The G43X: Glock's Expanded-Capacity CCW Pistol

by
posted on August 28, 2021
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

A5 Gotw Browning
A5 Gotw Browning

Gun Of The Week: Browning A5 Wicked Wing

Watch American Rifleman staff on the range this week to learn about an iconic Browning shotgun, but this one is dressed specifically for the modern era, wearing synthetic furniture, covered by a unique camouflage treatment and revamped internally for generations of use.

The Armed Citizen® June 2, 2023

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

2023 Ammunition Product Of The Year: Remington Core-Lokt Tipped

Remington Ammunition’s Core-Lokt bullets have been counted on by hunters to reliably take game for more than 80 years.

Remembering The Remington 700 At FTW Ranch

Remington seems to have risen from the ashes, and a new company has emerged under the RemArms name, but before the lights went out at Remington's Custom Shop, American Rifleman contributor Craig Boddington joined industry professionals at FTW Ranch to put its rifles through the rigors of intense field work.

Henry Donates To Border Patrol Foundation

Henry Repeating Arms supports Border Patrol Foundation (BPF) with funds to help the organization’s mission to honor the memory of fallen U.S. Border Patrol agents.

Rifleman Review: Smith & Wesson CSX

Smith & Wesson's CSX is a different take on the micro-compact 9 mm Luger-chambered pistol concept, one that will appeal to fans of more traditionally built and styled handguns.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.