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

Freedom Ordnance FM9D 1
Freedom Ordnance FM9D 1

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.

The Murdoch & Co. EM85: An SA80 for America

Most modern service rifles are sold in the U.S. in semi-automatic form. There is one glaring exception, and that is the British L85. Murdoch & Co., an American company, is changing that reality with its EM85.

I Have This Old Gun: The British Brown Bess

One of the most iconic military longarms ever made, the British Land Pattern musket, more commonly known as the "Brown Bess," equipped British infantrymen across the world for more than a century.

Rifleman Interview: CCI Rimfire Ammunition

CCI’s rimfire offerings were part of the Plinkapalooza event in May.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.