The Glock is a popular choice for concealed carry because it is small, lightweight, and reliable. This semi-automatic, single-stack, subcompact pistol has become popular among gun enthusiasts, security personnel, and everyday civilians for its simplicity, reliability, and size.
Buying a Glock 43, like purchasing any firearm, is a big choice. You need to think carefully and follow your local gun laws. Read More
Here are some important things to know before buying a Glock 43 or any other firearm:
Purpose: Determine why you want to buy a Glock 43. Is it for concealed carry, home defense, or general shooting? Understanding why you want it will help you pick the best gun.
Caliber: The Glock 43 is chambered in 9mm, a popular and widely available caliber. Ensure that 9mm suits your needs and that ammunition is readily accessible.
Local Laws and Regulations: Familiarize yourself with the firearm laws in your jurisdiction. Ensure you meet all legal requirements for purchasing and possessing a Glock 43.
Ergonomics and Comfort: Handle the Glock 43 to assess its ergonomics. Ensure it fits comfortably in your hand, and you can reach the controls easily.
Capacity: The Glock 43 typically has a magazine capacity of 6+1 rounds. Consider if this capacity meets your needs or if you plan to carry spare magazines.
Concealed Carry Considerations: If you plan to carry the Glock 43 concealed, consider how you'll bring it and whether you need specific holsters, clothing, or accessories.
Sights and Optics: Consider whether you want to upgrade the sights or add optics to the Glock 43. Stock sights can be replaced with night sights or other options.
Accessories: Research and choose accessories that suit your needs, such as a flashlight, laser, or extended magazine.
Budget: Factor in the cost of the Glock 43 itself, ammunition, training, holsters, and accessories into your budget.
Resale Value: While not a primary concern, Glock pistols tend to hold their value well. If you plan to sell or trade the firearm, this might be a factor.
The price of a Glock 43 can change due to factors like where you're buying it, the particular model, and any extra accessories or features it comes with. You can expect to pay between $400 to $500 for a new Glock 43.
However, firearm prices can fluctuate due to market demand, availability, and changes in manufacturing or distribution. It's important to check with local firearm dealers, online retailers, or gun shows for your area's most current pricing information.
The Glock 43 is the original model in the Glock 43 lineup. It is a single-stack 9mm pistol with a 6-round capacity. It is 6.26 inches long and weighs 17.99 ounces unloaded. The Glock 43 is a very concealable pistol, making it a good choice for self-defense. It is also relatively affordable, making it a good option for budget-minded shooters.
Capacity: The Glock 43 has a single-stack magazine with a 6-round capacity, meaning it can hold 6 rounds in the magazine and an additional round in the chamber.
Barrel Length: It features a 3.41-inch barrel.
Sights: The original Glock 43 typically comes with fixed sights, which are non-adjustable. These sights are functional but can be upgraded to night or other options.
Design: The Glock 43 is designed for concealed carry and is known for its slim profile and lightweight frame. It's highly popular among individuals looking for a compact, reliable, easy-to-conceal 9mm pistol.
The Glock 43X is a slightly larger version of the Glock 43. It can carry 10 rounds in the magazine and one more in the chamber. Its length is 6.5 inches. It also has a longer grip, making it more comfortable for some people to shoot. The Glock 43X is still a very concealable pistol, but it offers a few advantages over the Glock 43, such as the larger magazine capacity and the longer grip.
Capacity: The Glock 43X offers a higher magazine capacity than the Glock 43. Thanks to its slightly extended grip frame, it has a 10+1 round capacity.
Barrel Length: Like the Glock 43, the Glock 43X features a 3.41-inch barrel.
Sights: Similar to the original Glock 43, the Glock 43X typically comes with fixed sights. However, many users choose to upgrade the sights to suit their preferences.
Design: The Glock 43X compromises the concealability of the Glock 43 and the increased capacity of larger Glock models like the Glock 19. The extended grip allows for a more secure and comfortable hold while maintaining a relatively slim profile.
The Glock 43 MOS has a MIL-STD-1913 Picatinny rail on the top of the slide, allowing you to mount various optics, such as red dot sights. This makes the Glock 43 MOS a good choice for shooters who want to improve their accuracy and target acquisition. The Glock 43 MOS is also slightly larger than the Glock 43, but it is still a very concealable pistol.
Modular Optic System (MOS): The Glock 43X MOS is similar to the Glock 43X in capacity and dimensions but comes with an MOS slide cut. This cutout on the slide allows for the easy mounting of various red dot optics without the need for custom machining.
Optics Compatibility: With the MOS system, users can attach popular red dot sights, enhancing target acquisition and accuracy. The specific optics that are compatible may vary, so check Glock's official website or product documentation for the latest information.
Accessory Rail: The Glock 43X Rail, as the name suggests, includes an accessory rail on the dust cover. This rail lets you attach the pistol's accessories like lights or lasers.
Capacity: Like the standard Glock 43X, it has a 10+1 round capacity.
Barrel Length: It retains the 3.41-inch barrel of the original Glock 43.
The Glock 43X is available with a silver slide. It is called the Glock 43X Silver Slide. It has a silver nPVD-coated slide with front serrations and features the GLOCK Marksman Barrel (GMB). The nPVD coating provides a harder and more durable finish resistant to corrosion and salt water.
The Glock 43X Silver Slide is a limited edition pistol, so it may be more difficult to find than the standard Glock 43X. It is also more expensive, typically costing around $600.
If you are interested in the Glock 43X Silver Slide, I recommend you shop around and compare prices from different retailers. You should also be aware of the gun's availability before you purchase.
| Feature | Glock 43 | Glock 43X | Glock 43 MOS |
| Caliber | 9mm | 9mm | 9mm |
| Magazine capacity | 6+1 | 10+1 | 10+1 |
| Overall length | 6.26 inches | 6.5 inches | 6.5 inches |
| Weight | 17.99 ounces | 18.55 ounces | 18.55 ounces |
| Sights | Fixed sights | Fixed sights | Optics-readys |
Ultimately, your ideal Glock 43 model will depend on your requirements and likes. If you seek a compact, lightweight handgun that's simple to hide, the Glock 43 is a solid choice.
If you want a pistol with a larger magazine capacity or the ability to mount optics, the Glock 43X or Glock 43 MOS may be a better choice.
The current generation of Glock 43 is the Gen 5. It was introduced in 2017 and featured several improvements over the previous generations, including
Here is a table summarizing the key differences between the different generations of Glock 43:
Gen 1
Original model. Features a black polymer frame and slide, fixed sights, and no finger grooves.
Gen 2
Added a reversible magazine catch and improved trigger.
Gen 3
Added more features like a beavertail grip safety and a slide stop lever with a wider tab.
Gen 4
Added finger grooves to the grip and various finishes, including a coyote tan and desert sand.
Gen 5
Added the nDLC finish, the flared mag-well, the Marksman Barrel, and the reversible magazine catch.
Q: What is the Glock 43?
Ans. The Glock 43 is a subcompact, single-stack 9mm pistol manufactured by Glock. It is designed for concealed carry and personal defense.
Q: How many rounds does the Glock 43 hold?
Ans. The standard Glock 43 magazine holds 6 rounds of 9mm ammunition. With a round in the chamber, it has a total capacity of 6+1 rounds.
Q: What's the difference between the Glock 43 and Glock 43X?
Ans. The Glock 43X features a slightly extended grip compared to the original Glock 43, allowing for a 10-round magazine capacity. The Glock 43X also has a longer grip frame.
Q: What's the price range for a Glock 43?
Ans. The price of a Glock 43 can vary depending on factors like location and included accessories. Prices typically ranged from $411 to $500 for a new Glock 43.
Q: Is the Glock 43 a good choice for beginners?
Ans. The Glock 43 suits beginners, but proper training and practice are essential. Consider taking a firearm safety course to learn how to handle and shoot it safely.