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A Look At The Glock 43 (Several Photos)
Posted: Wed Jun 03, 2015 9:35 am
by carlson1
I apologize for my photography. My son brought me a Glock 43 on Monday so I thought I would take a few pictures comparing the G43 to pistols I already carry from time to time. I have not shot the G43, but the Shield feels better in my hand and it is 7 rounds and you can use a 8 round mag.
I carry a Glock 26 every now and then for a BUG and I was shocked to notice not a lot of difference in size, but you loose 4 rounds. G26 and G43 (on the right)

G43 on top of the G26
S&W Shield (9mm) (left) G43 (right)
G43 (top) S&W Shield (middle) G26 (bottom)

Re: A Look At The Glock 43 (Several Photos)
Posted: Wed Jun 03, 2015 10:23 am
by ShootDontTalk
I came to the same conclusions after handling a G43 a while back. I have a G27(26) and discovered that it was not substantially larger than some of the smaller single stack nines. The 26/27 offers a lot of advantages, and with the current pricing of the G43, is not at a big disadvantage.
I love the G23/27. I got a stock length G32 barrel so I can shoot a "hot" nine from them and a conversion barrel for the G27 so I can practice with cheap nine ammo. Pretty versatile combinations for an additional $220. I can't do that with any of the single stack guns. Thanks for the photo comparisons.
My wife has a Shield, but she won't let me near it.

Re: A Look At The Glock 43 (Several Photos)
Posted: Wed Jun 03, 2015 11:32 am
by TVGuy
I think width is the biggest thing the 43 has going for it when compared to the 26. I was going to grab a 43, but I found the width difference didn't make up for the 4 round disadvantage. Also, with a 26 I can easily carry a spare 15 or 17 round mag, all you get is another 6 with the 43. Major downside to the 43 as I see it.
Re: A Look At The Glock 43 (Several Photos)
Posted: Wed Jun 03, 2015 12:26 pm
by mcscanner
3rd party +1 and +2 magazine base plates are starting to surface. A little pricey as they are not molded plastic.
Mike
Re: A Look At The Glock 43 (Several Photos)
Posted: Wed Jun 03, 2015 12:41 pm
by A-R
TVGuy wrote:I think width is the biggest thing the 43 has going for it when compared to the 26. I was going to grab a 43, but I found the width difference didn't make up for the 4 round disadvantage. Also, with a 26 I can easily carry a spare 15 or 17 round mag, all you get is another 6 with the 43. Major downside to the 43 as I see it.
Weight is the big difference between G43 & G26. Based on carrying both in an ankle holster, I'd estimate about a half pound difference- substantial if you're carrying on ankle or in a pocket. The half inch shorter barrel/slide also makes G43 a better pocket gun than Shield.
Re: A Look At The Glock 43 (Several Photos)
Posted: Wed Jun 03, 2015 12:52 pm
by carlson1
It will be a good companion along with my EDC. I don't see me just carrying the G43. The G42 is a great shooter for a .380 and I am expecting the same out of the G43.
Re: A Look At The Glock 43 (Several Photos)
Posted: Wed Jun 03, 2015 4:05 pm
by n5wd
I'm just impressed that you got them to balance one on top of the other on top of the third one!
Good show!

Re: A Look At The Glock 43 (Several Photos)
Posted: Wed Jun 03, 2015 4:22 pm
by John Galt
carlson1 wrote:It will be a good companion along with my EDC. I don't see me just carrying the G43. The G42 is a great shooter for a .380 and I am expecting the same out of the G43.
I bought a 42 and put over 100 rounds through it yesterday and loved how is shot. i was looking for a pocket pistol to replace my LCP that I never liked shooting. The 42 will be a good companion for my 27.
If the 43 shoots as well as the 42, it is a great pistol.
Re: A Look At The Glock 43 (Several Photos)
Posted: Wed Jun 03, 2015 4:49 pm
by TVGuy
A-R wrote:TVGuy wrote:I think width is the biggest thing the 43 has going for it when compared to the 26. I was going to grab a 43, but I found the width difference didn't make up for the 4 round disadvantage. Also, with a 26 I can easily carry a spare 15 or 17 round mag, all you get is another 6 with the 43. Major downside to the 43 as I see it.
Weight is the big difference between G43 & G26. Based on carrying both in an ankle holster, I'd estimate about a half pound difference- substantial if you're carrying on ankle or in a pocket. The half inch shorter barrel/slide also makes G43 a better pocket gun than Shield.
Empty, the 26 Gen 4 is 3.76 ounces heavier than the 43, that's next to nothing. It's all opinion and personal preference, but the items I listed above are the reason I'll be sticking w/ a 26.
Re: A Look At The Glock 43 (Several Photos)
Posted: Wed Jun 03, 2015 6:07 pm
by jmra
TVGuy wrote:A-R wrote:TVGuy wrote:I think width is the biggest thing the 43 has going for it when compared to the 26. I was going to grab a 43, but I found the width difference didn't make up for the 4 round disadvantage. Also, with a 26 I can easily carry a spare 15 or 17 round mag, all you get is another 6 with the 43. Major downside to the 43 as I see it.
Weight is the big difference between G43 & G26. Based on carrying both in an ankle holster, I'd estimate about a half pound difference- substantial if you're carrying on ankle or in a pocket. The half inch shorter barrel/slide also makes G43 a better pocket gun than Shield.
Empty, the 26 Gen 4 is 3.76 ounces heavier than the 43, that's next to nothing. It's all opinion and personal preference, but the items I listed above are the reason I'll be sticking w/ a 26.
This is why they make so many different guns. Everyone has a preference.
Re: A Look At The Glock 43 (Several Photos)
Posted: Wed Jun 03, 2015 6:17 pm
by cheezit
The glock single stacks are to little to late. Theres better and cheeper options.
Imo the best single stack .380 is going to be the sig or colt, the best 9 in its class the p938. Both however cost more.
The best deal going mp sheild.
I saw no real advantage in size to swap out my g26.
Re: A Look At The Glock 43 (Several Photos)
Posted: Wed Jun 03, 2015 6:50 pm
by TVGuy
cheezit wrote:The glock single stacks are to little to late. Theres better and cheeper options.
Imo the best single stack .380 is going to be the sig or colt, the best 9 in its class the p938. Both however cost more.
The best deal going mp sheild.
I saw no real advantage in size to swap out my g26.
You're right, there are cheaper options. I have a 938 and although it's a beautiful, wonderful firearm, I wouldn't put it in the same class as a Glock 26 or 43 for carry.
Re: A Look At The Glock 43 (Several Photos)
Posted: Wed Jun 03, 2015 8:36 pm
by nyj
I really don't understand the point of this model other than to fill the requests of everyone wanting a single stack 9mm, only to realize that a G26 has subtle size differences and better round capacity.
Re: A Look At The Glock 43 (Several Photos)
Posted: Wed Jun 03, 2015 8:52 pm
by carlson1
I remember with Shields came out at over $450.00 and now you buy new ones for $349.00. I think the Glock 43 will come down as time passes. I am a fan of Glocks and my B-Day isn't far off and my sons went together and gave me an early gift.
I just want to get well enough to go shoot it.

Re: A Look At The Glock 43 (Several Photos)
Posted: Wed Jun 03, 2015 9:36 pm
by nyj
Blue label pricing is just under $360. Still too much IMO.