Backstory
The very first striker-fired pistol I ever owned was a Glock. It was really great and almost enough for me to buy into the whole fanboy Perfection thing. The ergonomics worked for me and I could shoot it very accurately with very little effort. It was also easy to shoot both slow and fast. To top it all off, its reputation was beyond question. I have never owned a lot of guns at the same time, but there has almost always been some kind of Glock in the mix ever since. There's a veritable sea of competitors that exists today, a number of which I have tried. However, while many of them I would own in addition to a Glock, to my surprise, I have only found one or two so far that I would own instead of a Glock.

For those interested, here are some mini reviews of the other polymer-frame striker-fired pistols I’ve sampled. Most have since been sold, but I typed up a few comments for each one while I had it, just so I could compare them all to each other on an ongoing basis. The only reason I even started this was it eventually became almost a game to see if I could find something I would favor over a Glock.

Walther P99 AS (also PPQ and PDP)
These pistols are too similar to review separately. I’ll start with the P99. The SA trigger pull is the best striker-fired trigger pull I have ever tried. I also like that it's DA/SA. The flush decock button and lack of a trigger blade safety are wonderful. The ergonomics are excellent, but unlike most people, I actually find the 1st gen P99 to have superior ergonomics to the 2nd gen P99. Most people seem to prefer the more prominent slide serrations of the 2nd gen and that Walther got rid of the “ski hump” in the trigger guard. Neither bothers me on the 1st gen. What I dislike about the 2nd gen is the increased frame thickness near the slide. This was done to accommodate the optional ambidextrous (H&K P2000-style) slide stop lever. Unfortunately, this increased thickness features on all 2nd gen P99s, even the ones with the regular (Glock-style) slide stop lever. The result is that it squares off the underside of the grip tang and creates some sharper corners that dig into the web of the hand. The PPQ and the PDP also have this issue. Regarding those other two pistols, outside of having an SAO striker-fired action with a trigger blade safety (versus the earlier P99’s DA/SA striker-fired action without a trigger blade safety), they are very similar in all other respects. The P99 SA trigger pull has a slight edge over the PPQ and PDP trigger pulls. Maybe the blue triggers on the sporty versions of the PPQ and PDP will change my mind if I ever buy one of them. I have only found two downsides. One, these pistols have a little more muzzle flip than the others I have tried. However, I am always able to maintain a perfect grip, even with the relative lack of grip texture on the P99 specifically. Two, the 1st gen P99 is really expensive these days. Reliability and accuracy are faultless, as I'd expect from any Walther.

Why won’t it replace Glock for me? It actually might, but only if I can find a clean 1st gen P99 AS again for a reasonable price. They seem to cost a lot these days, probably because of the James Bond factor, but maybe even just because of being a discontinued Walther. Those have always had a habit of commanding high prices.

SIG Sauer P320 (XFIVE Legion)
This is the only P320 variant I have tried so far. It’s an outstanding pistol. It has the same effortlessly great ergonomics as the classic P-Series pistols and a very comfortable trigger shoe (no trigger blade safety). It also has almost no recoil and is very accurate. All of these things make it great to shoot fast, and for an extended period of time. Reliability was flawless for me and overall, I had no complaints. I do think the trigger pull is overrated though. I always hear people raving about the P320’s trigger pull, but the PPQ and PDP are superior IMO. Also, while the trigger pull on the P320 is shorter and lighter than on a Glock, it always feels spongier to me. I chose the XFIVE Legion over the other P320s because it was only going to be a range toy. As a result, the lack of a trigger blade safety (as in all other P320s) didn’t bother me. I do however think that SIG’s omission of this feature is a design flaw because it is an SAO striker-fired action.

Why won’t it replace Glock for me? I only really had any interest in the XFIVE Legion, which is IMO only appropriate as a race gun (and maybe HD). I wouldn’t use it to fill a combat role nor a carry role without first getting rid of both the fiber-optic front sight and the tungsten-infused grip module. That still wouldn’t take care of the lack of a trigger blade safety, which I would like to have on any SAO striker-fired pistol. In other words, the P320 XFIVE Legion is excellent, but it’s too niche. Therefore, it has a place next to my Glock, but it won't replace it.

Heckler & Koch VP9
This pistol is very much like the PPQ and PDP. The overall shape is very similar and it has an SAO striker-fired action with a trigger blade safety. Grip comfort is outstanding and slightly superior to the Walther (specifically with respect to finger-groove spacing and the shape of the underside of the grip tang). It ties with the P320 for the most user-friendly takedown process. The trigger pull is almost as good as the Walthers and better than the P320. It also has flawless reliability, accuracy, and just about everything else I'd expect from an H&K. The only thing I disliked at first was that the very comfortable grip didn’t want to stay in my hands while shooting. Strangely, I had no such problem with the very similar hammer-fired P30L. It could have been because of the slight difference in the grip panels or the difference in trigger shoe position between them. Maybe it was both. In any case, I fixed the problem by switching to the larger grip panels (it comes with the medium-size installed). Even though there’s really nothing to dislike about the VP9, I do prefer my hammer-fired H&Ks. I will keep my VP9 for now, but only because it was free and it came with a bunch of mags that are shared with some of my other H&Ks.

Why won’t it replace Glock for me? Well, I still shoot Glocks more accurately and more quickly. I don't know why. Also, I like the Walthers (the P99 especially) just a little more, so the VP9 probably won’t be first in line anyway. Finally, the VP9 inevitably, but maybe unfairly, gets compared to my hammer-fired H&Ks, which I prefer for a number of reasons I won't go into. If it didn’t share magazines with some of those other H&Ks, I probably would have sold it already. Objectively though, I really cannot recommend it enough.

Stoeger STR-9F
This pistol is the most similar to a Glock that I have tried. It actually seems to be a Gen3 Glock clone in many respects. There are a few pleasant surprises though. For example, the barrel-to-slide fit on mine is actually slightly tighter than on a Glock. The slide and barrel also have excellent machining and overall finishing. The polymer frame is very nice, with consistent texturing, symmetry, and no obvious mold lines. The ergonomics are also better than a Glock. However, being Turkish and cheap, I already expected some corners would be cut and they have been. For example, even though the guide rod is metal, it is poorly finished and it feels cheaper than the plastic unit in a Gen3 (or prior) Glock. Field-stripping and reassembly is also a PITA on the Stoeger. It might have something to do with the poor finishing of the internals. The takedown procedure itself is just like a Glock. However, on a Glock, you can choose to pull the trigger first and then follow the takedown steps (which I am used to), or follow the takedown steps first and then pull the trigger to finally release the slide. Pick your poison. Reassembling a Glock just means replacing the slide assembly and racking the slide. In other words, it’s a breeze. On the Stoeger, I have to pull the trigger after following the takedown steps. The other way is not possible even if I hold the trigger down. The slide just keeps catching something and it forces the trigger back forward, preventing disassembly. I have a similar problem during reassembly. I have to manually bring the trigger forward or the slide won’t go back on. Testing the trigger reset (which again, is easy to do with a Glock) is usually impossible with the Stoeger. The slide won’t rack while holding the trigger back. Worst of all, the gun is unreliable for me at the range. It needs 124-grain +P to function properly, and anything lighter or lower pressure will induce malfunctions. I don't think it’s the poor finishing of the internal parts causing this, just the fact that it’s ridiculously over-sprung. I can barely rack the slide. As a final note, the mags are a little expensive for such a cheap gun, but it certainly isn't alone in that regard. I also think Glock is still unbeatable in that respect. Verdict: Not for me. The Stoeger might be a great first gun for someone, especially considering that the malfunctions will be good practice and the range time needed to gain proficiency will probably accomplish break-in for that heavy spring. Maybe this will also wear down some of the internal parts and fix the field-stripping and reassembly issues. Who knows though? Maybe not all of these guns have the issues that mine does.

Why won’t it replace Glock for me? I hope that it is obvious from the review and I hope those of you who try this gun have more luck with it than I. When it runs, it is extremely accurate and a joy to shoot.

Steyr M
This pistol has amazing ergonomics (maybe the best of all) and I love the triangle sights. It also has the lowest bore axis I have ever experienced this side of an H&K P7. The trigger pull is only slightly better than a Glock, but it’s much more comfortable. The shape of the trigger shoe is far superior and ditto for the shape of the trigger blade safety. The only thing I don’t like about this pistol is the locking device. It’s one of those “limited access” affairs that uses a two-prong key for activation. It functions flawlessly, but I hate devices like that for a number of reasons that I won’t go into here. I have removed similar devices from every hammer-fired H&K I own that came equipped with them. According to Wikipedia, the lock on the Steyr M can be removed or even ordered from the factory without one, but I haven’t found anything else online about the subject. Most online chatter is the usual advice, which is to leave it unlocked and throw away the key. But all in all, the Steyr M is a criminally underrated pistol in any generation and it is one of my favorites so far.

Why won’t it replace Glock for me? It also might. Like the 1st gen P99, it has a chance. If I can get over that lock or get rid of it, it actually might have even more of a chance than the 1st gen P99. I prefer its ergonomics and the pricing is far more reasonable.

Springfield XD
This one is great overall, but I'm not a huge fan of the grip tang undercut (like the kind on a CZ 75) and I hate the grip safety. It actually has a pretty good trigger though. Nothing else really stands out to me, except for maybe the strange looks, excellent accuracy and reliability, and an easy takedown process. Regarding that last part, it still requires a trigger pull (unlike the P320 and VP9), but you never feel like you need a third hand due to the SIG-like takedown lever. Lastly, if you can get over the grip safety (unlike me), I think this is truly the best polymer-frame striker-fired pistol you can buy for the money it costs. It’s in a unique spot. Being made in Croatia allows it to be affordable (lower standard of living than here in the US resulting in reduced labor costs), but it’s also an original design from HS Produkt; a company headed by a top-tier engineer and contracted by the Croatian military. The XD (HS2000) is their standard sidearm. All of this adds up to a serious design. Cheaper guns lack its completeness, which is obvious. What's maybe not obvious is that so do many similarly priced guns that are budget offerings from more expensive brands. A good example would be S&W and their similarly-priced, but somewhat lackluster SD9/Sigma and then their world-class, but inevitably more expensive M&P9. The XD is IMO much closer to the M&P9 than it is to the SD9.

Why won’t it replace Glock for me? I don't think I can get over the grip safety and I also prefer the ergonomics of the Glock. Even with its great pricing, relatively unpopular pistols like the Steyr M and even the Walther PDP frequently have their prices slashed to the same level.

Arex Delta
This is another excellent one. However, other than the ambidextrous magazine release and clever disassembly feature, nothing really stands out to me here either. The ergonomics are great, and that’s maybe it. Being made in Slovenia, you’d think its price would be on par with the XD from neighboring Croatia. No such luck though, as Slovenia has a higher standard of living that's more in line with Western European countries. The clever disassembly feature I’m referring to is just a takedown process that doesn’t require a trigger pull. Why is it clever? Well, unlike say the VP9, which resorts to German over-engineering to achieve this, the Arex simply interrupts part of the slide rails so that the slide can simply be lifted up off the frame at the position just before you’d need to pull the trigger on a Glock or similar pistol. Watch the video on Forgotten Weapons. I agree with just about everything in it. It is of course accurate and reliable. Also, those of you who have polymer-frame CZ pistols may be able to use your current mags if you buy one of these, but I am not certain. Definitely double check.

Why won’t it replace Glock for me? I just didn’t find anything to be too noteworthy. It’s also just as expensive.

Good summaries. I agree with some, disagree with some, and don’t have some experience with a couple.

I suggest trying the FN509. Not a great trigger but something about it is just fun to shoot.

I can’t say I recommend the CZ P10 though. I’m not loving it. The trigger dingus keeps getting a hitch as it doesn’t perfectly clear the frame. Doesn’t lock up like the Hellcat could, but I still don’t like it.

Just bought a PDP today. We are getting acquainted and there's a lot to like about it. Trigger is very good and the grip is outstanding. Not loving the sights yet and undecided on how to improve the sight picture. Maybe I'll just shoot it some more before I decide.

BuddyChryst, I’ve only held the CZ P10 at my LGS. I’ve never fired one. I decided against buying because the grip texture was unnecessarily aggressive. I might see about renting one at a range just to see how it shoots.

got2hav1, the PDPs can take Glock sights, which significantly opens up your options.

quote:

Originally posted by MacGyver:
BuddyChryst, I’ve only held the CZ P10 at my LGS. I’ve never fired one. I decided against buying because the grip texture was unnecessarily aggressive. I might see about renting one at a range just to see how it shoots.

got2hav1, the PDPs can take Glock sights, which significantly opens up your options.

Good information. Thanks

This message has been edited. Last edited by: got2hav1,

Like you, I have always had a few Glocks in the safe. My current favorite is the 43X, which I can shoot very well. I'm currently considering the 43X MOS and a Leupold DPP Micro, but I'm a bit reluctant to lay out 800 plus right now.

I prefer my P99AS over the PPQ or PDP. Also like my Steyr M9-A1. Think the Steyrs are very underrated.

Good writeups, I appreciate the details. While handgun preferences are obviously largely subjective, you do a great job of breaking down your likes and dislikes and highlighting the factual differences. It's kinda like AR-15 variants...it's a market with so many great options that it's become kind of boring. But at the same time, it's also the most practical segment of the handgun market.

That’s a lot of analysis. Some I can’t agree with, such as speed and accuracy. You really need to have equal time in the saddle to achieve that type of true data. Time in the saddle equates to comfort and confidence. Repetition does a lot for speed and accuracy.
I agree on the Walther Trigger. It’s pretty nice. I own the HK VP9 and the Stoeger STR-9. I would take the HK over any of the guns on the list. I love that gun. I would put the Stoeger up there with any Glock. For the price of the Stoeger I would choose it. I would also take the Sig over the Glock every time. Of course it’s mostly subjective. We all have our preferences and I agree if you like the Glock, it’s better for you. All the ones you mentioned are excellent pistols. I find Glocks to be nice guns. I would never say otherwise. They are like Nike at this point. Fine guns, just not for me. I carried the .45 cal when on patrol for years. It was better than the 6 shooter I had when I first started.
This may sound silly but I can’t bring myself to buy a Walther because of the logo. I just hate it. I have tried to buy one twice this past year but each time went for the Sig and the HK at the last minute. To each his own I guess.

92fstech, I'm actually surprised by how these polymer-frame striker-fired pistols are so similar and so different at the same time. I buy them just to try them anyway and my Glocks ultimately don't have anything to do with that. For that reason, I think I can say I've remained reasonably objective. So, thanks!

Vaftocr, I was actually just referring to mechanical accuracy when fired from a (more or less) fixed position. None of the pistols really left anything to be desired in that area. For fast shooting, I totally agree with you. It's a question of time spent practicing. Just out of curiosity, did your Stoeger have any of the issues that mine had?

quote:

Originally posted by MacGyver:

Vaftocr, I was actually just referring to mechanical accuracy when fired from a (more or less) fixed position. None of the pistols really left anything to be desired in that area. For fast shooting, I totally agree with you. It's a question of time spent practicing. Just out of curiosity, did your Stoeger have any of the issues that mine had?

I have not had any issues with the Stoeger but I’m not sure I have enough rounds through it yet to call it reliable. I recently purchased it and have only 400 rounds through it. I’ll put another 200-300 through it on Sunday. My personal feeling is not to judge a gun until after 1k rounds. I did have some trouble getting used to the sights though. Not sure why but I put that on me.

Thank you for taking the time to post this detailed analysis.

Out of all the strikers I own and have owned, my favorite hands down is the AFS Strike One Ergal. Not only does the trigger have a very crisp 2.5lb break and short reset, but the weight (37oz empty) of the all metal design really makes it a fine shooter. Add to that the lowest bore axis of any locked breech semi auto with great mechanical accuracy and you really have an outstanding performer. I had to buy a few of them, as I was so impressed.

quote:

Originally posted by got2hav1:
Just bought a PDP today. We are getting acquainted and there's a lot to like about it. Trigger is very good and the grip is outstanding. Not loving the sights yet and undecided on how to improve the sight picture. Maybe I'll just shoot it some more before I decide.

Those shoot nice. I have the 5” steel model and really enjoy it

quote:

Originally posted by MacGyver:
BuddyChryst, I’ve only held the CZ P10 at my LGS. I’ve never fired one. I decided against buying because the grip texture was unnecessarily aggressive. I might see about renting one at a range just to see how it shoots.

DW has a P-10S which she likes better than my G26 but she also complained about the rough grip texture. A Pachmyer #5 grip sleeve fits perfectly and makes the gun a pleasure to shoot.

I'm actually going away from striker fired guns. I'm enjoying my CZs and may add a P-07 to the mix.

Added an optic today. Mates directly to the slide and will co witness with stock sights. Looks good, I need some practice though.

I have been converting the PDP with an SRO to my duty gun. It will replace the Glock G45

bac1023, do those Strike One’s take a common magazine or is it unique to that pistol? Very cool nonetheless!

AITG, I’ve tried the P-07 before. You won’t be disappointed.

quote:

Originally posted by MacGyver:
bac1023, do those Strike One’s take a common magazine or is it unique to that pistol? Very cool nonetheless!

Thanks

The magazines fit and lock back in a CZ75 and vice versa, but I’ve never actually fired either guns with the opposite magazines.

quote:

Originally posted by MacGyver:

AITG, I’ve tried the P-07 before. You won’t be disappointed.

Thanks for that. I just sold a 45ACP Glock and a bunch of FMJ ammo so it's time to get with Cajun Gun Works.

I got to try out a couple of new striker-fired guns this week, and it made me think of this post. Figured I'd add a few observations:

FN 509 - I was really excited about this one as I've heard good things. I was greatly disappointed. The grip was a little weird and the trigger pull was mediocre. Worse, the trigger reset was long and weak...very easy to short-stroke. It shot ok, but I didn't think it was anything special...no better than others of the genre, and worse than most.

Canik TP9 - I've shot one of these before, but it was a pimped out upgraded version. I got a chance to shoot a base-model as it comes from the box, and I've gotta say I'm very impressed. Without even taking into account the low price, it's a very competent, nice shooting gun with an excellent trigger and fantastic reset. It fills my hand well, and was very reliable. I did find the slide release to be a little awkward.

I shot my P320 as well during the same range session, and it's not in any danger of losing its position to either of these two. But if I was forced to work with a Canik, I'd be fine with it. If you made me use the FN I'd be kinda pissed.