Since its release, the Glock 43X has made waves in the concealed carry world. This compact 9mm pistol builds on the popular Glock 43 design, offering increased capacity and improved ergonomics. The Glock 43X holds ten rounds in a slim frame, making it an attractive option for everyday carry.

Gun owners looking for a reliable self-defense weapon will find a lot to like about the 43X. It maintains Glock's reputation for durability and dependability while addressing some criticisms of the original 43 model. The extended grip allows for a full three-finger hold, enhancing control and shootability.

While the 43X faces stiff competition from other compact 9mm pistols, it remains a top choice for many concealed carriers. Its blend of capacity, size, and Glock's proven track record keeps it relevant in today's market. Let's take a closer look at what makes the Glock 43X stand out.

Key Takeaways

• The Glock 43X offers 10-round capacity in a slim, concealable package
• It improves on the Glock 43 with better ergonomics and shootability
• The 43X remains popular due to its reliability and Glock's strong reputation

Overview of the Glock 43X

The Glock 43X is a compact 9mm pistol made for concealed carry. It builds on the popular Glock design while offering critical upgrades for comfort and performance.

Design and Aesthetics

The Glock 43X features Glock's signature blocky polymer frame in a slimline package. It has a 3.41-inch barrel and weighs just 18.7 ounces unloaded. The grip is slightly longer than the original Glock 43, allowing for a full-hand grip.

The slide has front and rear serrations for easy manipulation. Glock's familiar squared-off slide and frame give the 43X a no-nonsense look. The gun comes in black or two-tone silver/black finishes.

Glock 43X MOS Features

The MOS (Modular Optic System) version adds a slide cut for mounting micro red dot sights. This allows for faster target acquisition and improved accuracy for many shooters. The 43X MOS also has standard rails for attaching lights or lasers.

It holds 10+1 rounds of 9mm in a single-stack magazine. The trigger pull is around 5.5 pounds. Glock's Safe Action system provides three automatic safeties. The 43X MOS offers good accuracy for its size, making it suitable for self-defense.

Technical Specifications

The Glock 43X packs impressive features into its compact frame. It offers a balance of concealability and shootability that many find ideal for everyday carry.

Size and Weight

The Glock 43X measures 6.5 inches in overall length. Its slim profile is just 1.1 inches wide. The pistol weighs approximately 18.7 ounces unloaded.

The grip length is extended compared to the original G43. This allows for a full-hand grip while maintaining a slim width. The longer grip accommodates a 10-round single-stack magazine.

Height comes in at 5.04 inches with the standard magazine inserted. This compact size makes the G43X easy to conceal under light clothing.

Barrel and Slide Details

The G43X features a 3.41-inch barrel. Glock uses their Marksman Barrel design, which has polygonal rifling for improved accuracy.

The slide is durable steel with a DLC (Diamond-Like Carbon) coating. This coating enhances surface hardness and corrosion resistance.

Glock's signature Safe Action system is present. It includes three automatic safeties - trigger safety, firing pin safety, and drop safety.

The slide features front and rear serrations to aid in manipulation. A single recoil spring assembly helps manage felt recoil from the 9mm cartridge.

Shooting Performance

The Glock 43X delivers solid shooting performance for a compact 9mm pistol. Its slim design balances accuracy and control.

Accuracy and Reliability

The Glock 43X is accurate for a subcompact pistol. At defensive distances under 15 yards, it can produce tight groups. The short 3.41-inch barrel limits long-range precision.

Most shooters find the 43X reliable with different 9mm ammo types. It feeds and ejects smoothly. The pistol has Glock's reputation for dependability.

The trigger breaks cleanly, around 5.5 pounds. This helps with accuracy. The short reset allows for quick follow-up shots.

Recoil and Control

The recoil is mild for a 9mm of this size. The slim grip fits many hand sizes well, which helps manage muzzle flips during rapid fire.

The 43X's slightly larger frame compared to the original 43 aids in control. The longer grip lets most shooters get a full grip.

The magazine capacity is ten rounds, which is more than some competitors. The flush-fitting magazine preserves concealability.

The slide has front and rear serrations, which give a good grip for manipulating the slide.

Concealability and Comfort

The Glock 43X's slim profile and compact size make it well-suited for concealed carry. Its ergonomic design and grip texture provide a comfortable shooting experience.

Ergonomics and Grip Texture

The 43X features a longer grip than the standard Glock 43, allowing for a full three-finger grip for most shooters. This improves control and accuracy while still maintaining a slim width.

The grip texture is aggressive enough to provide a secure hold without being overly abrasive. This balance makes the gun comfortable for extended-range sessions and daily carry.

The magazine release is easy to reach and activate, even for shooters with smaller hands. Its placement helps prevent accidental magazine drops while carrying.

Concealed Carry Considerations

At just 1.1 inches wide, the 43X is slim enough to conceal easily under light clothing. Its 3.41-inch barrel strikes a good balance between concealability and shootability.

The gun's flat sides and rounded edges help reduce printing when carried inside the waistband. This makes it easier to conceal in various carry positions.

While slightly larger than some micro-compact pistols, the 43X's added grip length improves shootability without significantly impacting concealability for most users.

Its light weight of about 23 ounces and full load help minimize fatigue during all-day carry. This makes the 43X a practical option for those who carry it regularly.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Glock 43X offers several upgrades and features that make it a popular choice for concealed carry. However, users often have questions about its improvements, performance, and accessories.

What improvements were made in the Glock 43X compared to the previous models?

The Glock 43X has a larger grip and increased magazine capacity. It holds ten rounds instead of 6+1, like the Glock 43. The 43X also has a slightly wider frame for better control.

This model keeps the 43's short slide but adds more grip length. These changes make it easier to hold and shoot accurately.

How does the Glock 43X perform in terms of accuracy and reliability?

The Glock 43X is known for its accuracy and reliability. Its longer grip allows for a full-hand grasp, improving aim and control. The gun functions well with various types of ammunition.

Many users report good accuracy at typical self-defense distances. The 43X maintains Glock's reputation for reliability with consistent performance.

What are the known issues or common problems with the Glock 43X?

Some users find the stock sights less than ideal. The plastic sights are often replaced with aftermarket options. A few shooters report occasional failures to feed with certain ammo types.

Some users find the magazine release stiff. Break-in periods may be needed for smooth operation. However, these issues are not widespread and can often be fixed easily.

Can the Glock 43X be comfortably used for concealed carry?

Yes, the Glock 43X is designed for concealed carry. Its slim profile and compact size make it easy to hide. The gun is only 1.1 inches wide, allowing for comfortable all-day wear.

The added grip length compared to the Glock 43 doesn't hinder concealment much. Many users find it strikes a good balance between size and shootability.

What accessories and upgrades are available for the Glock 43X?

Many aftermarket parts are available for the Glock 43X. Popular upgrades include night sights, extended magazine releases, and trigger kits. Holsters from various manufacturers offer different carry options.

Some users add grip tape or stippling for better traction. Extended magazines can increase capacity. Lights and lasers can be attached for home defense use.

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

The Glock 43X MOS (Modular Optic System) has a slide cut for mounting compact red dot sights. This allows some shooters to acquire targets more easily and achieve better accuracy.

The MOS version has standard height sights instead of the lower-profile ones on the regular 43X. Otherwise, it maintains the same dimensions and features as the standard model.