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In this article, we will be covering one of the most popular types of handguns on the market. The Glock 43 has been a mainstay in the shooting community. This longevity results from the numerous advantages that this gun holds over its competitors. In the sections below, you can learn all you need to know about why the Glock 43 is such a useful handgun.
What is a Glock 43?
The Glock 43 is a small pistol with great accuracy. Its minimal size is one of the most sought-after features of this handgun. This makes concealment extremely easy. Along with this, Glock 43 is also easy to hold. It features a wide textured handle that aids in handling this firearm. Overall, Glock 43 is a suitable option for a wide range of gun owners.
What Caliber is a Glock 43?
The Glock 43 is a 9mm pistol.
How Many Rounds Does a Glock 43 Hold?
A Glock 43 holds six rounds.
Glock 43 Parts Diagram
Want to gain a better understanding of the anatomy of a Glock 43? The parts diagram below will show you everything you need to know.
Is the Glock 43 a Good Daily Carry?
When it comes to choosing a firearm for daily carry, it is hard to find a better option than the Glock 43. This handgun is one of the top daily carry options for multiple reasons.
The first advantage the Glock 43 has for daily carry is its size. As we have mentioned, the Glock 43 is a very small handgun. Its longest dimension is just over six and a quarter inches. This, and generally light weight, make the Glock 43 easy to conceal.
For those reasons, the Glock 43 is a favorite among law enforcement. But this gun is a good daily carry for the average gun owner as well.
Review of the Best Glock 43 Models
Below you will find some of the best Glock 43 models. For each, we will give you the critical specs you need to know. We’ll also provide the details as to why each model is among the top Glock 43 options.
Best Overall:
Glock 43 9mm Pistol
Pros
Cons
Specs
Caliber: 9mm
Length, width, height: 6.26”, 1.02”, 4.25”
Barrel length: 3.41”
Sight: White front dot, Rear U-notch
Unloaded weight: 17.95 oz.
Loaded weight: 22.36
Trigger pull: 5.5 lbs.
Barrel rifling: Polygonal
Magazine capacity: 5+1
Best Uses
The Glock 43 9mm Pistol is ideal for daily carry. It is both easy to conceal and fairly easy to shoot. While it does not come with the greatest built-in sight, this is not an issue regarding this firearm’s intended use. The Glock 43 9mm Pistol is not the top choice for a visit to the gun range. Instead, it is a handgun for personal protection.
Handling, Recoil, and Safety of the Glock 43 9mm Pistol
The Glock 43 9mm Pistol is not just slim and lightweight. It is also very easy to handle when shooting. The gun has a limited recoil. This makes it easy for those with smaller hands to fire it effectively. It also has a great trigger with a clear reset between shots. This feature along with the limited capacity gives you full control over the rounds you fire. The slim profile of the Glock 43 9mm Pistol only adds the ease with which you can fire this gun.
Included Components and Features of the Glock 43 9mm Pistol
This handgun comes with what is known as a beavertail grip. While short, this grip is meant to be manageable even for small hands. The heavily textured surface of the grip increases the shooter’s comfort in operating this firearm.
Best for the Money:
Glock 43x
Pros
Cons
Specs
Caliber: 9mm
Length, width, height: 6.5”, 1.1”, 5.04”
Barrel length: 3.41”
Sight: Mini reflex sight
Unloaded weight: 18 oz.
Loaded weight: 23.7 oz.
Trigger pull: 5.5 lbs.
Barrel rifling: Polygonal
Magazine capacity: 10+1
Best Uses
The use for a Glock 43x is similar to that of the original Glock 43 9mm Pistol. It is a daily carry firearm with a relatively small size. The main difference is in the capacity. The Glock 43x is the better option for those that want a few more rounds per magazine.
Handling, Recoil, and Safety of the Glock 43 9mm Pistol
Although the Glock 43x is a larger version of the Glock 43 9mm Pistol, that doesn’t mean it is more difficult to handle. There are aspects of the Glock 43x that make it easier to handle when shooting. The most prevalent of these is the longer grip. This supports the larger capacity.
But it also gives the shooter more leverage and control over the gun while shooting. This can reduce the total recoil on each shot. It can also help you maintain accuracy due to the stronger grip you can hold.
Included Components and Features of the Glock 43 9mm Pistol
Think of the Glock 43x as an expanded iteration of the Glock 43 9mm Pistol. That means it has many of the same features as that handgun. The differentiating feature for the Glock 43x is its longer grip. This allows for a larger capacity of 10+1. It also makes this heavier but easier to grip especially for those with larger hands.
Why Buy a Glock 43?
There are several reasons to buy Glock 43. However, there are a few reasons that are more commonly the motivation behind the purchase of this firearm. Read the sections below to consider some of the reasons why you might want to buy a Glock 43
Self-Defense
The main reason to buy a Glock 43 is for self-defense. If you need proof, consider the fact that many law enforcement officers use such firearms. Glock 43 is an excellent option for women. The primary relevant aspect in this regard is the small grip that the Glock 43 has compared to other handguns.
Easy Concealment
The small size and reliability also contribute to this handgun being a good self-defense option. But such features lend themselves to other uses as well. An additional benefit Glock 43 owners enjoy is easy concealment. When wielding a Glock 43, no one will likely know that you are carrying a firearm. You can make that known only when you need to do so.
Glock 43 Comparisons
You have many options when it comes to handguns. Let’s see how the Glock 43 compares to some of its most common competitors.
Glock 43 vs 43X
These two firearms are extremely similar. The main difference is that the Glock 43x is heavier and has a greater height. This provides space for the larger magazine. Either option here works well as a conceal carry daily self-defense firearm.
Glock 26 vs 43
To the untrained eye, the Glock 26 and 43 appear identical. In terms of use, they are, in fact, nearly identical. Both of these handguns are among the smallest in the Glock family. This makes both fantastic conceal carry options. The main difference is that the Glock 26 can hold more rounds because of its double-stack magazine. Conversely, the Glock 43 is slightly smaller allowing for easier concealment.
Glock 42 vs 43
While the Glock 43 is small, the Glock 42 manages to be even smaller. It is the smallest of all Glocks. The Glock 42 is also lighter. Even when loaded, it weighs only 18 oz. This is comparable to the Glock 43’s unloaded weight.
The Glock 42 also tends to have less recoil than the Glock 43. However, the difference here is minimal. Most of the differences between these handguns are minimal. Deciding between the two will come down to minute personal preferences. Both are single-stack and stellar for concealed carry situations.
Sig P365 vs Glock 43
Though not a Glock, the Sig P365 is a common alternative to the Glock 43. The Sig P365 has a similar, but slightly smaller, frame compared to the Glock 43. But The Glock 43 proves to have better overall performance.
The Glock 43 adds to the already strong reputation Glocks have for their reliability. But the Glock 43 also proves to be a more accurate firearm than the Sig P365. Since the dimensions are so similar, it is these performance capabilities that give the Glock 43 the edge in this comparison.
Glock 43 vs 19
The most noticeable difference between the Glock 19 and the Glock 19 is size. In every dimension, the Glock 43 is a smaller handgun. This makes it a better concealment option. But the Glock 19 remains a viable option for many. To its benefit, it can hold 15 rounds and is still relatively compact. However, it is heavier than the Glock 43. And that is where the main difference lies. The Glock 19 is a good option for concealment. The Glock 43 is just a bit better.
How to Shoot a Glock 43
There are a few simple steps you can follow to ensure that you are shooting your Glock 43 as effectively as possible. Following these steps not only promotes accuracy but also increases your safety.
Begin With a Good Stance
There are a few common shooting stances. They all share a few similarities. These are comfort and stability. Before shooting, practice your stance until you are confident.
Focus on the Grip
A good grip reduces recoil. Grip high on the gun with your hand. At the same time, make sure that your hand is in alignment with your wrist. Use your non-dominant hand to add further stability to your grip.
Aim Using the Sight
Though fairly obvious, the sight on your gun is what you should use to aim. Simply align the top of the front sight with the top of the rear sight. This alignment should point directly at your target.
Squeeze the Trigger
When pulling the trigger do not use any jerking motion. This will throw off your accuracy. Instead, slowly squeeze the trigger until the shot breaks.
Release the Trigger
You don’t need to completely let go of the trigger after a shot. You shouldn’t. Instead, release the trigger slowly until you feel a click. This means you have reached the reset point and your gun is ready to fire again. Releasing only to the reset, rather than the initial trigger position, improves efficiency and accuracy.
How to Clean a Glock 43
It is important to keep your firearms clean. But before cleaning, you need to know how to disassemble a Glock 43.
How to Disassemble a Glock 43
Follow these simple steps to disassemble your Glock 43.
- Eject the magazine
- Ensure there is no round in the barrel
- Set the trigger to fire
- Grip the slide and pull it back
- While holding the slide back press down on the release handles
- Pull the trigger and the slide will release
- Remove the guide bar and barrel from the slide
Now that you have disassembled your Glock 43, let's proceed to clean.
Cleaning the Disassembled Parts
There are a few items you should consider using to clean your disassembled Glock 43. The first item you will need is a can of cleaner lubricant preservative. Often this is referred to as CLP.
Also, you will need small brushes, cloths, and cotton swabs. You can improvise with these cleaning materials but this is a good place to start.
Clean each piece of your Glock 43 individually by spraying it with CLP. Then scrub with your brushes. Clean up any excess residue with your cloth. The cotton swabs will be useful when cleaning the smaller openings of your firearm.
A bore snake is another helpful cleaning tool. You can use one to clean the interior parts of your barrel. Once your parts are sufficiently clean, you can proceed to reassemble your Glock 43.
Common Glock 43 Issues
The main complaints surrounding Glock 43’s are related to their recoil and their limited capacity.
The first issue has to do with the fact that the Glock 43 is a relatively small handgun. Despite this, it has plenty of power. Combine that with a small grip, and recoil can be a problem for some. However, you can usually resolve this with proper shooting mechanics.
Another issue with Glock 43 is its limited capacity. You’ll find that other handguns of similar size simply hold more rounds than the standard Glock 43. The Glock 43x offers a solution to this with its increased grip and magazine size.
Conclusion
Overall, Glock 43 is a reliable handgun with a very small size. This makes it the perfect option for those who want to carry a small firearm for self-defense. Glock 43s are also very reliable firearms. By knowing the specifics of the Glock 43, allows you to decide if this is the right handgun for you.
Recap | Best Glock 43 Models
To refresh your memory, these are our recommendations for the best Glock 43 models:
- Glock 43 9mm Pistol
- GLOCK 43x
People Also Ask
While the Glock 43 is very common, people still tend to have many questions about this gun. Here are some of the most common inquiries they have. Read through these to round out your knowledge of the Glock 43.
How Much Does a Glock 43 Cost?
The cost of a Glock 43 will vary. For instance, there are multiple generations of Glocks. In general, the price for a Glock 43 will range between $400 and $900.
What Gen is my Glock 43?
There are five generations of Glocks. These emerged at different times throughout the past few decades. The Glock 43 originally came onto the market as part of the fourth Glock generation.
Why is the Glock 43 Illegal in California?
California and others have strict gun laws for civilians. That is why the Glock 43 and many others are illegal there. Unless you are a law enforcement officer, getting a Glock 43 in California is nearly impossible.
Is a Glock 43 Hard to Shoot?
Compared to some guns, the Glock 43 can be difficult to shoot. This mainly relates to the recoil effect of this gun. The short grip only exacerbates the issue. However, with practice, shooting a 43 is not too difficult.
What Agencies Issue the Glock 43?
Many law enforcement agencies prefer to issue Glocks. Among these issued weapons are many Glock 43s. This group of firearms is especially popular among highway patrol and state police.
Where is the Safety on a Glock 43?
The main safety for the Glock 43 is incorporated into the trigger. This appears as a small protrusion in the middle of the trigger. When activated, the trigger safety makes it very difficult to fire the Glock 43.