Glock 43X Gen 5: Comprehensive Review, Features & Performance

The Glock 43X Gen 5 represents a significant evolution in concealed carry pistols, combining the reliability Glock is known for with modern enhancements designed for everyday carry. This slimline 9mm pistol bridges the gap between compact size and shootability, making it a popular choice among both law enforcement and civilian carriers.

The Glock 43X Gen 5 incorporates several key improvements from Glock's latest generation, including the Glock Marksman Barrel, enhanced frame construction, and improved ergonomics while maintaining a slim profile perfect for concealed carry. The pistol features a 10+1 capacity and measures just over an inch wide, allowing it to disappear under clothing while providing more grip length than smaller alternatives.

What sets this pistol apart is its ability to deliver full-size performance in a compact package. The enhanced Gen 5 features include improved accuracy, better trigger performance, and increased durability, making it suitable for both new shooters and experienced users who demand reliability in a concealed carry firearm.

Key Takeaways

• The Glock 43X Gen 5 offers superior concealability with its slim profile while maintaining excellent shootability and accuracy

• It features modern Gen 5 enhancements including the Marksman Barrel and improved frame construction for better performance

• The pistol provides a 10+1 capacity in a package that balances size, comfort, and reliability for everyday carry

Glock 43X Gen 5 Overview

The Glock G43X 9mm pistol combines a compact grip with a short slide design optimized for concealed carry. This subcompact 9mm slimline Gen 5 carry gun features a 3.41-inch barrel and 10+1 capacity.

Key Specifications

The Glock 43X measures 6.5 inches in overall length with its 3.41-inch barrel. The pistol weighs 18.7 ounces when empty, making it lightweight for daily carry.

The frame combines elements of the Gen5 and Slimline series, including several enhanced features. These include a short trigger distance and reversible magazine catch for ambidextrous use.

The pistol comes with a match-grade Glock Marksman Trigger as standard equipment. Two magazines are included, each holding 10+1 rounds for a total capacity of 10 rounds plus one in the chamber.

The striker-fired action provides consistent trigger pull with each shot. The slide features front and rear serrations for improved grip during manipulation.

Intended Applications

The Glock 43X is designed specifically for concealed carry. Its compact dimensions and lightweight construction make it suitable for everyday carry situations.

The pistol's slim profile reduces printing when carried inside the waistband. The larger grip compared to the standard Glock 43 provides better control and comfort during extended shooting sessions.

Law enforcement officers often choose this model as a backup weapon. The 9mm chambering provides adequate stopping power while maintaining manageable recoil.

Civilian shooters appreciate the balance between size and capacity. The 10-round magazine offers more ammunition than ultra-compact alternatives while maintaining a concealable footprint.

9mm Luger Chambering

The Glock 43X uses the 9x19mm Parabellum cartridge, also known as 9mm Luger. This caliber provides effective stopping power with moderate recoil characteristics.

The 9mm chambering offers wide ammunition availability and affordability. Most ammunition manufacturers produce multiple load options for this caliber, from training rounds to premium defensive ammunition.

Ballistic performance from the 3.41-inch barrel produces velocities suitable for self-defense applications. The shorter barrel length reduces velocity compared to full-size pistols but maintains adequate energy transfer.

The 9mm cartridge generates manageable recoil impulse in the lightweight frame. This allows for faster follow-up shots and improved accuracy during rapid-fire sequences.

Slimline Frame and Compact Design

The Glock 43X features a compact Slimline frame that measures just 1.1 inches wide and weighs 16.4 ounces empty. This Generation 5 design eliminates finger grooves for improved grip comfort across different hand sizes.

Slim Profile Benefits

The 43X's slim profile makes it excel for concealed carry applications. At 1.1 inches wide, the pistol easily disappears under clothing without printing.

The narrow frame allows the gun to sit close to the body. This reduces the chance of accidental exposure during daily activities.

Concealed carriers find the slim subcompact slide and frame create a low profile for comfortable all-day carry. The design works well for appendix carry and traditional hip positions.

The compact dimensions make drawing from concealment smooth and consistent. The pistol clears holsters quickly without catching on clothing or gear.

Lightweight Construction

The 43X weighs just 16.4 ounces with an empty magazine. This lightweight design reduces fatigue during extended carry periods.

The polymer frame construction keeps weight down while maintaining durability. Users can carry the pistol for hours without discomfort.

A loaded 10-round magazine adds approximately 6.67 ounces to the total weight. Even fully loaded, the pistol remains manageable for daily carry.

The balanced weight distribution helps control muzzle flip during rapid fire. Shooters can maintain better accuracy with follow-up shots.

No Finger Grooves

Generation 5 Glock pistols removed the finger grooves found on earlier models. This change accommodates a wider range of hand sizes and grip preferences.

The smooth grip surface allows shooters to position their fingers naturally. Users can adjust their grip based on personal comfort rather than predetermined grooves.

The frame incorporates Gen5 elements with improved ergonomics and texturing. The surface provides secure purchase without being overly aggressive.

Shooters with different finger lengths can find their optimal grip position. This flexibility improves control and accuracy for various users.

Performance and Accuracy

The Glock 43X Gen 5 delivers consistent performance through its enhanced barrel design and refined trigger system. Recoil characteristics and environmental factors play crucial roles in the pistol's overall accuracy potential.

Glock Marksman Barrel

The Glock Marksman Barrel represents a significant upgrade from previous generations. This barrel features enhanced rifling with a tighter twist rate that improves bullet stabilization.

The marksman barrel uses a cold-hammer-forged construction method. This process creates more precise bore dimensions compared to traditional manufacturing.

Shooters typically see improved accuracy at distances beyond 15 yards. The barrel's crown design reduces gas disruption during bullet exit.

The Glock 43X incorporates all Gen 5 design improvements that enhance performance. These modifications work together to create better shot consistency.

Recoil Management

The Gen 5 frame design helps manage felt recoil effectively. The pistol's weight distribution keeps muzzle flip minimal during rapid fire.

Grip texture plays a key role in recoil control. The enhanced surface pattern provides secure hand placement even with sweaty palms.

The 43X's single-stack design creates a narrower grip profile. This allows shooters with smaller hands to maintain better control during recoil.

Recoil springs in the Gen 5 system are calibrated for 9mm ammunition. They cycle consistently with standard pressure loads while managing +P ammunition effectively.

Trigger Performance

The Gen 5 trigger system delivers a consistent pull weight around 5.5 pounds. The break point remains predictable across thousands of rounds.

Trigger reset measures approximately 0.1 inches of forward travel. This short distance allows for faster follow-up shots during precision shooting.

The trigger safety mechanism prevents accidental discharge while maintaining smooth operation. Shooters experience minimal pre-travel before engagement.

Proper trigger control techniques significantly impact accuracy with the 43X. Consistent finger placement and smooth pull motion produce the best results.

Shooting Environment Considerations

Indoor range performance differs from outdoor shooting conditions. The 43X maintains accuracy in controlled environments with minimal wind interference.

Lighting conditions affect sight alignment and target acquisition. The pistol's standard sights work well in normal lighting but may require upgrades for low-light situations.

Temperature changes can affect ammunition performance more than the pistol itself. Hot weather may increase pressure while cold conditions can slow powder burn rates.

The 43X excels in concealed carry scenarios where quick, accurate shots are essential. Its compact size doesn't compromise shooting accuracy at typical defensive distances.

Magazine Capacity and Controls

The Glock 43X Gen 5 comes with a standard 10-round magazine capacity and features user-friendly controls including a reversible magazine catch and the Safe Action system. These components work together to provide reliable operation and customizable handling for different shooting preferences.

10-Round Magazine Features

The Glock 43X features a 10-round magazine with staggered-stack design that fits flush with the grip. This configuration provides more capacity than the standard Glock 43's six rounds while maintaining a compact profile.

The magazine uses steel construction with a protective coating for durability. The staggered design allows more rounds to fit without increasing the grip width significantly.

Magazine Specifications:

• Capacity: 10 rounds of 9mm

• Material: Steel construction

• Design: Staggered-stack configuration

• Compatibility: Works with Glock 43X and Glock 48

Aftermarket options like the Shield Arms S15 magazine offer 15-round capacity for users who want increased ammunition capacity. These metal magazines maintain the same flush fit while adding five additional rounds.

Reversible Magazine Catch

The Glock 43X includes a reversible magazine catch that accommodates both right-handed and left-handed shooters. This feature allows users to position the release button on either side of the frame.

The standard magazine catch is made of polymer material. Some users upgrade to steel magazine catches for increased durability and reduced wear over time.

Installation Process:

1. Remove the slide and barrel

2. Push out the magazine catch from the opposite side

3. Reinstall on the desired side

4. Test function before use

The reversible design ensures comfortable operation regardless of the shooter's dominant hand. This makes the pistol more versatile for different users.

Safe Action System

The Glock Safe Action system provides three independent safety mechanisms that work automatically. These safeties engage when the trigger is not being pulled and disengage sequentially when the trigger is pressed.

The system includes a trigger safety, firing pin safety, and drop safety. Each component prevents accidental discharge while allowing normal firing when intended.

Safety Components:

• Trigger Safety: Prevents trigger movement unless deliberately pressed

• Firing Pin Safety: Blocks firing pin until trigger is fully pressed

• Drop Safety: Prevents firing if gun is dropped

The Safe Action system requires no manual safety switches or buttons. All three safeties work together automatically to prevent unintentional firing while ensuring reliable operation when needed.

Durability and Finish

The Glock 43X features advanced coating technology and robust construction materials that deliver exceptional resistance to wear and environmental damage. The pistol's finish options have evolved to provide better protection while maintaining the reliability Glock users expect.

nDLC Finish and Corrosion Resistance

The Glock 43X originally featured a black nDLC (Diamond-Like Carbon) coating on its slide. This finish provided excellent corrosion resistance and a smooth surface texture.

However, Glock changed the finish on the 43X and 48 models within the last year. The company now uses a dull gray Gas Nitride finish instead of the previous black nDLC coating.

Key Finish Characteristics:

• Current Finish: Gas Nitride (gray appearance)

• Previous Finish: nDLC black coating

• Texture: Slightly textured feel compared to smooth nDLC

• Protection: Enhanced corrosion resistance

A Glock technician explained that the Nitride finish is comparable to nDLC in toughness. The main difference lies in texture rather than protective qualities.

The 43X also features a Silver nPVD coated slide option that offers enhanced corrosion resistance and durability compared to standard black finishes.

General Durability Attributes

The Glock 43X demonstrates exceptional durability in daily carry situations. The finish holds up remarkably well to daily carry wear, maintaining its appearance and protective properties.

Maintenance Schedule:

The pistol requires minimal maintenance thanks to its simple design. Spring replacement is typically only needed after 5,000+ rounds of regular use.

Durability Features:

• Resistant to cleaning solvents and oils

• Low maintenance requirements

• Polymer frame resists impact damage

• Steel slide handles repeated cycling

The 43X's construction materials resist common environmental hazards. Humidity, temperature changes, and routine handling cause minimal wear to the finish or mechanical components.

Carry and Practical Use

The Glock 43X Gen 5 delivers compact dimensions at 6.5 inches long with a 1.1-inch width that makes it highly concealable. Its 10+1 capacity and reliable 9mm performance provide adequate firepower for personal protection while maintaining comfortable daily carry.

Concealed Carry Suitability

The slim profile of the Glock 43X makes it an excellent choice for concealed carry applications. At just over an inch wide, it easily disappears under most clothing without printing.

The pistol's compact frame allows for various carry positions. Inside-the-waistband holsters work particularly well due to the gun's thin design. Appendix carry becomes comfortable thanks to the shorter grip length compared to full-size models.

Weight distribution remains balanced at 18.7 ounces unloaded. This prevents the heavy feeling that larger pistols create during extended carry periods. The textured grip provides secure handling even when drawing from concealment quickly.

Key Concealment Features:

• 1.1-inch width for minimal printing

• 4.17-inch height reduces grip visibility

• Rounded edges prevent snagging on clothing

• Multiple holster options available

The maximum concealment capabilities make it suitable for year-round carry in various climates and clothing styles.

Everyday Carry Comfort

Daily carry comfort comes from the pistol's ergonomic design and lightweight construction. The grip angle matches natural hand positioning, reducing fatigue during extended carry periods.

The Gen 5 frame improvements include better texturing that doesn't irritate skin or clothing. Sharp edges have been eliminated from high-contact areas. This attention to comfort details makes all-day carry more practical.

Holster compatibility enhances carry comfort significantly. The massive aftermarket support means users can find holsters designed specifically for their carry preferences and body types.

Comfort Considerations:

• Smooth edges prevent hot spots

• Balanced weight distribution

• Compatible with various holster styles

• Minimal bulk for daily activities

The pistol's size allows normal movement without restriction. Sitting, bending, and reaching remain comfortable with proper holster selection.

Personal Defense and Law Enforcement Use

The 9mm chambering provides effective stopping power for personal defense situations. The cartridge offers good penetration while remaining manageable for follow-up shots under stress.

Law enforcement officers often choose the 43X as a backup sidearm. Its reliability and parts commonality with duty pistols make it a logical choice for secondary carry. The pistol's proven track record in defensive situations builds confidence.

Defensive Capabilities:

• 10+1 capacity for multiple threats

• Fast sight acquisition under stress

• Reliable feeding with various ammunition types

• Simple manual of arms reduces training requirements

The trigger provides consistent performance when quick shots are needed. Reset characteristics allow rapid follow-up shots while maintaining accuracy. This combination of reliability and shootability makes it effective for personal protection.

Professional users appreciate the pistol's durability in harsh conditions. The finish resists corrosion from sweat and environmental exposure during extended carry periods.

Sights and Customization Options

The Glock 43X Gen 5 offers extensive sight upgrade options and accessory compatibility for enhanced performance. From tritium night sights to modular optic systems, shooters can customize their pistol for specific needs.

Night Sights

Night sights provide crucial visibility in low-light conditions through tritium gas tubes that glow without external power. The Glock 43X accepts standard Glock sight cuts, making installation straightforward.

Tritium night sights offer 12-year illumination with green or orange front dots. Popular brands include Trijicon, Ameriglo, and XS Sights.

Key Night Sight Features:

• Self-illuminating tritium inserts

• High contrast white outlines for daylight use

• Drift adjustable for windage corrections

• Steel construction for durability

Installation requires sight pusher tools or gunsmith services. Most night sights maintain the same height as factory sights, preserving existing sight picture and muscle memory.

For competitive shooting, fiber optic front sights offer bright visibility under stage lighting. These sights gather ambient light through fiber optic rods, creating a bright aiming point.

Modular Optic Compatibility

The MOS (Modular Optic System) version accepts micro red dot sights through removable adapter plates. This system allows quick optic changes without permanent slide modifications.

Compatible optics include the Holosun 507K series, Trijicon RMRcc, and Shield RMSc. These micro dots offer 2-6 MOA reticles with battery lives exceeding 20,000 hours.

MOS System Benefits:

• No permanent slide machining required

• Multiple optic brand compatibility

• Maintains backup iron sight capability

• Lower 1/3 co-witness height

Red dot sights improve target acquisition speed by 25-30% compared to iron sights. They eliminate front sight alignment, allowing shooters to focus solely on the target.

The factory MOS plates work well, though aftermarket plates from Forward Controls Design or C&H Precision offer improved mounting solutions.

Aftermarket Accessories

The Glock 43X accepts numerous aftermarket parts for performance enhancement and personalization. NDZ Performance offers specialized accessories including magazine plates and grip plugs.

Popular Upgrades:

• Extended slide releases for faster manipulation

• Magazine extensions increasing capacity

• Trigger connectors reducing pull weight

• Grip tape for enhanced texture

Grip modifications include stippling, grip tape, or rubber sleeves. These improvements provide better control during recoil and in wet conditions.

Magazine wells funnel ammunition during reloads, reducing reload times by 0.2-0.5 seconds. This proves beneficial for competitive shooting where speed matters.

Custom carry packages from companies like Taran Tactical offer complete upgrade bundles. These packages typically include triggers, sights, and cosmetic enhancements.

Internal parts like firing pin springs and trigger return springs can be upgraded for reliability. However, these modifications may affect warranty coverage and should be installed by qualified gunsmiths.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Glock 43X Gen 5 features several upgrades including improved ergonomics, enhanced finish durability, and compatibility with micro-optics through the MOS system. Key differences exist between standard and MOS variants, with magazine capacity options extending beyond the standard 10-round configuration.

What are the features of the latest Glock 43X model?

The latest Glock 43X incorporates Gen 5 technology with a slimline frame design. It measures 6.50 inches in length and 5.04 inches in height with a 1.10-inch width.

The pistol weighs 18.55 ounces unloaded and features a built-in beavertail for enhanced grip comfort. The Glock Marksman Barrel provides improved accuracy over previous barrel designs.

Precision-milled front serrations offer better slide manipulation control. The trigger incorporates a short trigger distance for quicker response times.

The frame lacks finger grooves and uses Gen 5 texturing for improved grip. An orange follower appears in the standard magazines for better visibility.

How does the Glock 43X MOS differ from the standard model?

The MOS version includes a factory-milled slide with cuts for micro-optic mounting. This eliminates the need for custom machining when adding red dot sights.

The Modular Optic System allows easy installation of various micro-optics including the Shield RMSc and Holosun 507K. The MOS variant includes a slim mounting rail for additional accessories.

Standard models lack these optic-ready features. Both versions share the same basic dimensions and capacity specifications.

The MOS system provides mounting flexibility without permanent modifications to the firearm.

What is the capacity of the extended magazine for the Glock 43X?

The standard Glock 43X comes with 10-round magazines. Extended magazine options from third-party manufacturers can increase capacity to 15 rounds.

These extended magazines maintain the pistol's slim profile for concealment purposes. The increased capacity doesn't significantly impact the weapon's concealability.

Shield Arms offers popular aftermarket magazine upgrades. These options provide additional firepower while preserving handling characteristics.

The slim magazine design features an orange follower for improved visibility during loading and inspection.

What are the improvements in the Glock 43X Gen 5 over the previous generation?

Gen 5 improvements include an enhanced nDLC coating that provides better durability than previous finishes. The grip texture has been updated for improved control.

The removal of finger grooves accommodates a wider range of hand sizes. The Gen 5 texturing provides better grip compared to earlier generations.

The Glock Marksman Barrel offers enhanced accuracy through improved rifling and crown design. Trigger mechanisms have been refined for smoother operation.

The reversible magazine catch accommodates both left and right-handed shooters without modification.

When was the Glock 43X Gen 5 officially released?

Glock released the 43X as part of their Gen 5 subcompact lineup. The pistol represents Glock's evolution in concealed carry firearms.

The MOS variant followed the standard model release. Both versions incorporate Gen 5 technology from their initial introduction.

The 43X filled the gap between the smaller Glock 43 and larger compact models. It provided users with increased grip length while maintaining slim dimensions.

How does the Glock 43X compare to the Glock 48 in terms of size and features?

The Glock 43X and 48 share the same grip frame and magazine compatibility. Both models feature identical width measurements at 1.10 inches.

The primary difference lies in barrel and slide length. The Glock 48 has a longer barrel providing increased sight radius and potentially better accuracy.

Both pistols use the same 10-round magazines and accept similar aftermarket upgrades. The 43X offers better concealability due to its shorter overall length.

The Glock 48 provides slightly better ballistic performance through its longer barrel. Both models are available in MOS configurations for optic mounting.