Glock 43 Vs 43X
Specification Comparison and Reviews
The Glock 43 is a subcompact, 9mm pistol designed for concealed carry. It was the most concealable full-size 9mm on the market, but with its introduction of the G43X, Glock now has a more powerful option with a long barrel and added grip length. Let’s compare these two pistols side by side, to see how Glock 43 vs 43X stack up.
Table of Contents
The Glock 43X is slightly larger than its predecessor, but it still has a slim design which makes the pistol easy to handle. The grip surface on the frame of this pistol has been reshaped with an improved texture which provides better friction between your hand and the firearm. This added grip length allows for more powerful shots with less recoil, which also means a more accurate shot.
Features of Glock 43 Vs 43X
The G43X is so concealable that it can easily be hidden in a pant or shirt pocket. The standard magazine for this pistol holds 6 rounds of 9mm ammunition, while extended magazines hold up to 10 rounds.
Grip and Design
The G43X has a longer grip than the original G43. The barrel of this pistol is slightly longer, but not enough to affect concealability or overall size. The slide of this firearm locks back after firing the last round. The G43X has similar dimensions and weight to its predecessor and is compatible with all standard G43 9mm magazines.
Shooting and Aesthetics
The Glock 43 is a bit larger than the G43X. It feels a little top-heavy because of the extra inch of barrel and slide. But the size difference between these two guns is not really big. The weight also varies by less than 10 grams. Since the grips are stippled in both models, this makes grip retention nearly equal. Glock 43X comes with factory night sights while the G43 has none. However, one can purchase aftermarket white dot sight sets for the Glock 43 without having to get an expensive upgrade package. The GLOCK Marksman Barrel (GMB) in G43X does give it a slight advantage over the standard 6 groove single-right-hand twist rifling of the G43. One disadvantage with the Glock 43X is that it would not take standard GLOCK sights without an expensive upgrade package.
So, shooters who are used to aftermarket sight will have to purchase an upgrade package for their guns. Also, because of its slightly longer barrel and slide, the G43X has a slightly higher sight radius. However, the Glock 43 has a trapezoidal sight cut which allows for cheap and easy aftermarket sight installation. Muzzle flip is also more pronounced in G43X due to that extra inch of barrel. So practice time will be needed to get used to it. It is easier to conceal G43 than G43X. See our article on Glock 43 concealed carry holster for more information. As mentioned above, the best use for each of these pistols is different and based on personal preferences. So shooters should weigh out their own advantages and disadvantages to decide which one they should get.
Trigger and Sights
The G43X has a familiar trigger pull which is effective but not too light. The trigger pull for this firearm is 5 pounds, with a small amount of take-up and a short reset. This pistol comes with white three-dot steel sights which are drift adjustable for windage. The rear sight has two dots while the front sight only contains one dot. The G43X is slightly larger but still maintains the minimal profile of its predecessor.
The grip of this firearm has more surface area, which allows for an improved trigger pull with less recoil. These additional features make the G43X ideal for concealed carry and home defense situations. This firearm’s slide does not lock open after firing the last round. This way, a user with the last round in the magazine can quickly reload the last round in the magazine with no need for manually releasing the slide.
Size and Dimensions
The G43X has slightly larger dimensions compared to the original G43. The overall length of G 43x is 6.50 inch, and the height is 5.04 inch. The width of this firearm is 1.10 inch. The barrel length of this firearm is 3.41 inch long. The Overall length of G43 is 6.26 inch, and the height is 4.25 inch. The Width of this firearm is 1.06 inch. The barrel length of this firearm is 3.41 inch long. The G43X has the same low-profile, snag-free design as its predecessor and is made from high-grade polymer with a nDLC finish and an easy grip texture. The slide and barrel of this pistol are constructed of stainless steel and contain a passive internal drop safety. This firearm has a reversible magazine release, which makes it easy to switch the position of your magazine release for left-handed shooters.
After Market Aesthetics
Both the Glock 43X and the Glock 43 have a wide range of aftermarket accessories available. This makes it easy for shooters to customize their gun according to themselves. In addition, both models are almost identical from the internal parts point of view. So there is no difference here either. One can replace most factory parts on either one with parts available for the other one. See our article on how to spot a counterfeit Glock for more information. Both are reliable pistols designed for war-time use in harsh conditions, which they have proven during their long service history with various US military and law enforcement agencies around the world.
However, the Glock 43X is larger and heavier than the Glock 43. The extra length of the slide, barrel, and weight make it slightly harder to handle for shooters who are not used to full-size handguns like the G34, G35, etc. So, one may need to practice more with the Glock 43X in order to become an effective shooter with these guns. Here are some of the accessories available for the Glock 43 and 43X. Please note that some of these accessories are general to all or most Glock pistols, while some others are model-specific.
Holsters
Although both the Glock 43 and 43X come with standard factory holsters, there is a wide range of aftermarket holster options available for each one of these pistols. And it also goes for other Glock models as well. This model-specific aspect doesn’t affect shooters much since most aftermarket holster manufacturers make universal designs to fit many or most Glock pistols. There are some great holster designs made specifically for each of these two Glock models. Some of these types are belt and paddle holsters and also inside the waistband holsters.
In addition, some companies offer custom kydex holsters for these models. Some of the best known holster brands that can be found on Amazon include Blackhawk SERPA, Galco Combat Master and Comp-Tac International Holster etc. These specific Glock 43 and 43X holster options can be used as a reference point to choose from a wide range of available holster designs.
Grips
Glock 43 has standard factory polymer grips while the G43X comes with three different backstrap options. One can get replacement rubber grips for both these models to suit personal preferences.
However, one should note that they are slightly different in size so it may be necessary to have them modified by a professional if you are trying to interchange them.
Sights
Both the Glock 43 and Glock 43X have a standard set of sights with a white dot in front sight. These kind of factory night sights are very common among handguns. There is nothing much to talk about them other than that they do their job well enough. However, there are some aftermarket sight options which can be used for both these models with little or no modification.
One can find various brands of white dot front and rear night sights for both these models at reasonable prices on the market. One can also upgrade to expensive factory GLOCK Night Sight Sets if they want enhanced visibility in low light conditions. While this is not necessary, it will enhance user experience with their pistols.
Magazine Accessories
Both the Glock 43 and G43X come with standard factory magazines. However, aftermarket magazine options are available for both these models as well. These accessories don’t affect shooters much since most people change them frequently to suit their personal preferences.
Some mods to increase capacity are also available for these models. These include extended base plates and floorplates which can be easily slid into place without further modifications.
Other Accessories
There are various other Glock 43 and G43X accessories that one can use with these pistols in order to improve their overall experience. These include magazine loaders, magazine pouches, magazine release buttons, magazine floor plates (also called magazine bumps), grip tape for better handling etc. Some of these accessories are specific to each one of these models while others can be used with both the Glock 43 and G43X.
For example, you can find loading tool accessory for both these models on Amazon or any other online store selling firearm accessories. However, it is important to note that some of these aftermarket product may require modification before being used with a specific model. One should follow the manufacturer’s instructions while modifying their pistols in order to avoid personal injury.
User Reviews
Most users who have used both the Glock 43 and 43X find them to be equally reliable weapons for concealed carry purposes. The only complaint that some users have raised is regarding their longer trigger pull distance. However, some reviewers claim that they got used to it after practising with the gun for a while and now they don’t find any issues with it. Although both versions of the G43X include standard sights, most users recommend getting custom laser sight or tac light to improve their utility. Some other accessories that reviewers recommend include grip tape, extended magazine base plates and customisable levers for improved handling.
FAQs
Important Note:
Any activity using a firearm has the potential to be harmful and can lead to death, serious injury, permanent disability, or property damage. Only general educational and informational purposes are served by the advice, graphics, photographs, videos, and information found on Ballachy firearm reviews. The knowledge provided about guns, gun handling, tactics, training, legal issues, and marksmanship skills on this page is the author’s opinion based on his experience and education. This knowledge, which includes advice and training methods, is applicable only in a given set of conditions that the reader cannot precisely recreate. The author disclaims any liability for improper use or incorrect interpretation of the information on this website. Use of this website as a replacement for training or any information found on this website is not legal advice of any kind.
Both these pistols come with different strengths and weaknesses. The SIG comes with slightly smaller grip than the Glock but it has a larger capacity of 10+1 rounds as compared to 6+1 rounds of G43X. One should choose between these two pistols depending on their personal preference and skillset.
Important Note:
Any activity using a firearm has the potential to be harmful and can lead to death, serious injury, permanent disability, or property damage. Only general educational and informational purposes are served by the advice, graphics, photographs, videos, and information found on Ballachy firearm reviews. The knowledge provided about guns, gun handling, tactics, training, legal issues, and marksmanship skills on this page is the author’s opinion based on his experience and education. This knowledge, which includes advice and training methods, is applicable only in a given set of conditions that the reader cannot precisely recreate. The author disclaims any liability for improper use or incorrect interpretation of the information on this website. Use of this website as a replacement for training or any information found on this website is not legal advice of any kind.
Yes, the increased grip length of Glock 43X makes it an ideal weapon for concealed carry purposes.
Important Note:
Any activity using a firearm has the potential to be harmful and can lead to death, serious injury, permanent disability, or property damage. Only general educational and informational purposes are served by the advice, graphics, photographs, videos, and information found on Ballachy firearm reviews. The knowledge provided about guns, gun handling, tactics, training, legal issues, and marksmanship skills on this page is the author’s opinion based on his experience and education. This knowledge, which includes advice and training methods, is applicable only in a given set of conditions that the reader cannot precisely recreate. The author disclaims any liability for improper use or incorrect interpretation of the information on this website. Use of this website as a replacement for training or any information found on this website is not legal advice of any kind.
No, the Glock 43 is not obsolete because it comes with standard factory accessories. However, one should note that aftermarket accessories available for the Glock 43 are slightly different in size and shape when compared to those available for G43X.
Important Note:
Any activity using a firearm has the potential to be harmful and can lead to death, serious injury, permanent disability, or property damage. Only general educational and informational purposes are served by the advice, graphics, photographs, videos, and information found on Ballachy firearm reviews. The knowledge provided about guns, gun handling, tactics, training, legal issues, and marksmanship skills on this page is the author’s opinion based on his experience and education. This knowledge, which includes advice and training methods, is applicable only in a given set of conditions that the reader cannot precisely recreate. The author disclaims any liability for improper use or incorrect interpretation of the information on this website. Use of this website as a replacement for training or any information found on this website is not legal advice of any kind.
Yes, the Glock 43X is worth it because of its increased grip. However, one should note that it comes with slightly longer trigger pull distance which some users might find difficult to handle at first.
Important Note:
Any activity using a firearm has the potential to be harmful and can lead to death, serious injury, permanent disability, or property damage. Only general educational and informational purposes are served by the advice, graphics, photographs, videos, and information found on Ballachy firearm reviews. The knowledge provided about guns, gun handling, tactics, training, legal issues, and marksmanship skills on this page is the author’s opinion based on his experience and education. This knowledge, which includes advice and training methods, is applicable only in a given set of conditions that the reader cannot precisely recreate. The author disclaims any liability for improper use or incorrect interpretation of the information on this website. Use of this website as a replacement for training or any information found on this website is not legal advice of any kind.
No, both these pistols are equally reliable. The only difference between them is that the 43X has a longer grip.
Conclusion
As far as handguns go, the Glock 43 is probably one of the most popular on the market at this point. Its initial design purpose was to be a concealed carry piece that would fit into the front pocket (or more accurately, the front pant holster). As time progressed, there were some changes made to the gun; however, all of them were pretty minor. One of the only major things changed about this gun was its slightly wider frame at the grip area for increased control by the user. The Glock 43, however, is still the popular choice for pocket carry. It is a good weapon for this purpose and if you’re looking to get one of these handguns, look no further than the Glock 43X with its slightly longer grip that makes it perfect for concealed carry purposes.
Author Profile
- Gabriel Tackett is an experienced shooter and hunter for over 15 years with a degree in Engineering from the University of Minnesota. He is also a certified National Rifle Association (NRA) officer for 10 years And his passion lies in teaching others how to safely enjoy the hobby by recommending the best practices & products in the gun industry.
- Sights2022.07.30Best Red Dot Sights
