Glock 42 Vs 43x - When looking for a concealed carry handgun, the choice often comes down to two main contenders that are very similar but have enough different features to distinguish one from the other. In that case, let's compare the Glock 43 to the Glock 43X, a pair of subcompact single-stack pistols from the same manufacturer.
Glock pistols have a good reputation for quality, accuracy and reliability. They are known for their high gun capacities, double stack magazines and polymer frames. 9mm single-stack concealed carry pistols weren't exactly strong until the release of the Glock 43 on April 14, 2015.
Glock 42 Vs 43x
The G43 was based on a slightly smaller single stack in 380 ACP called the G42. The main competition for the G43 at the time was the S&W M&P Shield line of pistols. The Shield was designed as a small carry pistol and Glock realized that this was the market share they needed to go after.
Comparing The Glock 43 Vs. 43x
However, some G43 shooters had complaints about Glock's new carry pistol. That is, they found the handle too small. For some it was too narrow, for others the grip length was simply too short to shoot accurately and comfortably. A simple answer might be to add a magazine extension that could optionally add an extra round to the magazine capacity, but a longer grip was really necessary.
Glock answered the call by producing the G43X. A slightly larger single stack concealed carry pistol with a longer grip and 10 round magazine capacity as opposed to the 6 found in the G43. So which one is better? Learn more about the 43 and 43X below.
The names of these two pistols are so similar that they can be a bit confusing for those new to shooting or those new to the Glock family of firearms. However, they are different enough with their own unique advantages for a more detailed comparison.
While the two subcompact Glock pistols may appear similar on the surface, the difference between the 43 and 43X is enough that it might have been better to use a different number in the nomenclature rather than adding a Glock X out of naming convention.
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As previously mentioned, the G43 is a compact single stack magazine concealed carry pistol. Its footprint is quite small, so it can truly be called a small Glock. The barrel is 3.41 inches long and the pistol grip is approximately 6.26 inches. This gun is 1.08 inches wide and 4.25 inches tall. Holds 6 rounds in the factory magazine and weighs 20.64 ounces.
In contrast, the slightly larger Glock 43X has the same barrel length but is slightly longer with an overall length of 6.05 inches. The slide length increases and is an inch longer at 5.04 inches because the 10-round magazine needs a slightly larger grip frame. It tips the scales at 23.07 ounces. The main noticeable difference is that the slide has an nPVD coating that gives it a silver finish, as opposed to the plain black of the G43. However, Glock recently released the 43X with a black slide as well.
Both pistols lack the accessory rail that has been a staple of nearly all Glock models for the past 20 years. This may have been done to increase the concealment factor of each pistol. However, some companies like Streamlight offer visible white lights that mount on guns and visible lasers that surround the trigger guard. These allow the shooter to add a compact and rugged weapon mounted light.
The newer version of the 43X has an optical mounting plate as an upgrade. There is currently no such option for the G43.
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The only other major difference between the two pistols is that the 43X slide is milled with forward bevel serrations, while the G43 only has rear bevel serrations into the slide. This is only a good option for shooters who don't have the arm strength to lift the slide that catches the back teeth. It's not a bad idea to do press checks, especially during a tactical pistol training course.
A byproduct of the larger G43X is increased factory magazine capacity. In this case, it's 10 rounds, as opposed to the G43's 6 round capacity. It should be noted that magazines between the G43 and G43X are not interchangeable. So when you're looking for replacement magazines for any handgun, double check to make sure you're getting the right magazine.
If you have larger hands, the extra length of the G43X grip with its larger magazine and increased capacity may make sense.
Subcompact pistols like the G43 and G43X are not known as stick drivers due to their short sight radius, compact ergonomics, and relatively light weight. However, from reading reviews online or in various gun magazines, these two pistols are quite accurate depending on the ammo and skill level of the shooter.
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Average accuracy for both the G43 and G43X appears to be between 2 and 3 inches at 50 feet. This is something that could be improved by including aftermarket triggers, such as a Shield Systems sight, or even a small red dot sight that is small enough to handle the slides of these compact pistols discreetly. Upgrade your Glock today with aftermarket triggers and other upgrades!
Depending on the shooter, the differences in accuracy can range from small to significant. A shooter with particularly large hands may find the 43X to have a slightly wider and longer grip than the 43. A shooter with smaller hands may find the opposite. In fact, most shooters probably won't notice a difference in accuracy. Through trial and error, you can borrow a handgun from a friend or go to an indoor shooting range, often with a well-stocked rental unit, to determine what works best for you.
Small guns like these are often unfairly criticized, and “I often carry. I rarely draw" category. Carrying often is never a bad thing. may be rare. Both pistols are reliable and extremely accurate. The 43X offers a better grip for most shooters and should win in the accuracy department unless the shooter has particularly small hands.
None of these micro Glocks have major performance or reliability issues. Like all Glock pistols, there is a very equal engineering and testing process before being released to the market. Everyone performs at their desired level before entering the public arena.
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With all that information in mind and no subcompact Glock in hand. 43X might look more attractive. A more comfortable grip frame, increased magazine capacity, and a silver slide seem like great improvements and the creation of a better pistol, right?
You have to get away from the written word and pretty pictures and actually pick each one up to see how they work and feel.
While the G43 has an obvious advantage over its little brother, the 43X is a bit more stealthy. Reading the comparison of measurements above may not reveal it, but trying to carry one or the other in an accessory case or ankle holster will certainly reveal the difference.
It is well known that the hardest part of concealing any firearm is the grip. It may not be as wide or long as the grip frame found on a 10mm G20 or G40, but sometimes just inches or fractions of an inch can make a big difference between concealed carry and a "print" gun. Likewise, the G43 may be better suited for ankle carry.
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It depends on how comfortable you are as a shooter with the G43 or G43X. Hand size can play a role here, as can concealment. While any handgun can be carried openly rather than concealed, the open shooter may want to look at the larger and easier-to-shoot G19 or G17 models as opposed to these subcompact Glocks.
All things being equal, it may come down to aesthetics. Some may prefer the silver of the 43X to the black of the G43. For some shooters, the opposite may be true.
In the end, it's up to you. The slightly larger size and increased magazine capacity may be more appealing to some shooters, while others will appreciate the G43's smaller size and weight. The bottom line is that you won't go wrong with either of these two pistols. It all depends on personal preferences. If you're considering a Glock for concealed carry, you're probably wondering what the difference is between the Glock 42 and the Glock 43. After all, it's only a few, right?
Aside from the obvious differences in print and size, there are a few other things to look out for.
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