Compact Capacity: Top Glock 19 Alternatives

My first pistol was a good ol’ Glock 19. The compact size and high-capacity magazine was a great combination. To me and many shooters, it’s a perfect do-it-all size for most chores. They’re fun to customize, which is great when you get tired of the same old same old. However, I wanted to take a look at some alternatives that could serve in the same role. 

Like the Glock 19, these are all compact, striker-fired pistols with double-stack magazines — holding around 15 rounds of 9mm. Some are more expensive and some are less, but most are around the same price point. 

Canik TP9SF

Canik has become one of the more popular Glock alternatives. The TP9SF series has now proven reliable and durable for over a decade. Featuring a polymer frame, striker status indicator, reversible magazine catch, and interchangeable backstraps, you’ll recognize the familiar feel and controls.

Additionally, the pistol has a 4.19-inch match-grade barrel and striker-fired trigger system with trigger safety. It comes with a fiber-optic front sight from the factory and includes two 15-round magazines and a holster. With the Canik TP9SF, you’re ready to go right out of the box. 

FMK 9C1

The FMK 9C1 Gen2 is a perfect pick for the budget-minded shooter who doesn’t want to give up reliability. This pistol is proudly made 100% in the USA with care and precision. The durable polymer frame has a semi finger grove texture for improved comfort and grip. The slide is built with durable high-carbon steel with a corrosion-resistant black finish.

Further, the pistol incorporates interchangeable backstraps and Glock compatible sights, allowing for some customization. However, the magazines will hold one less round than the Glock 19, at 14 rounds. The Fast Action Trigger (FAT) has a shorter, quicker trigger pull and the magazines drop free without issue. Having a reliable firearm for self-defense doesn’t need to cost an arm and a leg, and FMK is here to prove it. 

Faxon FX19 Patriot

It’s no secret that many Glock owners end up spending hundreds of dollars adding upgrades, such as frame stippling, slide serrations, optics cuts, and more. Wouldn’t it be better if you could buy a pistol that already includes all of this? Now you can. The Faxon FX-19 Patriot Compact is a 9mm striker-fired handgun that accepts 15-round Glock 19-pattern magazines.

This pistol comes complete with a whole suite of top-notch features including enhanced slide serrations, aggressive frame texturing, double undercut trigger guard for a more secure grip, and Overwatch Precision trigger. The slide also comes cut for optics, which allows for the direct attachment of Trijicon RMR-pattern red dot sights. Additionally, the FX-19 line of pistols successfully completed a 15,000-round ‘durability test’ along with the NATO standard drop test, meaning you can feel secure carrying a Faxon FX-19 with you every day. 

Lone Wolf LTD19

Lone Wolf is a company known for innovating and developing Glock aftermarket parts. With more than two decades of experience providing aftermarket solutions to enhance both performance and aesthetics of Glock-pattern pistols, Lone Wolf came to the table with its line of complete pistols, the Lightweight Tactical Defense (LTD). 

The LTD19 slide offers reduced reciprocating mass, resulting in both quicker cycling and less perceived recoil than the Glock 19. The radiused undercut of the Timberwolf frame eliminates “Glock knuckle” and allows for a higher grip for lower perceived recoil. Further, an extended beavertail shields the hand from slide movement and helps disperse the recoil impulse. Frame texturing helps keep the gun securely in your hand during rapid fire and the low-profile magazine well accelerates reloads. 

Shadow Systems MR920

The MR920 Elite is designed and engineered with performance and reliability under extreme conditions in mind. Every aspect of the MR920 from materials to features is selected based on the idea that every pistol is a duty pistol. Enhanced ergonomics and custom features such as aggressive frame texturing, undercut trigger guard, extended beaver tail, and recoil control ledge work together to increase control of the pistol. The MR920 is basically a Glock 19 that has been professionally upgraded from the start for high-end performance. Shadow Systems has invented a better mouse trap, and now is the time to pick one up. 

ZEV OZ9 Compact

The ZEV OZ9 Compact is the most expensive firearm on the list, but this is a top tier firearm with all the bells and whistles. On the outside, it may look like a standard pistol with some fancy slide work. However, this is actually a completely modular pistol with a polymer grip that attaches to a steel frame insert. These mate up with the slide and barrel assembly to form the complete pistol.

The polymer grips can easily be swapped by removing a single pin, allowing you to utilize different grip lengths. The slide is cut for optics mounting and the pistol uses Glock 19-pattern magazines. Notably, an extended rail has been integrated into the frame to increase contact with the slide and, with this extra contact, the pistol has better resistance against debris and improved accuracy. All these features make for a well-balanced and very controllable firearm. 

M&P 2.0 Compact

The M&P has done a good job giving shooters what they want, features that, up until the most recent generation, Glock has forgone. Front slide serrations, no finger grooves, improved texturing, and ambidextrous controls have been standard for some time now.

The M&P 2.0 Compact is probably the most time tested and proven Glock 19 alternative on the list. Many shooters prefer the grip angle of the M&P and find it has a better natural point of aim compared to the Glock. This is all personal preference, but it’s no secret that some shooters just prefer Smith and Wesson. 

SIG P320 Compact

In many ways, the SIG P320 series is becoming the new Glock. Modern improvements in parts compatibility and modularity have built on the utilitarian design profile many shooters love. The P320 Compact is an obvious top contender with the Glock 19. Both match up in size profile, capacity, and arguably, reputation of reliability. After some initial bobbles, the SIG P320 is building a good track record of durability and reliability among military units, law enforcement professionals, and civilian shooters. 

CZ P10C

The CZ P10C is often affectionately called the hipster G19, because it’s a common Glock 19 alternative for those who are bored with the overly-common Glock. This stylish 9mm features some of the common angles and designs common with CZ pistols, but incorporates a rounded frame that molds well into the hand. The CZ utilizes ambidextrous controls that are smooth in operation and has one of the best triggers out of the box. Certainly the best for the money. You’d be hard-pressed to find a better defensive pistol for less. 

FN 509 Midsize

Built on the proven and popular FNS Compact design, the FN 509 Midsize was purpose-built with the legally-armed citizen in mind. It has fully ambidextrous controls, loaded chamber indicator, and no manual safety to get in the way. FN makes incredibly durable firearms, so you can be sure this pistol will stand up to hard use. The 509 features front and rear cocking serrations, interchangeable back straps, and luminescent 3-dot combat sights. 

Additionally, the MRD model features FN’s low-profile optics mounting system, which gives you the option of direct mounting a variety of miniature red dot sights with ease. Designed to be your next everyday carry gun, the 509 Midsize is the perfect companion in form and function. 

The G19 is great, but sometimes it can be a bit overrated. What are your favorite Glock 19 alternatives? Let us know in the Comment section.