Glock 43X

Description

The Glock 43 held only 6+1 rounds of 9mm

For many of us, that’s simply not enough rounds to get off before needing to reload. Especially when you consider that the Sig P365 is comparably the same size, and yet holds double the capacity with 12+1 rounds. Luckily for Glock lovers, things have finally changed… The Glock 43X is a hybrid, pulling together the compact design of the Glock 43 and the newly released Glock 48. These are both part of the new Glock slimline series, with the G48 having a slightly longer slide length.

With the G43X was designed with an increased capacity in mind, while paying attention to retaining the conceal-ability of the handgun. Thus, the G43X is a cross between the G43 and the G48, which explains the ‘X’ at the end.

Interesting fact: Glock only makes one other crossover model, the Glock 19X.
What are the Details on the Glock 43X?

Glock 43X DetailThe frame of the G43x is the traditional black polymer, while the slide has a matte silver nPVD finish. This provides a shine-free exterior that looks good, though some may find the silver slide off-putting.

The aggressive beavertail shape scoops down a bit. This allows for an aggressive high grip without needing to worry about slide bite.

Standard Glock in some ways…

The magazine release is on the left, though you can reverse this. Similarly, the raised dot grip texture is on all four sides, making it feel like any other Glock. The trigger measures about 6 pounds, making it a touch heavier than some other Glocks. The safety leaf sits in the center, which again makes this feel like any other Glock you’ve taken to the shooting range.

As we have mentioned already, the Glock 43X was designed as a conceal carry gun. This is effectively a G43, with the frame stretched slightly. This allows for a more filled out grip, which in turn has increased the capacity from 6 to 10 rounds in the chamber.

The Glock 43X is a 9mm Handgun

Introduced at the 2019 SHOT Show, this is one of two of Glock’s slim-line pistols. We praise Glock for listening to users by releasing a larger capacity conceal carry weapon. However, many in the industry were still underwhelmed. The G43X does have more capacity than the G43, but it still holds less than the main competition – the P365.

Despite this shortfall, many Glock lovers have been overjoyed with the G43X. Being a Glock, it has the accuracy and reliability expected. Plus, it is the best compromise found in the Glock range for a conceal carry with adequate capacity for 9mm rounds.

The G43X is a subcompact 9x19mm slimline pistol.

The black slide has a nDLC finish, and the frame incorporates elements of the Gen5 and Slimline series. This includes a short trigger distance, built-in beavertail frame, and reversible magazine catch.

The accuracy benefits from the match-grade Glock Marksman Barrel (GMB) and the precision-milled front serrations. This, along with the well-balanced grip, all comes together to produce a wonderful addition to the Glock line.

How big is it exactly?

The barrel on the G43X is 3.41 inches and utilizes the same slide as the G43. This means the length is the same as the G43 at 6.06 inches. The magazine is extended to 5.04 inches, making the G43x a wee bit taller.

The magazine of the G43X is not interchangeable with the G43. We were expecting a double stack, but in fact, it is a single-stack Glock Slim 01.

The slide has serrations on the front and back. You then have the option of a factory white dot or factory upgraded sight set. The Glock night sights and Ameriglo Bold are both compatible upgrades.

Altogether this leaves the G43X weighing 23.07 ounces fully loaded, or 16.40 ounces without the magazine.
Get Your Glock 43X HERE

Why do we like the G43X?

The grip of the Glock 43X is smack-dab where it should be. Somewhere between the too big to conceal G19, while not unwieldy like the too small G43. In fact, the G43X is peeling users back after many Glock lovers made the switch to the Sig P365. The G43 was just too small for many of us to comfortably run the gun through drills.

Big enough for proper control, small enough to hide…

The G43X has a grip width of 1.1 inches, making it ideal for conceal carry. This also makes for a perfect fit in the hand, for many shooters.

Glock 43X DetailWe understand that many shooters want a shorter and slimmer option, but that’s not always for the best. It’s worth noting that most experienced shooters would agree that you want the gun to fill the palm of your hand.

This allows you to choke up on the thing, which in turn provides a stable shooting platform. Similarly, a proper hold helps to prevent limp-writing, combats muzzle rise, and helps to absorb recoil. If the Glock 43 was too small to comfortably shoot, we’d suggest trying the G43X. The small difference in the size of the grip makes a big change in the overall shooting experience.

The Glock has also added the forward slide serrations on the G43X. This is a new feature that was left off most prior models, and it makes for another fine addition.

A Glock is a Glock…

Perhaps the best aspect of the G43X is how familiar it feels in the hand. At least, it will to anyone used to handling Glocks. It may be smaller than other models, but it is predictably a Glock through and through. We found this to be rather reassuring, as the controls are all where you’d expect. In fact, if you are used to handling Glocks, the grip age and strong reset trigger will feel very familiar.

There’s a bit of snap to the recoil. You’d expect this with subcompact 9mm pistols, and we found the G43X recoil manageable.

Plus, you get accuracy Glock is known for…

It may not be a scalpel, but the G43X does retain the accuracy that Glock is known for. Of course, it will play differently in everyone’s hands, but we would consider this a great pistol for conceal carry.
What didn’t we like about the G43X?

While we do think that the Glock 43X is a great new addition to the conceal carry line, we weren’t 100% in love with it. We certainly don’t want to bias, so it’s now time to consider a couple of hang ups we found.

Our first complaint may seem odd to long time Glock lovers. The lack of an ergonomically designed grip feels like a bigger issue with the G43X than with larger Glocks. It’s a big step up from the G43 but still has that Glock-brick like feel to it.

The Glock 43X is a great conceal carry weapon for those with smaller hands.

While it may be just what you need, if you have smaller hands, many will find that the G43X will want to twist in the hand. Those with larger hands may not have had this issue with larger Glocks, but we’ve heard a few complain of it with the G43X.

A second issue that really lets the G43X down is the lack of an attachment rail. We are aware that the slimmer frame wouldn’t support the standard Glock lights, but still, it’s disappointing that Glock did not feature a rail.

Shooting blind isn’t wise…

Glock 43X RoundThe Glock 43X will likely end up being a popular conceal carry weapon. Unfortunately, defensive shooting often takes place in the dark, and some people will desire a light they can attach. In our opinion, this is a rather bad oversight by Glock.

The final complaint we would like to toss out there is one that really left us scratching our heads. The G43X is by no doubt a response to Sig’s P365, which one-upped Glock last year with their 12+ round capacity in a conceal carry frame.

Glock missed out on taking back the upper hand…

The 10+ round capacity is certainly a big step up from the G43. And we expect there will be high capacity clips available for the G43X within a short time. Still, Glock missed the opportunity of taking back the lead, and instead produced a great new pistol that is still not quite as good as the competition…

1
Length (Overall)**
165 mm | 6.50 inch
2
Slide Length
154 mm | 6.06 inch
3
Width (Overall)
28 mm | 1.10 inch
4
Slide Width
22 mm | 0.87 inch
5
Height incl.Mag.
128 mm | 5.04 inch
6
Line of Sight (Polymer)
133 mm | 5.24 inch

Line of Sight (Steel)
132 mm | 5.20 inch

Line of Sight (GNS)
131 mm | 5.16 inch
7
Trigger Distance**
67 mm | 2.64 inch
*FOR GEN4/GEN5 MODELS: Check out the Gen5 and Gen4 Technology area for medium/large backstraps.

Technical Data are rounded and do not reflect tolerances – they may be altered without notice! Subject to technical changes.

New and unused and unregistered!
Ammo can only be purchased if you also buy the gun.