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

target with holes
target with holes

Skills Check: The Tabula Rasa Method

Too many shooters step onto the range carrying the emotional residue of every missed shot, every bad stage and every ugly drill from the last six months like a tactical backpack full of disappointment. The Tabula Rasa method is designed to change that relationship.

Canadian Law Enforcement Agencies Select Federal Ammunition

Federal Ammunition will supply the Canadian Department of National Defense and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police with rifle and shotgun ammunition, respectively.

Shooting Surplus: Finding Affordable Mil-Surp Ammo in 2026

Today, the market for mil-surp ammo is vastly different than it was even just a few years ago. If you're a military-surplus collector and shooter, what should you look for in 2026? Here's our guide.

Colt Electro-Optics Introduces New Red Dots & Magnifier

No stranger to rebirth, Colt has recently spun off an optics division to make sure that, in a world where optics are considered to be standard equipment, a fully kitted-out gun can be all-pony.

What This Huge NFA Ruling Means for Gun Owners

The recent ruling in Jensen v. ATF and the subsequent lack of an appeal by the U.S. Department of Justice has left many gun owners with questions about purchasing NFA items. Here is some guidance.

Gun of the Week: Smith & Wesson Model 386 Night Guard

In partnership with Lipsey's, Smith & Wesson recently re-introduced two of its classic Night Guard revolvers, the Models 386 and 396, which are chambered for the .357 Magnum and .44 Special, respectively.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.