NRA Gun of the Week: Glock 43

by
posted on July 20, 2015
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
Glock was a bit late to the party when it introduced its Model 43 pistol earlier in 2015, but judging by consumer response, loyal Glock fans have all but forgotten that the company had yet to offer a single-stack defensive 9 mm in its extensive catalog of polymer-framed handguns. After all, Glock has been one of the top providers worldwide of combat pistols for more than 20 years, and has built its reputation around its double-column magazine. So how does it compare to its closest Glock brethren in terms of size? External dimensions place it right between the G42 .380 ACP (introduced a year earlier) and the double-stack G26 9 mm, but aesthetically, the G43 is essentially a slightly larger G42. And equally important, it retains the very-identifiable signature Glock shape.

But how does it shoot? Since the Glock 43 introduction was one 2015’s unexpected surprises in the world of concealable handguns, we chose it to kick off our relaunch of AmericanRIfleman.org's popular "NRA Gun of the Week" series. Watch the video above as Mark Keefe gives a complete rundown of the pistol’s features—a few of which are new for Glock—and then sends some rounds down range.

For more on the Glock 43, please enjoy the following articles:

Keefe Report: Range Time with the Glock 43 
Keefe Report: So, What Took So Long? The Glock G43 

Glock 43 Specifications
Manufacturer: Glock Inc. Model: 43
Action: Double-Action, striker-fired, center-fire
Caliber: .9 mm Luger
Frame: Reinforced polymer
Slide: Steel
Sights: White Outlined Square Notch Rear; Single Dot, Post Front
Barrel: 3.39”
Twist: 1:9.84” RH
Trigger: 5-lb. 8-oz. Pull
Magazine: 6-Round Detachable Box
Finish: Matte Blue
Overall Length: 6.26”
Weight: 17.95 ozs.
Accessories: Owner’s Manual, Scope, Lock
MSRP: $552

Latest

001 T650 W Cover 01
001 T650 W Cover 01

The Taurus 650: Embracing The Snubby Lifestyle

With more people embracing the "snubby lifestyle," companies like Taurus USA are providing capable self-defense platforms like the 650, a snag-free design that offers plenty of punch in a pocketable package.

White Flyer Supports Opening Of South Dakota Shooting Sports Complex

Thanks to a generous donation from White Flyer and Winchester Ammunition, South Dakota's newest shooting sports facility opened with plenty of targets available to shotgunners.

Walther Arms Suspends Production Of PPK Line

Walther Arms announced a suspension of its PPK, PPK/S and PP production lines, as the company plans what it calls a "multi-year modernization journey."

Rifleman Review: Colt Viper

As part of Colt's continued expansion of its second-generation "snake guns," the Viper revolver offers a compact, carry-ready variant that offers magnum power in a strong steel-frame format.

Benelli's M4 EXT: More Of A Good Thing

For the first time, with its M4 EXT, Benelli USA is offering a version of its M4 semi-automatic shotgun that has the same features found on its military and law-enforcement models.

Review: Steiner Predator: 4S 4-16X 44 mm

The benefit of a lightweight rifle is lost the moment you top it with a clunky, overweight optic, particularly a lengthy one. To that end, we are starting to see an emphasis on riflescopes that are less cumbersome when mounted, such as Steiner’s Predator 4S.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.