GLOCK 43 VS GLOCK 43X - WHICH VERSION IS BETTER?

GLOCK 43 VS GLOCK 43X - WHICH VERSION IS BETTER?

The Glock 43 is a recoil operated semi-automatic pistol with a slim profile making it suitable for concealed carry. This striker-fired pistol comes with a single-action (SA) trigger. The Glock 43 initially comes with a single-stack 6-round magazine and relies on the use of the very famous 9mm Luger cartridge. This 9 mm cartridge has somewhat more power than the .38 Special but falls well short of the .357 Magnum. Due to its size, the G43 is ideal for self-defense purposes and can be used as a CCW pistol as well.

As self-defense and concealed carry are a big theme for many shooters, there is no surprise that the guns made for these purposes became very popular. Therefore many handgun

manufacturers created such types of guns. So there’s no surprise that the Glock 43 has many competitors in similar dimensions and design across the market. The most significant is the one made by the same company, specifically the slightly different model Glock 43X. The other competitors that should be mentioned are the Sig P365 or S&W M&P Shield. But this time we will compare it with the G43X. And if you wish to see the G43X compared to another famous gun - the Taurus G2C, let’s check it out here.

But now, let’s take a look at these two Glock brothers, their similarities and differences to find out which one is better.

INTRODUCTION TO GLOCK 43

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The Glock 43 is a recoil operated semi-automatic pistol with a single-action (SA) trigger. The Glock 43 is a slim profile striker-fired handgun originally designed for concealed carry and self-defense purposes that quickly became very popular among many folks. The Glock 43 has a 3.39” long barrel and it is overall 6.26” long with a weight of 17.99-oz when unloaded.

Due to its dimensions, the Glock 43 is ideal for concealed carry and can be well hidden inside a custom Glock 43 holster.

INTRODUCTION TO GLOCK 43X

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The Glock 43X is a single-action, short-recoil operated, semi-automatic manufactured by the same Glock Ges.m.b.H., a very famous Austrian firearms manufacturer. The Glock 43X belongs to the Glock 43 family of pistols, all of which are designed for everyday concealed carry. Compared to the previous models, the Glock 43X offers higher magazine capacity, offering generous 10+1 rounds of ammo.

The pistol comes with a single-stack magazine and it relies on the use of the most popular everyday and service cartridge - the 9x19mm Parabellum. Even though the increased capacity results in a bigger magazine, the Glock 43 X is still quite compact so that it can meet the requirements of an ideal everyday carry gun. The pistol comes with a 3.41’’ long barrel and its overall length is 6.5 inches. The width of the pistol is 1.1 inch and its height is 5.04’’. These parameters make the pistol ideal for everyday concealed carry, especially when paired up with a well-fitting, custom Glock 43X holster.

MAIN SPECS AND FEATURES

Although both the Glock 43 and the Glock 43X come from the same manufacturer and share the same model number, there are a few differences between them. While the G43 is smaller and more suitable for concealed carry, the G43X model is bigger and a little harder to conceal. But not impossible, especially within the right type of holster. Let’s now focus on the main specs and features to find out which of these lovely pistols represents the better choice for you.

SIZE COMPARISON - DOES SIZE MATTER?

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Size is definitely a factor that counts. Especially, when you consider buying a new concealed carry gun or EDC gun. In that case, the smaller and more compact the gun is, the better result you get when concealed carrying it. On the other hand, if you’re looking for more comfortable shooting with higher fire power, that’s what the bigger guns offer. So size really counts.

When comparing the dimensions of the G43 and G43X, the Glock 43 is more compact and smaller than the 43X model. The Glock 43 is overall 6.26” long, 1.06” wide, 4.25” high and weighs 17.99-oz when unloaded. It comes with a 3.39” long barrel. In comparison to that the G43X is overall 6.5” long, 1.1” wide, 5.04 high and weighs 18.7-oz when unloaded. It has a longer barrel of 3.41” length.

So the G43X model is more heavy and less compact when compared to the Glock 43. And when keeping the ability to conceal in mind, the G43 is definitely more suitable for concealed carry than his bigger brother.

Size-wise, the better version is … the Glock 43.

THE MAGAZINE AND CAPACITY

Although both of these pistols, the Glock 43 and the Glock 43X are the same model numbers, they have different magazines and capacity. The Glock 43 initially comes with a single stack magazine that can hold up to 6+1 rounds of ammo. Compared to that, the Glock 43X has a bigger magazine capacity. Its magazine can hold up to 10+1 rounds of ammo and it is single stack as well. Both these gun models rely on the use of the same Luger 9mm cartridge.

The magazine capacity of both the G43 and the G43X can be easily increased with the aftermarket mag extensions. The Glock 43 extended magazine can hold up to a maximum of 32 rounds, which is quite amazing, minimizing reloading time and keeping you in the action. While the Glock 43X can go even further with its extended magazine capacity of 33 rounds. For both Glock pistols, the extended magazines cost from approx $15 to $50 depending on the type of the magazine.

It should be fairly obvious which gun is better when it comes to mag capacity ... the Glock 43X.

ACCURACY AND RANGE PERFORMANCE

Shooting the Glock 43 provides an ultimate experience mainly for small-handed shooters who don't need all the extra grip. With the shorter grip of the G43, you have less control over the gun. Regardless, the recoil is pretty minimal and painless. Even with the standard plastic sights equipped, accuracy is spot-on with both the G43 and G43X.

Compared to that, the longer grip on the G43X brings you more control over it, which leads to less recoil, so you are able to fire follow-up shots more efficiently. And the beavertail lends a lot more comfort and control, eliminating the slide bite you can get from the G43. Overall, this helps you keep the gun on target and fire with more accuracy.

In this battle the point seems to be deserved by the G43X for its easy reload. The extra grip really goes a long way. Magazines on smaller guns can get caught on their way out, which happens from time to time also to the Glock 43 pistol. More about this and other eventual G43 problems can be found here (and in case you're interested in which problems the G43X

might give you, check out this article). But that isn't the case for the bigger G43X due to the elongated grip.

Based on overal performance and accuracy, the version that comes out on top is … the Glock 43X.

CALIBER AND FIRING MECHANISM

Both, the Glock 43 and the Glock 43X, relies on the use of the 9 mm Luger alias 9 mm Parabellum. This cartridge was first adopted by the German Navy in 1904 and then by the German Army in 1908. This cartridge has since become the most popular and widely-used handgun cartridge in the world. Performance wise, the 9 mm cartridge has somewhat more power than the .38 Special but falls well short of the .357 Magnum. There is nothing to compare when speaking about the caliber as both these pistols rely on the use of the same 9mm cartridge.

The Glock 43 and the Glock 43 X not only use the same type of cartridge, but they use the same firing mechanism as well. They are both striker-fired pistols, featuring a single-action (SA) trigger. Meaning the trigger does not cock the gun, but only releases the striker when pulled. Cocking of the striker is performed by the retracting slide. The trigger is the only operating element. This kind of firing mechanism has a lower firepower than hammer-fired pistols. Although it doesn’t require the gun to be composed from that many parts and that results in a lower risk of any hardware malfunctions. As the G43 and G43X are the same when talking about the firing mechanism, there is nothing to compare.

Based on the same caliber and firepower, this round ends in… a TIE.

COMPARISON OF MAIN SPECS

So far it looks the X version of the Glock 43 takes a slight edge. But before we rule the final verdict, let's have a quick look at the summary of the main specs of either of these excellent Glock carry guns.

GLOCK 43

GLOCK 43X

Caliber

9 mm Luger

9mm Luger

Width

1.06 inch

1.1 inch

6.26 inch

6.5 inch

4.25 inch

5.04 inch

Overal length

Height

Weight (loaded)

17.99 oz.

18.7 oz.

Barrel Length

3.39 inch

3.41 inch

Magazine

Single stack

Single stack

Capacity

6 + 1 (flush)

10 + 1 (flush)

Trigger

Striker-fired

Hammer-fired

Frame

Polymer

Polymer

Slide

Steel w/ nDLC finish

Stainless steel

MSRP

ca. $580

ca. $600

As you can see in this chart, the Glock 43 is smaller, less heavy and more compact when compared to the bigger Glock 43X. The other main difference between these two pistols is within their magazine capacity. The Glock 43x has a higher initial magazine capacity than the Glock 43. Otherwise, they are very similar in design and material used.

UPGRADING GLOCK 43 AND GLOCK 43X

Most reviewers are reporting that the Glock 43 will group between 3-4 inches at 25 yards.

This can be ammunition dependent, with some folks shooting as large as 8 inches groups at 25 yards, with certain types of ammo. Although the accuracy of the Glock 43 can be upgraded by adding a tactical light or laser to it. The Streamlight TLR-6 tactical light is a great option on how to upgrade your G43. It is an ultra lightweight and compact light with output of 100 Lumens. This tactical light allows for easy identification of potential threats before taking action. Batteries can be replaced while light remains mounted on a gun. The push-button switch on both sides provides easy operation for right or left-handed shooters.

The cost of this tactical light on Amazon is $65.73 (accurate at the time of writing).

The Glock 43X can be also easily taken to the next level by adding a tactical light or laser to it. The Streamlight has another version of TRL-6 that is compatible with the Glock 43X as well. Concretely, it is the 69270 TLR-6 Tactical Pistol Mount Flashlight 100 Lumen with Integrated Red Aiming Laser. This tactical light features ambidextrous switching (push-button on both sides) to access three modes: Laser only, Laser/LED combo, and LED illumination only. The light provides 1 hour of regulated runtime when in dual light/laser mode. Streamlight 69270 TLR-6 tactical light is also equipped with a red laser. You can get this tac light on Amazon now for $95.00.

HOW TO CARRY GLOCK 43 AND GLOCK 43X?

Although both the Glock 43 and the Glock 43X are compact enough to meet the concealed carry expectations, still one of them is more suitable for CCW. Are you asking which one?

Definitely the Glock 43 and why? Easily because it is more compact and lightweight than the G43X making it easier to be hidden and used as a EDC gun.

But the important thing when considering to wear either the more compact Glock 43 or the bigger Glock 43X as everyday carry guns is to pair them with a well-fitting holster.

Fortunately, there is a big offer of Glock 43 holsters as well as Glock 43X holsters whether you like the CCW better or not. And if you need any help selecting the best holster for either of these pistols, feel free to check out our list of best Glock 43 holsters and top Glock 43X holsters, both updated for the carry needs of 2021.

CONCLUSION - WHICH VERSION IS BETTER?

Finally we came to the conclusion on who is the winner of this battle. Although both the Glock 43 and the 43X were made by the same manufacturer and with regards to the same purposes, still there are a few differences that count. In general, the winner of this ultimate battle seems to be the Glock 43X, mainly due to higher magazine capacity and better accuracy.

But when it comes to ability to conceal, the Glock 43 is definitely a better choice than the 43X. So each of these pistols has its pros and cons and it’s all up to your preferences.

However, it is easy to say that either one of these guns would be great to take home.