Glock 43 or 43X?? Or....???

Trying a poll.

Whats your preference and why?
@Jayne and I were discussing this. Seems to me a lot of folks have gone to 43X, but he felt a lot preferred the 43 still.
Also, does your gun have an optic?

Discuss yer Grocks.

43x, 48, 19, etc length grips dig into my back when seated in a car.

43 and 26 don’t.

and the 43s all just seem to shoot oddly well.

NKD said:

Trying a poll.

Whats your preference and why?
@Jayne and I were discussing this. Seems to me a lot of folks have gone to 43X, but he felt a lot preferred the 43 still.
Also, does your gun have an optic?

Discuss yer Grocks.

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Hey bud, my current carry is a 43x MOS. Let me know if you want to fondle one, I can stop by anytime. I have a Holoson on this one, shake awake.

Neither had a 43, got rid of it, never fit my hands well

I'll play. No optic; haven't gotten to the point to have one on a centerline pistol, have/had several on rimfires.
43 is my choice. Finally found a shop a couple days ago that had all 3 in stock (glock 45 included here). Never liked the longer grip, short barreled guns. I think I would have preferred the longer barrel, shorter grip guns due to ease of concealability over the longer grip.
And, I can shoot my G43 much more accurately than I can my G19 or the G26 I had.

Whoops, guess most of you know I meant G48 instead of G45.

Frack N Cylons said:

43x, 48, 19, etc length grips dig into my back when seated in a car.

43 and 26 don’t.

and the 43s all just seem to shoot oddly well.

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This. Right. Here.

I have a 43 and 48, which means I also have a 43x when I mix and match frames and slides.

I finally got a sight combination on my 48 after several tries that makes me like it enough to keep it, finally, but I won’t carry it because it’s not nearly as comfortable because of the base of the grip, and mag base.

My 43 has magical powers. It practically shoots itself, and is extremely comfortable for carry. I have loved that little gun since day one. It never disappoints me.

I have both and would have a hard time giving either up. If I could only have one I’d go 43 since you could use a extended magazine to sorta replicate the 43x.

43x is the perfect mix of a good shooter and being easy to hide. In my opinion the 43 gets in the realm of pocket pistols/micro pistols and there are better, smaller options, that hold more rounds.

To me the 43x was to thin. Didn't like the way it felt or shot. Never had a 43. So double stacks only for me. G19 edc. Had a g26 sold it to build a p80 g19.

Glock 19 carriers reading this thread:

Another vote for getting a 43 and 48, so you can mix 'n match.

I can shoot the double stacks, but single stack fits my delicate, womanly hands better.

Have a G43. Added a Hyve 2 round extension so actually it’s a 43X. It’s rarely carried. When I carry it’s a 19. I’m a poor shot so I need to spray and pray.

Well I got all of the above. The 19 rides until about Mid May then my 43 gets the nod until about September or so when I go back to my 19. I have lost 30 pounds in the last 9 months or so, and this allows them 19 to fit much better now. I can shoot my 43 wonderfully and it is a joy to carry all day. I have never had any issue with it at all aside from some Pearce grip extensions on a mag not working( called them and they made it right). I prefer the double stack for capacity but I will admit it’s mainly a psychological thing as I can do just fine with a 43. I do carry the 43 with a Hyve plus one. I also carry a Vickers plus two extension on my spare mag and never had any hiccups either carrying either. I have yet to really dabble into the optics mounted pistol realm yet

43x with shield arms flush 15 round mags. If you want the smaller size of the 43 I would suggest the smallest Hellcat.

Sp00ks said:

Hey bud, my current carry is a 43x MOS. Let me know if you want to fondle one, I can stop by anytime. I have a Holoson on this one, shake awake.

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Thank man!
I have tried the 43X. I like it quite a bit.

The thing I like about the X is the backstrap feels flatter to me and less angled than a 43. But the biggest thing is that I feel like I can snatch it out of a holster much better.
AND….. 15 round shield mags.
So I’ve been wanting one to maybe replace my 43.
Additionally, I want a carry gun with an optic.

But I like my 43 quite a lot and it shoots great. Carried with a +1 TTI base with a +3 backup. Hard to let her go.

Maybe “replacement” is a stupid word that should be banned and replaced with “add”.
Grock options are nice. Add it to my g19,42, and 43.

Most would be horrified to learn I carry the 42 90% of the time!

fieldgrade said:

This. Right. Here.

I have a 43 and 48, which means I also have a 43x when I mix and match frames and slides.

I finally got a sight combination on my 48 after several tries that makes me like it enough to keep it, finally, but I won’t carry it because it’s not nearly as comfortable because of the base of the grip, and mag base.

My 43 has magical powers. It practically shoots itself, and is extremely comfortable for carry. I have loved that little gun since day one. It never disappoints me.

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Already knew what you were gonna pick!
43 is the first little gun I shot that really impressed the heck out of me. Really does shoot like a full size gun.

43x or G19

G43's magazine is inherently flawed and the 48 is a 43x for made specifically for (((Canadians))).

I have both 43x and the g 48. I carry the 43x appendix carry with a recover tactical rail and and olight mini 2. I have small hands and where the grips are thin they both fit me perfectly. I never shot a 43 so I have no opinion on it. I do carry a shield arms magazine with 15 rounds and a back up magazine as well. The 48 is attached in my vehicle for quick use in case I can't get to my 43 x in appendix carry position.

Slimer said:

G43's magazine is inherently flawed and the 48 is a 43x for made specifically for (((Canadians))).

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Aside from low capacity, what is this *flaw* you speak of? I have carried mine exclusively for around five years and run it in many BUG matches. It fumbled and misfed once a couple of months ago. I put in some new mag springs which I do for any gun after that long. Problem did not repeat.

ETA: I have large hands and the slim frame Glocks just work better for me than some of the recent, small grip/large mag capacity subcompacts.

shackleford said:

Another vote for getting a 43 and 48, so you can mix 'n match.

I can shoot the double stacks, but single stack fits my delicate, womanly hands better.

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I am thinking I may go this way. And get an optic cut on my 43 slide.

The 48 with shield mags makes a slimmer 19 almost.

I have a few Shield mags for mine but haven't shot them yet so I haven't carried them either. Hmm, I need to do that...

I have a 43 and 43X, and I much prefer the X. I like having the longer grip to grab onto and it makes the gun more shootable to me. Mine has a Holosun 407K on it and I use shield mags.

The Glock has been retired from primary carry duty for me now that I have a P365X though.

I keep a backup in a HPG chest rig in the truck of whatever gun I'm carrying so I always have a second firearm with me that takes the same magazines.

So, when I'm carrying the G19 I keep a G45 in the bag.

When I'm carrying the G43/TLR6 combo, I have another just like it in the bag.

When I'm carrying the G43xMOS, I have a G43x in the bag (this is actually a G48 that I bought another 43x slide assembly for so I can switch it back and forth)

So, all of the above depending on season and circumstances.

Further away I go from home the more ammo I want with me so the doublestacks get the nod. And I run Shield arms S15s exclusively in the 43x/48...

And if I go far enough away the Ruger PC Charger 9mm also goes along.

Voted 43.

Unless I use an aftermarket or modified frame, I cannot do the Glock 19/43X/48 grip shape. The hump sits in a weird place against the fatty blade of my palm. I end up with an air gap unless I crush-grip with my dominant hand, which messes with my index and is not conducive to good fundamentals at speed.

Smaller (43/26) or longer grips (the standard Glock frame, especially with larger backstraps) feel more consistent on the draw and in recoil. Better contact through the web of the hand and down through the palm. That contact also makes the grip angle feel less “extreme” after transitioning from something else.

Optics are take-it-or-leave-it for me. Irons or optics have to be high quality and installed correctly (proper torque on clean screws with an even application of oil-resistant threadlocker, and properly-fitted dovetails). Either an RMRcc or a high-viz tritium front with a blacked rear. Anything that allows target-focused shooting in lower light.

Been burned enough times by everyone’s favorite Chinesium importer to trust only one brand for optics.

RR said:

I keep a backup in a HPG chest rig in the truck of whatever gun I'm carrying so I always have a second firearm with me that takes the same magazines.

So, when I'm carrying the G19 I keep a G45 in the bag.

When I'm carrying the G43/TLR6 combo, I have another just like it in the bag.

When I'm carrying the G43xMOS, I have a G43x in the bag (this is actually a G48 that I bought another 43x slide assembly for so I can switch it back and forth)

So, all of the above depending on season and circumstances.

Further away I go from home the more ammo I want with me so the doublestacks get the nod. And I run Shield arms S15s exclusively in the 43x/48...

And if I go far enough away the Ruger PC Charger 9mm also goes along.

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My line of thought isn't identical, but similar. Logistics of ammo and mag compatibility are what, in my opinion, keep the G26 relevant. The G26 does what the hellcat, 365, 43x, etc can't do. It takes double stack Glock mags.

I can carry the 26 with a 10 rounder and a 15rd reload. Throw a 19 into a pack as a backup. Reach into one of literal buckets of double stack Glock mags I have loaded and throw a handful of those in the pack. 15, 17, or 33rd mags doesn't matter.

Both guns will take any of those mags, except for the 10 rounder which will be empty by the time it matters.

Frack N Cylons said:

My line of thought isn't identical, but similar. Logistics of ammo and mag compatibility are what, in my opinion, keep the G26 relevant. The G26 does what the hellcat, 365, 43x, etc can't do. It takes double stack Glock mags.

I can carry the 26 with a 10 rounder and a 15rd reload. Throw a 19 into a pack as a backup. Reach into one of literal buckets of double stack Glock mags I have loaded and throw a handful of those in the pack. 15, 17, or 33rd mags doesn't matter.

Both guns will take any of those mags, except for the 10 rounder which will be empty by the time it matters.

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That sounds like a solid strategy to simplify my life. I don't currently own a G26. May need to resolve that deficiency.

And I follow a similar strategy re: mag selection in the 19. I carry a 15 round in it, but either a 17 or 21 round reload and then all the mags in the bag with the G45 or in the truck console are 17 or 21 rounders and will fit either.

RR said:

That sounds like a solid strategy to simplify my life. I don't currently own a G26. May need to resolve that deficiency.

And I follow a similar strategy re: mag selection in the 19. I carry a 15 round in it, but either a 17 or 21 round reload and then all the mags in the bag with the G45 or in the truck console are 17 or 21 rounders and will fit either.

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Now if you could just find someone to make a holster that would fit a 26, 19, 17, and a 34... 🤔

Frack N Cylons said:

Now if you could just find someone to make a holster that would fit a 26, 19, 17, and a 34... 🤔

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I might know a guy.

43 with a two round Hyve extension fits my hand well.

I'm not sure how the conversation morphed but the 43x MOS is my ride the bike choice. I can do the G26 appendix on the bike but it has a little extra girth. I don't think I have tried the G19 but theoretically if I can do the 26, I should be able to do the 19. Now that I'm loosing weight again the double stacks should start getting more comfortable.

In colder months, G26/G19 and the PC charger in a backpack/get home bag. Mags everywhere.....

I may "need" a G26 MOS, my 19 and 43x are MOS versions....

Could never get along with the 26. Stubby little fatty. But I respect it's firepower/size ratio.
Rather just carry the 19. But the 26 sure would be useful to have to throw in a bag with a couple big mags for travel etc.

Options are never bad.

I have the 43 and 43x MOS and change back and forth frequently depending on what I’m wearing/doing for the day. I shoot the 43x better personally but not by much. The 43 is just a little more comfortable to carry with the shorter grip. I do think the 43x is only worth it if you go with the 15 rd shield magazines- I did and have been happy with them.

As far as optics, I haven’t mounted a red dot yet but do have a Surefire XSC light on the 43x which is a cool addition.

NKD said:

Could never get along with the 26. Stubby little fatty. But I respect it's firepower/size ratio.
Rather just carry the 19. But the 26 sure would be useful to have to throw in a bag with a couple big mags for travel etc.

Options are never bad.

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Mag extension helps tremendously.

Pretty even 43/43x split at this point.

fieldgrade said:

Aside from low capacity, what is this *flaw* you speak of? I have carried mine exclusively for around five years and run it in many BUG matches. It fumbled and misfed once a couple of months ago. I put in some new mag springs which I do for any gun after that long. Problem did not repeat.

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Glock said they would release an extended 43 magazine when they could make it reliable not soon after the 43's release. Then, about everyone who buys a 43 says I need an extension on a 6 shot firearm that is at the pubic hair's edge of proper timing and magazine reliability. If you are going to add an extension that is going to affect reliability and add grip length, buy the factory solution of the 43x.

Slimer said:

Glock said they would release an extended 43 magazine when they could make it reliable not soon after the 43's release. Then, about everyone who buys a 43 says I need an extension on a 6 shot firearm that is at the pubic hair's edge of proper timing and magazine reliability. If you are going to add an extension that is going to affect reliability and add grip length, buy the factory solution of the 43x.

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I have had Hyve and Vickers extensions on my 43 mags for five years. No impact on reliability whatsoever.

Owned a 43 for years and it shot great. Ended up with a 43X on a trade and after some add-ons (Holosun 507K, TLR7 sub, XS sights and Shield Arms goodies) the standard 43 had to hit the road.
I know the 43 is totally capable with the factory 6+1 setup, but when the option of 15+1 in only a slightly larger gun is available, it only made sense to me.

fieldgrade said:

I have had Hyve and Vickers extensions on my 43 mags for five years. No impact on reliability whatsoever.

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Taran Tactical +1 and Vickers extensions have been 100% for me.

The issue I have with the X and shield mags is weight. As it is I have 90 grain copper rounds in the 43.

Have had good luck with the TTI. I carry the +1 with the +3 going on the backup mag.

I had another +3 that by someone else that wasn't reliable so I ditched it.

I haven’t shot the 43x but for how I carry it doesn’t make sense. I either pocket carry (G43) or carry IWB somewhere between 4:30 and 8:30 on the body. Pocket carry nothing with a longer grip length than the G43 works, unless I’m wearing cargo shorts/pants, and in that case I could pocket carry a G19 (yes I’ve done it lol).

Concerning IWB carry, slide length doesn’t matter as it’s running with my leg/torso, neither does width (I don’t wear “skinny”jeans or shirts) grip length however does as if I go much longer than G19 length I have to carry it “flat” along my back, I Prefer to carry around 4:30. If I am carrying the grip length of a 43X I prefer the extra capacity of the 19 (similar length). I have relatively large hands and have no issue with the grip on the 43, where as my fingers don’t line up to the finger grooves on my wife’s gen 4 G19