Glock 43X MOS: A Complete Guide to Features and Performance

The Glock 43X MOS offers a modern take on concealed carry with its slimline design and micro-optic-ready slide. This 9mm subcompact pistol incorporates features that elevate its utility, such as a match-grade barrel and a reversible magazine catch, making it a reliable choice for shooters of all skill levels. Its 10-round magazine capacity ensures you have enough firepower in a compact form, perfect for daily concealment.

The design of the Glock 43X MOS aims to blend low-profile concealment with performance efficiency. With a short trigger distance and a beavertail frame, the gun provides a comfortable grip and improved control. The slide cuts for micro-optics also add to its versatility, allowing for various customization options to meet personal preferences and tactical needs.

Whether you are a seasoned shooter or new to firearms, the Glock 43X MOS stands out for its reliability and ease of use. Its slim mounting rail supports additional accessories for enhanced functionality, making it a versatile tool for defense and recreation.

Key Takeaways

  • The 10-round magazine makes it great for concealed carry
  • The micro-optic-ready slide allows for easy customization
  • Comfortable grip with features like a short trigger distance and beavertail frame

Design and Features

The Glock 43X MOS is designed with user comfort and adaptability in mind. Its features, including ergonomic improvements and the Modular Optic System (MOS), contribute to its functionality and ease of use.

Ergonomics and Comfort

The Glock 43X MOS features a Built-In Beavertail that enhances grip comfort. Its slimline frame makes it easy to handle for a wide range of users.

A short subcompact barrel ensures that it is well-balanced while remaining easily concealable. The overall weight is moderate, making it comfortable for extended use.

Dimensions:

  • Length: 6.50 inches
  • Height: 5.04 inches
  • Width: 1.10 inches
  • Weight: 18.55 oz (unloaded), 22.96 oz (loaded)

These features contribute to its reputation as a reliable choice for everyday carry.

Modular Optic System (MOS)

The G43X MOS incorporates the Modular Optic System for easy micro-optic attachment. This system allows for quick installation of red-dot sights without requiring custom machining.

Key points:

  • Slide cuts: Precise cuts in the slide accommodate various micro-optics.
  • Mounting Rail: The Glock Slim Mounting Rail supports a variety of accessories.

This modularity significantly enhances aiming accuracy, especially in high-pressure situations. The MOS feature offers flexibility, making the G43X MOS adaptable to user needs and preferences.

Precision-Milled Front Serrations

The Precision-Milled Front Serrations on the Glock 43X MOS provide improved control during slide manipulation. These serrations enhance grip and ensure users can easily handle the slide, even in adverse conditions.

Advantages:

  • Improved Grip: Ensures a secure hold during slide operation.
  • Enhanced Control: Allows for better handling in various shooting scenarios.

This feature, paired with the Glock Marksman Barrel (GMB), ensures accurate and consistent performance. The GMB technology enhances the barrel's precision, making the G43X MOS a reliable option for professional and personal use.

Performance

The Glock 43X MOS delivers high-level performance, excelling in accuracy and trigger mechanism improvements for users.

Accuracy and Barrel

The Glock 43X MOS features the Glock Marksman Barrel. This barrel enhances accuracy with better rifling and a more precise crown. It ensures consistency in each shot, giving shooters confidence in their aim.

The pistol also has precision-milled front serrations. These serrations enable better control over the slide, allowing for easier and faster slide manipulations.

Users will appreciate the Glock 43X MOS's slim design, which contributes to better handling and balanced ergonomics.

Trigger Mechanism

The Glock 43X MOS is equipped with a Short Trigger Distance, making it easier to pull the trigger with less effort. This provides a quicker, more responsive shooting experience.

Additionally, the trigger safety on the Glock 43X MOS is activated by a coil spring, ensuring reliable and safe operation. The smoother trigger pull reduces fatigue during extended use.

Optional upgrades from companies like Shield Arms offer custom triggers designed for improved performance, making them appealing to competitive shooters.

Ammunition and Capacity

The Glock 43X MOS offers a range of magazine options and ammo compatibility, making it versatile for different shooting needs, such as concealed carry and target practice.

Magazine Specifications

The Glock 43X MOS typically comes with a 10-round magazine capacity. The slim magazines feature an orange follower, which helps with visibility. Third-party manufacturers also offer extended magazines that can increase the capacity up to 15 rounds.

These increased capacity options maintain the slim profile of the Glock 43X MOS, contributing to its ease of handling and concealment. Many users find that the higher capacity doesn't significantly impact the weapon's concealability, making it a good choice for everyday carry.

Caliber and Ammo Compatibility

The Glock 43X MOS is chambered in the popular 9mm Luger caliber. This ammo type is widely available and offers a balance of recoil control and stopping power. Users can choose from various ammo, including a full metal jacket (FMJ) for target practice and jacketed hollow point (JHP) for self-defense.

Choosing the right ammo can depend on personal preference and intended use, but both FMJ and JHP ammo types perform reliably in the Glock 43X MOS. The gun's design ensures smooth feeding and firing, reducing the risk of jams or malfunctions.

Carryability

The Glock 43X MOS balances a compact design with practical features for concealed carry. Its slim profile is complemented by a comfortable grip that makes it easy to handle.

Size and Profile

The Glock 43X MOS is designed as a slimline model, making it a top choice for concealed carry. The gun's overall length is around 6.5 inches, providing a manageable size that doesn't compromise on performance.

Its width measures 1.10 inches, slightly wider than the standard Glock 43X, but this extra width is negligible and does not affect concealability much. Weighing in at around 18.55 ounces unloaded, it is lightweight enough to carry comfortably throughout the day.

The compact size of the grip makes it easy to hold, ensuring control even during quickdraws. Its profile remains minimal, ideal for those who prioritize ease of concealment.

Concealment Features

Regarding concealment, the Glock 43X MOS excels due to its design features. The slim profile ensures it doesn't bulge or print inside a waistband holster. This makes it suitable for everyday carry, even under lighter clothing.

One standout feature is its compatibility with various high-quality holsters, allowing users to choose an option that best suits their personal style and comfort needs. The compact-size grip not only aids in pulling the gun from concealment but also ensures a secure hold.

Additionally, the Glock 43X MOS's minimal profile makes it efficient for discrete carry, reducing the risk of revealing that one is carrying a firearm. The Front serrations on the slide provide an extra surface for better grip, enhancing overall control and handling during a quick draw.

Accessories and Customizations

The Glock 43X MOS is a versatile handgun that benefits significantly from various accessories and customizations, enhancing both performance and usability. Key areas include aftermarket support and upgrades to sights and optics.

Aftermarket Support

The Glock 43X MOS has extensive aftermarket support, allowing users to customize and enhance handguns. Custom grip frame plugs, rear plates, and magazine plates are popular. Extended slide releases, like the one from Ghost Inc. for $17.95, offer more efficient handling during reloads.

Trigger kits are another significant upgrade. The Overwatch Precision Trigger Kit improves the trigger pull by reducing pre-travel and providing a smoother pull. This kit can be installed quickly, making it a convenient choice.

Magazine loaders, such as the $32.99 UpLULA by Maglula, help speed up the reloading process. Magwell enhancements from companies like Shield Arms provide better grip and smoother reloads, making them ideal for everyday carry and competitive shooting.

Sights and Optics

Upgrading the sights and optics on the Glock 43X MOS can greatly improve accuracy and target acquisition. Ameriglo Spartan Night Sight Sets, priced at $105.00, is a good choice for low-light conditions, and they use tritium to stay visible in the darkness.

For those looking to add red dot sights, optic adapter plates from C&H Precision are available for various models, such as RMR, EPS, and 407K/507K. These plates ensure secure mounting and expand shooting potential.

Lights and lasers are also popular additions. The Streamlight TLR-7 Sub, designed explicitly for the 43X MOS, offers powerful illumination and mounts quickly to the Glock Slim Mounting Rail, enhancing visibility and target identification in low-light situations.

The Shield RMSc is a compact, lightweight red dot sight designed for slimline models like the 43X MOS, providing faster sight acquisition and greater accuracy.

Comparisons with Other Models

The Glock 43X MOS is a compact 9mm handgun known for its thin profile, reliable performance, and adaptability with the Modular Optic System (MOS). It stands out in key ways compared to popular models like the Glock 43, Sig Sauer P365, and Springfield Hellcat.

Glock 43 vs. Glock 43X MOS

The Glock 43 and Glock 43X MOS are designed for concealed carry but differ in several key areas.

  • Width and Weight: The 43X MOS is slightly wider at 1.10 inches compared to the 43's 1.06 inches. It also weighs less unloaded (18.55 oz for the 43X MOS vs. 18.7 oz for the 43).
  • Optic Capability: The 43X MOS features the MOS system, allowing for optics mounting, a feature not available on the basic 43.
  • Magazine Capacity: The 43X MOS has a slight edge with its extended magazine, offering a longer grip and better capacity for additional rounds.

Glock 43X MOS vs. Sig Sauer P365

Comparing the Glock 43X MOS and Sig Sauer P365:

  • Size and Capacity: The P365 is slightly smaller but offers a similar or higher magazine capacity (up to 12 or 15 rounds) than the 43X MOS's 10-round magazine.
  • Ergonomics: Both are highly regarded for their ergonomics, but the 43X MOS's modular optic system allows for customization with different sights.
  • Weight: The P365 is lighter when fully loaded, making it potentially more comfortable for everyday carry.

Glock 43X MOS vs. Springfield Hellcat

The Glock 43X MOS and Springfield Hellcat:

  • Modularity: The Hellcat is famous for being optics-ready out of the box, similar to the 43X MOSā€™s MOS feature.
  • Capacity: The Hellcat boasts a higher capacity with 11+1 or 13+1 rounds compared to the 43X MOS's 10-round magazine.
  • Design and Feel: Both offer slim, concealable designs, with the Hellcat slightly smaller. Some shooters may prefer the Hellcatā€™s texture and grip over the Glockā€™s standard feel.

Maintenance and Durability

The Glock 43X MOS is known for its reliable performance. One reason for this is its simple design, which aids in easy maintenance. The pistol has a straightforward disassembly process. Basic cleaning tools and solvents can quickly clean the barrel, slide, and frame. Regular cleaning ensures consistent performance and reliability.

The Glock Marksmen Barrel (GMB) used in the Glock 43X MOS adds to its durability. Compared to standard barrels, the GMB provides better accuracy and longevity. Its construction is robust, resisting wear over time.

The MOS version also features a new finish, similar to cerakote, which adds to the firearmā€™s durability. This finish helps protect against corrosion and wear, making it suitable for everyday carry.

The controls are also designed to be durable. The magazine release is framed for ease of use, and the reversible magazine catch accommodates both leftā€”and right-handed shooters. These components are built to withstand frequent usage without degrading performance.

Routine checks of the pistol's mechanism are recommended. Regular inspection ensures optimal trigger mechanism, slide, and magazine release. Even with frequent use, the simplicity of the design makes it easy to maintain.

The Glock 43X MOS, including models like the Gen 5, offers a reliable and durable experience. Its ease of maintenance and robust construction make it a trusted choice for many.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Glock 43X MOS offers additional features, like compatibility with red dot sights and a slightly different build from the standard Glock 43X.

What red dot sights are compatible with the Glock 43X MOS?

The Glock 43X MOS is designed to fit micro red dot sights like the Shield RMSc and Holosun 507K. The factory-milled slide makes mounting these optics straightforward.

How does the Glock 43X MOS differ from the Gen 5 models?

The Glock 43X MOS incorporates some elements from the Gen 5 models, such as improved trigger mechanisms, but it stands out for its optic-ready slide and slim mounting rail, features not found on standard Gen 5 models.

Which accessories are recommended for enhancing the performance of a Glock 43X MOS?

Commonly recommended accessories include extended magazines for increased capacity, enhanced grip textures for better handling, and night sights for improved visibility in low-light conditions.

What holster options provide the best fit for a Glock 43X MOS?

Holster options that provide a secure fit for the Glock 43X MOS include models from brands like Alien Gear and TLR that accommodate both the optic and accessory rail.

How does the Glock 43X standard model compare to the Glock 43X MOS regarding features?

The standard Glock 43X lacks the optic-ready slide and slim mounting rail in the Glock 43X MOS. These features make the MOS model more versatile, especially for those interested in adding optics.

What are the available color options for the Glock 43X MOS?

The Glock 43X MOS is available in standard black. Some vendors also offer it in custom colors, such as flat dark earth (FDE) and olive drab green.

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