The Glock 43 (G43) was first released in 2015. The Glock 43X (G43X) was released in 2019. The new debate is G43 vs G43X and why? Well both are considered concealed carry specific guns. Both the G43 and the G43X fit the same holsters, despite the capacity differences. This is due the geometry of the slide, trigger guard and contact surfaces with the holster are all still identical. ANR Design has holsters for Glock 43, Glock 43X, Glock 48, and MOS variations (https://www.anrkydexholsters.com/product-category/quick-ship-cnc-holsters/).
Slide lengths are the same. Radius on both guns are slightly different where the top and side flats meet the radiuses. You can see the G43X vs G43 comparison of the muzzles (above). The G 43X has a longer leading radius for easier holstering of the firearm.
Here is ANR Design’s very FIRST YouTube Gun Review May, 2015. We have sure come a long way since then. Alex rocking a nostalgic Ares Armor hoodie. This was one of the first released G43 pistols. The owner of Riley’s Gun Shop let us borrow the gun for the video. RIP Riley’s Gun Shop, the old shop is sorely missed. Riley’s was the first gun shop to give us a chance and purchase holsters for resale of ANR Design. We sill need to do a G43 vs G43X video!
The Grip on the G43 vs G43X
This is where both guns significantly start to differ. The grip on the Glock 43X was designed to handle a double stack styled magazine. The Glock 43 accommodates it’s single stack magazine. The grip on the 43X is also Glock 19 inspired length. If you have large hands, it’s a good fit. The G43 has a much shorter grip. It’s hard to hold if you have larger hands. It is not a fraction as ergonomic as the Glock 43X. A longer grip doesn’t mean harder to conceal. Concealing any micro or sub compact gun comes with it’s challenges. We always suggest, if you have the capabilities to size up you holster, do so. In this case, you can carry both the G43 and the G43X in the Glock 48 MOS holster. It gives the user more pelvic contact. Similar to the keel of a sailboat. Check out this article Alex, CEO of ANR Design, wrote for TFB some years ago. https://www.anrkydexholsters.com/the-firearm-blog-concealed-carry-corner-carrying-appendix-and-concealability-using-pelvic-contact/.
Magazine of the G43 vs G43X
The Glock 43X magazine is significantly longer, obviously to accommodate the increased capacity on 10 rounds compared to the 6 round standard capacity of the G43. There are magazine extensions you can purchase for the G43. The G43X magazine more closely resembles the Gen 5 magazines you see in the standard line of Glock pistols. The G43X mag is bobbed at the bottom. Not actually sure why it is bobbed. Bobbing a magazine at the FRONT of the grip of the pistol does NOT reduce printing when carrying concealed. It is most likely rounded and bobbed specifically for palm control and comfort when reloading the firearm. The rounded nose of the base plate makes more consistent contact with the user’s hand.
Everyone wants micro guns with full size gun capacity and capabilities, and we do not understand why. They still shoot like micro or subcompact guns.
Shield Arms makes a steel 15 round capacity magazine for the G43X and G48 magazine. This is the best route to take with the newer Glock 43X and 48 pistols. Shortly after the release of the G43X and G48, Glock released the MOS series; Glock 43X MOS and Glock 48 MOS. They have the same dimensions and magazines, but now come with a Glock specific accessory rail and a MOS optic plate system. From the factory, you can add a HS507K (https://www.anrkydexholsters.com/product/holosun-507k-x2-micro-red-dot/) and a Streamlight TLR-7 SUB G43X Pistol Light (https://www.anrkydexholsters.com/product/streamlight-tlr-7-sub-glock-43x-48-mos/), both of which ANR Design sells.
Summary of the G43 vs G43X Pistols
In summary, the Glock 43X (more importantly G43X MOS) is a superior firearm to the G43. We don’t quite see a reason for the primary carry of the G43 anymore. It’s harder to shoot, less capabilities as a weapon system. It is NOT optic ready, low capacity, and uncomfortable to shoot. It has it’s place as an ankle carry, backup gun. That would be our only true suggestion for owning a G43. An ANR Design Appendix with Claw, IWB KYDEX holster, or concealment holster makes carrying the G43X easy and just as concealable as the G43 if carried in a G48 holster (https://www.anrkydexholsters.com/product/cnc-appendix-with-claw/).
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5 comments
Will a g43 slide work on a g48 frame ?
Yes, if you have a 48 and a 43, you can switch the slides around to effectively be able to have a 43X as well.
Will a g43 slide work on a g48 frame ?
The G43 just fits into your front pocket without showing. The G43X does not.
The G43 is far better on the ankle carry.
The spare mag on the G43 is small and compact.
Which gun are you more likely to leave at home when in a rush to leave? And so, you have your answer which is better. The best gun is the one you have on you when you need it.
HELLO can you pocket carry the 43 with the OEM pinky extension