https://us.glock.com/en/pistols/g43
The Glock 43 is a single-stack 9mm subcompact pistol you’ll find optimized for concealed carry applications. You can expect Glock’s proven Safe Action trigger system, a 6-round magazine capacity, and a lightweight polymer frame at 16.23 ounces unloaded. The 3.41-inch barrel and 6.26-inch overall length maintain a slim profile suitable for everyday carry. Field stripping follows Glock’s standard disassembly protocol for maintenance. This platform’s specifications and features warrant careful consideration for your personal defense needs.
Key Takeaways
- The Glock 43 is a single-stack 9mm semi-automatic pistol specifically designed for concealed carry with a 6-round magazine capacity.
- Weighing 16.23 ounces unloaded, the pistol features a compact design with a 3.41-inch barrel and 6.26-inch overall length.
- Released in 2015, it utilizes Glock’s proven Safe Action trigger system and polymer frame construction for reliability and durability.
- Street prices typically range between $500-600, making it competitively priced in the subcompact pistol market.
- The pistol competes directly with popular concealed carry options like the Smith & Wesson Shield and Sig P365.
Description
The Glock 43 represents a single-stack 9mm semi-automatic pistol engineered specifically for concealed carry applications.
You’ll find this compact pistol features a polymer grip frame and a 6-round magazine capacity. The pistol’s Safe Action trigger system delivers a 24 Newton pull weight, while its 3.41-inch barrel and 6.26-inch overall length provide optimal concealment characteristics.
Price Range
Most retail outlets price the Glock 43 between $500-600, with an MSRP of $589. When you’re shopping for concealed carry pistols, you’ll find the GLOCK 43’s pricing remains competitive and stable across dealers. Local taxes and fees may affect your final purchase price.
| Price Category | Low Range | High Range |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $589 | $589 |
| Street Price | $500 | $600 |
| Sale Price | $475 | $550 |
| Online Price | $485 | $575 |
Specifications
The Glock 43’s compact specifications make it an ideal choice for concealed carry applications. You’ll find the pistol weighs 460g (16.23 oz) unloaded and features a 86.5mm (3.41-inch) barrel within its 159mm (6.26-inch) overall length. This 9x19mm caliber handgun employs Glock’s proven polymer frame construction and maintains a standard magazine capacity of 6 rounds.
| Specification | Metric | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Weight (unloaded) | 460g | 16.23 oz |
| Barrel Length | 86.5mm | 3.41 in |
| Overall Length | 159mm | 6.26 in |
| Caliber | 9x19mm | 9mm |
| Magazine Capacity | 6 rounds | 6 rounds |
Weight
Weight specifications for the Glock 43 measure 460 g (16.23 oz) unloaded without magazine, 510 g (17.99 oz) with empty magazine, and 585 g (20.64 oz) with loaded magazine.
The lightweight polymer frame contributes to its minimal mass, making it an ideal compact pistol for concealed carry applications. You’ll find these weight specifications typical for a 9mm handgun in this category.
Barrel Length
Standard barrel specifications for the Glock 43 measure precisely 86.5 mm (3.41 inches), incorporating Glock’s signature polygonal rifling design. The compact barrel length maintains optimal defensive capabilities while its non-reflective surface allows enhanced concealment.
The built-in beaver tail and grip surface allows for improved handling, while the catch makes quick target acquisition natural, despite the shortened barrel configuration.
Material Made Out Of
Featuring precision-engineered materials, Glock’s Model 43 combines a robust polymer frame with hardened steel components to achieve optimal durability and weight reduction.
The steel slide and barrel feature a non-reflective black finish for tactical advantage, while the steel magazine includes a polymer base plate.
You’ll find polymer sights with a white dot front and white outline rear configuration for enhanced target acquisition.
Chambered In
The Glock 43’s 9x19mm Luger chambering delivers proven ballistic performance in a compact package. This G design works efficiently with the standard 6-round magazine capacity, optimizing your concealed carry options.
The Gen platform’s chamber specs align with NATO-standard 9mm ammunition, ensuring reliable function and consistent performance. You’ll find this chambering balances stopping power with manageable recoil.
Capacity
While maintaining its compact profile, a single-stack magazine configuration provides the Glock 43 with a 6-round capacity of 9mm ammunition.
You’ll find the reversible magazine catch makes quick reloads possible for both right and left-handed shooters.
Though the standard magazine capacity is limited, aftermarket extensions are available if you need more rounds while maintaining a high and tight grip for comfort and reliable operation.
Trigger Pull
Coming in at approximately 24 Newtons (5 pounds 13.5 ounces), the Glock 43’s trigger pull falls slightly heavier than other Glock models. You’ll find this weight consistent with the Glock Safe Action system, incorporating three sequential safeties.
The trigger pull’s predictable and smooth operation enhances your accuracy while maintaining safety standards. This deliberate design choice helps prevent unintentional discharges during handling.
Safety?
Safety features on the Glock 43 center around its integrated Safe Action System, which incorporates three automated sequential safeties. You’ll find a polymer frame with recoil dampening for comfortable and reliable operation.
The pistol includes a visible and palpable loaded chamber indicator on the extractor, plus a functional slide stop lever that engages on the last round.
Action
The Glock 43’s Safe Action system builds upon three automated mechanical safeties that work sequentially to ensure operational safety. You’ll find the Safety action engages automatically, while the slimline RTF grip texture enhances control during operation.
The reversible magazine catch makes quick reloading efficient for both right and left-handed shooters, integrating seamlessly with the pistol’s safety features.
Optic Ready?
Unlike newer models in Glock’s lineup, standard G43 pistols ship without factory-installed optic mounting capabilities. If you’re looking to add a Red Dot sight, you’ll need professional gunsmith services to mill the slide.
While the pistol comes with fixed polymer sights featuring a white dot front and white outline rear configuration, various third-party mounting plates are available for optic modification.
Review
You’ll find the Glock 43’s reliability and durability to be consistent with Glock’s reputation, as demonstrated by its proven track record in both civilian and law enforcement use. The pistol’s primary advantages include its compact size for concealed carry, proven mechanical dependability, and compatibility with numerous aftermarket accessories, though you’ll need to consider the limited 6-round capacity as a potential drawback.
Your firing experience will benefit from the pistol’s proven safety features and ergonomic design, though you might notice a slightly thicker profile compared to some competing models in the same class.
Pros
Designed for maximum concealment without sacrificing performance, Glock’s model 43 delivers impressive advantages for everyday carry. You’ll find the reversible catch makes quick work of magazine changes for both left and right-hand shooters.
| Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Beaver Tail Design | High, secure grip positioning |
| Polygonal Barrel | Enhanced projectile velocity |
| RTF Grip Texture | Superior control in wet conditions |
The Safe Action System with triple redundant safeties ensures reliable operation while maintaining a lightweight, compact profile.
Cons
While the Glock 43’s compact design excels in concealment, several limitations warrant consideration before purchase. The tiny G43 tolerates smaller hands, but its slim surface allows for comfortable grip only for specific users. You’ll need to manage with a six round magazine capacity.
| Limitation | Impact | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Frame Size | Limited grip | Grip extensions |
| Stock Sights | Poor visibility | Aftermarket upgrades |
| No MOS System | No optics mount | Custom slide milling |
Reliability
Despite its compact frame limitations, the Glock 43’s operational reliability stands as a defining characteristic. As a member of the GLOCK pistol family, this single stack model has proven itself a fantastic tool for daily carry, demonstrating consistent performance through hundreds of rounds.
You’ll find it maintains the brand’s renowned reliability across diverse shooting conditions, serving both smaller and larger-framed shooters without compromising function.
Similar Models
The Glock 43 shares the concealed carry market with several comparable 9mm micro-compact pistols. You’ll find similar dimensions in the Smith & Wesson Shield, Walther PPS, and Kahr CM9.
The Glock family offers variants like the 43X with its extended grip and 10-round capacity, and the 48 with its longer 4.17-inch barrel. Direct competitors include the Sig P365 and Springfield Hellcat with their higher capacities.
Similar Models From Other Manufacturers
Across the firearms industry, several manufacturers offer direct competitors to the Glock 43’s micro-compact design. While maintaining the superlative standards that GLOCK established with their 9mm Luger caliber pistol, options like the Sig P365 and Springfield Hellcat deliver higher capacities.
The Smith & Wesson M&P Shield mirrors the standard Glock format, while the Ruger LC9s and Kahr CM9 offer slimmer profiles than traditional Glock pistols.
Maintenance
Maintaining your Glock 43 follows the same straightforward procedures as other pistols in its class. You’ll need to field strip the pistol using GLOCK’s standard disassembly method.
Clean all components with solvent and a lint-free cloth, paying close attention to the barrel, slide, and frame. Apply quality gun oil to slide rails and moving parts. Carefully reassemble, verifying proper function before use.
History
Released in 2015, Glock’s Model 43 emerged as the manufacturer’s first single-stack 9mm subcompact pistol, filling a crucial market gap in the concealed carry segment.
The G43’s introduction directly targeted competitors like the M&P Shield and P938, offering shooters, regardless of ones experience level, a reliable carry gun featuring Glock’s proven Safe Action trigger.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Glock 43 a Good Gun?
You’ll find the Glock 43’s reliability is exceptional, functioning consistently across various ammunition types. Its slim profile offers superior concealability, making it ideal for everyday carry.
While the accuracy is impressive for a subcompact, you can enhance performance through numerous customization options, including upgraded sights and extended magazines. The proven Safe Action system ensures operational safety.
Despite its 6-round capacity limitation, you’re getting a technically sound, dependable defensive tool.
Why Is the Glock 43X Illegal?
Hold your horses – the Glock 43X isn’t illegal at all. You’ll find it’s a perfectly legal concealed carry option that meets magazine capacity regulations across most jurisdictions.
The compact frame design offers you enhanced control while maintaining concealability. The 43X actually improves on the single stack versus double stack debate by providing a slightly wider grip than the standard 43.
It’s fully compliant with federal firearm regulations and available through licensed dealers.
Which Is Better, Glock 43 or 43X?
Neither is definitively “better” – your choice depends on your specific needs. If you’re prioritizing deep concealment, you’ll prefer the Glock 43’s slimmer single stack profile and lighter weight.
If you value higher magazine capacity, the 43X’s 15-round capacity over the 43’s 6-round capacity gives you a significant advantage. The 43X’s slightly larger grip improves control but impacts concealability. Consider your primary use case – concealed carry requirements versus defensive shooting needs.
Is the Glock 43 Being Discontinued?
No, you’ll find that the Glock 43 isn’t being discontinued. It remains a popular concealed carry option with robust holster selection and aftermarket support for trigger upgrades.
While its single-stack 6+1 magazine capacity is less than newer models, the G43’s continued production meets steady market demand. You’re still able to purchase new G43s from authorized dealers, and Glock hasn’t announced any plans to phase out this reliable subcompact platform.
Conclusion
You’ll find the Glock 43’s reliability and concealability make it a standout choice for everyday carry, much like sending a text message in 1911 would’ve revolutionized communication. When maintaining proper safety protocols and mastering the 9mm single-stack platform, you’re equipped with a proven defensive tool. Regular maintenance of the striker-fired system and adherence to factory specifications ensure optimal functionality for this polymer-framed subcompact pistol.
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