Glock 48 vs 43x: Comprehensive Comparison for Concealed Carry

The debate between the Glock 48 and the Glock 43X is common among firearm enthusiasts. Both models are slim, lightweight, and designed for concealed carry, making them popular choices for personal protection. Understanding the differences between these two handguns can help you make an informed decision.

The Glock 43X is slightly more compact, making it easier to conceal, whereas the Glock 48 offers a longer barrel for better accuracy. Both pistols have a similar grip width and high-capacity magazines, which provides a reliable and comfortable shooting experience. When choosing between these two models, it's essential to consider your personal needs and preferences.

While both pistols share many similarities, such as their slim frames and single-stack 9mm design, the choice may ultimately come down to other factors like customization options and accessories. Each model has unique features that cater to different shooting styles and requirements.

Key Takeaways

• Glock 43X is more compact, making it easier to conceal.
• Glock 48 has a longer barrel for improved accuracy.
• Both models have similar grip widths and high-capacity magazines.

Comparative Overview of Glock 48 and Glock 43X

The Glock 48 and Glock 43X are designed for concealed carry but have notable differences in size and performance. This section explores their design, ergonomics, and specifications.

Design and Ergonomics

The Glock 48 and Glock 43X are part of Glock's Slimline series, known for their narrow frames. The G48 has a more extended slide and barrel, measuring around 7.28 inches. This gives it a slightly better sight radius, making it easier for some shooters to aim accurately.

Both models share a grip width of about 1.10 inches, offering a comfortable hold. The G43X has an overall length of 6.50 inches. This makes it more compact and more accessible to conceal compared to the G48. Each model features Glock's durable nPVD-coated slide, which helps prevent corrosion.

Specifications and Performance

In terms of specifications, the Glock 48 and Glock 43X chamber the 9mm Luger round. The G48 has a barrel length of 4.17 inches, slightly longer than the G43X's 3.41 inches. This difference impacts the muzzle velocity and sight radius, with the G48 providing a slight edge in these areas.

The G48 weighs about 25.12 ounces when loaded, while the G43X weighs around 23.07 ounces. Though not a big difference, the extra weight of the G48 can aid in managing recoil during shooting. Both models have a magazine capacity of 10 rounds.

When choosing between the two, personal preference in size, weight, and handling will be critical factors. The G48 offers improved accuracy, while the G43X provides easier concealment.

Handling and Shooting Experience

The Glock 48 and Glock 43X are part of the Slimline series. They feature a narrow profile and reliable performance, but they offer different handling, control, and accuracy experiences.

Trigger and Control

The Glock 48 and Glock 43X trigger maintain the familiar Glock trigger feel with a pull weight of around 5.5 pounds. The control of the trigger pull is smooth and consistent, contributing to predictable firing action.

Control is also influenced by the grip, which on the Glock 48 is slightly larger and offers more front serrations than the 43X. This larger grip can help improve handling, especially for shooters with larger hands.

Both models feature a modular optic system, allowing quick target acquisition and better overall control. The grip texture helps ensure a secure hold, even in rapid-fire scenarios.

Accuracy and Sight Radius

Including the Glock Marksman barrel benefits the accuracy of the Glock 48 and Glock 43X Benel design, which is known for its precision and improved muzzle velocity. This makes both models reliable for accurate shooting.

The Glock 48 has a slight edge over the 43X in the sight radius. With a longer barrel of 4.17 inches, the Glock 48 provides a longer sight radius, which can help shooters align their sights more efficiently and improve their shooting precision.

Both models perform exceptionally well in terms of reliability, maintaining consistent accuracy shot after shot. The sights on both are clear and easy to use, enhancing the overall shooting experience.

Ammunition, Capacity, and Caliber

The Glock 48 and Glock 43X offer notable features in terms of ammunition, capacity, and caliber, with differences that suit various user needs. These aspects make each gun distinct in handling and performance.

Magazine Features

The Glock 48 and the Glock 43X use 9mm ammunition and share a standard magazine capacity of 10 rounds in a single-stack format. This makes the magazines slim and comfortable for concealed carry.

The magazines have a high-visibility follower, which makes it easier to see how many rounds are left. This feature is helpful in low-light situations.

They both have a durable polymer construction and steel inserts to maintain reliability and longevity. The magazine release is easily accessible and reversible, catering to right-handed and left-handed users enhancing usability.

Caliber Considerations

The 9mm caliber used by the Glock 48 and Glock 43X is popular due to its balance of power, recoil, and cost-effectiveness. It provides sufficient stopping power while being manageable for most shooters.

Because both models share the same caliber, users can expect consistent ballistic performance across both guns. This consistency simplifies ammunition choices and preparation.

A standard caliber like 9mm also means more ammunition types and sources are available. This makes it easier to find compatible rounds for different purposes, whether training, self-defense, or competitions.

Customization and Accessories

The Glock 48 and 43X offer a wide range of customization options, making them popular for those who like personalizing their firearms. Both models have strong aftermarket support and many accessories that enhance performance and carry options.

Aftermarket Support and Upgrades

Both the Glock 48 and 43X benefit from a rich aftermarket ecosystem. Popular upgrades include aftermarket sights such as the Shield RMS-C and Holosun 507K, which offer improved accuracy and quicker target acquisition.

Accessory rails are available for mounting lights or lasers, which can be especially useful for low-light conditions. These upgrades can turn the Glock pistols into versatile tools for various shooting scenarios.

Magazine extensions from companies like Shield Arms are also common. For example, the Shield Arms S15 magazine boosts the Glock 43X's capacity from 10 to 15 rounds without added bulk. Extended magazines for the Glock 48 are equally popular, offering shooters a balance of capacity and grip comfort.

Holsters and Carry Options

When it comes to holsters, there are multiple IWB (Inside the Waistband) options for both the Glock 48 and 43X. IWB holsters are preferred for concealed carry due to their discreet profile, making appendix carry a popular choice.

Check out the best Glock 43x Holster for concealed carry.

Appendix carry holsters are designed for optimal comfort and quick access. These holsters often feature adjustable cant and ride height, allowing users to customize the fit to their preferences. These guns' MOS (Modular Optic System) variants also have specific holsters that accommodate red dot sights, expanding the customizability even further.

Frequently Asked Questions

When comparing the Glock 48 and the Glock 43X, several questions often arise regarding their dimensions, magazine compatibility, and suitability for concealed carry.

What are the main differences in size and dimensions between the Glock 48 and the Glock 43X?

The Glock 48 has an overall length of 7.28 inches, while the Glock 43X measures 6.50 inches. Both models have a height of 5.04 inches. The Glock 48 is also heavier, weighing 20.74 ounces compared to the Glock 43X's 18.7 ounces.

Can the Glock 48 and the Glock 43X use the same magazines?

Yes, the Glock 48 and the Glock 43X can use the same magazines. They both utilize Glock's single-stack magazines designed for the Slimline series, which makes them interchangeable between the two models.

What are the advantages of choosing a Glock 48 over a Glock 19?

The Glock 48 is slimmer and lighter than the Glock 19, making it easier to carry concealed. It also offers a longer barrel length than the Glock 43X, which can provide better accuracy. The Glock 48's single-stack design helps maintain a thinner profile.

Is the Glock 48 suitable for concealed carry, or is it too large?

The Glock 48 is suitable for concealed carry. Despite being slightly larger than the Glock 43X, its slim design allows easy concealment. The added length and weight do not significantly impact its concealability.

How do the Glock 43X MOS and the Glock 48 MOS differ?

The Glock 43X MOS and the Glock 48 MOS are essentially the same models as their non-MOS counterparts but come with a Modular Optic System (MOS) cutout. This allows for quickly mounting red dot sights, enhancing their versatility and user customization options.

Are there any differences in the slides of the Glock 43 and the Glock 48?

Yes, the Glock 48 has a more extended slide than the Glock 43. This difference in slide length contributes to the overall size and weight difference between the two models, with the Glock 48 offering slightly improved accuracy due to its extended barrel.