure both the width and length of the grip. Glock only allows users to configure the length of the grip with replaceable backstraps, so the H&K may be better for those who prefer a wider gun.

Finally, the H&K brings the notorious H&K mag release. Two small paddles at the junction of the grip and trigger guard, the H&K mag release is either loved or hated by their users. For those who like it, it allows the user to drop the mags faster and more reliably than with traditional “push button” mag releases. For those who hate it, it’s slower and more cumbersome. Wisely, H&K offers the SFP9 with both a push button and traditional H&K mag release.

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