Glock G43: A Top-Selling Handgun In 2020

by
posted on March 3, 2021
** 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. **
g43-mos.jpg
The Glock G43 was the second-fastest selling semi-automatic pistol on GunBroker.com during 2020. Combined with the company’s G19, which claimed top honors, it was a 1-2 finish for the manufacturer that took polymer-framed handguns mainstream.

Moving up from the No. 4 position in 2019, the G43 a single-stack 9 mm—the company’s smallest—and ideal for concealed carry. Overall length is 6.26", and the barrel measures 3.41". Palm texturing ensures a solid grip under stress, in poor weather or when wearing gloves. Magazine capacity is six rounds.

The pistol tips the scales at only 20.64 ozs. when loaded. B. Gil Horman tested one for American Rifleman and reported, “As a Glock fan, I found that the G43 rang all of the reliability and ease-of-use bells that keep me going back to the company for more.”

This year the company made a good thing even better with the introduction of a pair of increased capacity models. The G43X Black features a Slimline frame ideal for concealment, but its black slide features an nDLC finish. Magazine capacity is up to 10 cartridges. “The G43X combines a compact-size grip length, a built-in beavertail and a subcompact-slim slide for a comfortably balanced, versatile grip that’s ideal for a variety of users,” the company explains on its web page. It comes in at 23.06 ozs. when loaded, has the same length barrel and measures 6.5" in length.

The G43X Mos is Glock’s other introduction for 2021. It’s an optics-ready solution for self-defense. Specifications are identical to the Black version, with the exception of the nDLC finish. Instead, its stainless steel slide has been CNCd for fast and effortless mounting of today’s popular red-dot sights.

Glock doesn’t list MSRPs on its website, although shop around and you’ll likely find a few original G43s for slightly below $700. Expect the G43X Mos to set you back around $800 and the G43X Black to run about the same.

Latest

Keltec Sub Sdp 1
Keltec Sub Sdp 1

The "Nub Sub:" KelTec's Ultra-Compact SUB-SDP

KelTec is expanding its SUB2000 line yet again with the SUB-SDP, a foldable, braced pistol that KelTec folks colloquially refer to as the "Nub Sub."

Gun of the Week: EAA Girsan Witness2311 CMXX

One of the latest options in EAA's line of 2011-style handguns is the Witness2311 CMXX, which incorporates a large, single-port compensator at the muzzle end.

The Armed Citizen® July 24, 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.

Review: Freedom Ordnance FM-9D

New small arms with groundbreaking designs are rare in an industry where new products tend to be evolutionary rather than revolutionary. Fortunately, Freedom Ordnance marches to the beat of a different drum and invested its creative energy into developing the unique, innovative FM-9D. 

Number of Retail FFLs Dwindling

The number of retail outlets with an FFL Type 01 license to sell firearms has declined by more than 13 percent in just the last five years.

Ammunition Depot and NRA Partner to Expand Support for Second Amendment Litigation

The NRA has invested more than $3 million in California Second Amendment litigation since 2021 and has provided support for Rhode v. Bonta; Ammunition Depot is launching a checkout donation option to help fund ongoing legal efforts.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.