Glock alternatives

[Derek Zeanah]

I've been on a 1911 and revolver kick for the last few years, and it looks like "polymer pistol" no longer means Glock.

Can someone fill me in on the current lineups of polymer pistols? What's good, and what's to be avoided at all costs? I doubt it matters, but I prefer .45ACP or 9mm.

Thanks.

 

[HeavyDuty]

Check out the S&W M&P line. I was so impressed with the 40c that I replaced my long-time G23.

 

[Dobe]

If you are looking for a synthetic equal to or better than Glock (ergonomics), take a look at the M&P's. Of course H&K are generally some of the highest quality synthetics on the market. I would not mind having one of their HK45's.

It seems that the market is going more toward the polymers, and the market is demanding ergonomics. Therefore, you will find more and more manufacturers with changable back straps.

 

[notenoughtime3]

My only other experience with poly pistols is with HKs.

Reliability and accuracy are very good.

The HK45 is quite a nice piece.

 

[rellascout]

Check out the FNP-9. 16 round mags comes with three and swappable backstraps.

DA/SA and can be had for $379 + shipping.

Better DA than HK and half the price.

 

[Old School]

You should start with what function and features you want. SA/DA? SA? DAO? Safety?, No Safety?, Decocker? Trigger Safety(glock), Squeeze Safety.............etc. That is my first consideration when I am determining the feasibility of a new handgun. I prefer DA/SA decockers. When you specify your function features, that will narrow it down for you.

 

[nalioth]

The Walther P99 is available in 9mm and .40 S&W. It can be had in DAO, DA and QA ( glock style ) actions.

 

[sm]

Derek,

-Go shoot a XD, since you are used to shooting a 1911 you might warm up the ergos of this gun pretty easy.


-Not a polymer, still a nice change: The old S&W 3913 and other 39, 59 series.
Quite a few folks that tried Glocks and other Polymers, went back , or went to these.

Some good used Police trade ins are still out there.


Steve

 

[Boats]

Striker fired: S&W M&P9
Hammer fired: FNP-9

 

[col_tapiocca]

You should take a closer look at the STI GP6
A polymer frame rotating barel pistol from Slovakia.

 

[Blue Brick]

Ruger P95 or P97

 

[bestseller92]

Polymer pistol will always mean Glock; the first is still the best.

 

[SureThing]

The only one I would even consider other than a Glock is the Smith M&P. They are really good, but did have some teathing problems. IMO, they are a good choice, and they have a 2 extra mag rebate going on right now. Lifetime warranty, and made in the USA.

XD's are made in Croatia BTW. When they were imported under the HS name they were $250 pistols.

 

[Magic_Man]

I have a S&W M&P .40 & a Glock 19. If I had to sell one it would be the Glock. I like the Glock dont get me wong, but the M&P is a wonderful firearm.

 

[kcshooter]

If you're used to a revolver, I'd recomend the Sig P250. Trigger is very comparable to DA revolvers, and mine has put about 1500rds thru it problem free. You can buy it in 9mm and buy a new top-end to change to .45auto in the future if you'd like.

 

[nalioth]

Polymer pistol will always mean Glock; the first is still the best.

You are correct with the latter part of your statement: That would be the Heckler and Koch VP70 series of pistol designed in 1968 and put into service in 1970.

 

[Hoppy590]

Steyr M and M-1A
Springfield XD
Sig 250
Ruger 85,89, 90 and 95
SW Sigma and M&P
Kimber Polymers
many more.

 

[W.E.G.]

Charles Daly

http://www.charlesdaly.com/dalym5.asp

 

[Princi]

My vote is for the Walther PPS.

However, what I do like about the Glocks is the aftermarket parts available for them. I have a G34 and G17L and I still have the original parts (in a box because I've replaced them). The disadvantage is that in order to get some kind of accuracy shooting them I had to replace the internals. They still aren't as accurate in my hands as the 1911's, but for half the price?

The STI GP6 sounds interesting - need to try one of those. Thanks col_tapiocca.

Added: I just called Georgetown and was told that the GP6 isn't available yet. The shipper hasn't gotten their export license yet. Everything is okay on this end, but they are expecting 3 to 4 weeks before they receive a shipment. Too late for me - I'll be out of the country by then.

 

[joesolo]

lemme add the Walther PPS. Polymer, 9mm or .40 cal, ambi mag release. PPS stands for police pistol slim. Needless to say it is slim. Cheers

 

[possum]

you can't go wrong with the sa xd line up and the s&w m&p line of pistols. they are both top notch and good to go. personally i prefer xd's. i own 2

 

[dispatch]

One word. Ruger

 

[MrAnteater]

The only poly gun I would avoid is Kahr. Tons of problems.

All the other leading brands seem to have good reliability. It will come down to how it feels and budget in the end.

 

[Spyvie]

+1 on the FNP-9 or .45

Sweet shooting American made DA/SA with a decocker.

 

[Gun Slinger]

If I couldn't have my Glock 17 or 19, then I'd have to say that the HK USP45 and USP9. Not much of a fan of "all the others".