[Deputydave]

I've tossed around trying a new off-duty pistol with the 43X being one of the considerations. However, I've been carrying the G26.4 for quite a few years now without issue. I'm starting to lean towards simply staying with a proven platform that I'm proficient with. Perhaps adding a TLR-6 (which I've got a thread going at the moment to see other opinions). I'd have to change holsters but not that big of a deal.

Anyway, thought it was an interesting video from Sootch and thought I'd pop it up for discussion. I do agree that the ability to use Glock 19, 17 or 19X magazines is an attractive option, to me, with the G26. I also have a couple of Sub 2K's that use G17 mags so it's nice to have that as a compatible option.

The 43X is of course slimmer, but really not all that much compared to other slim pistols. I really haven't had an issue with IWB carry. However, that is going to differ from person to person.

Just some thoughts to toss out and around.

I'll make this a poll as well. If you'd like to vote that's great. If you'd like to chime in on why that would also be great. Let's try to keep this to the two Glock models in the OP and keeping in mind that not everyone has the same needs or physical dimensions.

 

[snowbird.40]

Deputy - I've also carried a 27 or 26 for many years and although I made the leap to a 43 (then a second leap after fumbling the first one), I think the advantages of a 43x would be minuscule in my situation.

The 26 works well AIWB for 80% of my CC needs when I'm in high-density locations like stores, restaurants, etc. and the 43 is carrying a TLR-6 for nightstand duties and early morning or late night walks. At times I've also found my LCPII as an excellent choice for pocket carry.

Still trying to justify a 42, but at least one of the other guns would have to go. I don't like having too many platforms, mags, holsters floating around. Hell, I can barely remember where I leave my car keys, so why try to figure out where all my guns and gear are at?

 

[Dr_fast]

Hey Deputy Dave, I thought I remembered you chiming in on my poll also.

As you know from my post I just shoot and draw and generally handle the 26 with a 15 round magazine substantially better. Even with training for that day the years of training with the 26 Out weighed the day I spent the 43X. So why train for a different gun if you already have a good solution? That’s what I decided.
Did you know from my post that the top gun in this category was the G 26 by just over 60% of the people polled. Only 15% for the 43X if I remember correctly. The rest of them are for the 43 or it didn’t matter.

I just shoot the 26 so much better that it’s really not even close.

 

[Lawdog3]

I'm plain and simple a G26 fan. It's old school but the damn thing just works. I can't wrap my head around carrying the 43x. Maybe in time I'll warm up to it. Everyone has their own opinion and can choose what they like. I just love my 26 and 27. Been in my stable for years and keep working great for me. If they offered the 43x in all black I might warm up to it more.

 

[OleFart]

You should shoot and carry what YOU are comfortable with. I had a 26 - good gun. My daughter has it now.

 

[sonoma]

The 26 fits my hand better and I feel more comfortable with it when I draw.I seldom wear dress clothes but if I did I most likely would carry the 43X.My vote is for the G26.

 

[ithaca_deerslayer]

I've tossed around trying a new off-duty pistol with the 43X being one of the considerations. However, I've been carrying the G26.4 for quite a few years now without issue. I'm starting to lean towards simply staying with a proven platform that I'm proficient with. Perhaps adding a TLR-6 (which I've got a thread going at the moment to see other opinions). I'd have to change holsters but not that big of a deal.

Anyway, thought it was an interesting video from Sootch and thought I'd pop it up for discussion. I do agree that the ability to use Glock 19, 17 or 19X magazines is an attractive option, to me, with the G26. I also have a couple of Sub 2K's that use G17 mags so it's nice to have that as a compatible option.

The 43X is of course slimmer, but really not all that much compared to other slim pistols. I really haven't had an issue with IWB carry. However, that is going to differ from person to person.

Just some thoughts to toss out and around.

I'll make this a poll as well. If you'd like to vote that's great. If you'd like to chime in on why that would also be great. Let's try to keep this to the two Glock models in the OP and keeping in mind that not everyone has the same needs or physical dimensions.

I only just got the 43x, but have already replaced my 26 with it.

I'm in a 10 round mag state, so the ability to accept larger mags doesn't help me.

I'm not a cop, and I'm in a Dem state, so concealment is very important. The 43x is a lot thinner than the 26. It is also 3 ounces lighter.

I've carried the 26 for a couple decades, but it has two weaknesses. One is it is a thick brick. Two is the stubby grip doesn't provide as secure of a hold in awkward situations. The 43x solvles both of those issues.

Having said that, the 26 is still probably the better shooting gun, because of more weight and more surface area to absorb recoil. It is just that the 43x seems it will carry better. This is all a matter of opinion.

The real issue is whether you want your pinky and edge of palm contributing to the hold or not. At the expense of having a longer grip.

 

[Pistolay]

I don't own a 43X, but I do own a 48 which is pretty much the same gun. As much as I like it, the grip prints where my 26 doesn't. A lot of folks don't care about that, but I do.

 

[Intolerant]

I bought the G43X, really tried hard to like it, but i finally went back to my G26. The mag in the 43x hung down from the grip to far for my liking. Under recoil, i was noticing the VERY annoying corner of the 43x mag digging the hell out of my palm. Nope, that ain`t gonna work for me. I also found it harder for me to conceal the 43x due to the longer grip, printed terrible. The G26 is the clear winner for me. I also like the fact that i have a multitude of choices with the mags for the G26. I also shoot the 26 better than the 43x.

 

[Wizzz]

I'd pick the 26 or 27. Don't care for the new mouse guns. I do like the original G43 though with the shorter grip.

 

[MikeG36]

Of those two, 26 without a doubt. Ditto what Wizzz says above.

 

[Deadduck357]

Nothing at all against the 43X or 48, I will get one if not both when the black slides become available but the 26 has a shorter grip for CC.

 

[01svtL]

To those who prefer the G26, do the Hyve and/or Taran mag extensions pinch your pinky at all? I rented a Gen 4 G26 at my range, to shoot alongside my new G48, and with the OEM Glock pinky extension on the G26, my pinky kept getting pinched in between the bottom of the grip and extension. It's not like I would notice in a self defense scenario, but I definitely wouldn't want to deal with it over a half day or all day training class etc.

 

[Intolerant]

To those who prefer the G26, do the Hyve and/or Taran mag extensions pinch your pinky at all? I rented a Gen 4 G26 at my range, to shoot alongside my new G48, and with the OEM Glock pinky extension on the G26, my pinky kept getting pinched in between the bottom of the grip and extension. It's not like I would notice in a self defense scenario, but I definitely wouldn't want to deal with it over a half day or all day training class etc.

I`ve had that problem with alot of glock extended bases. I just sand off the front upper edge of the extension, problem solved. Pearse are the ones that seem to leave a huge gap between the grip and the extension when they have that sharp extended front edge lip. My G30s was really bad with pinching, not no more.

 

[Noponer]

The mag in the 43x hung down from the grip to far for my liking. Under recoil, i was noticing the VERY annoying corner of the 43x mag digging the hell out of my palm.

Same for me, but a little sandpaper on each corner does the trick for me... & it does not show very much (looks basically stock).

 

[Deputydave]

Very interesting to see the poll results at this point which is 80/20 in favor of the venerable Glock 26.

 

[sonoma]

O1svtL, I don't really care for the mag extensions for the G26 like taran.I don't have a problem with the factory glock 12 round mags and I don't have to let my pinky curl underneath it.I will sometimes carry a G17 mag with an X grip that works pretty well.

 

[Deputydave]

I have Glock, Pearce and some no-name extensions (Hyve clones) that have worked well for my G26. They felt good, didn't pinch and functioned reliably. However, once I discovered the Xgrip that was the route I took with a G19 mag. Really wasn't any taller than with a +2 but it gave me a more solid +5.

 

[Intolerant]

I have Glock, Pearce and some no-name extensions (Hyve clones) that have worked well for my G26. They felt good, didn't pinch and functioned reliably. However, once I discovered the Xgrip that was the route I took with a G19 mag. Really wasn't any taller than with a +2 but it gave me a more solid +5.

This is just my opinion Dave, but if i were you, i wouldn`t waste my time with the 43x if you already have the G26. (which you do, and in a Gen4! sweetest one yet) Dont get me wrong, the 43x is a decent weapon, but as you can see by your own poll, it speaks volumes with what the voters are saying.

Personally, i didnt think the longer grip was going to be such a big deal, when in reality, it WAS a big deal. Turns out, i wasted my time and money buying the 43x when i already had something that worked better, for me. Guess we never know until we try them on the range.

My one pet peave about the 43x, what in the hell was glock thinking when they made that mag stick out of the grip as far as it does. It digs the hell outta my palm big-time. Thank the lord for the G26-4, its perfect, for me!!! But don`t let my opinion sway you, you gotta do what works for you.

 

[Deputydave]

This is just my opinion Dave, but if i were you, i wouldn`t waste my time with the 43x if you already have the G26. (which you do, and in a Gen4! sweetest one yet) Dont get me wrong, the 43x is a decent weapon, but as you can see by your own poll, it speaks volumes with what the voters are saying.

Personally, i didnt think the longer grip was going to be such a big deal, when in reality, it WAS a big deal. Turns out, i wasted my time and money buying the 43x when i already had something that worked better, for me. Guess we never know until we try them on the range.

My one pet peave about the 43x, what in the hell was glock thinking when they made that mag stick out of the grip as far as it does. It digs the hell outta my palm big-time. Thank the lord for the G26-4, its perfect, for me!!! But don`t let my opinion sway you, you gotta do what works for you.

I think that is sage advice. I like the G26.4 and I know it works for me, and works well. I have my LC9s, which I like quite well, for when I need a smaller/lighter/thinner platform. If I add a 9-round mag then I'm basically at the same point, within a round, of the 365 or 43X. Even with the normal 7-round mag I feel comfortable with it as a single-stack.

I'm thinking that instead of putting the money into another platform, which means also getting night sights and a holster, I'd be better served getting a TLR-6 and a holster to fit it. I believe that will be the direction to take.