Glock 43X vs Glock 43

Updated: 10/7/2024

Are you deciding between the Glock 43X vs 43? We will compare and do a Glock 43x review vs the Glock 43 review to help you decide between 43x vs 43.

Glock can often be a step behind the concealed carry market for better or worse. We will cover all the ins and outs of these guns in this Glock G43x review.

If you’re looking for a full Glock 43X MOS review, we have that on our blog as well.

The bad news is they can take their time getting out a little single stack 9mm to compete with literally every other manufacturer on the market. The good news is they take their time, and when it comes to building a new gun, they seem to always work.

The glock43 premiered to great critical acclaim, and it became one of Glock’s most popular handguns. The 43 was the first 9mm, single stack, subcompact pistol Glock has ever released. The Glock 43 was an instant winner in the concealed carry market, and it has now sold over a million different models.

The Glock 43X is the newest in the Glock family and is a bit of an oddity. To under the X series, you have to go back to the 19X which was the weapon entered into Army’s new handgun program. The 19X lost but became a popular handgun selling over 100K in a year. Due to the amazing Glock g43 reviews, the Glock 43 has now sold over a million pistols.

Combine the two, and we get the new Glock 43X. The G19X is a Glock 19 compact slide on a Glock 17 full-sized frame. The Glock 43X uses the same G43 slide and barrel, but an extended frame that offers a full-length grip.

Both guns are compact, both are 9mm, and both are Glocks, so which gun is better? More importantly which is better for you?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Glock 43x vs Glock 43: Fit and Finish

The Glock 43 dimensions make it an adorable mini Glock. It’s styled almost exactly like any other Glock, just shrunk in size. It’s shorter and thinner than any other 9mm Glock. It lacks finger grooves completely and only features rear serrations. Glock guns are best described as Spartan. They are simple but effective in appearance. The frame is of course polymer, and the slide is all black and sports a black nitride Glock 43 slide finish.

The black nitride finish has proven to be extremely strong and very durable. Glock pistols are used by police and military forces around the globe, and you don’t hear complaints about the finish. It will shrug off wear and resist corrosion and rust in general well.

The finish is rugged, and while plain it does work. This is a great finish for a gun that’s likely going to sit tight to your body and in a holster for most of its life.

The Glock 43X went an entirely different direction, and you are seeing something that distinguishes itself well from the Glock 43 dimensions. The G43X uses an nPVD coating that is also proven to be strong, durable, and resistant to corrosion.

The most significant difference is that the PVD finish is silver and gives the gun a distinct look. It makes it stand out from the standard all-black Glock. Additionally, the G43X has forward slide serrations that are missing on the standard Glock 43 dimensions.

If I had to choose a gun based just on the fit and finish it would be the 43X Glock. I’m a sucker for the stainless look, and this new gun looks great. The finish is also rock solid and gives it a unique look in the world of Glocks.

The Glock 48 is another Glock with the same look and feel as the Glock 43X; it’s just a touch bigger. We have a full Glock 48 vs Glock 43X comparison on our blog too.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Glock 43 Specs vs Glock 43X Specs:

While these guns are very similar and even share a model number, they are entirely different. The G43X is larger by the G43 size comparison, and this is due to the increased grip length. The G43X is 5.04 inches tall, and the G43 is a shorter 4.25 inches.

This gives you more grip with the G43X as well as more than the G43 capacity. The Glovk 43x holds ten rounds plus 1 in the pipe. The G43 holds six rounds with one in the pipe.

The shorter grip also makes the weapon much easier to conceal, and this gives you an edge when it comes to having a smaller body type or wearing lighter clothes. Weight-wise surprisingly the G43X is barely heavier, I mean a fraction of an ounce. The G43X weighs 18 ounces, and the Glock G43 weighs 17.99 ounces unloaded. Once loaded we see a much bigger difference between 10 and six rounds.

The G43X weighs 23.07 ounces loaded, and the 43 weighs 20.64 ounces. One interesting difference is the width of the G43X vs the Glock 43 width. It’s .04 inches thicker than the G43. It’s an odd addition, but one that’s present.

The G43 and G43X are both still small guns with a G43 barrel length of 3.41 inches, and the Glock x43 is longer with an overall length of 6.5 inches. The Glock 43 overall length is 6.26 inches.

The smaller design and lighter G43 weight certainly make it more appealing to those who have difficulty carrying a larger gun. The micro nine could even be a pocket gun. The G43X is better suited for those who like an easy-to-shoot-the-gun. We cover all about this in this Glock G43 review.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Glock 43x vs Glock 43: Ergonomics

When you first handle the Glock 43X fresh out of the box, you’ll likely notice an immediate improvement in ergonomics compared to its predecessors. The elongated grip comfortably fills the hand, ensuring that your pinkie isn’t awkwardly dangling off the bottom—a feature that many users appreciate for a more secure and comfortable hold. This design aspect is quite similar to the Sig P365XL, offering a slender yet sufficiently long grip to allow a full-hand grasp. For a deeper dive, check out our comparison of the Sig P365XL vs Glock 43X on our blog.

This extended grip design not only enhances the overall feel and ergonomic comfort of the Glock 43X but also improves handling characteristics, making it easier to draw, point, and aim. The more substantial grip provides a firmer handhold, which is particularly beneficial for controlled shooting and quick draw scenarios. However, it’s important to consider that while the larger grip improves handling, it also increases the pistol’s profile, potentially making it more challenging to conceal than the more compact Glock 43. The original Glock 43, with its smaller dimensions and the option for a pinky-extending magazine, remains a superb choice for those prioritizing concealability without sacrificing grip comfort.

Does the Glock 43 have a safety?

These feel great in our modular and durable Glock 43X holsters and Glock 43 holsters.

The standard Glock 43 can sometimes be tough on the hand due to slidebite. However, the G43X mitigates this with the inclusion of a beavertail that provides a protective barrier between your hand and the slide. My experience with the G43X has been noticeably more comfortable; I’ve never encountered slidebite with this model. The beavertail not only enhances safety but also improves control over the firearm, particularly in managing muzzle flip.

Another noteworthy difference is the trigger reach. The latest Glock 43 now features a more compact 2.56-inch trigger distance, slightly less than the G43X’s 2.64 inches, making it more suitable for those with smaller hands or who prefer a tighter grip and quicker trigger access.

For those concerned with ease of use, particularly individuals with reduced hand strength, the G43X presents a significant advantage. It offers a more substantial grip area, making the slide easier to rack compared to the earlier Glock 43 models, including the Gen 4. This design tweak not only improves accessibility but also enhances the overall handling of the firearm, making it a preferred choice for a wide range of users in 2024.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Glock 43x vs Glock 43: Features

The Glock 43 was Glock’s first venture into the single-stack 9mm market, and while it’s minimalist in terms of features, it packs the essentials. You’ll still get Glock’s reliable Safe Action System with three built-in safeties and the tried-and-true Glock polymer magazine. The G43 and G43X share a lot of the same core features, keeping them simple and effective.

Both models feature the reversible magazine release, Glock’s signature target sights, and the Gen 5’s smooth, finger groove-free grip, which gives them that clean, low-profile design. However, the G43X edges out with some updates for 2024. It includes the Gen 5 Marksman Barrel, which is known for its exceptional accuracy, making it a solid choice for a more precise shot.

You’ll also find a high-visibility follower in the G43X’s magazine, making it easier to check your round count thanks to the bright orange color and witness holes. Another standout feature on the G43X is the forward slide serrations, something that’s still relatively rare on Glocks but becoming more common as Glock integrates it into newer models.

While neither gun includes a rail, Crimson Trace has confirmed that the Laserguard designed for the G43 will also fit the G43X. Unfortunately, magazines for the G43 aren’t compatible with the G43X and vice versa. Glock had to widen the G43X magazine to fit 10 rounds, meaning they wouldn’t work with the original G43’s single-stack design. It’s a bit of a bummer, but with the increased capacity, it’s a trade-off Glock fans are more than willing to make.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Glock 43x vs Glock 43: Shooting Characteristics

Just from looking at each gun, it’s pretty easy to see which shoots better. A larger grip provides greater control, reducing felt recoil and facilitating quicker follow-up shots, a crucial aspect in both defensive and range shooting scenarios.

The G43X, with its extended grip and added beavertail, significantly enhances shooter control and target reacquisition compared to the G43. The beavertail not only helps in managing recoil but also in maintaining a consistent grip, making the G43X exceptionally stable and comfortable to shoot.

Meanwhile, the Glock 43, though compact and still effective for self-defense, shows its limitations with its shorter grip. During rapid fire, this can translate to a feeling of the gun squirming slightly in your hand as it tries to rise. Nevertheless, recoil remains manageable, far from overwhelming, making the G43 a viable option for those prioritizing concealability.

When it comes to precision shooting at longer ranges, both the G43 and G43X perform admirably, especially for tactical purposes. Taking time to aim carefully minimizes the impact of the grip size difference. Despite their basic factory sights, which many shooters find less than ideal, both models are capable of impressive accuracy.

Reloading the G43X also proves to be more user-friendly due to its longer grip which doesn’t interfere with magazine ejection — a common issue with smaller firearms where the magazine can snag on the shooter’s palm. This feature makes the G43X more seamless to operate, especially under pressure.

Both guns are reliable and will eat anything you decide to put through them. This includes high-end brass ammo and low-quality steel stuff.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Glock 43x vs Glock 43: Concealment

Here is where the smaller, technically longer, and shorter G43 wins out. The Glock 43X dimensions, especially with the longer grip, do add bulk and bulk is always the bad guy when it comes to concealed carry. The G43X has a longer grip which potentially means more printing and an overall harder to conceal package.

The Glock 43 grip is closer in size to a Sig P365 grip than the bigger grip of the G43X. We’ve written an excellent Glock 43 vs Sig P365 comparison on our blog.

The G43 is small enough it can even be pocket-carried comfortably. You can’t do that with the G43X. Both guns are quite thin, and this makes them perfect for IWB carry and plenty comfortable in that regard. The G43X and G43 are awesome appendix carry guns due to their short barrels.

Both guns are nice and light, so they don’t sag or cause undue hardship for daily carry. The G43 is the better choice for deep carry with all of the Glock 43 options, and if you are a smaller framed individual, I will go with the G43. Either gun will be a great piece for concealed carry and any kind of concealed carry holster.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Conclusion

The Glock 43 has reigned supreme over the single-stack concealed carry industry for quite some time. The gun is small, lightweight, easy to shoot, and as always is dead nuts reliable. It always goes bang regardless of what is going on.

How much does a Glock 43 Cost?

The Glock 43 remains a testament to simplicity and efficiency in a compact package. Its widespread adoption, with over a million units sold, underscores its popularity, particularly among those who prioritize easy concealment. Despite its smaller size, which can present challenges in handling and firing, the Glock 43 is highly favored for its extensive range of aftermarket accessories, especially holsters. Priced around $500, it’s considered a valuable choice for seasoned shooters seeking a discreet carry option.

On the other hand, the Glock 43X caters more to beginners and those looking for a balance between concealability and usability. With its slightly longer grip and magazine, the G43X offers improved shootability and increased ammunition capacity, making it more suitable for a broader range of combat scenarios compared to the G43. Despite being slightly more challenging to conceal due to its larger size, the G43X’s enhanced ergonomics and aesthetic appeal make it a compelling option for new buyers.

While I wouldn’t necessarily recommend selling a G43 just to upgrade to a G43X, for those new to the market or looking to add a versatile and reliable pistol to their collection, the G43X stands out. Both models maintain Glock’s renowned reliability and come at price points that make them accessible choices for a wide array of gun owners. If deciding between the two, checking the current price of the Glock 43X could further aid in determining the best option based on your specific needs and preferences.

If you’re looking for a dependable and modular gun holster for your Glock 43X vs Glock 43, check out our Glock 43X holsters and our Glock 43 holsters.