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Glock 43/43x or 26?

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14K views 80 replies 52 participants last post by  Bobcatbaseball35  
#1 ·
I've owned a Glock 26 and find it a bit fat and not much easier to carry than the 19. I'm not a huge guy, 5'7 at 142 lbs muscular build, so the 43 series appeals to me.

1) They stopped making the 43x in the silver slide? I kind of like it...

2) There's a lot of hate for the 43/43x. Why?

3) If you own the 43/43x and carry it, do you like it?

I live in a warm climate, so carrying a big gun most of the year is difficult. My VP9SK is even on the thicker side. The size of the Sig P365 really appeals to me, but it has some pretty legendary reliability issues.

I'd probably want to carry the 43x for the capacity, and would probably get a 43 for the times I need something really small. What are your thoughts - tell me the truth!
 
J
#2 ·
Have several Gs. I carry appendix. I can conceal a 26 easiest but the draw is a little slower than a 48 (same frame as 43x). The “single” stacks are more comfortable inside the waistband. My advice is to try a 43 and a 48. That’ll give you a 43X if you want one (43 slide on 48 frame). The 26 is great as a one and only gun but I find wearing a larger pistol in the cool seasons and a smaller one (42 or 43) in the warmer seasons suits me better. Not sure of any hate for the 43 or x. Glock was late to single stack game And the 43 and it “only” carries six. So what is my thought. Still a good pistol but the 42 shoots better for me and most.
 
#3 ·
Maverick686 said:
I've owned a Glock 26 and find it a bit fat and not much easier to carry than the 19. I'm not a huge guy, 5'7 at 142 lbs muscular build, so the 43 series appeals to me.

1) They stopped making the 43x in the silver slide? I kind of like it...

2) There's a lot of hate for the 43/43x. Why?

3) If you own the 43/43x and carry it, do you like it?

I live in a warm climate, so carrying a big gun most of the year is difficult. My VP9SK is even on the thicker side. The size of the Sig P365 really appeals to me, but it has some pretty legendary reliability issues.

I'd probably want to carry the 43x for the capacity, and would probably get a 43 for the times I need something really small. What are your thoughts - tell me the truth!
Click to expand...
I have the 43x all black. Had it a month. Love it. Formerly had a G26 for 10+ year and a G19 for 5+.

People are used to all glock 9mm using the same mags, universal mags are great. Introducing a completely new mag system for only two guns is a big move. I'm OK with it, many are not.

I carry it in a single clip kydex IWB with the Shield 15rd mags. Love it.

I am a giant, 6ft 6in 340# and live in Vegas. Hot and sweaty 6 months out of the year. I'm OK with the 43x.
 
#4 ·
Buy the 43 and 48, then you will also have a 43X by using the 43 slide on the 48 frame as they are interchangeable.

Anyone trashing the 43X, never handled one. The gun has definitely found it’s niche. I prefer the 48. It shoots nicer than the others.

26 is nice, it is a much softer shooter. I can shoot it well but I agree it doesn’t carry as nice as the slimline guns. Also the 26 hump seems to hit my hand in a weird place.

I love the feel of the 48! I just wish it had the trigger that the 26 has.
 
C
#5 ·
I have the P365X (P365 slide on a P365XL frame), G26, S&W Shield and I recent acquired the 43X. I like the 43X a lot and with the Shield Arms S15 mags it is about as perfect CCW gun for me as you can get. I am not a large person either and I carry the 43X appendix without any issues. I had a G43 and just could not warm up to it v. the 365. The one issue I had with the 43X was the thin/serrated trigger just did not work for me. I changed the trigger out to an Overwatch Precision PolyDat flat faced trigger ($60) and now all is good to go.
 
#6 ·
I just bought a G43X MOS that should be here Friday. I also have a plate coming to run a HS507K-X2 RDS on it. Will put it up against my P365XL to see how it rings out.
 
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#7 ·
First, I think you'll find hate for every gun out there by some. Best you can do is at least get a feel for the 43/43x...shoot if possible. The 43 has been my main carry for better part of 3 years. I run the Magguts +2 so with a reload (which I always have) gives me 17 rounds in a small package. Just purchased a 43x...like the idea of 15 rounders instead of 10. But, 10 is better than 6, and I'm all in for the added grip length the 43x provides. Both are good shooters within their parameters and are veryy easy to carry. I initially thought the 43x was a joke, but extra grip/capacity/and S15 mags are making a huge impact for me. The 43 will always have a place in my EDC needs.
 
#9 ·
I have the 26 a 43 and a 48. I carry the 26 99% of the time. It’s a little thicker but I shoot it the best and it’s carry’s well enough.

The 43 is nice but I just can’t love it. The 48 I got cheap and much like the 43 I just can’t love it no matter how hard I try.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
S
#10 ·
I had a G26 and while it is a great gun I never warmed up to the chunkiness. My 43X with shield magazines beats it in every way as far as carrying is concerned. Smaller, thinner, and higher capacity. Like others here I've gone through a lot of carry guns, and I'm probably not done yet. But for now, the G43X is my go to.
 
#11 ·
I am the reverse of NYhunter. I have a 19, 26, 43, and a 48. Shoot them all about the same, 19 is just a bit more accurate or me. The other three are all about the same accuracy wise for me. I find the 26 to be just too fat. If I want a double stack I can carry my 19, added grip and slide length are not that much and the width is the same. All that said, the 43 is my EDC for concealed (about 85% of the time). Depending on situation it is OWB or pocket carry. The 48 is starting to takes its turn in the rotation, just need a little more work with it, but I like the 10 round mags better than the smaller 43 mags and if I want a 43X, I just put my 43 top on the 48 frame.
 
#12 ·
I have the Silver slide 48, and black slide 48, and black slide 43X. I do not like the little 43. The grip just don't work in my hand and the palm swell bothers my grip.

The 43X.48's, "for me" fit perfect, and easy to conceal in OWB holster. ( I will NOT carry IWB) Don't see how folks get guns down their britches, unless their really baggie! My wranglers are Boot cut, and not meant for stickin a gun and holster in them/down them. I use a good belt holster, or usually, a paddle holster, which I can take on and off quickly.. I do put the 1911 down the britches with NO holster, and a revolver at times, over the right kidney area, but a holster and gun IWB. Yikes!


Well, the guns. I like the balance of the 48 much better than the 43x. Feels more natural to point for me and just overal feel seems better. BUT, that being said, I have no issue with the little 43X. I shoot it very well, and it is very accurate even to long range shooting, and plenty accurate enough for combat range which it is built for. The claim 'target crown!' Nope. Don't shoot any tighter groups than any glock or caliber of Glock I own or have ever owend. Again, great little shooter, but it is a Glock. Accurate, reliable, and got a great feel my hand loves, as I am a 1911 guy. I carry them from time to time, just got to program myself towards 9mm. Not a nine fan. Carrying my Springfield XDs 3.3" in 45acp at present and "think" I am going to stay there..

I don't think you'll regret the 43X at all. Nice. ;)



CM
🐴
 
#13 ·
I have a G43X and two G43’s. Both models are exceptional but if your goal is CCW the 43 is in my opinion a better choice. The 43 with a +1 Pearce magazine extension disappears under a T shift while appendix carrying it. It’s so light I forget I have it.

The 43X with Shield Arms magazines has replaced my G19.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
D
#14 ·
Love my 43x. I carry it appendix in the summer especially if I’m being active. It’s very comfortable, I shoot it well, and it disappears when concealed. I did try a 43 but didn’t like the short grip. The 43x was a great balance between the 26 and 19.

I do prefer shooting larger guns, with that said I appendix carry my G45 most days.


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#16 ·
I have had, and currently own, a G26/3. I had a G43. Recently I got the chance to get the P80 repro but had to sell a gun to get it. I sold the G43.

For carry the 43 is sweet. It’s lighter and thinner than the 26.

But the reason I kept the 26 was that it held more rounds, all my 19 and 17 mags fit it, I had spare parts for the 19 and 17 that would fit it, and I could use most of my 19 and 17 holsters. The 26 is a little easier to shoot than the 43.
The 26 is fatter than the 43 but it is only marginally more obtrusive to carry than the 43 (for me).

The 26 had a bunch of checks in the plus column for me. The only thing the 43 had going for it was thinner and a tad lighter. But that might be a deal maker for you.

This is just one opinion from someone who has had both.

I don’t think you would be disappointed with either.
 
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#18 ·
I bought a G19 gen 5 for AIWB cc but it is too big and too heavy for me. I shot the 43 and 43x. The 43x was far more comfortable to shoot but the 43 was easier to carry. I decided I could learn to shoot the 43 better than be comfortable with the 43x. By that time, guns disappeared from shelves and the prices went through the roof. I ended up getting a pre-owned Ruger LC9s Pro to cc. Vedder light tuck. Just slightly slimmer than the 43 and in between size of the 43 and 43x. I still plan on getting a 43 next year.
Bottom line, shoot them both You'll probably have to compromise something so decide what is most important to you. Here are something to get you started:
www.handgunhero.com

Glock G43 vs Glock G43X size comparison | Handgun Hero

Compare the dimensions and specs of Glock G43 and Glock G43X
www.handgunhero.com www.handgunhero.com
 
#19 ·
Maverick686 said:
I've owned a Glock 26 and find it a bit fat and not much easier to carry than the 19. I'm not a huge guy, 5'7 at 142 lbs muscular build, so the 43 series appeals to me.

1) They stopped making the 43x in the silver slide? I kind of like it...

2) There's a lot of hate for the 43/43x. Why?

3) If you own the 43/43x and carry it, do you like it?

I live in a warm climate, so carrying a big gun most of the year is difficult. My VP9SK is even on the thicker side. The size of the Sig P365 really appeals to me, but it has some pretty legendary reliability issues.

I'd probably want to carry the 43x for the capacity, and would probably get a 43 for the times I need something really small. What are your thoughts - tell me the truth!
Click to expand...
I own the 26.3, 26.4, 43, and 48. I don’t have the 43X. I like the 26 and carried it for years. The 48 and P365 replaced both the 43 and 26. The 48 disappears AIWB and the P365 is almost not there. The 43X/48 grip is larger than the 43. The frame is the same height as the 19, but is thinner such that it hides better.

The 43X and 48 have the advantage of 15 round capacity. This is a big deal. The grip is also large enough to facilitate shooting.

You would likely be very happy with a SIG P365 and the anorexic 19. The larger 48 is a good general carry piece. The P365 is an amazing subcompact when you need the extra concealment.

Conveniently, I sell AIWB holsters for both. I do recommend a 48 holster for a 43X to prevent tilt. The P365 is also short in the slide and an XL length holster may be better. I have been carrying my P365 in a 365 length holster. It has been mostly fine if I keep my belt tight. The right size wedge helps.
 
B
#20 ·
Maverick686 said:
I've owned a Glock 26 and find it a bit fat and not much easier to carry than the 19. I'm not a huge guy, 5'7 at 142 lbs muscular build, so the 43 series appeals to me.

1) They stopped making the 43x in the silver slide? I kind of like it...

2) There's a lot of hate for the 43/43x. Why?

3) If you own the 43/43x and carry it, do you like it?

I live in a warm climate, so carrying a big gun most of the year is difficult. My VP9SK is even on the thicker side. The size of the Sig P365 really appeals to me, but it has some pretty legendary reliability issues.

I'd probably want to carry the 43x for the capacity, and would probably get a 43 for the times I need something really small. What are your thoughts - tell me the truth!
Click to expand...
i am similar in size to you. i have a 43x, sig 365, glock 19 &45. i pocket carry the 365 in a holster in the summer. haven;t had the 43x all that long, but starting to warm up to it for winter carry. i've had no issues with the 365 & its more accurate than the 43x. but that is a non issue at close range.
 
#21 ·
I have several 19s as well as a 26, 43X and Sig 365XL. I had a 365 and have spent time shooting a 43.

The choice varies from individual to individual and is personal based on a number of factors.

I could not shoot the 43 or the 365 worth a damn. The 43X and 365XL fell far better in hand and work better, but not as well for me as a 26. I shoot the 26 as well as I shoot a 19.

The thinner pistols carry better, but for me "shootability" is my top priority.
 
#22 ·
I have a G26, G27, and a G43. The 27 is my EDC, but I carry the G43 regularly in the summer when it's real hot and I'm wearing shorts. I have fairly big hands, but I actually shoot the G43 very well. The G26's role is as a back up, HD gun, and competition gun. I've got a Blue Label buy burning a hole in my pocket and am thinking about a 43X.......................
 
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#23 ·
"I had a G26 and while it is a great gun I never warmed up to the chunkiness. My 43X with shield magazines beats it in every way as far as carrying is concerned."

This observation is consistent with our own. The G26 has an excellent resume; and we grant the extra versatility the mag interchangeability gives. But with our short stubby little hand we were never able to warm up to the G26 grip. We own a G43 and a G43X and they work much better for us.

We trudge on.
 
#26 ·
I carried the 43 near every day for a bit less than 2 years and the 43x for the last 2 mos. Before that a 33. the 43 shot well, total reliability, great concealablity inside and OWB. Its not a target gun and two fingers on the grip is fully adequate for its intended purpose...SD. Or put an extension on the mag. The 43x conceals a bit less OWB with the slightly longer grip, the grip adds to stable shooting and it hold 4 more OEM. It too is reliable. I don’t think you can go wrong with either. I am carrying my 33 today OWB and for the first half hour it felt heavier and bulkier than the 43x but i got reuse to it very qUickly.
 
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