My LGS has a couple of barely (as in no visible wear)used G43s for $349 that I was checking out today. This is the first time handling and they are a lot smaller than I expected. I have been carrying a G30 for 25 years and don’t see a need to change but I was thinking the G43 could replace the j-frame I occasionally carry. I know there have been more Glocks out since then (G45, G48, G45x, etc…) that I really don’t have an interest in so if you have owned a G43 what is your opinion?
In my opinion it is too small. Again, in my opinion the S&W shield is better sized for shooting. I found the size to be so small on the G43 that I ended up having to make a lot of effort to avoid the slide release, etc. I don’t think it brings enough to the table to justify replacing the J-frame, especially if you are pocket carrying.
I will say the one I had was reliable when I did my part.
It works; its very concealable. I carry it when I feel that it is important not to print, but not completely non-permissive. Its inexpensive, and holsters and mags exist. There are no add-on backstraps, so if you wear a big glove, it might not be optimal; get a double stack. I carry mine IWB, and intend to get a G48 MOS slide for it at some point for funsies. Capacity wise, yeah, it doesn’t hold much more than a revolver. But I usually carry a pair of reloads with Vickers +2 kits to balance my belt. Does that offset the lack of capacity? I dunno. Maybe. I do know that capacity adds weight, and when more is desired/tolerated I just grab a G19.
The p365 is slightly bigger and holds double the rounds. The Shield is the same size, holds one or two more, is easier to shoot. I’ve owned all 3 and the G43 made little sense to me.
I purchased one early on. Great gun and easy to conceal. I run a 43x now. I threw mine in a bug out bag. I think for what you want to use it for it would be perfect.
At that price is tempting if one wants to buy it for the occasional carry. For daily carry, I would rather get a Sig P365 or the Shield or the G43X.
I have several other Glocks and I like Glocks, but with similar guns out there with larger capacity, the G43 doesn’t make sense to me.
I am the opposite. I had the S&W Shield and it didn’t make sense to me as for the size/amount of rounds on board. So I opted for the G43. For me it carries better and shoots just as well. It has been relegated to ankle/vest carry as the G43X with Shield magazines with Optic has become my go to.
I really like mine. It’s a tiny glock.
I bought it to replace a Kahr PM9 that didn’t release the striker in the cold.
It’s a hair bigger than the Kahr but shoots better and works. I shoot steel torsos with it at 40yards and make all hits. Great little gun.
I’m comfortable with 6 rounds. When I think things are super sketchy I carry a Glock 19 and couple mags anyway. The 43 allows me to carry at times where otherwise I’d probably opt not to carry. So from that perspective it’s wonderful.
It is cool little weapon to have for quick errands (though a snubby fits the bill as well), personally I just could not shoot it well past 10-12 yds, but that’s on me. For the price , why not?
At that price? I’d be all over it. I love mine. It virtually disappears IWB, holds 15 rounds with Shield Arms mags (I use the OEM 10 rounder and carry the Shield mag for my reload) and is plenty accurate. Go for it.
Heavyweight
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I have an early 43. It fits the role of a J Frame for me.
I have no real interest in owning or shooting a J Frame, but the 43 works well in a pocket or deep concealment with about as many rounds.
It’s still not fun to shoot though, better than a J, but still quite snappy. The 48 or 43X extra grip length helps in that regard.
Here is a size comparison between the G43 and Sig P365.
https://www.handgunhero.com/compare/glock-g43-vs-sig-sauer-p365
The OP is referring to the 43 not the 43X. The shield 15rd mags do not fit the 43.
Are extended mags available for the G43? Would be good for a reload, just like I carry G21 mags as a reload for my G30.
Yes, several companies make base plates - https://tarantacticalinnovations.com/base-pad-for-glock-43-9mm-oem-magazines/
I bought a 43 early on and replaced it with a P365XL. The Sig completely outclasses the G43 as far as I’m concerned. I haven’t looked back at all.
Not a fair comparison though. An XL is larger and longer than a 43. It would be more fair to compare the P365 XL to a G48.
I have a G48 and a P365XL and don’t see a huge difference between the two. They both have their plus’ and minus’.
The P365XL is more accurate, but has more recoil and the trigger is worse. The Glock shoots softer and flatter but has a tendency to twist more in my large hands. The G48 is dead simple mechanically whereas the FCU of the P365 is more complex and the reliability hasn’t been great overall, but some of the early issues have been addressed with rolling changes. I don’t get wrapped up in mag capacity. Both have aftermarket options that increase capacity to G19 range. All in all, I consider picking between the two a wash. Choose either and shoot it a lot and that will be the best gun for you.
I can see that. Actually I made a mistake in my initial post. I had the G43X which is almost the same dimensionally as the P365XL.
I was surprised how accurate the little thing is but it isn’t replacing my G19s or my 442.