When it comes to concealed carry and personal defense, finding the perfect compact pistol is crucial. Two names that often top the list in this category are Glock 26 and Glock 43. These reliable firearms, produced by Glock, have earned their place as popular choices among gun enthusiasts, law enforcement, and concealed carry permit holders.
In the following sections, we'll look at these two Glock models, considering various aspects such as dimensions, capacity, shooting experience, maintenance, and affordability. By the end of this blog post, you'll have a clearer picture of which Glock pistol fits your specific needs and preferences, helping you make an informed decision for your personal defense arsenal. Let's delve into the details and see how the Glock 26 and Glock 43 stack up against each other.
These specifications are as per the Glock official website.
| Product | Glock 26 | Glock 43 |
| Size | Subcompact | Subcompact |
| Caliber | 9x19mm | 9x19mm |
| System | Safe Action | Safe Action |
| Magazine Capacity | 10 +1 | 6 +1 |
| Barrel Length | 87 mm | 3.43” | 86.5 mm | 3.41” |
| Length Overall | 165 mm | 6.50” | 159 mm | 6.26" |
| Width | 32 mm | 1.26" | 27 mm | 1.06" |
| Height | 106 mm | 4.17" | 108 mm | 4.25" |
| Trigger pull | 28 N | 24 N |
| Trigger Distance | 72 mm | 2.83” | 65 mm | 2.56” |
| Weight | 21.52 oz empty 25.75 oz loaded |
17.99 oz empty 20.64 oz loaded |
In the world of concealed carry, Glock's compact pistols stand out. Explore the origins, features, and key differences between the Glock 26 and Glock 43 in our comprehensive comparison. Find which one suits your needs and preferences.
The Glock 26 is part of Glock's renowned pistols, which originated in Austria in the early 1980s. It was introduced in 1994, making it one of the earlier models in Glock's lineup. Here's a brief overview of its development and key milestones
The Glock 26, often called the Baby Glock, is a compact and highly concealable pistol designed for everyday carry. Its compact frame and versatility have made it a favorite among those looking to balance firepower and Concealment. In this blog post, we'll explore the dimensions, capacity, and caliber options of the Glock 26, helping you understand its strengths and limitations for your self-defense needs.
The Glock 43 was developed in response to the demand for a slim, single-stack concealed carry pistol that retains Glock's reputation for reliability. Its introduction to the market filled a gap in Glock's lineup, appealing to individuals prioritizing ease of Concealment and comfort in a self-defense firearm. Over the years, it has become popular for civilian concealed carriers and law enforcement officers.
When comparing the Glock 26 and Glock 43 for recoil and accuracy, the Glock 26 tends to have more manageable recoil due to its slightly heavier weight, making it easier for shooters to control during rapid fire. It offers good accuracy with its design, ensuring proper sight alignment and radius. On the other hand, the Glock 43, although lighter, provides manageable recoil as well, with appropriate training and grip techniques. Its accuracy is also reliable for self-defense purposes, with many shooters achieving effective shot placement at typical self-defense distances. Both pistols are accurate and controllable, and the choice between them should consider other factors such as concealability and personal preferences.
| Characteristic | Glock 26 | Glock 43 |
| Recoil | Manageable, aided by slightly heavier weight | Manageable with proper training, despite lighter weight |
| Accuracy | Good sight alignment and radius, reliable accuracy | Reliable accuracy for self-defense purposes, effective shot placement |
| Additional Comments | Recoil control is easier during rapid-fire | Recoil management is manageable with practice |
The Glock 26 offers a higher standard magazine capacity, typically holding ten rounds of 9mm ammunition, providing a robust balance between firepower and concealability. Moreover, extended magazines are available, offering even greater capacity options.
In contrast, the Glock 43 prioritizes concealability over capacity, with its standard magazine holding six rounds. While extended magazines are also available for the Glock 43, they still provide a lower overall round count compared to the Glock 26.
The choice between these two pistols should be based on your specific needs, with the Glock 26 offering more rounds "out of the box" and the Glock 43 emphasizing deep Concealment.
| Characteristic | Glock 26 | Glock 43 |
| Standard Magazine Capacity | 10 rounds | 6 rounds |
| Extended Magazine Options | Available (12, 15, or 33 rounds) | Available (7 or 8 rounds) |
The Glock 26 and Glock 43 share the same caliber, 9mm, a well-regarded and widely adopted caliber known for balancing stopping power and manageable recoil. This caliber offers versatility and ammunition availability, making it an excellent choice for self-defense and practice.
The primary distinction between the two models lies in their capacity, with the Glock 26 generally accommodating more rounds due to its double-stack magazine design. This can affect the number of rounds you can carry and the variety of loads you can choose.
Like other Glock models, the Glock 26 and Glock 43 share a reputation for outstanding reliability. These compact pistols are trusted by concealed carry enthusiasts and law enforcement officers alike due to their rugged design, consistent performance, and resistance to malfunctions. Glock's commitment to simplicity, durability, and quality control ensures that the Glock 26 and Glock 43 can reliably function in various conditions, making them dependable choices for personal defense and concealed carry applications.
When considering whether to purchase a Glock 26 or Glock 43, it's essential to consider your budget and the accessibility of these firearms. It's important to note that prices and availability can fluctuate based on location, local firearm regulations, and market conditions. Here's a general overview of the cost and availability of these two handguns:
Price: The Glock 26 is typically slightly higher than the Glock 43. Prices can range from approximately $500 to $800 or more for a brand-new pistol, depending on the model variant and included accessories.
Availability: The Glock 26 is a relatively common and popular model. It is often readily available at firearms dealers, both in-store and online gun store. Availability may change depending on your area and local laws.
Price: The Glock 43 is generally priced lower than the Glock 26. Depending on factors like included accessories and market conditions, you can expect to pay approximately $450 to $550 for a brand-new Glock 43.
Availability: The Glock 43 is also a popular choice and is typically available at firearms dealers. Due to its compact size and widespread demand, it is usually accessible for purchase, but specific models and configurations may vary.
 Glock 26 Check Price |
 Glock 43 Check Price |
Whether the Glock 26 or Glock 43 is right depends on your needs, preferences, and intended use. Both pistols have their strengths and are excellent concealed carry and self-defense choices, but they cater to different priorities. Here are some key considerations to help you decide:
Deep Concealment is a Priority: The Glock 43's slim and lightweight design makes it an ideal choice. If discreet carry and minimal printing are paramount. It's easy to conceal even in clothing that may not accommodate a larger pistol.
Comfort is Crucial: The Glock 43's compactness and light weight make it comfortable for all-day carry, especially during the summer or when minimizing discomfort is vital.
You Prioritize Simplicity: If you prefer a simplified, no-frills concealed carry option with fewer rounds, the Glock 43's straightforward design may appeal to you.
You Need a Backup or Off-Duty Firearm: The Glock 43 is favored by some law enforcement officers as a backup or off-duty firearm due to its compactness and ease of carry.
Choosing between Glock 26 and 43 ultimately depends on your preferences and priorities. Consider factors such as capacity, concealability, comfort, and intended use to make the best decision with your needs. Additionally, hands-on testing and training with both pistols can help you determine the most comfortable and effective in your hands.
Choosing the right firearm is critical in concealed carry and self-defense. In this comparison between the Glock 26 and Glock 43, we've explored the key aspects that matter most to shooters: size, capacity, ammunition options, and more. Both of these Glock models offer exceptional reliability, which is the hallmark of the Glock brand. The Glock 26 is versatile, boasting a higher capacity and adaptability for various situations. In contrast, the Glock 43 prioritizes deep Concealment and comfort, making it the perfect choice for those who need to stay discreet and agile.
Ultimately, the decision between the Glock 26 and Glock 43 is based on your needs and preferences. Consider your intended use, body type, clothing choices, and the specific demands of your daily life. Whichever Glock you choose, you can trust in Glock's reputation for quality and reliability. Train regularly, prioritize safety, and comply with local laws and regulations. Your firearm should be an extension of your commitment to personal safety, so choose wisely and use it responsibly.