Keep reading to learn the story about how I got my first deer.

Just after first light that morning, my father tapped me on the knee and slowly motioned to our left. I looked and saw two shapes carefully moving through the mist. Looking through the scope on my rifle, I could see that the shapes were two young bucks about 50 yards away walking warily towards the feeder in front of us and my pulse quickened. “They’re bucks” I whispered to my father. “Pick one and go ahead and shoot him” my father responded. Steadying the rifle on the front rail of the deer stand, I took aim at the front shoulder of the lead buck and squeezed the trigger. With the roar of the rifle, I shot my first deer and my life changed forever.

The road to that day began many years previously when I began accompanying my father and grandfather on their deer hunting trips, as I described in my previous article. As the years went by and I grew older and more mature, I began hunting myself. I started off hunting squirrels and other small game animals. By the time I turned 11, my father decided I was old enough to hunt deer under his supervision.

That summer we attended a hunter education class together and he purchased a rifle for me: a post-1964 Winchester Model 70 Featherweight chambered in .308 Winchester. He made some special reduced power hand loads for me that had considerably less recoil than factory loads. The 130gr bullet fired at 2300 feet per second was still plenty powerful for a white tail at relatively close range, but the recoil was much easier on my wiry frame to shoot than full power loads.

My father was, and still is, very serious about hunting safely and ethically. Even though I was going to be hunting under his direct supervision, he was very strict about ensuring that understood when and when not to shoot as well as the details of shot placement. As a result, I spent hours at the range practicing precise shot placement at various ranges and angles.

Finally, I had to pass a written test designed and administered by my dad. The test covered a lot of details about hunting in general that were not covered in the hunter safety class. For instance, one of the questions was: How do you best determine if a deer is actually dead when you find the body after trailing it? Answer: while approaching the deer from behind, use a stick or the barrel of your rifle to touch the deer’s eye. If there is no reflex movement, then the deer is actually dead and is safe to otherwise touch. When we hit the woods that fall, I was probably one of the best prepared boys to ever start deer hunting.

Several years previously, my dad had constructed a two person, elevated stand down in a creek bottom overlooking a feeder on our land in eastern Texas that we would hunt from that year. That area was always a solid producer of deer: my dad once counted 17 does eating from the feeder at the same time. If there was ever an ideal place for a young hunter like me to shoot my first deer, this was it.

That first morning dawned foggy and crisp with a very light wind from the north. To this day I love weather like that because I’ve had so much success hunting in those conditions. This particular morning would be the first of those successes and I distinctly remember seeing the muzzle flash of my rifle through the fog while looking through the scope at the buck.

The buck staggered at the shot and disappeared back the way he came. From his reaction, I knew that I had made a good shot. If it is even possible, I think my father was even more excited than I was after the shot (and I was pretty darn excited). He gave me a pat on the back and said “You didn’t even feel the rifle kick did you?” No, I didn’t, and I don’t remember the report of the rifle hurting my ears either due to the adrenaline rush I was feeling.

After a few minutes, we got down and began looking for the buck. We quickly found him shot through both lungs. Even that reduced power .308 Winchester load did a number on him: the buck ran less than 25 yards after the shot. With just six points, he was not a big deer by any stretch of the imagination. However, I was a very happy young man that day and I still look back upon the hunt where I got my first deer fondly. I have plenty of larger and more impressive trophies hanging in my office, but I still proudly display the antlers from that little buck on the wall. There is no feeling like the first time and on that cold day in December I took my first step into the world of big game hunting.

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NEXT: 33 BEST HUNTING BOOKS EVERY HUNTER SHOULD READ

They say that ducks are the “new chickens” – backyard farmers all over the country are beginning to enjoy the pleasure of keeping ducks. Our ducks are all different breeds because I enjoy variety and I like being able to tell them apart….and because there are so many great breeds I couldn’t choose just one!

Before I kept ducks, like most people, when I pictured a duck the first thing that came to my mind was a large white duck with an orange bill – like the one that tries to sell me insurance in case I get hurt. The next duck I thought of was the classic green-headed Mallard that graces nearly every pond in the Northern Hemisphere.

That was pretty much the extent of my duck breed knowledge. The large, white Pekin duck is the most popular domestic duck breed around. The Mallard is thought to be the breed that nearly every domestic breed of duck is derived from so you will recognize their traits in many domestic breeds. While Pekins and Mallards are awesome, there are tons of other amazing duck breeds available, many of whom are on the endangered list, and would love to find a home in your yard.

If you are thinking about adding some ducks to your life, check out some of these popular duck breeds!

Let’s start at the beginning….

Mallard

Native to most countries in the Northern Hemisphere, Mallards are thought to be the “father” of all domesticated ducks except for Muscovy. Mallards are small, making them capable of flight. They don’t tolerate confinement very well, so if you keep Mallards you risk them flying away and not returning unless you can provide a nice, large, covered enclosure. Mallards lay a beautiful greenish egg, and are highly energetic and talkative. They have one of the lowest egg-laying rates of the domesticated breeds, laying just a couple of eggs per week.

Wild Mallards are widely hunted and removing birds from the wild to raise in captivity is a big no-no with US Fish & Wildlife. Raising wild ducks is actually illegal in many states. When keeping Mallards, you need to mark them to show you have not “duck-napped” them. Metzer Farm, one of the biggest duck breeders in the country, removes the back toe as soon as they hatch to permanently mark that duck as domestically bred.

Male ducks have a glossy green head with a white ring around their neck and grey on their wings and belly, while the females are mainly brown-speckled with a blue band on their wing called speculum feathers. Most people that keep Mallards do so for purely decorative reasons, or for training hunting dogs.

Pekin

Beautiful all white feathers on a heavy, large size bird. Pekins are popular because they are dual purpose. Hens lay a large number of white eggs so they are great to keep as layers. Their fast growth rate & light-colored skin also make them excellent to raise as meat birds. Around 90% of the duck meat produced in America comes from Pekins. Pekins are a heavy-weight bird with a calm, friendly, curious disposition, lots of eggs and meat if you want it – Pekins are a great all-around choice.

Muscovy

A really interesting bird native to the southern hemisphere. Commonly referred to as a duck, Muscovies in fact are a different species than the Mallard duck relatives. Their meat is leaner than duck meat with a plump breast like a turkey. They nest like ducks do, but also like to roost at night like chickens. Muscovies are shaped like a duck and are able to mate with a duck, but the offspring will be sterile and are referred to as mule ducks. They do not quack; the male has a low breathy call, and the hen a quiet coo which makes them perfect for backyard farmers with close neighbors. The male has large red fleshy growths around his eyes called caruncles, the females also have caruncles but to a lesser extent. Most domesticated Muscovys are dark brown or black & white.

Cayuga

The only duck breed developed in the United States, Cayugas originated near Cayuga Lake in New York. They are a medium-heavy breed that is slow growing. Cayugas have gorgeous black iridescent feathers that can look green when light shines on them, black bills and black feet (laying females and older birds sometimes have a bit of orange in their feet). They are usually raised for exhibition or eggs and their calm disposition makes them a great choice for backyard flocks. Hens generally lay 3-4 eggs per week and have a charcoal or black-colored shell early in the laying season. Mid to late season eggs & eggs from older birds are usually very light gray. Cayugas are listed as threatened status by the Livestock Conservatory.

Buff Orpington

Buffs originated in the Orpington area of Kent, England in the early 1900s (by William Cook, the same man that gave us the popular Buff Orpington chicken). A medium size duck, originally bred as an egg laying breed, you can expect an average of 3-5 white to light brown eggs per week. They have lovely fawn buff feathers with a brownish orange bill and a sweet personality. Buff Orpingtons are listed as threatened.

Rouen

A wonderful multi-purpose duck. A large bird that will lay 3-5 bluish tinted eggs per week. Rouens are a popular alternative to Mallards because they are nearly identical, but much larger so are too heavy to fly away. The males have a glossy green head with a white neck ring and a grey body. The females are brown laced with blue speculum feathers. Their calm disposition also makes them wonderful pets or additions to your backyard farm.

Crested

Usually raised for exhibition purposes or as pets, crested ducks are large white ducks with a ball of feathers, or crest, on their heads. They are slow growing so they are not a popular meat choice, but do lay fairly well (2-4 eggs per week). Bantam crested ducks & crested ducks in colors other than white have also been gaining popularity in recent years. The crest is actually a genetic mutation causing a deformity of the skull, so breeding them sometimes causes some controversy among animal rights groups. Breeding can be tricky – breeding a crested duck with another crested duck can be fatal for the offspring. To breed them you need to breed a crested to a non-crested duck, 1/4 of fertile eggs will never hatch, 1/4 will be crest-less, and only half of the ducklings will develop a crest.

Saxony

A great dual purpose breed, the Saxony is a heavy, fast growing duck that also lays a large amount of white or light blue eggs. Originally bred in the 1930s in Germany, nearly all the breeding stock was lost in World War II. Saxony are listed as critically endangered by the Livestock Conservancy. Males display the typical Mallard pattern, but their colors are unique from any other breed. The male’s head & wing markings are blue-gray, with a chestnut breast and cream belly. The females are a golden buff with cream/white facial stripes, neck ring & belly. They are calm, curious & excellent natural foragers.

Call Ducks

Their petite size, calm temperament & playful attitude make Call ducks very popular as pets or for exhibition. Adorably small; full-grown adults tip the scale at under 1.5 pounds. Call ducks were originally bred by duck hunters. The Call duck’s quack attracts wild ducks to the hunting area. For hunting, Call ducks have been nearly entirely replaced by artificial duck calls & decoys, so now these ducks are mainly raised as pets. As expected, they have a very loud call and are very talkative so they might not be the best choice if you have close neighbors. In recent years, multiple colors of Call ducks are becoming available. The two most popular are white (an all white duck) and grey (looks like a mini Mallard)

Swedish

A medium to large size dual purpose bird, they are slow growing and excellent natural foragers. You can expect 3-4 eggs per week with varying shades of white, blue and green. They have calm temperaments and will make a great addition to your backyard farm! Black Swedish are mostly black with a white patch on their neck & chest. Blue Swedish are a slate blueish gray with a white patch on their neck & chest. The color blue will not breed true however. If you breed a blue male to a blue female, half will be true Blue Swedish, a quarter will be Black Swedish and the other quarter will be Splash or Silver (either speckled white & grey or a silvery gray)

Runner

These ducks do not have the typical “duck” body shape – they are lightweight and stand upright like penguins, they always remind me of bowling pins! Their upright stance allows them to run fast rather than slowly waddle like other domesticated ducks. They were originally bred in China to help rice farmers control insects in the rice paddies. They are excellent egg layers & natural foragers, laying 4-5 eggs per week that usually have a blueish tint to them. Runner ducks tend to be nervous and can stampede when startled.

Khaki Campbell

Campbells are usually raised for their superior egg production, they can lay 5-6 cream colored eggs per week! Their excellent egg laying abilities make Campbells one of the most popular choices for backyard keepers. They are a medium weight bird, their smaller size means that some birds are able to fly for limited distances. Developed in the late 1800s by Adele Campbell, she crossed a Runner with a Rouen to create a duck that would lay well like a Runner but will be bigger to use as a meat bird. Campbells are a warm khaki color with the drakes having a darker bronze colored tail and dark head.

Magpie

A lightweight bird, they are excellent egg layers – laying 4-5 colorful eggs per week. Magpie’s eggs can vary from white, cream, blue, and green. Their feathers are usually black & white, but also can be found in blue & white with an orange bill. Generally a quiet & calm breed, they make excellent additions to suburban farms.

Silver Appleyard

This is a BIG duck! In coloring, they are similar to Mallards with the male featuring a green head, brown mottled chest with some feather lacing, and cream colored underbody. The females have a silver/white underbelly with brown lacing and iridescent speculum wing feathers. Silver Appleyards are calm & friendly and very reliable egg layers.

Welsh Harlequin

A colorful all purpose duck, they are raised for exhibition, eggs & meat. Welsh Harlequins are a medium weight duck and are also prolific layers, laying 4-6 eggs per week that vary in color from white to light blue tint. They are calm and great natural foragers. The females have a black bill with white & brown feathers and a blue speculum feather ban. The males have an orange bill and closely resemble a male Mallard with a green head, white neck ring and brown body. Welsh Harlequins are one of the few duck breed that have a natural sex-linked characteristic. At just a few days old, 90% of them can be sexed by bill color. Welsh Harlequins are listed as critically endangered.

These days, the availability of multiple types of scope configurations, focal planes, and features is a testament to how far telescopic sights have come over the years.

To those just getting into rifle scopes, it’s now a quandary to choose between FFP or SFP scopes.

How do you choose the best focal plane for your rifle or for the job?

The shooter must determine what the rifle will be used for 80-90% of the time. The intended application can help determine specific shooter needs that includes whether the benefits of FFP or SFP scopes are right for common approaches such as hunting, long range, or the AR-15.

More approaches to consider include combat, the LPVO, target shooting, and competition use. But before we get ahead of ourselves, what is FFP and SFP?

Let’s find out.

What is the Difference Between FFP and SFP Scopes?

Overall, the difference between FFP and SFP scopes is how the reticle performs in relation to magnification. FFP reticles will grow or decrease in size while SFP reticles will remain the same regardless of power changes. This is a direct result of where the reticle is placed in the scope.

Since both first and second focal plane rifle scopes look the same on the outside, you can’t tell them apart from appearance alone. Here is a rundown on FFP and SFP scopes to understand what they are, how they work, and their advantages.

What does FFP Mean on a Rifle Scope?

FFP means First Focal Plane but is also known as Front Focal Plane. What is FFP? It is the position of the reticle. It lies in front of the magnifying lens within the scope erector tube. The reticle increases in size as magnification increases and decreases in size as magnification decreases.

First Focal Plane Explained

Explaining first focal plane reticles must include discussion of subtension. FFP scopes have constant subtension. The measured amount of space/area the reticle covers up on a target remains the same regardless of magnification.

Subtension is the measurement of how much of a target or area is covered by the reticle at a specific distance. Because the reticle and magnification are in parallel, reticle crosshairs will always take up the same amount of space on a target whether you’re in low power or high.

What are the Advantages of a FFP Scope?

The first focal plane position of the reticle provides two primary advantages. First, constant subtension that allows for accurate ballistic holdovers at any magnification setting. Secondly, the magnified reticle at high magnification improves visibility of holdover points.

The best FFP scopes typically have a tactical or competition approach, but as hunters are demanding long range performance, FFP scopes can be used for hunting too.

FFP Pros & Cons

What does SFP Mean on a Rifle Scope?

SFP means Second Focal Plane but is also known as Rear Focal Plane. What is SFP? It is the position of the reticle. It lies behind the magnifying lens but in front of the eyepiece in a rifle scope. The reticle remains the same size (static) throughout the entire magnification range.

Second Focal Plane Explained

Explaining second focal plane reticles is cause for a discussion on subtension. Subtension is the measured amount of space or area on a target that crosshairs cover up at a specific distance. SFP reticles are important to understand as subtension is constantly changing as magnification changes.

The amount of space that the crosshairs cover up on a target at any distance will change as you increase or decrease magnification. As you increase power, the crosshairs will take up less ‘space’ on the target as the target gets larger in size. As you decrease power, the crosshairs will take up more ‘space’ on the target as the target gets smaller in size.

What are the Advantages of a SFP Scope?

Second focal plane advantages are many. With a reticle that doesn’t change size, it can provide better crosshair visibility for shooting in low magnifications. On the high end, it can improve visibility of small targets at max magnification. SFP scopes are common and more affordable than FFP scopes.

SFP Pros & Cons

FFP VS SFP: How to Choose?

Choosing between a FFP or SFP scope requires more insight than leaving it to personal preference alone. Other considerations such as magnification requirements and how the scope will be used most of the time must be factors that have weight in the final decision.

Hunting

What focal plane is best for hunting? Two factors must be considered: magnification and terrain. FFP scopes are compatible for high power and open country, mountainous terrain like Western big game hunting. SFP scopes can be great for low magnification and timber, brush, or Mid-West deer hunting.

Generally, 3-9x and 4-16x are great configurations for many hunting conditions and game as they can cover plenty of ground. The visibility of a reticle that doesn’t change size at low powers in lowlight conditions gives the SFP scope an edge that FFP cannot provide.

Normal reticle visibility of a SFP is also preferred for those in heavy brush and thick timber environments. With FFP reticles, the crosshairs can get too small and are difficult to see as they appear ‘lost’ against the terrain.

So, is FFP any good for hunting? FFP allows for accurate holdovers at any magnification, and it can be maximized to its full potential if you’re consistently hunting with magnifications of more than 12x. This is great for long-range, open country, and unpredictable, mountainous terrain. Dialing in or messing with magnification to get to the calibrated power to use the right holdover point on a SFP scope is less than ideal.

Ultimately, the last 30 minutes of last legal light is often the golden hour of filling a tag. Clarity, resolution, and brightness is best achieved in the lower powers, and since FFP scopes have a hard time with reticle visibility in low light and low power, the SFP remains the favorite focal plane scope for deer hunters.

Winner: SFP

Long Range

Long range shooting often means high magnification and a lot of dialing in or heavy dependence on the reticle. Whether it’s hunting or competitive shooting, long range performance is best done with a FFP scope.

FFP reticles are clearly the best scopes for long range shooting. The first benefit is that you can maximize use out of a complex reticle. With multiple elevation and windage holdovers that will always be accurate regardless of magnification, it makes for fast and straightforward decisions. This benefit also boosts confidence in reducing POI shifts when you do adjust the power.

Secondly, the reticle becomes larger in size as you crank up power. This makes it easier to see the crosshairs, hashmarks, and/or dots. The catch-22 is that on very small targets, FFP reticle subtension can obscure significant areas making it harder for exacting shots.

Is FFP or SFP better for long range shooting? SFP scopes will work for bench shooters who aren’t on the clock and content shooting from max power. Quality glass and turrets are essential. You’ll always have an easy to see reticle regardless of magnification. However, FFP is better suited to the job.

Winner: FFP

AR15

The AR-15 is a favorite and popular rifle used for everything from target shooting to hunting, law enforcement and competitions. FFP or SFP scopes can be mounted to a MSR to fit your requirements and intended applications.

Choosing between FFP or SFP scopes for an AR15 or any type of MSR comes down to intended applications and the range of magnification you will be using 80-90% of the time.

SFP is suitable for many applications especially when magnification is less than 12x. SFP scopes are very user-friendly on the low power end versus FFP scopes. Having a max of 12x or even pushing it to 14x with SFP is suitable for some long-range performance, and at that point, you can rely on holdover points onboard the reticle.

FFP will really shine for long range shooting, competition, and some hunting styles. Being able to increase the power but not max out and still have accurate holdovers is critical for these applications.

Since you can do a lot of various things with an AR, the type of focal plane scope you opt for should be suited to what you will be doing with it.

Winner: Tie

Combat

The LPVO or a high-powered scope used for combat, tactical, or home defense situations will have a reticle placed either in the first or second focal planes. For most professional scenarios, CQB performance is paramount.

The SFP reticle is constant, easy to see, and well suited to CQB combat. Even when you change magnification within 250 yards, there shouldn’t be any need to hold, at least on a man size target. A lot of law enforcement (LE) combat engagements are extremely close, and LE sniper scenarios may be closer than most people think.

You can opt for either FFP or SFP scopes for tactical use, but with a 50 to 100-yard zero, SFP will serve its purpose for close to mid ranges.

FFP reticles certainly have their place and can be extremely beneficial on magnified optics when holding over or for fast corrections and follow-up shots at a distance. It may come down to the type of combat and distance or speed requirements you anticipate needing.

Do snipers use FFP or SFP? It may depend on who you talk to. It’s been said that veteran snipers preferred the fixed 10x power scope. It may also depend on if it’s military or local police. Oftentimes, the budget is the determining factor versus the preference over reticle focal planes.

Winner: Tie

LPVO (Low Power Variable Optic)

LPVO scopes are close to mid-range optics and are great on tactical carbines. The 1x magnification and red dot capability are must-have features, but the low variable magnification makes it a versatile optic. SFP is appropriate for most scenarios, but FFP can provide distance advantages.

FFP reticles on a LPVO would be best suited to those who know they will be engaging targets at multiple and varied distances. This would be appropriate for competition shooters and military men and women on the front line. The use of a FFP LPVO will also ensure fast and accurate shots using holdovers.

It is worth mentioning that quality LPVO scopes with FFP reticles should be visible and fast to use in the low powers. FFP reticles are more common to find in 1-8x or 1-10x LPVO scopes.

In most circumstances, the SFP remains attractive to the LPVO user and is the most common type of focal plane available in 1-4x and 1-6x scopes. Even if you’re shooting over 300 yards, outside of specialized circumstances, you’ll likely have the time needed to dial in or max out the power for accurate holdovers. With a LPVO for an AR, there’s not much to complain about when it comes to using max power.

Winner: SFP

Target Shooting

There are many forms of target shooting from plinking, rimfire fun, and 100-yard shooting to testing out long-range skills and scope ability. For most purposes other than long range, the SFP reticle is the perfect scope for these scenarios.

A lot of people don’t need FFP scopes and target shooters generally fall into that category. Many target shooters are at the bench or in prone positions and aren’t racing against the clock. They have the time to dial in adjustments and shoot from the center point at their pace and will do fine with a SFP scope.

FFP may be desired for long range target shooting or perhaps for those who want a scope for aging eyes that allows them to see a larger reticle. More magnification doesn’t make you a better shooter, but it does allow you to see better.

The same can be said if you’re considering FFP or SFP for 22LR rimfires. Take into consideration what you’re using it for 80% of the time, the targets you’re shooting, and the distances. FFP would be great for target shooting practice for PRS matches but can obscure F-class smallbore targets. For most recreational purposes without holds, SFP does it.

Winner: SFP

3-Gun/Competition

Speed and accuracy are just two factors that are must-have features from a rifle scope for 3-Gun and many types of shooting competition matches. FFP is the way to go for varied distances and on-the-clock shots.

Precision marksmen almost always prefer FFP scopes. The ability to use accurate holdovers at any magnification makes for fast shots. You lose time with constantly dialing in on an SFP scope, decreasing magnification for wide FOVs to find the next target and then cranking it up to make a shot, or always being stuck max power.

The top scopes for competition shooting usually have a very wide magnification range allowing for adjustable FOVs for the widely varied target distances. The downside to the FFP is that the reticle can get small at lower power making it harder to see that center dot. Illumination can help to alleviate the problem. Nonetheless, the SFP has an advantage in that it always stays at its normal, visible size and is usually thin enough to see F-class smallbore targets.

Pro Tip: Some shooters in competitions that allow for more than one optic will use an FFP scope and red dot sight combo with a 45-degree offset mount.

Winner: FFP

SFP VS FFP: Which is Best for You?

The right scope will be the one that is best suited to the intended application. If it’s about cost alone, the SFP is cheaper as FFP reticles are nearly always glass-etched and precision alignment is imperative. Beyond the budget, choose the scope that offers the most advantages for the application.

In general, FFP is great for long range, high magnification, competition, and some professional tactical and hunting applications.

SFP is very good for most target shooting, hunting, and CQB performance. If you’re not holding over often, prefer consistent visibility of the reticle, or shoot small targets often, SFP is the way to go.

Keep in mind that experienced shooters find ways to help mitigate some of the problems inherent in each focal plane and work with it. Don’t let complex math, budget, or existing biases get in the way of choosing the right type of scope for you and for the job.

Further Reading

• How to Measure Scope Ring Height (With Pics & Calculations)
• How to Adjust a Rifle Scope: 6 Scope Adjustments Explained!
• How to Level a Scope on a Rifle [Step-by-Step With Pics]
• What is a Rifle Scope Ruler (Mildot Master) & How to Use It?
• How to Lap Scope Rings (& Is Lapping Really Necessary?)

Industry dayDay oneDay two

This report covers:

• SHOT in reverse?
• Correction
• Evanix
• ASG
• Security at SHOT
• Hawke
• Josh and Mirfee Unger
• Survival Airguns
• Summary

Today we continue looking at the 2024 SHOT Show and there is one more report yet to come.

SHOT in reverse?

Remember my comment that the crowds were smaller this year? Well, today they weren’t. It almost felt like a first day. Go figure!

Correction

I have to correct something in the Day 2 report. I called that concealed carry firearm a Three Ounce pistol. It isn’t. It’s just an Ounce pistol. They used the international symbol for the measurement “ounce” in front of the word Ounce on the literature and I thought it was a fancy number three.

The cover of the Ounce pistol brochure.

Okay, let’s see some more of the show!

Evanix

Viper — The Viper is a new precharged pneumatic (PCP) pistol that comes in .177, .22 and .25 calibers. It is semiautomatic and has a 7-shot rotary magazine in all calibers.

Evanix Viper is semiautomatic.

The Viper has a balanced valve and gets around 20 good shots per fill to 3,600 psi. It gets in the 12-14 foot-pound range in .177 to around 20 foot-pounds in .25 caliber. It retails at $975.

Rex S — I also saw the Rex S which is a Rex pistol bored out to accept 28-gauge shotshells. The Rex rifle also gets this treatment, resulting in a 28-gauge shotgun that shoots a charge of shot at up to 1,300 f.p.s. for the long gun and 1,000 f’p.s. for the pistol.

The new Evanix Rex shot pistol.

Here is the shotshell and a charge of shot that goes in the Rex S pistol.

ASG

My next stop was at Action Sport Games. They showed me a pistol that looks very much like a Glock but is actually called an ISSC. Now get this — ISSC is an Austrian firearms manufacturer, just like Austrian Glock and their handguns look like Glocks. But they’re not. They are ISSC.

ISSC M22 — This is a CO2-powered BB pistol that comes in either a blowback or non-blowback model. It should be out later this year and I will test it for you.

ASG will bring out the ISSC M22 later this year.

Security at SHOT

Just a side comment — the security at the show was much tighter this year than ever before. There were service dogs everywhere. I bet I saw at least 40 of them. Also, at my hotel there were guards on all the guest elevators, asking to see your room card/key. I know that Vegas has had problems in the recent past, but I could tell they aren’t quite sure what to do about it.

Hawke

My next stop was at Hawke, the scope manufacturer. I saw a scope with not less than 8-inches of eye relief! Called the Vantage Turkey Dot, it’s a 1-4X20 that you hunters should look into when it comes out.

Hawke Vantage 1-4X20 Turkey Dot.

What this scope will do for airgunners is allow them to mount it forward of the back of the rifle. It’s a little longer than a Bug Buster and probably ideal for some guns like the Dragonfly 2. It will probably sell for $220.

Josh and Mirfee Unger

At the AirForce booth I ran into Joshua and Mirfee Unger. Josh is the founder of Pyramyd AIR. They came as a surprise to see AirForce and also to see the folks at Air Venturi.

Josh and Mirfee Ungier. Josh founded Pyramyd AIR and Air Venturi. They enjoyed being back at SHOT once again.

Survival Airguns

My last stop was at the Survival Airguns booth. Their name includes two words I don’t expect to hear together — survival and airguns. This I had to see.

Zeus — The Zeus is a .72 caliber (12-gauge) rifle that I was told develops 1,500 foot-pounds of energy at the muzzle. If it can do that it is hands-down the most powerful air rifle in the world.

The Zeus is Survival Airguns big boy.

Zeus cornflakes. Seventy-two caliber hollowpoints made by Mr. Hollowpoint.

Summary

And that was the show. But for Monday I’m writing one more report that catches most of the things that haven’t yet been in the reports of the last four days. This SHOT was good, and I can see the industry is changing. Some companies are growing while others are fading away. I guess that’s life.

Need coyote removal in your hometown? We service over 500 USA locations! Click here to hire us in your town and check prices – updated for year 2020.

How To Trap A Coyote Coyotes are an amazing successful species that is to be found across the majority of North America, and they have adapted particularly well to living alongside people. They can cause a problem when they come into conflict with domestic pets such as dogs, and have been known to attack livestock and other domesticated animals such as chickens and ducks. Coyotes can also prove to be difficult to deter when they find a good location for scavenging through garbage and other refuse, which is why many people will turn to trapping to solve the problem.

What Traps Can Be Used To Catch A Coyote? There are a number of different live traps that can be used to catch a coyote, although the problem with dealing with the coyote after it has been captured is that it will often have to be euthanized. The most typical type of trap will be one that will take a firm grip of the paw of the coyote and will not be able to be removed until the trapper comes to loosen it. This can be problematic because dealing with a live coyote isn’t necessarily something that a novice trapper should want to do. Another option would be a cage trap, but this will often have a much lower success rate than the grip trap mentioned above. This is because the coyote will naturally be wary of a metal cage and won’t be particularly keen to go inside. Positioning and baiting of a cage trap is vital if it is to successfully trap a coyote. The alternative when trapping a coyote is to use a lethal trap. The most popular trap of this kind is a simply snare, although there are a wide range of commercially produced products and homemade solutions that are also available. The snare works by looping a cord around the coyote’s neck and choking the animal, and because a coyote will naturally struggle and pull away this will happen very quickly. Locating And Baiting A Coyote Trap The first question to deal with when trying to catch a coyote is where to place the trap. Snares and grip traps are quite small so will not need as much space as a cage trap. The best traps will be those that naturally lie in the paths that the coyote uses regularly, which can often be identified near fences or field boundaries by looking for tracks or coyote hair. Coyotes will prefer to crawl under a fence even though they can jump over quite high fences, so these are particularly good spots to locate the trap. In terms of the bait for a coyote, meat is usually the best option as it will often attract the coyote from a distance away. It is important in these instances to make sure that the trap is not in an area where it is likely to attract domestic animals, otherwise you may well end up with a traumatized dog if you’re using a live trap. Handling And Removing Coyotes The majority of states will have specific regulations about dealing with pests such as coyotes, and these can vary in different parts of the country. Some places will insist the animal is euthanized, while others will have specific locations the coyote can be taken to. For those who are handling a coyote, wearing thick clothing and protective gloves is an absolute minimum, and keeping handling to a minimum is vital. Coyotes are known to carry rabies and many other parasites and diseases, some of which are transmitted by bites and others can simply be transmitted by contact. Anyone who is nervous or unsure about handling a coyote should bring in a wildlife control expert rather than taking any risks with the animal. For more information about how to trap coyotes, go back to my main coyote removal page or read the about coyotes page.

Poaching in Michigan is a serious offense in Michigan with serious penalties if convicted.

Did you know Michigan has elk? Most people think of these animals as belonging in the Western states or Canada. However, Michigan is home to a population of these beautiful, wild creatures. Michigan is also home to many avid hunters.

Unlike deer, who run rampant throughout the state and suffer from overpopulation, elk are more protected by the law. You could get in big trouble for hunting them without a special license.

Elk hunting licenses are only available by drawing, and there are a limited number available each year. If you don’t get a special permit, that’s it. You will have to try again next year.

Illegal hunting is called poaching, and poaching could cost you your ability to hunt in this state – potentially for the rest of your life.

Elk Poaching in Michigan

Two Michigan men were charged for poaching a cow elk in Wolverine, Michigan in 1998. It was through the DNR poaching hotline that DNR officers investigated Jakob Gagnon and Logan Turbin.

An anonymous tip about the pair led to a search warrant, which led to investigators finding elk meat and cocaine in Gagnon’s residence.

Turbin was charged with assisting Gagnon in processing the elk and illegal possession of elk meat.

Gagnon initially fled the state after authorities searched his home, but turned himself in to law enforcement. He was arraigned August 28, 2020 for taking an elk without a license, possession of stolen property, and cocaine possession.

Penalties for Poaching in Michigan

While Gagnon’s poaching crime was a misdemeanor, his actions attracted law enforcement who went on to find evidence to charge him with a felony crime.

That’s just one way in which breaking hunting laws can backfire on you.

New Deer Hunting Regulations in Michigan

It’s also good to be aware of some of the new bag limits on deer hunting as we get closer to deer hunting season. A mistake or a crime of opportunity could result in a massive fine.

In 2014, Public Act 175 of 2013 went into effect, making it more expensive to break the hunting laws. Rather than a flat $1,000 restitution fee, the fine increases with the number of points on the deer’s antlers, to discourage hunters from taking more trophy bucks than they are legally allowed to bag.

According to Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act (Excerpt) Act of 1994:

A Michigan hunter was fined $15,000 for bagging an 18-point buck in 2015. It was his third of the season. Apparently, it was a “crime of opportunity.” He had the right to hunt, and the buck just walked in front of him.

Michigan Poaching Defense Attorney

Poaching may not be one of the top crimes leading to jail time or felonies on your record. However, if it doesn’t lead to those things, it can undoubtedly bleed your wallet dry.

For a hunter, losing your license potentially for 15 years isn’t worth the bagging that one animal. Don’t assume no one will tip-off investigators either.

If you’re facing jail time or hefty fines related to poaching in Michigan, call my office and get us working for you.

Call now

The shelf life of our products is generally based on the specified best before date (“Bäst före” in Swedish). As with all foodstuffs, the best before date is to be understood as meaning that we guarantee the perfect condition of the goods up to this date if stored appropriately. It does not state that the goods are automatically spoiled after this date.

In principle, the shelf life of meat depends on the temperatures and fluctuations in temperature the meat is exposed to. The higher the storage temperature and the more temperature fluctuations, the shorter the meat will stay in perfect condition. Frozen meat may have a best before date of up to a year printed on the packaging. That date assumes that the meat is kept at -18° C during that whole time. This is of course impossible for us to guarantee when we ship the meat over longer distances using a courier. The meat will most likely arrive to your home at a temperature a few degrees below freezing.

Therefore, after you received your meat, we recommend that you store it in a fridge at maximum 4° C and consume it within five days unless you choose to refreeze it.

In general, if your meat was frozen, we recommend not to re-freeze it. However, basically nothing speaks against refreezing, especially if the food has to be heated up before consumption. The nutrient and vitamin content may suffer slightly, but refreezing is more hygienic than storing it in the refrigerator at temperatures above 0° C.

Our own tests also show that you can assume that the great taste of the meat will not be affected by refreezing. Wild game meat is of such high quality that the theoretical reduction in quality is practically unnoticed.

If you want to cook the meat after its been frozen, it is best to remove it from the freezer 1-2 days in advance and place it in the refrigerator.

In the unlikely event that you have forgotten to take your meat out of the freezer, you can defrost it more quickly in water. Check whether the packaging is still properly vacuumed. If this is the case, you can place the meat, packaging and all, in a container of cold water. This way, a the meat thaws faster. If the packaging is no longer vacuumed, then you can NOT use this method.

The most advanced sniper rifles in the world are always been a great addition to any special operations forces team. They also have been my weapon of choice. In modern warfare, they are unavoidable subject in every infantry or special operations forces mission. Usually, snipers are our eyes and our advantage at the moment when the battle begins. From short-range to long-range sniper rifles, the outcome is the same.

In the world of firearms, these sniper rifles mean something and they are considered as the top sniper rifles in the world at this moment.

M110 SASS

The M110 SASS (Semi-Automatic Sniper System) is an American semi-automatic sniper rifle/designated marksman rifle. The sniper rifle is developed by Knight’s Armament Company in a 7.62x51mm NATO round.

It has been introduced to the U.S. SOF community in April 2008, when U.S. Army soldiers from Task Force Fury in Afghanistan used them in a combat zone. The troops rated the weapon very highly, noting the quality of the weapon and its semi-automatic capabilities compared to the bolt-action M24. It is considered as one of the most advanced sniper rifles in the world.

Designed: 2007 Cartridge: 7.62×51mm NATO Action: Gas-operated, rotating bolt Rate of fire: Semi-automatic Muzzle velocity: 783 m/s (2,570 ft/s) with 175 gr. M118LR Effective firing range: 800 meters (875 yds) Feed system: 10 or 20-round detachable box magazine

M40

The M40 rifle is a standard-issue sniper rifle in the USMC (United States Marine Corps). It is a bolt-action sniper rifle introduced into service in 1966. So far, it has had four variants—the M40, M40A1, M40A3, and M40A5. The changeover to the A1 model was completed in the 1970s, the A3 in the 2000s, and the A5 in 2009.

Each M40 is built from a Remington 700 bolt-action rifle and is modified by USMC armorers at Marine Corps Base Quantico, using components from a number of suppliers. New M40A5s are being built, and A1s are upgraded to A3s and A5s as they rotate into the armory for service and repair.

Designed: 1966 Cartridge: 7.62×51mm NATO Action: Bolt action Rate of fire: 6 RPM Muzzle velocity: 777 m/s (2,550 ft/s) (w/175 gr. M118LR) Effective firing range: 800 meters Feed system: 5-round integral box magazine (M40, M40A1, M40A3) 10-round removable box magazine (M40A5) Sights: Scout Sniper Day Scope (SSDS)—Schmidt and Bender PM II 3-12×50

AS50

The AS50 sniper rifle was primarily designed for the British Armed Forces and the United States Navy SEALs. It was employed due to its high rate of fire (five rounds in 1.6 seconds).

The AS50 was manufactured by British firearms producer Accuracy International and chambered in a .50 BMG caliber.This sniper rifle enables operators to engage targets at very long range with high accuracy using explosive or incendiary ammunition. The AS50 employs a gas-operated semi-automatic action and muzzle brake, allowing for lower recoil than the AW50 bolt-action rifle and faster target acquisition.

Designed: 2007 Cartridge: .50 BMG Action: The gas operation, direct impingement Rate of fire: semi-automatic, estimated at 5 rounds/1.6 seconds Effective firing range: 1,800 m Feed system: 5 or 10-round detachable box magazine

McMillan Tac-50

The McMillan Tac-50 sniper rifle was produced as a military and law enforcement weapon, which, designated as the C15. The rifle is also a standard Long Range Sniper Weapon (LRSW) of the Canadian Forces since 2000. Rifles of the Tac-50 family are capable of outstanding accuracy and guaranteed to provide 0.5 MOA groups with match grade ammunition.

The Tac-50 sniper rifle is produced in Phoenix, Arizona in the United States by McMillan Firearms Manufacturing. This long-range anti-material/anti-personnel weapon is based on previous designs from the same company, which first appeared during the late 1980s. McMillan makes several versions of .50 caliber rifles, based on the same proprietary action, for the military, law enforcement, and civilian use.

Designed: 1980s Cartridge: .50 BMG (12.7 x 99 mm) Action: manually operated rotary bolt action Muzzle velocity: 805 m/s (2,641 ft/s) Effective firing range: 1,800 m (1,970 yd) Feed system: 5 round detachable box magazine Sights: Customizable; 5-25x telescopic sight standard in Canadian Forces

Accuracy International AWM (Arctic Warfare Magnum)

The Accuracy International AWM (Arctic Warfare Magnum) is one of the most recognized sniper rifles among the special forces community. The rifle is a bolt-action styled manufactured by Accuracy International and designed for magnum rifle cartridge chamberings. The Accuracy International AWM is also unofficially known as the AWSM (Arctic Warfare Super Magnum), which typically denotes AWM rifles chambered in .338 Lapua Magnum.

On 25 September 2012 Accuracy International announced on their company website that the AWM .338 Lapua Magnum rifle is being phased out and replaced by the Accuracy International AX338 rifle.

Designed: 1996 Cartridge: .300 Winchester Magnum .338 Lapua Magnum Action: Bolt-action Effective firing range: 1,100 m (1,203 yd) (.300 Winchester Magnum) 1,500 m (1,640 yd) (.338 Lapua Magnum) Feed system: 5-round detachable box magazine Sights: detachable aperture type iron sights day or night optics

CheyTac Intervention

The CheyTac Intervention is considered as a star among sniper rifles. An American-made bolt-action sniper rifle manufactured by CheyTac LLC is one of the most favorited on the market. It is fed by a 7-round detachable single-stack magazine. It is chambered for .408 Chey Tac or .375 Chey Tac ammunition. The manufacturer states that the system is capable of delivering sub-MOA accuracy at ranges of up to 2,500 yards (2,300 m), one of the longest ranges of all modern-day sniper rifles.

It is based on the EDM Arms Windrunner and it can be found in various variants: M-200, M-200 Carbine, M-200 CIV (Civilian), M-200 RK, M-310 SS (Single Shot), and M-310 R (Repeater).

Designed: 2001 Cartridge: .408 Chey Tac or .375 Chey Tac Action: Bolt action Effective firing range: 2000+ m – M-200 2000+ m – M-200 Carbine 1500+ m – M-200 CIV (Civilian) 1800+ m – M-310 SS (Single Shot) 1800+ m – M-310 R (Repeater) Feed system: 7-round detachable box magazine Sights: Day or night optics

Barrett M107

The Barrett M107 is a .50 caliber, shoulder-fired, semi-automatic sniper rifle. Like its predecessors (Barrett M82), the rifle is said to have manageable recoil for a weapon of its size owing to the barrel assembly that itself absorbs a force, moving inward toward the receiver against large springs with every shot.

Various changes were made to the original M82A1 to create the M107, with new features such as a lengthened accessory rail, rear grip, and monopod socket.

The Barrett M107, like previous members of the M82 line, is also referred to as the Barrett “Light Fifty”. The designation has in many instances supplanted earlier ones, with the M107 being voted one of 2005’s top 10 military inventions by the U.S. Army and it is one of the most advanced sniper rifles today.

Designed: 1980 Cartridge: .50 BMG (12.7×99mm) Action: Bolt action Effective firing range: 1,829 m (6,001 ft) Feed system: 11-round detachable box magazine Sights: Day or night optics

Which polymer-framed pistols have reigned supreme since the 1980s?

I don’t have to tell you; it’s Glock.

Over 60% of the American police force carry Glocks. SOCOM carries Glocks, and numerous international police and military forces all choose Glocks.

They are also extremely popular in the hands of concealed carriers, home defenders, and competition shooters.

But as Glocks grew in popularity, so did their aftermarket.

Recently that same aftermarket has become so big and expansive that these same companies are now producing Glock clones.

Yep, the design has spread like wildfire, and Gaston’s plastic fantastics are no longer just made by Glock.

So, of course, we had to dive further into the clone phenomena.

We’ll run you through why you might want a Glock clone (or not) and also give you some recommendations on which ones are best if you’re in the mood to buy.

Keep reading to learn more.

THE QUICK LIST

Why a Glock Clone?

Glock clearly makes excellent pistols, so why would you ever want a clone?

Well, Glock is a behemoth of a company. And like behemoths, they are slow to move and adapt.

We saw the aftermarket continuously upgrade the Glock platform, pushing the design — from high-end race guns to perfected defensive firearms.

A Glock clone allows you to buy the Glock-style pistol with the features you want.

Instead of buying a Glock and then spending double the money to cut the slide for an optic, add suppressor height sights and a threaded barrel, drop in a nice trigger, tweak the magwell, etc., you can just…buy it the way you want.

Honestly, it’s cheaper to buy a fully customized Glock than to customize a stock Glock piece by piece.

When you start looking at clones, you’ll realize some people might not want a Glock but want the reliability, simplicity, and parts availability associated with the build.

As such, the Glock clone market gives you a not a Glock with Glock compatibility.

Clones allow for upgrades that Glock fans want that the company refuses to release.

A Glock Clone can give me a dedicated optic footprint not reliant on the less-than-stellar Glock MOS system.

Also, maybe you want a better grip angle, an undercut trigger guard, an enhanced beavertail, and the like…well, then a Glock clone is the only way to do that.

Cons

But nothing is without a downside, clones included. The biggest issue with a Glock clone is that it doesn’t have the factory support a standard Glock does.

If your OEM pistol breaks, Glock can easily fix the problem and ship it back.

With a clone, you’re at the mercy of smaller/boutique companies that can’t always match Glock’s lead times.

That and clones are often a generation or even two generations behind Glock OEM pistols.

This leads to Glock clones lacking the stock OEM features of the current Glock generation.

Best Glock Clones

1. PSA Dagger

Palmetto State Armory entered the world of Glock clones in 2020 with the Dagger.

Essentially, it’s a Glock G19 Gen 3 but heavily modified and upgraded from the standard Glock format.

A compact build, it’s well-suited for both concealed carry and home defense.

The frame features a heavy-duty grip texture that’s beyond aggressive in its stippling, while the slide offers melted corners for more comfortable concealment.

It also sports front and rear slide serrations.

PSA improved the ergonomics of the Glock by including an undercut under the trigger guard, a more aggressive beavertail, and a massive magazine release.

They did all of this on a pistol they sell for a mere $300!

PSA’s Dagger provides an affordable Glock option full of features for a very low price point.

The biggest downside is that PSA seems continually sold out of these pistols – so it’s going to take some time before they are easy to find.

Want more info on the Dagger? Check out our full review.

2. Shadow Systems MR920

Gucci Glocks have become one of the most common Glock configurations, and the Shadow Systems MR920 embraces that.

Shadow Systems’ MR920 ships with all the features and add-ons you could ever want. These pistols are Glock 19-sized and come factory ready for gettin’ Gucci.

First, they offer an optics cut compatible with most major optic brands without the need for plates.

The optics cut is optional, but if you step into 2021, you can rock a Holosun, Trijicon, Vortex, or Leupold optics.

Its frame is built around user control with an aggressive beavertail, a dynamic trigger undercut, and a very aggressive grip texture.

Not to mention, the slide features its own serrations for easy racking and press checks.

Obviously, Glock’s crappy plastic sights are tossed — these guns wear Ameriglo sights instead.

The MR920 takes Glock mags, and to make shoving those mags faster into the gun Shadow Systems includes a massive magwell for speed reloads.

From top to bottom, the Shadow Systems MR920 comes complete with all the Gucci features most Glock owners want, making it one of the best out-of-the-box Glock clones on the market.

If the standard MR920 isn’t your style, Shadow Systems has a plethora of other flavors that might work better. So check out our reviews on the MR920L, XR920, and DR920.

3. Lone Wolf LTD19 V2

Lone Wolf was one of the O.G.s of Glock aftermarket parts and pieces. So, it makes sense they would dive into Glock clones eventually.

The LTD19 V2 predictably uses the oh-so-famous Glock 19 frame and slide size to create a compact pistol.

Lone Wolf’s design goal was to make the pistol extremely lightweight and ergonomic, and the LTD19 V2 shaves off almost 5 ounces of Glock baggage. This ultimately creates a lighter, thinner pistol.

Does the Timberwolf frame look a little odd at first? That’s because it’s noticeably thinner than the original Glock 19 frame.

This reduction in bulk makes the pistol more ergonomic and is especially notable for those with smaller hands.

Don’t worry; the Lone Wolf LTD19 V2 features a generous undercut for a nice high grip to accommodate XL-sized hands and increase control.

An extended beavertail lets you choke up and not get slide bite. As a guy with big hands, Glocks also take a bite out of me.

The Lone Wolf LTD19 V2 comes with a low-profile magwell, an enlarged magazine release, and an enlarged slide stop.

It’s an ergonomic powerhouse from one of the oldest Glocksmiths.

If you want another option, check out our review of the previous generation — the LTD 19 V1.

4. Polymer80 PFS9/PFC9

Polymer80 made its bones in the 80% lower market and turned heads with its Glock 80% frames.

And the company spun that into a successful line of complete pistols utilizing the famed P80 Glock frames.

The PFS9 and PFC9 represent the full-size and compactvariants, respectively.

Both opt for a P80 frame, notable for being more ergonomic than the stock Glock frame.

Its grip features a massive undercut in the trigger guard and aggressive beavertail to maximize control and improve comfort.

Also, the grip texture feels extremely aggressive with a scalloped magazine release for easier activation.

The frame also follows the same grip angle as a 1911 with a bit straighter frame design.

It’s personal preference, but many folks prefer that more ‘American’ angle on their pistols. (I’m one of them.)

The PFS9 and PFC9 also feature an actual Picatinny rail in spec and not Glock’s own weird OEM rail.

Internals are Gen 3 parts, and most are compatible with aftermarket Glock goodness. However, there isn’t much I’d change.

The flat-faced trigger is very nice, as are the steel rounded sights. At a relatively affordable price point of $550, the Polymer 80 pistols make a budget-friendly alternative to Gaston’s Glock.

Read our review of the PFC9 here!

5. Alpha Foxtrot AF-C Forged Pistol

The more things change, the more they stay the same.

Glock wasn’t the first polymer frame pistol, but they were the first successful polymer frame pistol.

Somewhere along the way, people decided to hell with that and designed a metal frame Glock clone.

The Alpha Foxtrot AF-C Forged Pistol utilizes Alpha Foxtrot forged frame with their custom slide to create one interesting Glock design.

Alpha Foxtrot makes 1911s, and you can tell that by the styling of the AF-C.

The grip angle looks almost identical to a 1911, with an improved extended beavertail and retro-future vibe.

Its frame also features gas pedals to reduce recoil and improve control.

Unlike a polymer frame, these gas pedals are more than just cuts but rather forged pedals allowing for more pressure and, therefore, more control.

On the outside, this is clearly a custom Glock. But, unlike other custom Glocks, it’s a bit more practical in its design.

No crazy lightening cuts, massive holes in the slide, or similar slots, notches, or tabs. It’s perfect for defensive use and more than capable in that role.

Adopting a Glock 19 size, it’s carry-friendly. However, expect more weight with the metal frame than the classic polymer frame.

Lots of people still like metal-framed pistols, but they want Glock reliability and parts compatibility.

If this sounds like you, then the Alpha Foxtrot AF-C might work for you.

6. Faxon FX-19 HellFire Compact Pistol

Faxon is well known — mostly for the ARAK 21, awesome barrels – but go ahead and add the FX-19 to that list.

As you’d expect, the FX-19 is a Glock 19-sized clone, but it’s built from the ground up to embrace the Gucci Glock theme.

The frame is a collaboration between Faxon and Polymer80 — a custom rig using a special PF940C frame.

Its grip texture feels aggressive, and the high undercut trigger guard allows for a high grip. All the while, the beavertail continues to reinforce that nice high grip.

You still get a Picatinny rail, making light and laser additions a bit easier.

The FX-19 HellFire Compact Pistol comes with a heavily customized slide featuring lightening cuts. These cuts reduce weight and recoil via mass reduction.

Optics cuts come standard, and the mount fits the Trijicon RMR and similar optics.

To back that optic up, you get a set of suppressor height sights for easy co-witnessing.

Don’t forget the threaded barrel for compensators or cans. Rounding out the features, the Overwatch Precision trigger gives a light and smooth pull.

When you want a plug-and-play customized Glock clone, the FX-19 fills that gap.

No need to gather parts and play amateur gunsmith when Faxon can do it for you.

Check out our review of the Faxon FX-19 Hellfire here, or give it a rating below!

7. ZRO Delta One

What if you wanted a Glock for every occasion but also only wanted it to be one pistol?

Well, then the ZRO Delta One has you covered.

This engineering marvel starts as a compact Glock clone but can transform via ‘conversions’ to a Glock of any size and design.

Like the Sig Sauer P320, the ZRO Delta One uses a fire control unit that acts as the firearm portion.

Shooters then customize their modulus to whatever they want it…and I mean whatever.

It’s not just swapping slides but swapping dustcovers, backstraps, magwells, and more.

The frame can grow from a Glock 19 to Glock 17 with a specific magwell or go full gamer with a massive magwell for the faster funnel of reloads.

You can even move from a Glock 19 size to Glock 34!

We get all the necessary upgrades, including an optics cut, an undercut trigger guard, a beavertail, steel sights, and so on.

Oh, did I mention the frame is also made from metal?

That said, this is a very expensive gun…a nice gun, but an expensive one.

While it’s not for everyone, it’s a truly beautiful and functional feat of engineering.

8. 80% Arms GST-9

If you really want something custom built for you…by you…then you might want to pick up the 80% Arms GST-9.

This is an 80% Glock build, meaning it’s not a fully functioning firearm, but with some know-how and some time, you actually build the gun yourself.

80% Arms offers lots of features and customizations, so you can fine-tune it how you want.

It might seem intimidating to DIY, but 80% Arms includes everything you need in the pistol build kit. We promise, it’s not as scary as it seems!

We’re sure you’re wondering…is this legal? In most parts of the U.S., it is, but definitely check your local laws before buying.

Also worth noting, the ATF cracked down on these kits and no longer allows the jig — the part that helps you finish the gun — to be sold with the frame. So you will have to buy them in separate transactions.

Our very own Johnny B put one together and really enjoyed his time with it. You can read his review here!

Final Thoughts

Glock Clones are almost a dime a dozen these days. Every year it seems like more and more companies introduce new clones.

Let’s face it; Glock is clearly on the way to becoming the AR-15 of the handgun world, and why not?

They are reliable with a modern design, extremely simple to use, and easy to work on or fix. It’s unlikely we’ll see the world of Glock clones slow down anytime soon.

So, what’s your favorite Glock clone? Let us know below! If a clone won’t do and you need the real deal, check out our recommendations of the Best Glocks or customize your Glock with the Best Glock Upgrades.