In the world of handguns, Glock pistols have become a standard against which many others are measured. Back in the day, people used to say, “If you want a Glock, buy a Glock.” This was a reference to not purchasing a “knock-off” pistol.
But times have changed, and not even the inventor of what some call a “perfected” pistol will keep others at bay. In the search for a Glock-style pistol with more bling or some other design change, people are interested in Glock-cloned pistols. In fact, many of the Glock cloned handguns sell for more than an actual Glock pistol does.
Either way, Glock made a pistol that has become so legendary that various companies wish to make their own version of it. This is somewhat like the AR-15, which is America’s favorite rifle. Multiple companies make the same style of weapon with many parts being interchangeable.
One such company is Bull Armory, an Israeli manufacturer. Their introduction into the Glock-clone race included the AXE C Tomahawk, their version of the Glock 19. Here is a quick look at these two pistols side by side.
Glock 19: Nothing But Reliability
The first time I fired a Glock 19 was nearly two decades ago, in the police academy. We trained mostly with Glock 17 pistols, but we also had some G19s around. This was back in the day when the Beretta 92 and the Sig P226 were still among the most popular handguns being carried. Glocks had started to dominate, but many continued to view them as ugly plastic guns.
I didn’t like them until I fired thousands of rounds through them at the academy and began carrying one at work. The more time went by, the more I liked Glock pistols. While I carried a G17 on duty, it was a G19 that became my go-to gun. I carried it off duty and on duty when working plain-clothes assignments.
The G19 is a compact version of the G17 and is probably among the most popular Glock models. Its durability, along with its weight, accuracy, and ammo capacity, sets Glock apart from other handguns.
Another aspect of the Glock 19 that should not be overlooked is the extensive availability of aftermarket parts. From triggers and barrels to sights and mags, the customization options are nearly endless, allowing owners to tailor the Glock 19 to their specific needs and preferences.
But even though the Glock 19 is simple and, in some respects, “perfected,” some people still want more—more color, more aesthetic features, etc. No matter how many changes other companies make to their own version of a Glock pistol, it will not replace the original Glock 19.
Bull Armory’s AXE C Tomahawk (Glock 19)
Bull Armory has a reputation for crafting high-quality firearms, and the AXE C stands out. When I saw the AXE C Tomahawk, I wasn’t looking to replace my Glock 19, but I wanted something a little different; something with some contrast and interesting serrations or cutouts.
The AXE C Tomahawk caught my eye, and once I had it in my hands, I didn’t want to leave the store without it. I think the cutout at the top of the slide with the spiral-shaped barrel is what I like the most. While it’s a Glock clone, it has several unique features that stand out from the standard Glock 19.
Key Differences Between the AXE C and Glock 19
At first glance, the most obvious differences between the two pistols are the grip texture, slide serrations, and barrel. Sometimes, the little things make a big difference in appearance. Bull Armory added a red trigger safety to the trigger, which gives it just a little bit of color and really stands out. The flat-faced trigger looks nice, but I will say it’s just a little too wide for me and isn’t quite as comfortable shooting as a Glock pistol. But it has a lighter trigger weight, which makes up for this a little.
How does the AXE C compare to the Glock 19 on the range?
Several factors come into play when comparing the Glock 19 and the Bull Armory AXE C on the range. The trigger pull is a significant point of comparison. The Glock 19’s standard trigger has a consistent pull weight of around 5.5 lbs, which many shooters find reliable and predictable. In comparison, the AXE c’s flat trigger has a lighter pull weight of approximately 4 lbs.
As I mentioned above, the AXE c has a flat-faced trigger, which I normally prefer. I’m not sure what it is about this particular trigger, but I think I like the Glock 19 trigger a little more. This is really a personal preference, as both still use the same basic design.
When shooting the Bull- Armory pistol, I liked the grip serrations, oversized mag release, and support thumb serrations. This gun just feels comfortable in your hands, and it’s easy to keep a good grip when shooting fast. When you’re shooting one-handed, the upper portion of the grip fits perfectly with your index finger and thumb on both sides of the grip.
While both guns shoot great, I shoot just a little better with my G19 than the AXE C. Others that have fired my AXE C shot with it better than the factory Glock, but I think it really depends on the person.
Compatibility and customization
Both pistols offer extensive customization options. The Glock 19’s market presence means a plethora of aftermarket parts are available, from triggers to sights to barrels. The AXE C, while newer to the market, is compatible with Gen 3 Glock accessories.
It accepts Glock mags and fits in most holsters, although the aggressive slide serrations do cause some holster compatibility issues. I’ve carried the AXE c in my Galco Vertical shoulder holster and multiple polymer holsters. But some holsters with tight tolerances, like Safariland duty holsters, may not work.
It comes optics-ready, and the iron sights can be upgraded with any Glock-compatible sights. I’m not sure what else someone would want to upgrade on the AXE c as it comes with mostly upgraded parts already. But, if you want to switch a part out, it shouldn’t be hard to do.
Is one better than the other?
Both the Glock 19 and the Bull Armory AXE C Tomahawk are excellent pistols with their unique strengths. The Glock 19 is a proven performer, renowned for its reliability and simplicity. It’s like the AK of handguns and will probably remain that way for some time to come.
The Bull Armory AXE C, on the other hand, offers features like the spiral barrel and flat trigger that make it look cool and add a customized feel. I’m sure the AXE C is reliable because it’s a Glock clone. But like other firearms, I like having the flashy gun that looks nice and the workhorse that’s made for the apocalypse. I like both, just for different purposes.
Ultimately, the choice between these two pistols will come down to what you want. If you like the idea of a Glock-style pistol but think Glock handguns are too “plain Jane,” then go with the Bull Armory. But there’s also nothing wrong with having a Glock 19 lying around, either. Both are great guns, and both have a place in my world.
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