Glock 43

[Rye Miles #13621]

I’m trading a snubby revolve not sure which one, for a Glock 43. I’m thinking about switching my carry gun to the Glock. Anyone else carrying a 43 ? Just curious how you like it?

 

Thanks RYE

[The Original Lumpy Gritz]

Look at the 43x

Glock will be releasing the Gen 6 version soon.

[Rye Miles #13621]

24 minutes ago, The Original Lumpy Gritz said:

Look at the 43x

Glock will be releasing the Gen 6 version soon.

Yea I’ve seen the X, I like the smaller size of the reg 43. I’m doing a trade with a buddy so I’m not really interested in the Gen6. 

[The Original Lumpy Gritz]

25 minutes ago, Rye Miles #13621 said:

Yea I’ve seen the X, I like the smaller size of the reg 43. I’m doing a trade with a buddy so I’m not really interested in the Gen6. 

Have you fired a 43? Recoil is snappy to say the least. 

Looking forward to a range report. 

[Rye Miles #13621]

7 minutes ago, The Original Lumpy Gritz said:

Have you fired a 43? Recoil is snappy to say the least. 

Looking forward to a range report. 

No but I currently carry a .38 spl Smith Airweight! Talk about snappy! It’s downright painful!😣 I doubt the 43 will be any worse

[The Original Lumpy Gritz]

1 hour ago, Rye Miles #13621 said:

No but I currently carry a .38 spl Smith Airweight! Talk about snappy! It’s downright painful!😣 I doubt the 43 will be any worse

I have one of those and totally agree. It weights 16oz loaded.

I only keep .38’s in it.

The 43X fit my hand better than the 43 did.

That said, I carry a Glock 19Gen5 with night sights daily.  

[Abilene Slim SASS 81783]

5 hours ago, Rye Miles #13621 said:

I’m trading a snubby revolve not sure which one, for a Glock 43. I’m thinking about switching my carry gun to the Glock. Anyone else carrying a 43 ? Just curious how you like it?

 

Thanks RYE

I like mine. Been carrying it for about 12 years. What I like most is its concealability and it eats any kind of ammo, including factory hollow point & hand loads. Never had a misfeed. 
 

Stock mags hold 6 rounds, but 7-round mags are available without extending below the grip. That plus one in the chamber gives me 8 rounds. I doubt a gunfight would last longer than that. 
 

The only knock was the factory trigger. I swapped out the connector and trigger itself so it’s much better now. 
 

Suggest you try before you buy as not all find the grip satisfactory. 

[ShadowCatcher]

I've carried a 43 for about 3 years, it came as a gift from #1 son some time ago.

It carries easy, and recoil isn't bad when carrying 147 gr JHP's.

Did some changes to it from stock:

1. Talon Grip tape for better adhesion to the hand

2. Ghost disconnector to help reduce trigger weight

3. Polished the interior parts and replaced a few springs - safety plunger and striker both

    reduced, safety half weight, striker down 1/2 pound from #5 down to #4.5, which reduced trigger from 

    6lbs to 4.5 - 5lbs

4. Put fiber optic/tritium night sights on it, slightly taller for improved pick up.

5. Put Pierce finger extensions on all my mags to go from 6 up to 7rds each.

 

As an aside, I also bought a spare slide from Brownells, had it cut for a RMSC mount, and 

put a Swamp Fox red dot on it.  Built the rest of the slide up with stock parts and a stock barrel, so I 

could swap top ends while learning to use a red dot sight.  I wasn't ready to commit to carry with a RDS as

I wasn't fast enough on picking up the sights as I was with irons.

 

My only complaint about the Glock is the trigger - it pinches my finger along the bottom edge where the gap

between the trigger shoe and the trigger guard is, just enough to bite me after about 20 rounds, leading to 

flinching from the pain and blister.  Tried over 6 different styles and configurations of the trigger shoe,

finally gave up.  Went to a Beretta 92x Compact or a Walther PPk depending on weather these days.

 

Never had a failure with the Glock - it's reliable as a hammer, just never could get that trigger to stop biting.

My Glock 34 had the same issue - so I sold them both and stuck with 1911s, Beretta 92's and revolvers from Colt.

[Crazy Gun Barney, SASS #2428]

Dont have a 43, but do have and have shot a number of others.  I have to agree with the statement about trying before buying.  Glocks dont fit everyone's hands in an agreeable way.  I like them and own several.   One of my buddies simply cannot stand the way the glock feels and fits in his hand.  He shoots it fine, but says he feels like he is fighting it to keep it pointed in the right direction the whole time.

[Abilene Slim SASS 81783]

2 minutes ago, ShadowCatcher said:

I've carried a 43 for about 3 years, it came as a gift from #1 son some time ago.

It carries easy, and recoil isn't bad when carrying 147 gr JHP's.

Did some changes to it from stock:

1. Talon Grip tape for better adhesion to the hand

2. Ghost disconnector to help reduce trigger weight

3. Polished the interior parts and replaced a few springs - safety plunger and striker both

    reduced, safety half weight, striker down 1/2 pound from #5 down to #4.5, which reduced trigger from 

    6lbs to 4.5 - 5lbs

4. Put fiber optic/tritium night sights on it, slightly taller for improved pick up.

5. Put Pierce finger extensions on all my mags to go from 6 up to 7rds each.

 

As an aside, I also bought a spare slide from Brownells, had it cut for a RMSC mount, and 

put a Swamp Fox red dot on it.  Built the rest of the slide up with stock parts and a stock barrel, so I 

could swap top ends while learning to use a red dot sight.  I wasn't ready to commit to carry with a RDS as

I wasn't fast enough on picking up the sights as I was with irons.

 

My only complaint about the Glock is the trigger - it pinches my finger along the bottom edge where the gap

between the trigger shoe and the trigger guard is, just enough to bite me after about 20 rounds, leading to 

flinching from the pain and blister.  Tried over 6 different styles and configurations of the trigger shoe,

finally gave up.  Went to a Beretta 92x Compact or a Walther PPk depending on weather these days.

 

Never had a failure with the Glock - it's reliable as a hammer, just never could get that trigger to stop biting.

My Glock 34 had the same issue - so I sold them both and stuck with 1911s, Beretta 92's and revolvers from Colt.

Ditto on the finger pinch. When at the range, I put tape on my finger which eliminates it. In a gunfight I figure I won’t notice the pinch. 
 

I had tritium sights on it, but they quit glowing after 8 years, so I went back to stock. Might try some fiber optic ones, but haven’t gotten around to it. 

[Three Foot Johnson]

I was recently debating between a number of single stack compact nines, and shot several including the G43, but decided to try the Diamondback Gen 4 DB9. Tiny, 6+1 capacity, +P rated, and on sale for $200. My first time out the door with it, two mags/12 rounds was enough.  The second time I stepped outside with it, I managed 26 - snappy little bugger. The previous versions had mediocre reviews, but evaluations of the G4 are much more favorable. The most obvious change was the addition of a slide stop.

 

Pic shows a Gen 3, but external dimensions are the same. 

[Rye Miles #13621]

2 hours ago, Crazy Gun Barney, SASS #2428 said:

Dont have a 43, but do have and have shot a number of others.  I have to agree with the statement about trying before buying.  Glocks dont fit everyone's hands in an agreeable way.  I like them and own several.   One of my buddies simply cannot stand the way the glock feels and fits in his hand.  He shoots it fine, but says he feels like he is fighting it to keep it pointed in the right direction the whole time.

 

2 hours ago, Crazy Gun Barney, SASS #2428 said:

Dont have a 43, but do have and have shot a number of others.  I have to agree with the statement about trying before buying.  Glocks dont fit everyone's hands in an agreeable way.  I like them and own several.   One of my buddies simply cannot stand the way the glock feels and fits in his hand.  He shoots it fine, but says he feels like he is fighting it to keep it pointed in the right direction the whole time.

 

2 hours ago, Abilene Slim SASS 81783 said:

I like mine. Been carrying it for about 12 years. What I like most is its concealability and it eats any kind of ammo, including factory hollow point & hand loads. Never had a misfeed. 
 

Stock mags hold 6 rounds, but 7-round mags are available without extending below the grip. That plus one in the chamber gives me 8 rounds. I doubt a gunfight would last longer than that. 
 

The only knock was the factory trigger. I swapped out the connector and trigger itself so it’s much better now. 
 

Suggest you try before you buy as not all find the grip satisfactory. 

I’ve shot one before but thanks for the advice! I’m just wondering how everyone likes the concealabilty and the reliability. Thanks all!

[The Original Lumpy Gritz]

25 minutes ago, Rye Miles #13621 said:

 

 

I’ve shot one before but thanks for the advice! I’m just wondering how everyone likes the concealabilty and the reliability. Thanks all!

You can trust a Glock. They are the kiss of semi-auto pistols. 

Very easy to do a total tear down. 

[Cayuse Jack, SASS #19407]

I replaced my S&W 442 with a Glock 43 years ago.

 

Its thinner and easier to conceal.

Also much quicker to reload since it’s magazine fed and you don’t have to use speedloaders or speed strips.

 

It also allowed me to put tritium night sights on it without having to send it out for machining.

[Rip Snorter]

Folks like them or hate them.  I wouldn't take a free Glock. or any other plastic fantastic. 

[Seldom Seen #16162]

I don't own a Glock 43 but I can comment how comfortable carrying a small single stack semi-auto is.

 

I have been carrying a S&W Shield 9mm regularly since last summer in owb holster. After I got the leather holster broke in it is lightweight and very comfortable to wear for all day. I put it on when I get dressed in the morning and wear it until I go to bed. 

 

The only Glock I own is a 43X. These little guns have snappy recoil. I replaced the barrel with a threaded one and installed a compensator. With the Comp the oal of the slide is the same as the Glock 48 which makes buying holsters easy. The Comp really tames the recoil and makes it flat shooting.

 

As for reliability? Hey it is a Glock.

Edited December 13, 2025 by Seldom Seen #16162

[Mossy Horn Gent]

You might want to look at the Glock 19 (compact hi-cap) and Sig P365 (micro compact). Both are hard to beat.

[Rye Miles #13621]

45 minutes ago, Mossy Horn Gent said:

You might want to look at the Glock 19 (compact hi-cap) and Sig P365 (micro compact). Both are hard to beat.

Like I said this is a “trade even” with a friend and it’s ONE of two snubbies for a Glock 43. I HAVE 4 snubbies so I’m just getting rid of one and adding the 43.

[ShadowCatcher]

5 hours ago, Rye Miles #13621 said:

Like I said this is a “trade even” with a friend and it’s ONE of two snubbies for a Glock 43. I HAVE 4 snubbies so I’m just getting rid of one and adding the 43.

I'll add to my earlier comments - it's a very concealable gun, and with the finger extension I  find it fits my size 10 hand just fine.

When I carried it it was easy to conceal, felt very light and unobtrusive, and if I did my part and got a good grip before the draw stroke it 

handled well and came to point very nicely.  If you're that interested and you've shot it already then it's probably worth trading for.

 

It is by no means a bad gun in any way, just that some of us need to deal with a bitey trigger, and don't.  If I didn't have that triggre bit issue I'd 

still be carrying it after all these years.

 

SC

[Jack Spade]

A G43 has been my daily carry since they came out, before that I carried a G27.  The 43 is much lighter and easier to conceal.  I carry in an IWB holster, would have to look at it to find the brand but it is leather and kydex, very comfortable and easy to conceal.  Because I carried the G27 for many years and shoot it very well getting used to the small grip and recoil of the G43 wasn't an issue.  I did do some work on the trigger but nothing else, mainly just smoothed things up.   

[DeaconKC]

17 hours ago, Rye Miles #13621 said:

Like I said this is a “trade even” with a friend and it’s ONE of two snubbies for a Glock 43. I HAVE 4 snubbies so I’m just getting rid of one and adding the 43.

As said earlier my many folks, it's a Glock, so it's as reliable as a brick. I carried a PC S&W 642 for many years and have switched over to flat concealment autos for deep concealment carry. If it has the factory plastic sights on it still, replace them, but otherwise it's a great carry gun. 

PS: get a little belt knife pouch to carry your spare magazine, no one pays any attention to them.

[Doc Eagle]

On 12/12/2025 at 10:19 AM, ShadowCatcher said:

I've carried a 43 for about 3 years, it came as a gift from #1 son some time ago.

It carries easy, and recoil isn't bad when carrying 147 gr JHP's.

Did some changes to it from stock:

1. Talon Grip tape for better adhesion to the hand

2. Ghost disconnector to help reduce trigger weight

3. Polished the interior parts and replaced a few springs - safety plunger and striker both

    reduced, safety half weight, striker down 1/2 pound from #5 down to #4.5, which reduced trigger from 

    6lbs to 4.5 - 5lbs

4. Put fiber optic/tritium night sights on it, slightly taller for improved pick up.

5. Put Pierce finger extensions on all my mags to go from 6 up to 7rds each.

 

As an aside, I also bought a spare slide from Brownells, had it cut for a RMSC mount, and 

put a Swamp Fox red dot on it.  Built the rest of the slide up with stock parts and a stock barrel, so I 

could swap top ends while learning to use a red dot sight.  I wasn't ready to commit to carry with a RDS as

I wasn't fast enough on picking up the sights as I was with irons.

 

My only complaint about the Glock is the trigger - it pinches my finger along the bottom edge where the gap

between the trigger shoe and the trigger guard is, just enough to bite me after about 20 rounds, leading to 

flinching from the pain and blister.  Tried over 6 different styles and configurations of the trigger shoe,

finally gave up.  Went to a Beretta 92x Compact or a Walther PPk depending on weather these days.

 

Never had a failure with the Glock - it's reliable as a hammer, just never could get that trigger to stop biting.

My Glock 34 had the same issue - so I sold them both and stuck with 1911s, Beretta 92's and revolvers from Colt.

Everything he said.  I’ll add that if you want some diversity you can buy brand new 43X frames by themselves on Gunbroker.  Like all Glocks parts they mix and match rather well.  I did that with my wife’s 43 and took the frankengun to an instructor class where had to shoot 450 rounds the first day.  Literally put the gun together at the range, lubed it and it was flawless all day.

 

Add some Shield Arms 15 round mags and their metal mag release and you now have an ultra compact 16 round carry gun the does great AIWB, AND a contact pocket gun with exactly the same controls.

 

BTW the 43 is a huge improvement over a 2” snobby.  I own several of them and they are all safe queens that I’ve inherited from family members I lived and won’t get rid of them.  But I’ll never carry one as an SD gun.  I would feel woefully “underdressed”. 😁

Edited December 13, 2025 by Doc Eagle

[Boggus Deal #64218]

What kind of snubbie?

[Pat Riot]

On 12/12/2025 at 1:17 PM, Abilene Slim SASS 81783 said:

Suggest you try before you buy as not all find the grip satisfactory. 

 

On 12/12/2025 at 1:19 PM, ShadowCatcher said:

Talon Grip tape for better adhesion to the hand

Two good suggestions here. 

I had a G43 and I liked it, but definitely not with +P ammo. 

I added Talon Grips grip tape. Made a very big difference in handling. Get the “Rubber” not the gritty one. 
If you are happy with the capacity of the pistol you may want to add Pearce extensions to give you better purchase. 
If you want more capacity buy a different gun. Trying to get an extra round out of Glock mags can be a real PAIN IN THE A**!
The gun as is when they come from the factory is reliable as the day is long, but I do not recommend trying to make it something it ain’t. 
That’s what I did and I became frustrated at myself for screwing with something that wasn’t broke. 
I sold it and my Glock 48. 
I now carry an Sig P365 (***much better shooter imho) and my trusty S&W 442. 

*** It’s much better for me. I use 12 round mags. Everyone’s hands are different. 

[Mossy Horn Gent]

The 43 is a good quality compact pistol, but the magazine capacity is low for a 9mm handgun.