The G43X: Glock's Expanded-Capacity CCW Pistol

by
posted on August 28, 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. **
left side black pistol glock metal plastic handgun

Glock introduced its G43 in 2015—part of its Slimline Series—and it didn’t take long for the single-stack subcompact 9 mm to gain favor among enthusiasts. It measures only 1.06" in width, 6.26" long and 4.25" in height. The latter figure, however, is a byproduct of the fact that its magazine holds only six cartridges. A few loyalists to the brand voiced skepticism about the modest capacity.

Four years later, the company rolled out a bigger brother, the G43X. Its magazine holds ten 9 mm rounds, yet the company somehow managed to squeeze its legendary performance into a 6.5"x1.1"x5.4", 18.7-oz. (unloaded) package. The G43X, also a member of the firm’s Slimline Series, comes with a 3.41", match-grade Glock Marksman Barrel. The magazine catch is reversible and the handgun’s polymer frame features a built-in beavertail with generous texturing around the grip to maintain control, even with gloved hands. The lack of finger grooves makes the setup a comfortable one for shooters whose hands often don’t match cookie-cutter profiles.

Its black oxide-treated slide measures only 0.87" in width, but precision milled serrations fore and aft prevent that slim diameter from presenting challenges when racking. The pistol uses Glock’s reliable Safe Action system, which means there’s no external safety to operate. Sights are a white outlined U-notch at the rear with a white dot up front.

Don’t be surprised if you run across a wide variety of colors and patterns in the G43X, each apparently different distributor exclusives. Glock’s website shows only black as an option. Prices vary widely by tone, but as this was written, there were stock versions on sale for slightly below $500. You can, however, expect to pay more. The company’s newest model is the G43X MOS. It comes with the same fine features, but its slide comes from the factory pre-milled for mounting aftermarket red-dot sights.

Latest

Walther Arms Pd380 Rifleman Review 1
Walther Arms Pd380 Rifleman Review 1

Rifleman Review: Walther Arms PD380

For its latest compact carry pistol, the PD380, Walther Arms combined elements of its Performance Duty Pistol series with its legacy PK380 platform.

Black Beauty: Nimschke’s Masterpiece Sold By Rock Island Auction

German-born Louis Daniel Nimschke is widely recognized as one of the most talented and prolific firearm engravers of the 19th century.

Springfield Updates Saint Victor AR-15 Lineup

Since 2019, Springfield Armory has offered its Saint Victor line of AR-15s with enhanced features, and for 2025, the company has updated those features to keep pace with consumer demands.

In Memoriam: Wiley Clapp

Longtime American Rifleman Field Editor and contributor Wiley Clapp passed away June 4, 2025. He was 90 years old.

Fiocchi Of America Joins The Kinetic Group, HEVI-Shot Moving Operations

The Kinetic Group has officially added Fiocchi of America—and exclusive rights to Baschieri & Pellagri in the United States—to its lineup of top ammunition brands.

Inside NRA’s New America’s Rifle Challenge

NRA has developed a new competition designed to promote better marksmanship with America’s rifle—the AR-15 platform.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.