New for 2020: Glock G43X & G48 MOS

by
posted on August 30, 2020
** 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-g43x-g48-mos-optic-ready-f.jpg
Glock announced the addition of not just one but two new models to its Slimline series of self-defense handguns in 2020. The new G43X and G48 MOS pistols combine the benefits of Glock's Modular Optic System (MOS) with the concealable and carry-ready configuration offered by its Slimline handguns. The new guns also feature a Picatinny accessory rail.

“Engineered with the GLOCK perfection promise, the two new models are the first Slimline pistols to offer an MOS option and are ideal for shooters everywhere,” said Shelby Lasater, GLOCK, Inc. director of marketing. “The versatility of the Slimline MOS models give them the adaptability and ease of use for concealed carry, target shooting, law enforcement, and competition which make them a new favorite.”

Introduced in 2019, Glock's G43X and G48 handguns expanded the company's Slimline series, giving consumers increased capacity and sight radius while maintaining an easily concealed and carried design. The G43X built on the success of Glock's original G43 by offering a lengthened frame that accepted an enlarged magazine with increased capacity.

At the same time, the Glock G48 featured the same enlarged frame found on the G43X combined with a lengthened slide, giving shooters greater accuracy potential, thanks to the lengthened sight radius. The increased slide also allowed Glock to increase barrel length, which provides greater ballistic performance compared to shorter configurations.

Glock offered its MOS system first in full- and duty-size handguns, giving handgunners an edge in rapid target acquisition and accuracy, thanks to the single-plane design of a mounted red-dot sight. The slimmer profile of the G43X and G48 presented a challenge, though, because the footprint offered by the top of the slide is slimmer than that included on Glock's traditional double-stack semi-automatics.

The MOS system used on the Glock Slimline pistol series is, functionally, the same setup found in its larger siblings. However, given its reduced footprint, the Slimline MOS models require the use of special micro reflex optics, like the Shield Sights RMSc. Both the G43X and G48 MOS models also incorporate all the enhancements found on Glock's Gen 5 series of guns, including an nDLC finish, reversible magazine catch and a match-grade Glock Marksman Barrel.

For more information on the new Slimline MOS pistols from Glock, visit us.glock.com.

Latest

Amrifl
Amrifl

The Fight for America’s Rifle

Despite the warning we’ll sue to protect commonly owned AR-type rifles, Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger (D) signed Senate Bill 749, which will make it illegal to sell, purchase, import, manufacture or transfer such firearms starting on July 1. 

Gun of the Week: Henry Repeating Arms SPD Predator

The new SPD Predator, an extension of Henry's magazine-fed Lever Action Supreme Rifle design, looks to extract the greatest possible degree of accuracy and precision from a modern lever gun.

The Armed Citizen® May 15, 2026

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

The Politically Incorrect Truth About the Armed Citizen

The Second Amendment doesn’t—and should not be treated as if—it ends at state lines. American citizens need the national reciprocity legislation that is now active in Congress.

Reaching for 1,000: A Study in Long Range Marksmanship

Calculating all the factors that go into a well-placed shot at distance can be a daunting task for those new to long-distance marksmanship, but when it all comes together, the result is gratifying.

ATF Proposes Changes to Form 4473

The ATF proposed a series of changes to form 4473 in May. If approved, the modifications would shave three pages from the paperwork and eliminate a lot of the previous form’s confusing redundancy­, trimming questions for both the purchaser/transferee and FFL.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.