Glock 43 vs 43X: Detailed Comparison for Concealed Carry

Trying to pick between the Glock 43 and Glock 43X? You’re not alone—it’s a common struggle for folks after a trustworthy concealed carry. The main difference is that the Glock 43X has a longer grip and packs more rounds, while the Glock 43 stays slimmer and tucks away easier. Both pistols work well for self-defense, but they suit different preferences, so it’s worth digging into what sets them apart.

Plenty of gun owners care about comfort, shootability, and how easy a pistol is to carry every day. The Glock 43 fits the bill for deep concealment with its compact size, while the Glock 43X offers a better grip and more rounds for those wanting extra control. If you’re curious about the nitty-gritty, check out this side-by-side comparison for all the measurements and specs.

Key Takeaways

• Glock 43X has a bigger grip and holds more rounds.

• Glock 43 is slimmer and hides easier.

• Each one suits different daily carry needs.

Core Differences Between Glock 43 and 43X

The Glock 43 and Glock 43X are both slim, subcompact 9mm pistols that people love for concealed carry. They look pretty similar, but there are clear differences when it comes to magazine capacity, size, and how they feel in your hand.

Magazine Capacity and Firepower

The Glock 43 uses a single-stack magazine with just 6 rounds, which makes the gun slim but limits firepower. That’s the price you pay for easier concealment.

The Glock 43X really steps it up here. Glock tweaked the frame so it takes a 10-round magazine. That’s four extra shots per reload. For a lot of people, having those extra rounds is a big deal, especially when you don’t want to reload in a hurry. The 43X manages to offer more reassurance in self-defense without making you carry a huge pistol.

If you want a close-up look at how the magazines compare in real life—including reloads and carry comfort—take a peek at this complete buyer's guide on Glock 43 vs 43X.

Size and Weight Comparison

Both the G43 and G43X are designed for easy concealment, but their sizes make a difference. The Glock 43 runs about 6.26 inches long and is super slim, so it disappears under light clothes. Unloaded, it weighs around 16 ounces—barely noticeable for all-day carry.

The Glock 43X keeps the same slide length but adds a longer, slightly wider grip. It tips the scale at about 18 ounces unloaded. That extra size means some folks find it trickier to hide, especially with snug clothes or smaller holsters. Still, a lot of shooters think the extra grip is worth it for the added capacity and better hold (difference between Glock 43 and 43X).

Ergonomics and Grip Design

Grip comfort really separates these two. The Glock 43 keeps things short and sweet, which is great for small hands or deep concealment. But some people find it too short for a full three-finger grip, which can make recoil control harder.

The Glock 43X stretches out the grip, so most folks can get all their fingers on it. That means better control, less felt recoil, and just a more confident hold overall. If you’ve got bigger hands or just want a steadier aim, the 43X probably feels better in your palm (Glock 43X vs 43: which compact Glock should you buy?).

Performance, Handling, and Reliability

Both pistols deliver that classic Glock reliability, but they feel different in use. Their grip design, trigger feel, and stability in your hand change the shooting experience quite a bit.

Trigger Pull and Shooting Experience

The Glock 43 and 43X both use Glock’s safe action system, with a trigger pull that averages around 5.5 pounds. The triggers feel crisp and the reset is short, so quick follow-up shots come naturally.

Most shooters say the 43X’s longer grip gives them more control during fast shooting. The 43’s shorter grip can feel less secure for bigger hands, but it keeps the gun super slim for carrying. Both models are easy to get used to, and their trigger response is just what you’d expect from a defensive handgun. Controls are simple and familiar, so there’s not much of a learning curve.

Accuracy and Recoil Control

Both guns take 9mm and have a 3.41-inch barrel. The 43X’s longer grip lets you get a full, solid hold, which helps with accuracy, especially when firing several shots quickly. The 43’s slim grip can make it trickier to stay steady during fast shooting, but its lighter weight makes it feel quick and handy.

Recoil’s easy to manage with either one, but the 43X spreads it out more thanks to the longer grip. A lot of people notice less muzzle flip and steadier shots with the 43X, while the 43 can feel a bit snappier, especially with hotter ammo. Both pistols stay accurate and are easy to get back on target, but grip comfort and control make the biggest difference.

Real-World Reliability

Reliability’s a strong point for both. Glock 43 and 43X pistols feed, fire, and cycle smoothly with all sorts of 9mm ammo. People rarely run into malfunctions, even after hundreds of rounds or in rough conditions.

They work well in dirt, sand, and rain, and don’t need much babying. Parts and magazines are easy to find, and the simple design means fewer things can go wrong. Owners say both pistols handle daily carry and rough use just fine, living up to Glock’s reputation for dependability. If you want more feedback from real-world users, this detailed guide is worth a look.

Concealed Carry and Everyday Suitability

Deciding between the Glock 43 and Glock 43X really comes down to what matters most to you—size, grip, magazine capacity, and daily comfort. Both pistols have features that make them favorites for folks who need a reliable, comfortable carry gun.

Concealability Factors

The Glock 43 stands out for its slim, single-stack build. It’s about 6.26 inches long and just over an inch wide, so it hides easily under light clothes.

The Glock 43X, while still compact, has a longer and taller frame. Its grip is stretched to fit a 10-round magazine, making it taller than the 43’s 6-round setup. That can make the 43X print a bit more under tight shirts or light jackets, but most people still find it easy to conceal.

Your choice probably depends on your body type, wardrobe, and how much printing you’re okay with. If you wear fitted clothes or have a smaller frame, the Glock 43 might be easier to keep hidden. If you don’t mind a little extra grip showing, the Glock 43X brings some real benefits.

Everyday Carry Comfort

Weight and grip length are huge for daily comfort. The Glock 43 is lighter, so it’s barely there all day, especially with minimalist holsters or inside-the-waistband carry.

The Glock 43X gives you more grip space, which means better control and less felt recoil. But it’s about three ounces heavier, and that can add up if you’re carrying for hours.

Plenty of shooters say the 43X’s grip makes for faster draws and better handling under pressure. If you’ve got bigger hands or just like a fuller grip, the 43X usually feels better for everyday carry. On the other hand, if you want something that disappears on your belt, the Glock 43’s shorter grip and lighter weight are tough to beat.

Aftermarket Support and Upgrades

Aftermarket support is strong for both pistols. People swap in night sights, trigger kits, holsters, and magazine extensions all the time. The Glock 43X MOS model made it easy to add optics, which is getting more popular with self-defense fans.

One thing that stands out: The Glock 43X works with Shield Arms S15 magazines, bumping capacity from 10 to 15 rounds without bulking up the gun. That’s a big win if you want more firepower in a small package.

Both guns have plenty of holster options, but the 43X’s longer grip might need a holster that covers more of the gun or sits deeper. Most accessory makers offer tons of choices, so you can set up your carry just how you like it.

Glock 43X Variants and Alternatives

The Glock 43X comes in a few flavors and sits alongside other slimline Glocks. Its features make it a top pick for concealed carry, but there are some alternatives worth a look.

Glock 43X MOS and Optics Options

The Glock 43X MOS is built for folks who want to add red dot optics. MOS stands for “Modular Optic System,” and this version comes with a factory-milled slide for micro red dot sights. It’s a handy way to get faster aiming and better accuracy without fuss.

The 43X MOS keeps the same slim 10-round mag and grip size as the regular 43X. Sights like the Holosun 507K and Shield RMSc fit right on. Adding an optic barely changes concealability—the slide’s just a bit taller, not wider.

There’s also a built-in accessory rail on the MOS, so you can add a light or laser for home defense or night carry. For more on what sets it apart, check out this Glock 43X and 43X MOS comparison.

Comparison with Glock 48

The Glock 48 is a close cousin to the 43X but comes with a longer slide and barrel. Both use slim, ten-round mags, but the 48’s slide matches the length of the Glock 19, giving you a longer sight radius and maybe a smidge more accuracy.

For concealment, the 43X wins thanks to its shorter slide—it’s just easier to tuck away. If you have bigger hands or want softer recoil, the Glock 48’s extra weight can help. Both the 43X and 48 offer MOS options for adding optics. 

Frequently Asked Questions

The Glock 43 and 43X each bring their own design tweaks, affecting size, handling, magazine options, and compatibility. You’ll also find different versions and comparisons with other Glocks, depending on what you’re after.

What are the primary differences in size between the Glock 43 and the 43X?

The Glock 43’s grip is noticeably shorter, and it stands at about 4.25 inches tall—pretty handy if you want something that really disappears under a shirt. The 43X, on the other hand, stretches out its grip and bumps the height up to roughly 5.04 inches, which just feels better in most hands.

Even though the slides are pretty much the same length, the 43X is a bit wider and tips the scale a little heavier. Folks who want the smallest possible carry gun often lean toward the 43, while the 43X tends to win over anyone craving a fuller grip.

How do the magazines of the Glock 43 and 43X compare in terms of capacity and compatibility?

The Glock 43 ships with a 6-round magazine. Its smaller frame won’t take larger mags unless you use aftermarket extensions, but that can mess with how easily you can hide it.

The Glock 43X steps it up with a 10-round mag. You can’t swap magazines between the 43 and 43X because the grip and mag designs just don’t match up. That extra capacity in the 43X? It’s a major selling point if you want more rounds without carrying a bigger gun.

Can you detail the distinctions between the Glock 43X MOS and the standard 43X model?

The Glock 43X MOS comes with a milled slide, so you can slap a micro red dot sight right on top—makes target pickup a breeze for some shooters. The regular 43X skips the optics-ready feature.

Other than the MOS cut, both models keep the same size and magazine capacity. The MOS just gives you more options if you’re into enhanced sights.

What makes the Glock 43X a popular choice amongst firearms enthusiasts?

People like the Glock 43X for its comfy, longer grip and slim feel. The bigger mag—compared to the 43—plus easy handling and softer recoil, really make it stand out.

Plenty of shooters say the 43X nails that sweet spot between being easy to carry and fun to shoot. It fits a lot of different hands and, honestly, Glock’s reputation for reliability doesn’t hurt either.

In what ways does the Glock 43X differ from the Glock 48?

The Glock 43X and 48 share a frame and both use 10-round magazines. But the 48 sports a longer slide and barrel, which gives you a longer sight radius.

The 48’s extra length can help a bit with accuracy and control. Both pistols stay slim, though the 43X is shorter overall—so if you’re after maximum concealment, the 43X might be the pick.

What are some reported disadvantages or drawbacks of choosing a Glock 43X?

Plenty of folks notice that the longer grip on the 43X can make it tougher to hide, especially if you're wearing lighter clothes or happen to have a smaller build. That extra grip height sometimes just wants to print, no matter how careful you are.

Even though the magazine holds more than the original 43, it still doesn't match the capacity of double-stack compacts. You're also kind of stuck with limited magazine options compared to other Glocks. And honestly, some shooters just don't love the trigger pull—it doesn't click for everyone.