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

IHTOG French MAS49 1
IHTOG French MAS49 1

I Have This Old Gun: French MAS-49

Despite being early adopters of several semi-automatic rifles for military use, the French army took several decades to work out a standardized semi-automatic rifle for general service use. The rifle that finally came to being was the MAS-49.

Polite Society Industries Launches with Complete Suppressor Line

"An armed society is a polite society," goes the famous quote, which is also the inspiration behind Polite Society Industries, a new suppressor manufacturer that now has a complete line available to consumers.

NRA-ILA Names Smith & Wesson Official Partner of the 2026 NRA Gun Bus Battleground Tour

Iconic American firearms maker Smith & Wesson will join NRA-ILA on the road as nation's leading firearm group turns out voters ahead of the 2026 midterm.

A New Armed Citizen Survey That is Endlessly Fascinating—and Politically Incorrect

The 2026 National Firearms Survey conducted by William English of Georgetown University estimates that armed citizens in America use their guns 2.2 million to defend themselves or others.

Review: Heckler & Koch VP9CC

HK’s new VP9CC offers VP9 features in a micro-size pistol.

Former Barnes Bullets CEO Randy Brooks Passes Away

Randy Brooks, former president and CEO of Barnes Bullets, passed away on Aug. 27 peacefully in his Mona, Utah, home.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.