Guns & Ammo
Is the Glock 43 the Must Have Handgun?
What makes the Glock 43 special? Like many Glock 26 9mm handgun owners, we chose the 26 for a reason, mostly because of its smaller size compared to the larger 19 or 17 models. That being said, many considered it “fat” and wondered aloud, “Imagine if this could be the same gun, but just slimmer” – for even better conceal-ability. Fast forward to today and we have it: the popular Glock 43 frame chambered in 9mm. Sure we gave up a round or two of ammunition in the magazine, but who cares? IT’S SLIM! And unless you have huge hands, it fits very nicely into your hands. It’s a smooth shooter with familiar sights and functionality.
Slimmer And More Compact Glock 43
Pistol Details
The Glock 43 is simply classic Glock overall, basing on its appearance. The slide has a nice nitro carburized finish that makes it corrosion-resistant. It has an oversized Gen 4 configuration mag release which is very easy to activate. Out of the box, this handgun normally comes with 2 six-round mags. It also has a nice Gen 4 texturing which allows small hands to get a good grip on this pistol's one-inch width frame. This Glock has a length of only 6 inches, a width of slightly over an inch, and a height of 4.25 inches.
The Difference from Other Pistols
In terms of how the parts are set up, one thing that makes the Glock 43 different from others is the connector in the rear. It has a different shape compared to most standard pistols. The trigger pull also feels a little bit different with its leaf spring. With the trigger mechanism fit inside a smaller frame, more pressure is required in the uptake process. The striker safety also has a unique oval shape as opposed to other Glocks' usual round shape.
Glock 43 vs 26
The Glock 26 is the original baby Glock. Both pistols look very similar if you stack the Glock 43 and Glock 26 on top of each other. Although, the 26 is as fat as any other Glock, while the 43 has a much slimmer profile. In some situations, it's easier to carry the Glock 43. You know you have a hit when the custom guys start taking notice – and they have. Here is the latest from Boresight Solutions in Florida. Their custom Glock 43 custom work features cutouts on the slide, grip stippling, a new trigger, and more.
Check out the full video review from our friend MrGunsnGear:
Now the question and debate are on. Is the Glock 43 the perfect carry gun? I have watched this debate for a few months now and am starting to wonder what really is wrong with the Glock 43 as a carry option for many, if not all of us. Overall, the Glock 43 is great and reliable for concealed carry. A lot of small guns have terrible triggers but not this Glock. For a gun of this size, the Glock 43 is one of the most shootable guns out there. It's definitely an excellent pistol for concealed carry.
What can you say about the Glock 43 versus other pistol models? Share your thoughts in the comments section below!
Up Next: Top Glock Mods To Consider For Glock Owners
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Editor’s Note – This post was originally published in September 2017 and has been updated for quality and relevancy.
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Mikial
October 1, 2017 at 4:46 PM
I like Glocks, and own several. I also carried a G17 in Iraq while doing private security, so I know they are reliable and accurate . . . heavy on the reliable. I prefer greater ammo capacity, but if it’s a choice between low capacity and a gun that doesn’t shoot as well or isn’t reliable, reliability wins every day. Is the G43 a “must have” gun? No, not really, but it is a great option when your in situations where you can’r carry a larger gun with more ammo capacity.
Proud US vet/American
October 1, 2017 at 11:20 AM
I have never been a huge “GLOCK” fan, but with that being said, for a personal protection gun to work for me, my number one concern is not so much the pistol I use, but the ammo I cycle through that pistol and how the pistol reacts to it. Some pistols are very finicky about some hollow points hanging up during the ejection process, and some are not. If I find a pistol that is temperamental with certain ammo, I look for another gun. I want a gun that will fire every ammo I put in it all the time, after all, my life may depend on it! This is one reason why I prefer a revolver over a pistol for my #1 go to concealed carry weapon. I do have full size pistols, Colt .45 ACP, M&P 9mm, Taurus 92 9mm, but I prefer revolvers for a ccw weapon.
Mikial
October 1, 2017 at 4:48 PM
I agree with you on the reliability issue. With over 10,000 rounds of all sorts of ammo through my old Gen 3 Glock and not a single malfunction, I have absolute confidence that when i draw and pull the trigger it will go bang.
David T.
October 1, 2017 at 11:10 AM
I enjoy my Glock 43. I carry it 98% of the time when I carry it concealed. It fits comfortably in my waistband and is very difficult to detect. When I carry open, I generally carry my GP100 Ruger (.357) with a 4 inch barrel and custom Cherrywood grips. Yes, they both only have 6 shots, but if you need more than 6 bullets, you are in the wrong neighborhood. I have the extra clip for my Glock and a Speedloader for my Ruger. The Glock fits in my hand perfectly. I am 6′ and 190 lbs. It has yet to jam on me and it is accurate. Combine the functionality of the weapon with the 115 grain Gold Dot hollow points and it is a very reliable gun. I can honestly say that I have no regrets.
David S
October 1, 2017 at 8:14 AM
It is just another Glock in yet another size.
At 6’2 and 225 lbs I need at least 4″ of grip, add another 1″ for slide and sights, so it needs to be 5″ tall. I also like a 4″ barrel. Which means the Glock 32 (19 for you 9mm folks) is the perfect size for someone my size.
Maybe you are smaller, and this is a good size for you. It is 4.25″ tall, 6.26″ long and 1.02″ wide (.95″ grip) with a 3.39″ barrel.
Then again look at the competition. Springfield has the XD-S that is 4.4″ tall (5″ with the mid mag extension), 6.3″ long with a .9″ wide grip with a 3.3″ barrel. That comes in 9, 40 and 45 (what no 357 Sig?) and has a rail that the Glock 43 does not. It also comes with a 4″ barrel, that is 7″ long in 9 and .45.
Or consider the XDm 3.8 compact. 4.75″ tall (my pinky is wider than a 1/4 inch, that should still work), 6.75″ long 1.18″ wide grip with a 3.8″ barrel.
wally west
October 1, 2017 at 6:25 PM
D.S.
no one with a brain would ever trust their life to an XD anything!!!
I worked in gun store(with an indoor range)for six years and I know of what I speak!
David S
October 1, 2017 at 8:06 PM
What anecdotes could you possibly share to compare with the XD-S being
one of the 5 Best-Selling Handguns of 2016? You are just one former gun
store employee.
wally west
October 3, 2017 at 1:57 PM
D.S.
clearly you are total novice regrading quality handguns or anything firearms related
8541 VietNam
October 1, 2017 at 7:27 AM
No I do not believe the Glock 43 is a must have pistol. I have owned a few Glocks and to be honest, they are really boring to shoot. Many people think the Glock is cool and they buy them for that reason alone. But for Concealed carry i believe Glock doen’t make the grade.
Arno
marie
October 1, 2017 at 10:47 AM
A female, in your opinion what is a good choice gun For concealment.
Normally I don’t carry a purse ?
David T.
October 1, 2017 at 11:14 AM
For a female, I would suggest that you look at the Beretta Nano. Small, very sleek-looking and comfortable. It is also VERY reliable, which is what you learn to expect from Beretta. Give it a gander. I have a friend, who’s wife carries one and I have fired it at the range and it is very nice. Very low recoil, smooth action and accurate. Easy to clean, as well.
David S
October 1, 2017 at 3:34 PM
It all depends upon how big your hands are. Get the shortest grip you can wrap your pinky around. That might be the Nano, this Glock or a Springfield XD-S. Go to a gun store and rent all three. Nano is 4.17″ tall, Glock 43 4.25″, XD-S 4.4″. Beretta and Springfield Armory both come with extended 8 round magazines, try them with those as well.
Mikial
October 1, 2017 at 4:39 PM
Good question, but remember, the right gun isn’t about your gender, it’s about your size, grip, and capability. My wife simply refuses to carry anything except her Beretta 92, and she is very good with it. She has small hands, but is very strong and aggressive and likes a full sized guns; she has no difficulty shooting her 1911 Government model. Just don’t let anyone tell you what you “should” carry, but try out a lot of different guns until you find the one for you. It might be a good idea to look for women’s shooting groups in your area, there is generally one around you can talk to. I knew we have several in Virginia, and then attend one of their activities and ask the other ladies what they like and why.
wally west
October 1, 2017 at 6:27 PM
Arno – don’t know
spoken like a true novice! Glocks are, without a doubt, the most reliable handgun on the planet!