Glock 43X MOS Review

Updated: 10/15/2024

The Glock 43X has undergone an innovative transformation, morphing from the highly acclaimed Glock 43 by extending its grip to support a 10-round magazine. This adjustment has not only retained its charm as a preferred concealed carry pistol but has also carved a niche for Glock in the market of slimline pistols. Our review dives deep into the nuances of the Glock 43X, particularly the newer MOS (Modular Optics System) version that has recently graced the market.

The Glock 43X MOS is engineered for modern-day needs, offering a tailored MOS system unlike the traditional versions found on larger frames. Instead of supporting a wide range of red dot optics through multiple plates, the Glock 43X MOS focuses on compatibility with compact optics suited to its smaller frame. Specifically, it is cut for the Shield RMSc, one of the smallest red dots available, which is rapidly gaining traction among enthusiasts. The MOS feature also accommodates other compact optics like the SIG ROMEO Zero, SwampFox Sentinel, and Holosun 507k, along with several new contenders emerging in the market. This strategic adaptation not only enhances the Glock 43X’s capabilities but also aligns it with the growing trend of integrating efficient, compact red dot systems on concealed carry firearms. Especially when you pair it with a great Glock 43X MOS holster.

Fit and Finish

In 2024, Glock made a significant update to the Glock 43X MOS by transitioning the slide from a stainless steel finish to a traditional black nDLC finish. This shift aligns with the latest iterations in the MOS series, which are now exclusively available with the nDLC coating. This coating not only enhances the durability but also significantly increases the hardness of the finish compared to the older tenifer treatment.

While the stainless steel finish had its appeal, adding a unique flair to the otherwise minimalist, Spartan design of Glock pistols, the move to a black finish is practical. A black slide minimizes reflections, particularly on the lens of red dot optics, facilitating a more discreet presence ideally suited for concealed carry. Additionally, the understated black helps the firearm blend more seamlessly under clothing.

The frame retains the classic Glock black polymer construction, yet is highly functional and precisely molded. The standard of manufacturing ensures that there are rarely any concerns regarding the quality of the frame’s molding or texture.

For those looking to maintain a consistent look, the Glock 43X now demands a black optic to continue the sleek, monochrome theme. Fortunately, black remains the predominant choice in the tactical optics market, ensuring easy pairing.

Specs

The Glock 43X MOS continues to set the standard for thin, lightweight handguns tailored for concealed carry as we move into 2024. The G43X MOS features an ultra-compact barrel design, enhancing its versatility for both OWB (Outside the Waistband) and IWB (Inside the Waistband), including AIWB (Appendix Inside the Waistband) carry options.

Measuring 6.5 inches in overall length and standing 5.04 inches tall, including the magazine, the G43X MOS maintains a relatively slender profile with an overall width of 1.10 inches and a slide width of .87 inches. Weighing in at 23.07 ounces when fully loaded, the G43X MOS isn’t the thinnest on the market, but it strikes an excellent balance between concealability and functionality. The firearm is perfectly balanced, making it an ideal choice for those who prioritize a compact size and lightweight without sacrificing the ability to maintain a full grip.

Adding a modern micro red dot to the G43X MOS modifies the height and weight slightly, but thanks to advancements in optic technology, these changes are minimal. Today’s micro red dots are incredibly compact and lightweight, ensuring they do not significantly alter the handling characteristics of the firearm. The G43X MOS stands out as one of the smallest optics-ready handguns available, providing an enhanced aiming solution without the bulk. Although it comes standard with ten-round magazines and does not accommodate the G43’s extended magazines, an alternative is available from Shield Arms, which offers a 15-round magazine that sits flush with both the G43X MOS and Glock 48, adding substantial capacity without compromising the firearm’s sleek profile. While I haven’t personally tested these magazines, they are reportedly well-regarded by owners of the Glock 43X MOS and Glock 48 for their reliability and seamless integration.

Ergonomics

The Glock 43X MOS significantly enhances grip comfort over its predecessor, the G43. Its extended grip accommodates a 10-round single stack magazine effortlessly while also providing a fuller hand fit. A noteworthy upgrade is a subtle beavertail at the back of the grip, which offers increased hand protection and helps prevent slide bite—a common issue among Glock users, myself included. Thankfully, the G43X MOS’s design includes a slight overhang above the grip, which allows for a higher hand position and avoids discomfort during firing.

The Glock 43X MOS is a very simple gun. The model sticks to Glock’s minimalist approach with three integral safety features, yet it forgoes manual safety, relying instead on a trigger safety that only engages with a deliberate pull. This simplicity ensures that the firearm can be quickly and safely operated without unnecessary complications. The G43X MOS’s grip design not only makes handling and recoil control more manageable but also enhances shooting comfort during extended range sessions or rapid-fire scenarios—essential for a model designed to support optics. However, it’s not without its ergonomic quirks. The slide lock may not engage on an empty magazine if you have a strong, thumbs-forward grip, a recurring challenge for those of us with larger hands across various Glock models. This minor issue underscores the balance between universal design and individual user needs.

Features

Red Dot Cut Out

The standout feature of this firearm is undoubtedly its compatibility with an optic. While some may initially question the practicality of a red dot on a handgun, industry-leading trainers have demonstrated that such enhancements can significantly elevate a handgun’s performance.

Equipping a handgun with a red dot sight enhances speed, accuracy, and the ability to engage targets at greater distances more effectively. On models like the G43X MOS, integrating an optic is particularly beneficial. Typically, smaller firearms suffer from a shorter sight radius, which can impact accuracy. However, the addition of a red dot sight negates this issue, enabling compact guns to achieve a level of precision comparable to their larger counterparts. While mastering a red dot sight does require additional training, the payoff in terms of improved shooting capabilities is substantial.

The introduction of red dot cuts in the slide represents a significant evolution in handgun design, indicating a broader trend towards greater customization and functionality in modern firearms.

Picatinny Rail

Glock continues to innovate, notably with the inclusion of a small Picatinny rail on the G43X MOS model. This edition caters to the growing demand for customizable handgun accessories, allowing users to easily attach a variety of devices such as tactical lights, lasers, and advanced training tools like the MantisX. As the integration of accessories like red dots and tactical lights becomes increasingly standard in personal defense firearms, the presence of such rails is expected to become more commonplace among manufacturers.

The G43X MOS retains many of the hallmark upgrades of the Gen 5 series, enhancing its appeal with features like a high-visibility follower in the magazine for better feed reliability, a sleek, finger groove-less grip for improved ergonomics, and front serrations for enhanced slide manipulation—particularly useful when the firearm is equipped with a red dot sight. Additionally, the reversible magazine release enhances its versatility, catering to both right and left-handed shooters. The front serrations play a crucial role, not only in aesthetic appeal but in practical functionality, allowing for secure slide operation without the risk of obscuring the optic with smudges from skin oils, making sure your sight isn’t impaired at all. This design philosophy highlights Glock’s commitment to refining user experience with thoughtful, user-centric features.

Shooting Characteristics

The Glock 43X MOS remains an intriguing choice within the Glock lineup, combining a compact-sized grip with a shorter slide, which certainly sets it apart. This model offers an improved handling experience, thanks to its beavertail extension that promotes a high, firm grip, allowing for enhanced control and accuracy during rapid fire. This feature is a significant upgrade from the original Glock 43, which was notorious for its less comfortable grip that could lead to discomfort and a flinch between shots—a concern that’s been effectively addressed in the 43X MOS version.

Like all Glocks, the 43X MOS comes with the standard plastic iron sights, which are functional but leave room for improvement. Many shooters opt to equip the firearm with a red dot sight and upgrade to suppressor-height sights for better co-witnessing capabilities. Recoil is manageable, even when using higher-velocity +P loads, making it a robust choice for both range shooting and self-defense. The Glock 43X MOS exemplifies Glock’s renowned reliability, flawlessly cycling various ammunition types and maintaining performance even with minimal maintenance. While it inherits some critiques common to Glocks, such as an average trigger feel and a less ergonomic grip, these are minor when considering the overall reliability and performance that the Glock 43X MOS offers.

Concealment

As a firearm tailored for concealed carry, the Glock 43X MOS strikes a balance in size—it’s compact enough for discretion without being overly small. The original G43, with its streamlined design, is naturally easier to conceal. However, the G43X MOS, while slightly taller due to the addition of an optic, remains quite manageable for concealed carry.

The G43X is notably lightweight, enhancing its comfort as a carry weapon. It doesn’t cause your clothing to sag. Its design is so unobtrusive that you might even forget you’re carrying it. The Glock 43X MOS can be effectively concealed under a T-shirt, thanks in part to its shorter barrel, which also makes it ideal for OWB (Outside-the-Waistband) carry—my personal preference for this model.

Additionally, the G43X MOS is exceptionally comfortable for both appendix carry and traditional IWB (Inside-the-Waistband) carry. While carrying larger firearms AIWB (Appendix Inside-the-Waistband) can pose challenges, the compact size of the G43X MOS makes it an excellent choice for this carry method, offering both concealability and accessibility.

All in a Day’s Work

The Glock 43X MOS represents a significant enhancement over the original G43X, transforming it into a powerhouse akin to full-sized firearms. The addition of a rail and optics readiness elevates its capabilities, allowing for the attachment of lights and optics that extend its functionality far beyond basic concealed carry.

Despite its enhanced features, the Glock 43X MOS remains exceptionally concealable. With an optimal holster and belt setup, you can comfortably carry the G43X MOS along with spare magazines. This setup ensures that you remain prepared and confident, thanks to the seamless integration and concealment of your fully equipped, yet discreet, sidearm. Be sure to check out the Glock 43X MOS and take a peek at the Glock 43X MOS holsters. Let us know below if the G43X MOS is for you, or are you a G48 MOS kinda person? Please let us know in the comments and if you liked our Glock 43x MOS review and be sure to check our Taurus G3c Review blog post that goes in depth about the Taurus G3c.