The G43 was Glock's first venture into slim-line, single-stack 9mm concealed carry subcompacts.
The Glock 43 (G43) was Glock's first ever single-stack 9mm pistol. It was specifically designed for concealed carry and as a backup duty gun for law enforcement.
While it looks similar in dimensions to the Glock 26, the G43 was actually built from the ground up and wasn't based on any other Glock pistol models to be slimmer overall than the company's double-stack offerings. It was followed by the G43X and G48 in 2019.
1. The 43's Debut
Glock released the G43 at the NRA Annual Meeting in 2015 as the the CCW polymer pistol craze was really ramping up. Today, pretty much every major handgun manufacturer produces a subcompact or ultra compact single-stack 9mm pistol option, the Glock 43 has found plenty of space and shooters who prefer Glock's frame design have found it to be a comfortable shooter for its size regardless of hand size.
2. Get a grip
The built-in beaver tail design allows for a high and tight grip while the aggressive texture of the grip surface allows for a secure grip even in wet conditions or with gloves.
3. Slim profile
The G43 has a 6-round magazine capacity, but because it's a single stack, it cannot use higher capacity double-stack 9mm mags like other Glock models.
The G43 makes for a great every day carry (EDC) carry gun that can be concealed in almost any type of clothing with the proper holster.
4. Tough to Stay on Top
Since it was released, the Glock 43 has been topped in many ways by higher capacity 9mm CCW pistols with similar dimensions like the SIG Sauer P365 and the Springfield Armory Hellcat and even the Smith & Wesson Shield in 9mm, Glock released the G43X in 2019 with the same slide length as the G43 but a longer grip, allowing for a 10-round capacity and creating a pistol with height similar to that of the popular Glock 19.
The G48, released at the same time, is essentially the same gun with a longer slide and barrel. While the world of concealed carry subcompact pistols has grown in the past few years, the G43 and G43X still has its place and is a favorite carry gun for many.
Glock 43 Specs
- Caliber: 9x19mm
- Capacity: 6+1
- Action: Glock Safe Action
- Barrel Length: 3.41"
- Overall Length: 6.26"
- Width: 1.06"
- Slide Width: 0.87"
- Height: 4.25"
- Weight: 17.99 oz.
- Finish: Black polymer frame/ black slide finished in Tenifer
- MSRP: $529
For good measure, we'll touch on some of the details of the G43X to show the similarities and differences.
Glock G43X Specs
The G43X includes a reversible magazine catch, a match-grade Glock Marksman Barrel and front slide serrations. The G43X MOS is available with a slide milled for a red-dot base.
- Caliber: 9x19mm
- Capacity: 10+1
- Action: Glock Safe Action
- Barrel Length: 3.41"
- Overall Length: 6.5"
- Slide Length: 6.06"
- Width: 1.10"
- Slide Width: 0.87"
- Height: 5.04"
- Weight: 23.07 oz.
- Finish: nDLC
- MSRP: $529
NEXT: GLOCK ACCESSORIES: RECOMMENDATIONS FOR OWNERS OF THE ICONIC FIREARMS
WATCH
