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Replacing the G43 with...

4K views 44 replies 30 participants last post by  oregon9mm 
#1 ·
I've owned my G43 for over a year and have put close to 1800 rounds through it. I love the size, weight and feel of the gun but I'm going to replace it. Since day one I've had malfunctions where the slide locks back prematurely (ammo still in mag). I've discovered it's just an issue with my grip. I'm hitting the slide catch up during recoil. I've tried to adjust my grip with no luck. I want to be confident that my firearm will work with zero malfunctions. Unfortunately I've spend a lot of time and $ trying to make the 43 work for me and it just doesn't. I've never had any issue with small guns before (CM9, G26, XDS, Shield etc). I decided today to replace it with a Shield 9MM. I have large hands and the grip on the Shield just seems to fit my hand better. The slide catch is further up and away from my knuckle so I don't expect any malfunctions. I definitely like the size of the 43 better but function is the most important.

Hope the Shield works out for me! I know a lot of people really like it. Maybe this will be the end of my EDC search lol. Not trying to start a 43 VS Shield debate :)

thanks
 
#6 ·
I've actually owned a shield .40 before and hated it. Snappy. Hoping I like the 9mm. I think I will. I know I should rent first but I enjoy the testing.
 
#7 ·
I've seen people just cut them off and just use the slide to charge it.

I hope the Shield works for you. I'd like to shoot them side by side. I've shot the Shield but not extensively. It's a nice pistol. Good luck.
Hum cutting it off I guess would be an option. I thought about removing it completely but then it wouldn't lock back when empty.
 
#8 ·
Fair enough - you tried it extensively and know that the slide locking back is your grip. You gave it a good chance and moving to something else that suits you. In your shoes, I'd do the same. Speaking only for myself, modifying the slide lock lever or changing the way I shoot to stay in that gun wouldn't be an option.

Fortunately for me, that isn't an issue with the 43 and while the Shield is a great gun, I far prefer my 43.
 
#9 ·
My 1st single stack 9mm was the Shield. I liked it but then tried and bought the Walther PPS M2. I prefer the PPS over the Shield. My son has the Shield, but I still carry it and shoot it on occasion. It's a good gun but I need to put the Apex trigger system in it to make it better. I shot the 43 next to them and I just never felt comfortable with the 43. It's the only Glock, within my caliber/length preference - compact/subcompact, .380/9mm/45 ACP - that I haven't liked.
 
#10 ·
I think you are making a wise decision. I have both, and while I prefer the 43, that is for me. Different people have different size hands, grips shooting techniques, etc. it's wise to get what ultimately works for you.

I think way to many people choose Glock because it's a "Glock". I'm actually quite the opposite. There are others brands that appeal more to me, but in side by side comparisons, I'll chose what works and fits me best.
 
#12 ·
I think you are making a wise decision. I have both, and while I prefer the 43, that is for me. Different people have different size hands, grips shooting techniques, etc. it's wise to get what ultimately works for you.

I think way to many people choose Glock because it's a "Glock". I'm actually quite the opposite. There are others brands that appeal more to me, but in side by side comparisons, I'll chose what works and fits me best.
The above is the correct answer. I love my Glock 43, not because of "Glock", but because it fits my hand and I shoot it better than I ever expected to in a smallish gun. It's accuracy is excellent, and slightly better off hand, than even my eight old Kahr P9, which is also something I didn't expect.

However, what works for me and other posters doesn't matter worth a hill of beans for your situation. It's what works for you that counts. And cutting off the slide stop isn't something that should ever be considered, even for a half second. There are lots of excellent single stack 9's out there, including the Shield and PPS M2, that are just waiting for a good owner. And you won't have to mutilate the gun to make it work right for you.

The G43 is good for many of us, but it isn't the end-all, be-all single stack nine on the market.

Good luck with you choice.
 
#13 ·
As others have stated the fit is important. The big issue in Life is acceptance of the mousetrap that works and discontinuing the journey to find a better one. I have (3) 26's and (3) 17's, they work for me. Life is simpler as the expense of money and time is in maintenance not R & D, if you have a platform that works stop the pursuit and enjoy.
 
#14 ·
My shield 9mm (no safety) hands down beats my G43. More capacity, better sights, slightly larger grip, and less expensive.
I have had several malfunctions with my 43, mostly Failure to feed, with extended and OEM mags. Nice gun, I just think Glock missed the mark on the 43.

Having said that, My EDC is usually my G23 or 27
 
#15 ·
I purchased two Shields in 9mm late last year. I made sure each was cleaned and lubed before firing. Break-in began with Winchester Ranger 147 grain because it was the only standard pressure I had at the time. I also fired some FMJ +p and Gold Dot G2. About 200 rounds thru one, and 150 thru the other. No malfunctions of any kind.

As far as handling, there are a whole bunch of articles and YouTube videos comparing the Shield to the G43. None that I've seen or read have trashed the Shield. Snappy recoil? They're both little guns shooting 9mm bullets, so yes, recoil is going to be snappier than with a larger pistol. I've also fired a Shield in .40, and didn't find it uncontrollable. The Shield's trigger was a bit heavier than the Glock's, but was still relatively crisp for an affordable polymer pistol.

The thin grip of either pistol takes some time to get used to. I give a nod to the Shield in terms of controls, however. It's just a little bit bigger.

I don't currently carry the Shield, but plan to after retiring. Quantico Tactical seems to have the best regular prices on magazines, currently three for $78.

I wouldn't get rid of the 43, but you'd be good with the Shield. Just remember to clean it up and lube it properly before hitting the range. Then, I doubt you'll have any problems to report.
 
#19 · (Edited)
Thanks guys! Yeah I'm not going to modify the slide catch. Too many other good options of guns that could work for me stock

I did look at the PPS m2 and really liked it. The downside was 6 rounds and heavier then the shield. Also considered the LC9s pro. The shield just seemed to be a good balance on size/weight/feel and hand fitment
 
#21 ·
If nothing other than the popularity of it, there are some suggestions that the Shield must have something good going for it. If you have felt it and believe the grip is good, that should be a good sign that it will work well for you.
 
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#22 ·
rotorwind - I had a similar experience, but it worked both ways: at times the slide wouldn't lock back due to my thumb holding it down, or if I tried a slightly different grip it would malfunction in some other way. I had actually bought two of them and decked them out with Ameriglo Proglo front sights, Ghost connectors and rubberized Traction Grips. Love the way I could just slip it inside my belt at about 3:30 in a kydex holster but the function issues were deal breakers.

Soooo, I sold both guns and holster/accessories/spare mags (several with extensions) and got back into a Gen 4 Model 26. All is right with the world again, but I've still got this hankering for a similar single stack. Thinking I'll rent a Ruger LC9s Pro and see if my thumb stays off the blinking controls. I've heard lots of good things about those guns and they are made in my home state of Arizona. The folks up at Prescott have been more than courteous and supportive wheneven I've wanted to tinker with my LCP.
 
#23 ·
I also have zero problems with the G26. I carry that sometimes. I just like having a single stack most of the time for comfort. I'm also in AZ and considered the LC9s. It feels similar in size as the 43. I found a decent deal on the shield otherwise I may have tried the Ruger. Hope it works out for you!
 
#24 ·
I've owned my G43 for over a year and have put close to 1800 rounds through it. I love the size, weight and feel of the gun but I'm going to replace it. Since day one I've had malfunctions where the slide locks back prematurely (ammo still in mag). I've discovered it's just an issue with my grip. I'm hitting the slide catch up during recoil. I've tried to adjust my grip with no luck. I want to be confident that my firearm will work with zero malfunctions. Unfortunately I've spend a lot of time and $ trying to make the 43 work for me and it just doesn't. I've never had any issue with small guns before (CM9, G26, XDS, Shield etc). I decided today to replace it with a Shield 9MM. I have large hands and the grip on the Shield just seems to fit my hand better. The slide catch is further up and away from my knuckle so I don't expect any malfunctions. I definitely like the size of the 43 better but function is the most important.

Hope the Shield works out for me! I know a lot of people really like it. Maybe this will be the end of my EDC search lol. Not trying to start a 43 VS Shield debate :)

thanks
Take the slide stop lever out completely?
 
#32 ·
Removing the outer, vertical part of the slide stop seems a worthwhile experiment, and the part is indeed cheap enough.
For the OP, if you're of the mood to try something else, go for it.
I've kept Glocks as 'social' guns, for their commonality of operation, sights and trigger, and because I don't mind beating them up by actually carrying them.
Moon
 
#33 ·
I too think you are making a good choice. Who cares what brand you have behind that shirt or in that pocket.

I have had similar issues with premature slide lock back on my Kahr CW380. I have overcome it by awareness, but when the chips are down, the last thing I want to be thinking about is making sure my grip is right to avoid the premature lock back. The CW380 has other issues as well, so it has found its way out of regular use.

Ironically, on both my G42 and G43, I have not had any of these issues, so they have become my preferred EDC. It did take a while to start shooting my G43 as well as my trusty G26. I think it was also a hand size versus grip size issue, but after a few hundred rounds, things have settled down. Ironically, the G42 was GTG right out of the box, but that may be because I had been shooting my G43 for a while, similar grip size and all.
 
#36 ·
I had a really really hard time deciding between the 43 and the pps m2. The 43 felt great in the pocket and the pps m2 felt great in the hand.
I figured since the gun will spend 99 percent of its life in the holster, i went with the 43, but just barely. That walther is still sticking in the back of mind.
Good thing I'm all out of money.
After carrying the 43 for a few days, I know I made the right call.
For me the difference between my 26 and 43 is significant. I know on paper they are close, but right next to each other the 26 feels really big.
 
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