The Glock 43 and Glock 43X are both popular compact handguns designed for concealed carry, but they have some key differences. Here’s a comparison to help you decide which might suit your needs better:

1. Size and Capacity

• Glock 43:
• Magazine Capacity: 6+1 rounds (6 in the magazine, 1 in the chamber).
• Size: Smaller and more compact, making it easier to conceal.
• Dimensions:
  • Length: 6.26 inches
  • Height: 4.25 inches
  • Width: 1.02 inches
• Glock 43X:
• Magazine Capacity: 10+1 rounds (10 in the magazine, 1 in the chamber).
• Size: Slightly larger due to the extended grip, which accommodates the higher capacity.
• Dimensions:
  • Length: 6.5 inches
  • Height: 5.04 inches
  • Width: 1.10 inches

2. Grip and Ergonomics

• Glock 43:
• Shorter grip, which is great for deep concealment but may be less comfortable for shooters with larger hands.
• Glock 43X:
• Longer grip, providing a more secure and comfortable hold, especially for those with larger hands. The added grip length also improves control during shooting.

3. Concealability

• Glock 43:
• More compact and easier to conceal, especially for smaller-framed individuals or those who prioritize deep concealment.
• Glock 43X:
• Slightly harder to conceal due to the longer grip, but still very manageable for most concealed carry applications.

43x glock mos 9mm Semiautomatic

glock 43x 9mm Pistol – ONLINE

Comes with 3 mags 16 rounds

43x Glock mos, Striker Fired, Semi-automatic, Polymer Frame Pistol, Sub-Compact, 9MM, 3.41, Barrel, Glock Marksman Barrel, nDLC Finish, Black, No Finger Grooves, Ameriglo Ultimate Carry Night Sights, 10 Rounds, 2 Magazine

$ 580.0 Original price was: $ 580.0.$ 475.0Current price is: $ 475.0.

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4. Shootability

• Glock 43:
• Lightweight and easy to carry, but the smaller grip and lower capacity can make it less comfortable for extended shooting sessions.
• Glock 43X:
• The longer grip and higher capacity make it more comfortable to shoot, especially for those with larger hands. The additional rounds also provide more confidence in self-defense scenarios.

5. Aftermarket Support

• Both models have extensive aftermarket support, including holsters, sights, and magazine extensions. However, the Glock 43X’s popularity has led to a growing number of aftermarket options specifically tailored to its design.

6. Price

• Glock 43: Typically slightly cheaper due to its simpler design and lower capacity.
• Glock 43X: Slightly more expensive, but the added capacity and improved ergonomics often justify the cost.

Which Should You Choose?

• Choose the Glock 43 if:
• You prioritize maximum concealability.
• You have smaller hands or prefer a more compact firearm.
• You don’t mind the lower capacity.
• Choose the Glock 43X if:
• You want a higher capacity (10+1 rounds).
• You prefer a more comfortable grip, especially if you have larger hands.
• You’re willing to sacrifice a small amount of concealability for better shootability.

When looking for a concealed carry pistol, the choice often comes down to two major contenders that are very similar, yet have different enough characteristics to distinguish one from the other. In this case, let’s compare the Glock 43 vs the Glock 43X, a pair of sub compact single stack pistols from the same manufacturer.

Glock pistols have a well-deserved reputation for quality, accuracy, and reliability. They are well known for their high ammo capacity, double stack magazines, and polymer frames. Single stack concealed carry pistols in 9mm were not exactly their forte until April 14, 2015, when they released the Glock 43.

The G43 came on the heels of a slightly smaller single stack in 380 ACP called the G42. The primary competition at the time for the G43 was the S&W M&P Shield series of handguns. The Shield was designed as a small carry pistol and Glock realized this was a share of the market they needed to go after.

However, some G43 shooters had complaints about Glock’s new carry pistol. Namely they found the grip too small. For some it was too narrow and for others the grip length was simply too short to shoot accurately and comfortably. The simple answer might be the addition of a magazine extension that could optionally add an extra round in the magazine’s capacity, however, a longer grip was really what was needed.

Glock answered the call by producing the G43X. A slightly larger, single stack concealed carry pistol with a longer grip and a 10-round magazine capacity as opposed to the 6 found in the G43. So which one is better? Learn more about the 43 and the 43X below.

Glock 43 and Glock 43X Comparison

The names of these two pistols are so similar that they can be a little confusing to someone new to shooting or new to the Glock family of firearms. However, they are different enough with their own unique set of advantages that a more detailed comparison is warranted.

Glock 43 Semi-Auto Pistol – 9mm

• Single-stacked magazine
• Slim, compact concealed carry gun
• Same materials and quality control as all Glock pistols
• Striker fired, with Safe-Action trigger system
• White-dot front sight and white-bracket rear sight
• Great for those already familiar with Glock pistols
• Comes with 2 ultra-reliable single-stack magazines

$ 499.0 Original price was: $ 499.0.$ 489.0Current price is: $ 489.0.

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Main Features

While on the surface the two subcompact Glock pistols seem similar, the difference between the 43’s and 43X’s are enough that from a naming convention, Glock might have been better off going with a different number in the nomenclature as opposed to adding an X.

As mentioned earlier, the G43 is a compact concealed carry pistol with a single stack magazine. One could really call it a sub-compact Glock as its footprint is extremely small. The barrel length is 3.41 inches, and the pistol is about 6.26-inches long. The width is 1.08 inches, and the height of this pistol is 4.25 inches. It holds 6-rounds in the factory magazine and weighs 20.64 ounces.

In contrast, the slightly larger Glock 43X shares the same length barrel but has a slightly longer overall length of 6.05 inches. It has an increased slide length and a ¾ of an inch taller length at 5.04 inches, due to the 10-round magazine needing a slightly longer grip frame. It tips the scales at 23.07 ounces. The main noticeable difference is the slide has an nPVD coating giving it a silver finish as opposed to the flat black finish of the G43. However, Glock has recently released the 43X with a black colored slide as well.

Both pistols lack an accessory rail, which has pretty much been a mainstay on all Glock models for the past 20 or so years. This may have been done to increase the concealability factor of each pistol. However, certain companies like Streamlight offer weapon mounted visible white lights and visible lasers which envelope the trigger guard. These allow the shooter the option of adding a compact and robust weapon mounted light.

A newer version of the 43X includes an optical mounting plate as an upgrade. No such option exists for the G43 currently.

The only other major difference between the two pistols is that the 43X slide is milled with forward cocking serrations, whereas the G43 only has the rear cocking serrations milled into the slide. This is a good option for shooters who may lack the hand strength to rack a slide while holding the rear serrations only. It is not a bad idea for performing press checks, especially during a tactical pistol training class.