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Glock 43 popularity

Glock 43 
25K views 254 replies 112 participants last post by  Lee Elliott 
#1 ·
I have to wonder, why is this single stack Glock so popular for concealed carry? It seems more and more this has become the primary choice for many.

Aside from concealment, has "comfortability" surpassed capacity? Does the Glock 43 really match up to "qualify" as a fighting pistol?

6-8 rounds depending how you choose. Does that meet what a fighting pistol is meant to accomplish?

Would love to hear some thoughts and feedback.

Just my own curiosity speaking.

Please don't mention concealment as this is obvious. [emoji4]



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#109 ·
I love my 43. I carry IWB and it is comfortable and RELIABLE. Mine is recent manufacture from Austria and had a decent trigger, but the safety did not recess into the trigger all the way and after a day at the range, sore trigger finger. I bought a Orange County Triggers polished stock trigger with the safety shaved flush when depressed and an adjustable pre-travel screw they install ($45). A great difference and a pleasure to shoot. Also more accurate with this trigger. I have always carried a 40SW but after researching, I have confidence in the Federal HST LE 147GR load. I am very happy with this gun and am confident in the accuracy with this setup.
 
#110 ·
I have to wonder, why is this single stack Glock so popular for concealed carry? It seems more and more this has become the primary choice for many.

Aside from concealment, has "comfortability" surpassed capacity? Does the Glock 43 really match up to "qualify" as a fighting pistol?

6-8 rounds depending how you choose. Does that meet what a fighting pistol is meant to accomplish?

Would love to hear some thoughts and feedback.

Just my own curiosity speaking.

Please don't mention concealment as this is obvious. [emoji4]



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
I carry 49 rounds with me, 7 rounds in gun, 6 in mag in pocket, 3 - 12 round ETS mags in bag constantly by my side & I shoot it as well as others. Yeah, it qualifies.
 
#111 ·
Someone here mentioned home invasion twice and it sort of brings me back to my point.

If the G43 doesn't qualify as a home defense weapon, then how can it do the same as a primary carry? I'm talking primary.

We live in a world where theres plenty of loan wolf attacks, but there are also many who pair in twos or more. Of course location and what your everyday surroundings makes a difference in carry choice.

For months I've been trying to wrap my mind around a gun like the G43 and anything less than 10 rounds for me seems to bother.

Yes ammo technology has gotten better, but lets face it. Not every round is going to be a show stopper if it hits the target.

You have situations where adrenaline is high, the intent of the attacker might be high, this person can be numbed up on drugs or psychologically not all there. People have survived many vital hits to their body and continued to fight.

You have subjects out there that are not affected whatsoever by pepper spray LE grade nor tasers that are a couple of thousand volts.

In a stressful situation how easy is it to let off 5 shots? Now that leaves you with three and either the subject is pushing forward or there's another body with that person.. how fast do you think you can reload, drop the mate slap another in tap and rack before he gets to you?

In FL just within three weeks three men came to this mans backyard, two with machetes and one with a shotgun. Father and son unarmed.. luckily they lived and the father ran inside grabbed his on machete and chased them off. Dude with the shotgun punked out and didn't fire one round.

But this happens in the streets too. Active shooters at places like Walmart and malls and parking lots.

Each day it's a role of the dice.

You might be carrying for 50 years never had to draw your weapon but next week you might find yourself in a get ****ed situation it's time to survive.

God forbid anyone here is ever in the middle of an active shooting and you had the opportunity to attack the nut case wielding an AR15 pumping random rounds, is your G43 going to save the day?

If capacity was not an issue to some extent then military (who primarily relies on their rifle) and LEOs would not be carrying compact firearms with a MINIMAL of 15 rounds. Even detectives carry a G26 as a backup in most cases. Depends on department standards on that, but no uniformed man or woman is carrying 10 rounds or less on their side during their watch.

Bullets fly and have a tendency to miss. Majority of officers don't hit their target unless the range of distance is much tighter. Gun fight is a gun fight. Stress and so many other elements kick in that training cannot replicate ever.

Not saying a G43 is wrong, but these were always my concerns and my thought process regarding such guns as primary carry.


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Not sure where you are located, here in my state, you have the 25ft rule, if the attacker isn't within 25ft, your life isn't in danger according to the law, I have a 19/4 I carry or my 30SF, I go to the range 1-2 times a week, do training competitions I'm not great but it will get you prepared if you ever had to be ready, which hopefully it never happens, however my wife has a 43, which I carry and feel if I needed to use it, I wouldn't feel outgunned or not enough capacity, I have 6 shots, I'm hitting my target with all 6 if need be.
 
#120 ·
Not sure where you are located, here in my state, you have the 25ft rule, if the attacker isn't within 25ft, your life isn't in danger according to the law, I have a 19/4 I carry or my 30SF, I go to the range 1-2 times a week, do training competitions I'm not great but it will get you prepared if you ever had to be ready, which hopefully it never happens, however my wife has a 43, which I carry and feel if I needed to use it, I wouldn't feel outgunned or not enough capacity, I have 6 shots, I'm hitting my target with all 6 if need be.
Can you provide a link or list the state where this is written into law? I can see where "advice" such as this is passed on. To have it codified in written law would be surprising.
 
#112 ·
I do! lol I held one once and it definitely had a good feel to it. Much more comfortable then the M&P shield I thought.

I think if I end up getting one I'll be carrying all day even at work lol. Seems like the type of pistol you can just get away with doing so.

I certainly want to see how it shoots. Since it's release I've never heard anything bad about it's accuracy. That's a huge plus for such a small gun. When it comes to the G26/27/29/30 baby glocks you always hear how snappy they are.




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The 30 comes in a few different models, I have the 30SF, I don't agree with it being snappy, I carry the 30SF in warm weather, like the power it packs, 19/4 in winter, best shooting gun hands down, grouping is just ridiculous
 
#113 ·
For decades, leo's carried revolvers with a capacity of 6 rounds. Has society gotten to the point where we as civilians need to carry almost 3 times that, considering that in real life very few of is will be unfortunate enough to need that much firepower?
As a Marine Corps 0311 combat veteran my personal opinion is that to many people base their perceived need on video games rather then real life.
I generally carry a 43 with 6+1, and never feel like I'm under gunned.
I've carried for almost 50 years, and so far have never needed round 1.

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Home invasion is usually 3 perps. 3 shots each w/o missing = 9.
At work I suspect I may be the only one in a building of 2000 but if we have an active shooter, my floor will be safer.
As far as never needed it...throw away your spare tire & fire extinguisher. Just saying.
 
#115 ·
Home invasion is usually 3 perps. 3 shots each w/o missing = 9.
At work I suspect I may be the only one in a building of 2000 but if we have an active shooter, my floor will be safer.
As far as never needed it...throw away your spare tire & fire extinguisher. Just saying.
I own 2 different business's and 1 business (pawn shop) it's required you have your CPL and carrying at all times, my logistics company we encourage our employees to carry, I like feeling safe.
 
#114 ·
For decades, leo's carried revolvers with a capacity of 6 rounds. Has society gotten to the point where we as civilians need to carry almost 3 times that, considering that in real life very few of is will be unfortunate enough to need that much firepower?
As a Marine Corps 0311 combat veteran my personal opinion is that to many people base their perceived need on video games rather then real life.
I generally carry a 43 with 6+1, and never feel like I'm under gunned.
I've carried for almost 50 years, and so far have never needed round 1.

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I understand possibly living in a higher crime area and desiring as many rounds as possible. But come on guys, first of all, all (or most at least) of us hope we never need to employ deadly force. Secondly, what do you expect to encounter? The situation will likely NOT be the Alamo. Not round after round, but a few pops and it's over. In the end, whatever makes you feel secure I suppose. And, I am very impressed with my G43 in all aspects. It's an ideal all season carry weapon. Shoots and handles well.
 
#117 ·
I

I own a pawn shop, you would be surprised at how stupid people are or how brave they think they are, we open carry in the store just so the problem customers know, we won't be putting up with ANY non sense... it's a very bad area and you get a lot of H heads in the store, ppl are not the same on that drug
 
#118 ·
I have to wonder, why is this single stack Glock so popular for concealed carry? It seems more and more this has become the primary choice for many.

Aside from concealment, has "comfortability" surpassed capacity? Does the Glock 43 really match up to "qualify" as a fighting pistol?

6-8 rounds depending how you choose. Does that meet what a fighting pistol is meant to accomplish?

Would love to hear some thoughts and feedback.

Just my own curiosity speaking.

Please don't mention concealment as this is obvious. [emoji4]



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Ok then past the obvious....when I chose mine #1 for carry My choice was no doubt a glock.I borrowed one @ range-twice.liked it & said hell yes,this rods for Me.compact size,reliability,prints well,pull trigger & it goes bang-It's very simple choice for me-what gets me is the comparision of the shield....."@ this price how can you not" It's not about price my friends,it's about what someone would have faith & trust in with their lives! Just saying for Me I was easy,I trust my life & my love ones with this little mother-
 
#127 ·
I ride motorcycles, I use it when I ride in place of my normal EDC CZ p10c. The 43 does not dig into my love handles if I carry on my side. I also have a holster for it stitched into my leather vests. As for capacity, I have a plus 1 on each mag as I carry an extra mag when I use it. Hell, I always carry an extra mag no matter what.
 
#129 ·
Here in central ME, supported by passage of the constitutional carry law, we have little factual need for deep concealment. A t-shirt covering my 30S in OWB slide is plenty good enough. Technically concealment, yes. Would a 43 print less, yes.

If I lived in a less "gun-friendly" zone, with more restrictive carry rules, I'd be very interested in a 43.
 
#131 ·
It is popular because most all other glocks carry like a brick, and in all reality who is ever going to end up needing more than a couple rounds in their concealed carry gun..... statistically speaking the odds are that if you do end up needing it, most likely it will be 1 or 2 rounds, and the odds of ever needing it are slim.
 
#133 ·
with MagGuts in the original magazine with the straight flush base plate, giving 7+1, in a very slim and lightweight (sitting around 16oz in the ready), with proper SB-compatable ammo, this is a very decent carry system for me. I also have the 42, which with MagGuts will knock 3-4 oz off that system. For me, my 19 is my preferred carry unit, but for my leaner stature, SAWC sometimes dictates otherwise.

Having a 43, adds more options to your carry system for a variety of environments and and societal atmosphere. I prefer the 43 over the 26 I sold off some years ago.... no regrets.
 
#135 ·
I have owned or shot most every small single stack pistol. For 10+ years my Kahr's either K or P, was my single stack choice. Now I have the G43 , it is by far the best for me. The size of your hand is important in making a choice. I suggest you try as many types of pistols as possible, if it feels good and you can shoot it well, then get it. PRACTICE - PRACTICE - PRACTICE !
 
#138 ·
Every decision we make, from what gun to carry to what to eat for lunch to who to marry, entails a complicated cost/benefit analysis. Often we don't consciously engage in that analysis, but it is going on behind the curtain. Do I drive 4 miles for "good" fast food, or 100 yards for "decent" fast food. Cost/benefit.

The same holds true with the Glock 43 or any gun. Clearly, major considerations are size/ease of carry on one side of the ledger, and capacity/shootability on the other end. We decide where we want to exist on that continuum.

Given the reality that we might carry 18 hours a day, and shoot the gun at a bad person zero times in our lives (hopefully), we tend to weight the balance toward comfort and away from shootability and capacity. I certainly do. This is even more so when we realize that most armed encounters result in either no shots fired, or 1-2 shots and its over. I don't expect to engage an ISIS assault team at Home Depot, so a small gun and a spare mag are okay with me.

For me, 7x rounds of spicy 9mm in a small, easy to carry package is a good deal. This is especially true since its a Glock, and we know about the reliability and so on. Throw in a spare 6x round mag on the belt, and that's 13 rounds with little effort. And the 43 handles well, almost like a larger gun.

So when we do that cost/benefit analysis, whether intentionally or not, for many of us the Glock 43 rises to the top of the heap. I own somewhere around 14 Glocks, and though I flirt with the others and carry them on occasion, usually its the 43. Easy to carry, decent capacity, and handles like a real gun. Not much to dislike.
Points N this post R Mine & Massad Ayoob's. First question I have for my purpose is how much fire power do I need. As above, Massad says the same thing, only 1 or 2 shots fired N an encounter, so I'm good with a G43. 5 different things R very important 2 me, RELIABILITY, If U don't have that every thing else is dis-interesting, hit first, grip angle, cartridge power & the encounter U have with an ignition. I have always carried a 45, moving 2 the 9's, now that the 9mm ammo have so much 2 offer. Must say from what I C at this point, I might just buy the S&W M&P M2, Y grip angle for 1, gun size, mainly width, length does not bother me, I can go to a Hide-Ride holster if needed. My holster maker has got me covered on that, not a worry. Another Fav of mine is the S&W 686 Plus 357 3" for CC work. If reliability is what U want most & 7 round R enough for U, U can't get any better then the 686. Personally I don't care if some 1 c's a lump under my shirt, it will make any body think twice before they decide to instigate an encounter, TO EACH HIS OWN, TO DO HIS OWN THING.
 
#139 ·
LARRY E you gottta move brother...........I agree the G-43 is nice to carry and 9/40 ammo is getting closer in compatibility and performance, IMHO I just prefer a G-27 with eleven rounds of .40 goodness included. Some will choose the G-42, some a G-26 or other gun or Glock whichever works best for you.

Bottom line, stay protected and carry something that you shoot well with and train on.
 
#140 ·
I have to wonder, why is this single stack Glock so popular for concealed carry? It seems more and more this has become the primary choice for many.

Aside from concealment, has "comfortability" surpassed capacity? Does the Glock 43 really match up to "qualify" as a fighting pistol?

6-8 rounds depending how you choose. Does that meet what a fighting pistol is meant to accomplish?

Would love to hear some thoughts and feedback.

Just my own curiosity speaking.

Please don't mention concealment as this is obvious. [emoji4]



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Powernoodle said exactly what I would say. After lugging around a S&W mod 19, then a 1911 Colt Commander, followed by a Glock21SF on the job for 45 years, the Glock 43 is my constant companion now. I've been in numerous gunfights in my long career, and I've never needed more than 3 shots to end the affair. Training with whatever you carry is the key. Train, train, and then train some more!
 
#142 ·
I have to wonder, why is this single stack Glock so popular for concealed carry? It seems more and more this has become the primary choice for many.

Aside from concealment, has "comfortability" surpassed capacity? Does the Glock 43 really match up to "qualify" as a fighting pistol?

6-8 rounds depending how you choose. Does that meet what a fighting pistol is meant to accomplish?

Would love to hear some thoughts and feedback.

Just my own curiosity speaking.

Please don't mention concealment as this is obvious. [emoji4]



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
I have to wonder, why is this single stack Glock so popular for concealed carry? It seems more and more this has become the primary choice for many.

Aside from concealment, has "comfortability" surpassed capacity? Does the Glock 43 really match up to "qualify" as a fighting pistol?

6-8 rounds depending how you choose. Does that meet what a fighting pistol is meant to accomplish?

Would love to hear some thoughts and feedback.

Just my own curiosity speaking.

Please don't mention concealment as this is obvious. [emoji4]



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
I CC'd my 19 exclusively until I had to attend a a funeral. Living in the south makes it more difficult to CC @ 100 degrees... I bought a 43 and CC'd it to several dress up events. Then summer came and I began CCing it more and more, now I am CCing it 99% of the time. I do carry two extra mags, consequently I'm comfortable with a total of 19 Speer GD 124 gr +P HP's. It is extremely accurate, I train and practice a lot --- all good!
Cheers from "G"
 
#143 ·
Wow great comments. I wake up and there's two pages worth of good stuff!

As I canny address all, here's some points in reference to some of the repetitive opinions.

Although posting YouTube videos might not seem ideal, I do happen to like Mick from Carry Trainer as his content is really good and I find him to fit in the legit trainer category. If I had an opportunity to take his course I would.

With that said, ignoring the title (bc some ppl for some reason get butt hurt) this is the reason why anything under 10 rounds I do not see as a "fighting" pistol. At least as a primary carry stand point.

Again- G43 as edc is open choice and nothing wrong with that. To each their own.

You can carry 8 mages on you if you want, but this will show the window of opportunity and time you'd have to reload compared to a higher capacity firearm.


View: https://youtu.be/ck-QT32c8NM


As for ETS mags... never would waste my $12 on them. After watching a video of an AR mag literally dropping to the floor after 3-5 shots no thanks. They jam, they FTF, they are garbage period. Not worth the risk of my life or someone else's to take that chance I don't care if it worked for 200 rounds flawless. Does not meet standards by any means for safety. Just another tacti-cool looking add on. No thanks. If they work for you, great. I'll stick with Glock magazines. Magpuls are ok in my book too.

In any event, after seeing the video of timed shots under some form of pressure, what are your thoughts? As some facts are listed with the video, imagine real life situation where reaction is even faster, stress is higher, and maybe your attacker(s) is hooked up on some good ****. Let's face it, the heroine epidemic along with that other **** floating around is serious. You got a teenage kid killing a husband and wife eating them when found.. do you think 3-5 shots would affect him? He didn't even have a clue he was eating two humans let alone the husband couldn't over power him in any way to survive.

We cannot underestimate the what if situations. Comfort for me is being able to bring enough to a fight if need be. Don't care about an extra magazine. I care what my firearm has in it already. It's hard for me to get comfortable with 8 or less no matter where I'd live. You just don't know the power behind someone's violent intentions or what they come prepared for and who they come with ever. There's no predicting that. If you think with 8 rounds you'd be accurate while running or finding cover or having a loved one next to you guarding them with your support hand and all these other factors, then I simply cannot agree on that. This goes beyond the steel or paper targets.

You might not have solid ground to have the upper hand in how you shoot that weapon. You might need to run to another room or behind something or you just might need to run in a way that allows you to fire and have no choice but to move.

On average how long does it take to reload under stress for someone who doesn't practice often? Clearing your garment or digging in your pocket for another magazine.. I'd say a good 2+ seconds. A lot can happen in that time.

As for the 25ft comment. That's a myth and it's sad there's a law on that. In one of carry trainers videos showing his fighting course, he goes over that and exemplifies how easy someone could run from 25 feet and how close they can get to you as you draw your weapon. They literally become within 7 feet of you in a matter of seconds.

Just some things to consider and be open minded about.


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#144 ·
It's funny hearing people talk about "fighting" pistols. We are civilians who conceal carry. We aren't soldiers in war.

Most people who carry do not carry glock 19's all day everyday. The numbers get skewed on gun forums because gun people who talk about guns online are going to generally be on the more extreme end of things.

Of course the 43 is adequate for just about everybody. The round count is fine, you can carry an extra mag or two in a pocket and yea you aren't dressing around a gun everyday.

The 43 isn't much fun to shoot, it's a little top heavy and snappy but single stack 9's are ideal for the average person.
 
#147 ·
You have some good points in your perspective.

In terms of fighting pistol, maybe my definition of thought on that differs from majority.

To me if you need to bring the gun in to play it means you're in a fight period. The tool you use in the fight is vital to your capability and trust in using that tool.

Yes we are not soldiers, but why should civilians be so different? Soldiers are civilians. When on the battlefield they are soldiers. Also pistols are not a soldiers fighting weapon. Their primary is their rifle and for good reason. That is their fighting gun. Pistols are ours.

Being a ccw is not just about a bit of range time or taking a training course. It's about being fully prepared for the fight if that day were to come. That means mentally and physically in the best shape you should be in. In some instances you might not have the chance to pull your gun and then what are you going to do? You have no choice but to fight and do your best to physically over power someone or a few someone's trying to hurt you.

Civilians should have tactics and preparation of their own. Throughout the day I tend to visualize scenarios or think of situations so that it's always there in my mind. I evaluate how I'd possibly react if it were to happen and what options there are. It's part of being aware.

Your gun is your fighting pistol whether you see it that way or not. It is the tool you are bringing to the fight.

Everywhere you go you're bringing the gun to that situation, to that environment, to the presence of someone else's life. They might not know that, but you do. If something physical were to arise then you've already brought your weapon to the fight and now actions will dictate if that will play out in some way to utilize.

If your pistol isn't considered a "fighting" pistol, then why do you train or practice with what you carry in the first place? Whether on the range or dry fire you are practicing and training for the fight of your life. It's the same as samurais training with their sword. That is their weapon of choice to bring to the fight and to fight with.


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