Glock 48 vs 43x: Detailed Comparison for Concealed Carry

The Glock 48 and 43X are both slimline 9mm pistols designed for concealed carry, but they differ primarily in barrel and slide length. The 43X features a 3.41-inch barrel and 6.50-inch overall length, while the 48 has a 4.17-inch barrel and 7.28-inch overall length. Both share the same width at 1.10 inches, height at 5.04 inches, and magazine capacity of 10+1 rounds.

The Glock 43X is better suited for deep concealment due to its shorter slide, while the Glock 48 offers improved accuracy and recoil management thanks to its longer barrel and sight radius. The 43X weighs 18.7 ounces unloaded compared to the 48's 20.74 ounces, making it lighter for all-day carry. Both pistols feature the same grip length, allowing a full-hand grip that provides better control than the shorter Glock 43.

Choosing between these two models comes down to whether concealment or shootability takes priority. The 43X excels at appendix carry and minimizing printing, while the 48's longer sight radius enhances accuracy at distances beyond seven yards. Both pistols share the same trigger pull, frame texture, and extensive aftermarket support including MOS versions for red dot optics.

Key Takeaways

• The Glock 43X is 0.78 inches shorter than the 48, making it more concealable for everyday carry

• The Glock 48's longer barrel provides better accuracy and smoother recoil management for range shooting

• Both pistols have identical capacity, width, and grip length with strong aftermarket support for customization

Design and Key Differences

The Glock 48 and Glock 43X share the same slimline frame but differ primarily in their slide and barrel dimensions. These variations create distinct characteristics that affect handling, concealability, and shooting performance.

Slide and Barrel Length

The most significant difference between these two compact pistols lies in their upper assemblies. The Glock 48 features a 4.01-inch barrel and a 6.85-inch slide length, while the Glock 43X has a 3.41-inch barrel with a 6.06-inch slide.

This 0.6-inch barrel difference translates to a longer sight radius on the Glock 48, which can improve accuracy at distance. The extended slide length provides better leverage during manipulation and typically results in slightly reduced muzzle flip during rapid fire.

The shorter barrel on the 43X makes it more compact for deep concealment applications. Both barrels are cold hammer-forged and feature Glock's standard rifling for reliable performance.

Overall Size and Weight

The Glock 48 measures 7.28 inches in overall length and weighs 20.74 ounces with an empty magazine. The Glock 43X is 6.5 inches long and weighs 18.70 ounces empty.

Both compact pistols maintain identical dimensions in width and height. The slide width measures 0.87 inches, while the grip width is 1.10 inches. Each pistol stands 5.04 inches tall, providing a full-size grip for comfortable handling.

The 2-ounce weight difference may seem minimal but becomes noticeable during all-day carry. The slightly more compact design of the 43X offers advantages when sitting or moving throughout the day, particularly for appendix carry positions.

Frame and Controls

Both models utilize an identical polymer frame with integrated beavertail and aggressive texturing. The slimline frame design maintains a single-stack slide profile while accepting standard 10-round magazines.

The magazine release and slide stop lever are positioned identically on both pistols. Both feature a reversible magazine release for left-handed shooters. The controls operate with the same tactile feedback and require similar hand strength to manipulate.

Neither pistol includes a manual safety, relying instead on Glock's Safe Action trigger system. The trigger pull weight remains consistent at 24 N across both models, delivering the familiar Glock trigger characteristics.

Concealed Carry Performance

Both pistols excel in the concealed carry market with their slim profiles and manageable dimensions. The primary differences lie in barrel length and overall size, which directly impact how each gun performs as an EDC option.

Concealability and Comfort

The Glock 43X measures 6.50 inches overall with a 3.41-inch barrel, making it the more compact option for deep concealment. It weighs 18.7 ounces unloaded, which reduces fatigue during extended carry sessions.

The Glock 48 stretches to 7.28 inches overall with a 4.17-inch barrel and weighs 20.74 ounces unloaded. This extra length can create printing issues with fitted clothing, particularly during appendix carry.

Both slimline pistols share the same 1.10-inch width and 5.04-inch height, ensuring a consistent grip regardless of which model a carrier chooses. The 43X disappears more easily under tucked shirts and tighter waistbands. The 48 works better with looser clothing or outside-the-waistband carry positions where the extended slide doesn't create noticeable printing.

Holster Selection

Holster options for both models are abundant, with manufacturers like CYA Supply Co.  offering dedicated designs. The 43X fits into a wider range of holster styles due to its compact dimensions.

Appendix carry holsters favor the 43X because the shorter slide reduces the risk of printing when sitting or bending. The 48 requires holsters with slightly more cant or ride height adjustments to maintain concealment in this position.

Many holster makers produce versions for both pistols, though they are not interchangeable due to the slide length difference. Polymar options dominate the market, with inside-the-waistband configurations being the most popular choice for EDC purposes.

Magazine Capacity and Compatibility

Both pistols ship with 10-round magazines as standard capacity. The real advantage comes from aftermarket magazines that expand capacity without increasing grip length.

Shield Arms S15 magazines are the most popular upgrade, boosting capacity to 15 rounds. These metal magazines fit flush in both the 43X and 48, using a steel construction instead of polymer. The Shield Arms S15 magazine requires a metal magazine catch for optimal reliability, which Shield Arms also manufactures.

Magazine compatibility between the two models is identical since they share the same grip frame dimensions. Standard Glock magazines, Shield Arms S15 magazines, and other aftermarket options work in both pistols without modification.

Aftermarket Support

Aftermarket support for these slimline pistols is robust, with multiple manufacturers offering upgrades and accessories. Both models are available in MOS versions that accept red dot optics like the Trijicon RMR and Holosun 507K.

Night sights from Trijicon, AmeriGlo, and XS Sights provide popular upgrades over factory polymer sights. Extended slide releases and magazine catches improve manipulation for shooters with larger hands. Trigger upgrades from Apex Tactical and Overwatch Precision offer lighter, crisper pulls than the standard 5.5-pound trigger.

Grip modifications include stippling services and Talon Grips adhesive overlays. Barrel upgrades, recoil spring assemblies, and internal components are widely available from aftermarket suppliers who support Glock's platform extensively.

Accuracy and Shooting Experience

The Glock 48's longer slide provides a 6.85-inch sight radius compared to the 43X's 6.06-inch radius, which translates to measurable differences in target acquisition speed and precision. Both models deliver excellent shooting performance for defensive shooting scenarios, though their handling characteristics vary based on barrel length and slide design.

Sight Radius and Target Acquisition

The Glock 48 features a longer sight radius that gives shooters a slight advantage when aligning sights on target. This extended distance between front and rear sights makes it easier to detect alignment errors and achieve consistent accuracy at typical defensive distances of 7 to 15 yards.

The Glock 43X's shorter sight radius doesn't significantly hamper its shootability for most users. The difference of approximately 0.79 inches becomes less noticeable during rapid fire or close-quarters defensive shooting situations. Both pistols accept aftermarket sight upgrades, including tritium night sights and fiber optic options.

Target acquisition speed depends more on shooter familiarity and training than the minor dimensional differences between these models. The 43X's compact slide can actually feel faster for some shooters who prioritize improved accuracy and recoil control during quick successive shots.

Recoil Management and Control

Both pistols chambered in 9mm produce manageable recoil, though the Glock 48's additional slide length and weight provide marginally better recoil control. The extra mass helps reduce muzzle flip between shots, allowing faster follow-up accuracy during strings of fire.

The Glock 43X generates slightly more perceived muzzle flip due to its shorter slide and lighter weight of approximately 20.74 ounces unloaded. This difference becomes noticeable during rapid fire drills but remains well within acceptable limits for experienced shooters. Proper grip technique and stance largely compensate for these minor variations.

Recoil management improves with both models when shooters maintain a firm two-handed grip and proper wrist alignment. The textured grip frames on both pistols provide adequate purchase for controlling the firearm during recoil impulse. Neither model produces excessive felt recoil that would discourage regular practice sessions.

Trigger Performance

Both the Glock 48 and 43X share the same Safe Action trigger system with a consistent trigger pull weight of approximately 5.5 pounds. The trigger breaks cleanly after a short take-up and reset, providing predictable performance that supports accurate shot placement.

The standard trigger on both models performs adequately for defensive purposes, though some shooters prefer installing aftermarket triggers to reduce travel or modify the break characteristics. Popular upgrades include connector modifications and polished trigger bars that smooth out the pull without compromising the factory safety systems.

Trigger reset on both pistols measures approximately 0.1 inches, which allows experienced shooters to maintain trigger contact and fire rapid follow-up shots. The tactile and audible reset click helps shooters know exactly when the trigger is ready for the next press without having to fully release their finger forward.

Optics and Customization Options

Both pistols offer extensive aftermarket support and optics-ready configurations that appeal to shooters looking to personalize their firearms. The MOS variants and wide range of enhancement options make these Slimline Glocks highly adaptable to individual preferences.

MOS Versions and Red Dot Compatibility

The Glock 43X MOS and Glock 48 MOS come factory-cut to accept micro red dot sights without requiring slide milling. Both models use the same optics mounting system and include adapter plates for multiple footprints.

The MOS versions accommodate popular optics like the Trijicon RMR, Shield RMSc, Holosun 507K, and similar micro red dots. Holster selection becomes important with MOS models since the holster must accommodate the added height of the optic. Standard non-MOS versions require professional slide milling to mount a red dot sight.

The co-witness height with factory iron sights allows shooters to use backup sights through the optic window. This redundancy proves valuable if the red dot fails or the battery dies during carry.

Popular Aftermarket Enhancements

Both firearms provide extensive customization options through aftermarket manufacturers. Shooters commonly upgrade factory sights to night sights or fiber optic options for improved visibility in various lighting conditions.

Magazine extensions add extra rounds while providing better grip purchase. Shield Arms S15 magazines increase capacity from 10 to 15 rounds in both models. Trigger upgrades offer crisper breaks and shorter resets compared to factory triggers.

Additional accessories include magwells for faster reloads, compensators to reduce muzzle rise, and grip texturing for improved control. Any Glock 43 pattern sight fits both the 43X and 48, expanding sight options considerably. Weapon-mounted lights and custom slide plates round out popular modifications.

Frequently Asked Questions

Both pistols share identical magazine capacity at 10+1 rounds and feature the same frame width of 1.10 inches, but the Glock 48's longer barrel and slide create distinct performance characteristics. These models are compatible with many shared parts while maintaining specific dimensional differences that affect concealability and shooting dynamics.

What are the differences in magazine capacity between the Glock 48 and the Glock 43X?

The Glock 48 and Glock 43X have identical magazine capacity of 10+1 rounds. Both pistols use single-stack magazines that contribute to their slim profile design.

Aftermarket options like Shield Arms S15 magazines can increase capacity to 15+1 rounds for both models. These higher-capacity magazines maintain the same width while adding more rounds to the gun.

How do the dimensions of the Glock 48 compare to those of the Glock 43X?

The Glock 43X measures 6.50 inches in overall length with a 3.41-inch barrel and weighs 18.7 ounces unloaded. The Glock 48 extends to 7.28 inches overall length with a 4.17-inch barrel and weighs 20.74 ounces unloaded.

Both pistols share the same height at 5.04 inches and width at 1.10 inches. The primary dimensional difference lies in the barrel and slide length, with the 48 being approximately 0.78 inches longer overall.

Can the Glock 48 and Glock 43X share the same frame and parts?

The Glock 48 and 43X share many components including triggers, frame texture, magazine releases, and internal parts. Both pistols use the same polymer frame design with Gen5 texture and identical control placement.

The frames are interchangeable between the two models since they have the same grip length and width. However, the slides and barrels are model-specific due to their different lengths.

What factors contribute to the accuracy comparison between the Glock 48 and the Glock 43X?

The Glock 48's longer 4.17-inch barrel provides an extended sight radius that enhances accuracy at distances beyond 10 yards. This longer configuration helps shooters maintain tighter groupings during range sessions.

The Glock 48's additional weight of approximately 2 ounces also contributes to better recoil management and less muzzle flip. The 43X remains accurate for a subcompact pistol but requires more skill to achieve the same precision at longer ranges.

What makes the Glock 48 unique compared to other models in the Glock series?

The Glock 48 combines a full-length slide with a slimline single-stack frame design that differs from double-stack models like the Glock 19. Its 1.10-inch width makes it significantly thinner than traditional Glock models while maintaining a 4.17-inch barrel.

The pistol bridges the gap between subcompact concealment and compact shootability. It offers better balance for rapid fire compared to shorter models while remaining more concealable than wider Glock variants.

Are there any legal restrictions affecting the purchase or carry of the Glock 43X in certain areas?

Magazine capacity restrictions in states like California, New York, and Massachusetts limit the standard 10-round magazines. Some jurisdictions require modifications or restrict the purchase of certain firearm models based on features or roster requirements.

Concealed carry permits and regulations vary by state and locality. Potential buyers should verify local and state laws regarding firearm ownership, magazine capacity limits, and concealed carry requirements before purchasing either model.