The Glock: An Update

Update on Glocks

In my past writings, I made the case that the perfect prepper weapons were AR-15s and Glocks.  You may be thinking that I have changed my mind.  In fact, there have been some developments that make that thought sorta right, and sorta wrong.

Anyone familiar with Glocks knows that the design has gone through minor changes over time, as it has gone from the original design to the GEN 5 being sold today.  The generation changes have been minor, natural evolutions.  At all times the Glock design has been somewhat distinctive from other brands, even as other polymer frame, striker fired, handguns have become common.

What is new is that the GEN 3 patents are expiring and a host of manufacturers are planning improved or cheaper knockoffs of the GEN 3 model.  Depending on which manufacturer you are discussing, parts interchangeability with Glock will be pretty good. 

See a Glock clone you like, but want a better trigger?  Glock GEN 3 triggers, and aftermarket triggers, will be drop in components for most Glock clones.  😊  Some of these clones will feature perceived improvements from that particular manufacturer.  Others will simply be a lot cheaper than the original.  Some may be improved and cheaper!

Glock Trends

Since this trend is just beginning, it is hard to say where this will lead, but it is currently looking like Glock clones will enjoy the variety of manufacturers that 1911s have been known for in the past.  Expect new colors!  😊

So far, the target seems primarily to be the G19 model.  For those unfamiliar with the Glock model line, the G19 is a 9mm “compact” double stack model.  It holds 15 rounds and features a grip you can get all of your fingers around, but is smaller than the full size “duty” frames, like the G17 model.  The G19 is a very popular seller.

The traditional Glock line includes full size, compact, and sub-compact models in various calibers.  Assuming the clone manufacturers are successful, I would expect other sizes and calibers to become available.

In the past few years, Glock has added single stack models that are smaller and thinner aimed at the concealed carry market.  I suspect those models will not be cloned until we see the success of the current clone models and any further patents expire. 

There are lots of double stack models to clone first, and Glock has been out marketed by the Sig Sauer P365 in the real micro-compact concealed carry market.  If Glock achieves some dominance in the concealed carry market, then clones of the model 43, 43X, and 48 might follow.

ZEV OZ9

High end Glocks have been called “Gucci Glocks” and Zev has worked in this area for years.  With the OZ9, they are building a complete firearm, with a modular chassis, and a high degree of Glock parts interchangeability.  The OZ9 is quite expensive, but it is a very nice handgun.  I think it is far too expensive to be an attractive prepper handgun, but it is an extreme example of what a high-end Glock clone can be.  Prices are up to $1,600.  If you are a competition shooter who is used to Glocks, a ZEV might be of interest.

PSA Dagger

The PSA Dagger is the other extreme from the ZEV OZ9.  This new handgun made and sold by Palmetto State Armory (PSA) will retail in its base configuration for $299.  When you compare that to a new Glock G19, you’re saving at least $200.  Used G19 Gen 3 models often cost more than that price.  Most parts are interchangeable with Glock Gen 3 parts.

The Dagger has a few features that distinguish it from Glock, but they are small, e.g. metal sights as opposed to Glock’s plastic sights, and cut outs in the mag well that make stripping a mag out somewhat easier.  While these are nice, the price is what should really attract customers.  This gun should make a great prepper gun, i.e. affordable, reliable, and easy to maintain.

There is also a version with upgrades like a cut out for an optic and a threaded barrel.  Even “fully loaded” the Dagger is much cheaper than a new Glock.

Conclusion

This whole process has been delayed by the COVID inspired disruption in the gun market.  Who needs new products when you can’t make enough of your existing products to meet demand?  As a result, I do not recommend rushing out to buy one of these new pistols.  Wait for the rush to subside, then when you are in the market for a prepper pistol, check these new models out.

While I am not going to sell any of my Glock pistols, going forward I will be interested in Glock clones.  I expect that someday non-Glock clones of Glock pistols will be as common and accepted as non-Colt 1911s are today.