Glock 43x vs 19 Key Differences, Performance, and Choosing the Right Model

Picking between the Glock 43X and Glock 19 really depends on what you want out of a carry gun or personal defense pistol. If you’re after something slim and lightweight that disappears under a T-shirt, the 43X is a solid bet. The 19, though, brings more capacity and a bit more versatility, though you’ll notice the extra size and weight. Both have earned a loyal following for reliability, and you’ll hear plenty of praise from gun owners for either one.

Size and feel are what set these two apart. The 43X is noticeably thinner, which makes it more comfortable for folks who have to keep their gun hidden most of the day, like with inside-the-waistband holsters. The 19, with its bigger frame, holds more rounds and feels right at home for people with larger hands or those looking for a home defense pistol. If you want to see the specs side by side, Handgun Hero lays it all out nicely.

Aftermarket options? Both have plenty. Whether you’re eyeing a daily carry or something a little more all-purpose, figuring out which Glock fits your hand and needs is the real first step.

Key Takeaways

• Glock 43X is slimmer and easier to tuck away than the 19.

• Glock 19 packs in more rounds and is more flexible.

• Both are known for their reliability and have a huge aftermarket scene.

Fundamental Specifications and Dimensions

The Glock 43X and Glock 19 are both popular, but they fill different roles. The biggest differences are size, weight, and magazine capacity—each one makes sense for different folks.

Size and Weight Comparison

The Glock 43X stands out for its slimness. Its grip is about three-sixteenths of an inch thinner than the 19’s, so it feels more compact in your hand. That trim width really helps with concealed carry, letting the 43X ride closer to your body and disappear under lighter clothing.

When you look at length, the Glock 19 is about 7.36 inches long, while the 43X is shorter and definitely lighter, whether it’s loaded or not. That weight savings makes a difference if you’re carrying all day.

Here’s a quick look at the numbers:

The 43X’s smaller size is a win for anyone who wants something discreet or has smaller hands. If you want to dig into the details, this side-by-side size comparison is helpful.

Barrel Length and Slide

Slide and barrel size definitely affect how a gun shoots and carries. The Glock 19 sports a 4.02-inch barrel, giving it an authentic compact vibe, suitable for the range or defense. The longer slide means a longer sight radius, which can help with accuracy.

The Glock 43X comes with a 3.41-inch barrel, so it’s firmly in the subcompact camp. That short slide and barrel are great for concealment, but you might notice it’s a tad tougher to shoot tight groups at longer distances. Still, for typical self-defense ranges, it’s fine.

Both sides use the same materials and finish, so durability is not sacrificed either way. The barrel and slide profile are what really make the difference in how they handle and hide.

Capacity and Magazine Types

This is a big one: the Glock 19’s standard magazine holds 15 (+1) rounds. That’s a lot of firepower before you need to reload, which is a big deal for some folks.

The 43X, on the other hand, uses a 10 (+1) round single-stack mag. That’s the trade-off for its slim profile. For many, 10 is enough, but if you like more rounds on tap, you’ll want to carry a spare mag or look into aftermarket options.

The 19 runs a double-stack mag—wider, but higher capacity. The 43X’s single-stack keeps it trim, perfect for deep concealment. Some people run aftermarket Shield Arms mags in the 43X to bump capacity up to 15, but out of the box, it’s a 10-rounder. 

Design, Ergonomics, and Features

The 43X and 19 each have their quirks that affect how they handle and carry. The differences in grip, controls, and sight options can really sway your decision if you’re on the fence.

Grip and Frame Design

The 43X has a slim grip and a narrower frame, about three-sixteenths of an inch thinner than the 19. That makes it a breeze to conceal and a good fit for smaller hands. Even with the slim frame, most shooters get a solid grip and can manage recoil just fine.

The 19, by contrast, has a chunkier frame and grip. That gives you more capacity and a little extra weight, which helps with muzzle rise and makes quick follow-up shots easier. For some, the grip might feel too big, but if you’ve got medium or large hands, it’s usually pretty comfortable.

Both use Glock’s rigid polymer frame and have a grippy texture that keeps things steady even if your hands get sweaty. Neither has a complete deep finger grooves, so your hand isn’t forced into any weird position.

Controls and Trigger

If you’ve shot a Glock before, the controls will feel familiar. Both have a slide lock and mag release where you’d expect. The levers are simple and easy to hit for righties, but not ambi by default.

Both pistols use Glock’s striker-fired system. The trigger is short and resets quickly—great for controlled, fast shots. The 19 feels a bit more planted thanks to its extra heft, while the 43X is lighter and can feel a little “snappier” in the hand, especially for new shooters.

One thing to note: the 43X MOS version now has a slim Picatinny rail for a small light or laser, while the 19’s rail, because of its size, accepts a wider range of attachments.

Sights and Optic Options

Both come with standard Glock iron sights—white dot up front, U-notch in the rear. Basic, but they work. You can order either one with night sights if you want better low-light visibility.

The MOS versions of both models are game-changers if you want to mount a micro red dot. The MOS (Modular Optic System) slide makes adding an optic easy and quick, which is fantastic for fast target picks and shooting with both eyes open.

The 19 MOS, being bigger, fits a wider range of optics than the 43X MOS. If you’re curious about how each supports different sights or red dots, here’s a detailed feature breakdown. You can always swap in aftermarket sights, too, so you’re not stuck with the factory setup.

Performance, Reliability, and Shooting Experience

Both the Glock 43X and Glock 19 are dependable, but their size and design change up the shooting experience. Here’s what stands out in real-world use.

Accuracy and Felt Recoil

The Glock 19 tends to edge out the 43X for accuracy, primarily thanks to its larger grip and heavier frame. Less muzzle flip makes it easier to stay on target, especially when you’re shooting fast. Plenty of people call the 19 their most accurate pistol, particularly for range time or training.

The 43X, being slimmer and lighter, does have a bit more felt recoil. That can make quick follow-up shots a challenge for some, especially if you’re new to pistols. The shorter barrel and grip can nudge accuracy down at longer distances, but for typical self-defense ranges, it’s totally serviceable.

The recoil on the 43X is a touch “snappier” than the 19, due to its weight and design. It’s nothing wild, but sensitive shooters or high-volume shooters might notice. Both are easy to handle for 9mm pistols, though. If you want to dive deeper, here’s a Glock 43X vs 19 shooting comparison.

Reliability and Durability

Glocks are famous for reliability, and these two don’t buck the trend. Both eat pretty much any 9mm ammo you feed them—hollow points, target loads, you name it. Owners regularly put thousands of rounds through them without a hiccup.

Durability-wise, both use the same polymer frames and steel slides. They’re built to take a beating and keep running. Neither is known for jamming or breaking down if you take care of them. The 19’s been around longer, but the 43X has proven itself, too.

Keep them clean, use good mags, and you’ll have years of trouble-free shooting. The 19’s bigger frame might hold up a tad better for folks who shoot a ton, but honestly, either will last most shooters a lifetime.

Magazine Release and Reload Speed

The Glock 19’s mag release is easy to hit for most hand sizes, and the double-stack design makes reloads quick and smooth, especially if you’re used to Glocks. With 15 rounds on tap, you won’t be swapping mags as often, either.

The 43X, with its single-stack grip, feels different. Some people find the mag release harder to hit quickly unless they shift their grip a little. With practice, reloads get faster. Stock mags hold 10, but a lot of folks run Shield Arms 15-round mags to match the 19’s capacity.

Here’s a quick rundown:

With some training, you can reload either one quickly, but the 19’s bigger grip makes it a bit easier and more consistent. For concealed carry, unless you’re obsessed with max capacity, the difference isn’t huge. 

Concealment, Use Cases, and Aftermarket Options

The Glock 43X and Glock 19 each bring something unique to the table. Their size, comfort, and all the ways you can customize them really shape where they fit best, whether you’re thinking concealed carry or home defense.

Concealed Carry and Deep Concealment

The Glock 43X really nails concealability. Its slim profile and shorter grip let you tuck it away under most clothes, even in the summer when you're not exactly layered up. Thanks to its size, deep concealment styles like inside-the-waistband (IWB) or appendix carry become a whole lot easier.

If you want to carry all day without feeling weighed down, the 43X usually wins in comfort and doesn't print as much. The Glock 19, though still compact, is bigger and can be trickier to hide, especially if your clothes are fitted or you have a more petite frame. Some folks do like the Glock 19 for its higher magazine capacity, but when they need to disappear their firearm entirely, they often end up switching to something slimmer like the 43X. You can see what others think about this here.

Home Defense and Training

You can use either the Glock 43X or 19 for home defense, but the Glock 19 does have a few perks. Its bigger size soaks up recoil better and makes quick follow-up shots easier. Most shooters say they shoot more accurately with the 19 during training, thanks to its longer grip and sight radius.

Most people find the Glock 19 more comfortable to train with. It’s also easier to add lights and other tools for home defense. The 43X still works at home, but some folks find it a bit snappier and less controllable when things get fast. On the other hand, its lighter weight can be a plus for those with smaller hands.

Holster and Accessory Choices

Holster options? There are plenty of both pistols. Major brands cover IWB, OWB, and appendix styles for the Glock 43X and 19. The thinner frame of the 43X just feels nicer for daily carry, especially if you’re squeezing it into tighter spaces.

Accessory-wise, the Glock 19 definitely has more out there—mag extensions, lights, optics—you name it. It’s just been around longer. The 43X is catching up, though. There are decent holster and accessory options for it, but double-check compatibility before you buy something new.

Customization and Aftermarket Support

Glock pistols have a reputation for being endlessly customizable. The Glock 19, being the old-timer, has a massive aftermarket—triggers, slides, custom frames, you name it. You’ll see tricked-out Glock 19s everywhere, from hobbyists to competitive shooters and law enforcement.

The 43X’s aftermarket isn’t as big, but it’s picking up speed. You can now find custom sights, magwells, triggers, and even slide cuts explicitly built for the 43X. More companies are jumping in with upgrades for compact pistols, so the gap with the bigger models is shrinking. Suppose you’re the kind of person who wants to tweak and personalize every part of your carry gun or home defense setup. In that case, the level of customization available is definitely something to think about.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Glock 43x and Glock 19 both get a lot of love for personal defense, but they’re pretty different when it comes to size, comfort, and handling. Each brings something unique to the table, depending on what you’re after.

What are the size differences between the Glock 43x and the Glock 19?

The Glock 43x is slimmer and shorter than the Glock 19. It’s easier to hide and usually feels lighter in your hand. The 19 is a bit bigger all around, which makes it heavier but also bumps up the capacity.

If you want the nitty-gritty on dimensions, check out this detailed comparison.

How does the accuracy compare between the Glock 43x and the Glock 19?

Most shooters say the Glock 19 is easier to shoot accurately, especially if you’re running longer strings. Its bigger grip and extra weight help tame recoil and give you more control. The 43x can still be plenty accurate for its size, but the shorter grip isn’t as comfy for everyone.

Which is better for concealed carry, the Glock 43x or the Glock 19?

The Glock 43x usually wins in concealed carry. It’s thinner and lighter, so you can hide it under your clothes without much hassle. Lots of users say they carry the 43x all day and barely notice it. The 19 is a solid choice, too, but its chunkier frame makes it trickier to keep hidden.

Want more real-world takes on carry comfort? Here’s a user discussion.

Are there any notable disadvantages to choosing the Glock 43x over the Glock 19?

The Glock 43x holds fewer rounds than the 19. Some people also find the 43x less comfortable to shoot for long sessions, especially if their hands are on the bigger side. Its lighter weight makes the recoil feel snappier.

How does the Glock 43x perform differently from the Glock 19 Gen 5?

The Glock 19 Gen 5 brings some nice upgrades, like a flared magwell and a better slide finish. It still carries more rounds and has extra heft. The 43x skips some of the Gen 5 tweaks but makes up for it in concealability and daily comfort.

In what scenarios would you recommend the Glock 43x over the Glock 19 to someone?

If you care about keeping things light and easy to hide, the Glock 43x makes sense. Folks with smaller hands often find it more comfortable, and honestly, if you’re planning to carry for hours on end, the lighter weight is a relief. Beginners dipping their toes into concealed carry might lean toward its slim, straightforward design, too—it doesn’t feel intimidating or clunky. Sometimes you just want something simple that disappears under a T-shirt, you know?