This week, we’re continuing our extended review of the Glock 43 with an update on accuracy and reliability. I tested accuracy with nine different self-defense loads, and I’ve been keeping up with stoppages and malfunctions. Did any of the JHP ammo make the little G43 choke? Watch the video below for the details.
Video: Glock 43 Accuracy and Reliability Report
Carrying the G43
Beyond the updates on accuracy and reliability outlined in the video, my personal subjective impressions of the Glock 43 continue to be positive. Glock triggers in general never seem to do any favors for my marksmanship ability, but the G43 isn’t a bad shooter if I remember to take my time on the trigger press.
Since I prefer to carry a larger gun when I’m out and about, I’ve mostly been carrying the Glock 43 around my house. I’ve been using an appendix inside the waistband (AIWB) holster from Stealth Gear USA. It’s a Kydex shell attached to a stiff breathable nylon backer. I was initially skeptical about retention with this holster, but I’ve been pleasantly surprised. It’s extremely comfortable, and even when wrestling on the floor with my kids, the pistol hasn’t budged.
Among the online chatter about the Glock 43, there seems to be a preoccupation with the size of the pistol compared to other small single stack nines like the S&W Shield, Kahr PM9, and Springfield XD-S (just to name a few). Most of these pistols are within half an inch of each other in terms of height and overall length, and all are roughly the same width and the same weight within a few ounces. There’s a possibility that these small differences could make a noticeable difference for some, but holster selection will have a far greater impact on overall concealability and comfort within this range of small handguns than the nominal difference between their respective outer dimensions.
For those in the market for a new carry gun, it seems to make sense to first prioritize and compare some of the more significant attributes of these guns; particularly, their reputations for dependable operation, and the individual’s ability to shoot the gun well and handle it safely. Of course, weighing these factors is easier said than done, especially prior to purchasing. But in any case, when researching a potential carry gun, the numbers alone can’t tell the buyer everything they need to know, or even the most important things.
So, if you find yourself in that position and the Glock 43 is on your short list, let me know in the comments how we can help. I’ve got some more mileage to put on this pistol before we wrap up the testing, and if there’s anything I can look into that hasn’t been covered already, I might be able to make it happen.
You wear a gun while wrestling with your kids? Dumbass
You wear a gun while wrestling with your kids? Dumbass
I have a SIG P938 and I am thinking of going to the G43, any reason I wouldn’t want to make that trade?
It depends on what you’re looking for. If you normally shoot a 1911 and want to carry a pistol with similar controls, then the P938 is great. If you are more accustomed to striker fired designs, the Glock 43 is probably the better choice. Otherwise, they’re both pretty good guns.
I bought the P938 before the G43 was released if it had been on the market at the time I wouldn’t have bought the Sig and went right for the Glock. I have been shooting Glocks for years but always wanted a 1911 so when I found the Sig; it fit the need and was the perfect size so I went with it. At first I was very happy because I had been carrying my G17 for my CWP. However I find the safety to be cumbersome. And the short sight radius makes it harder for me to be accurate over 10-15 yards.
I’ve been bouncing back and forth between the Glock 43 and the S&W Shield. Just recently found a range that has a Shield you can rent and test drive. I plan on getting down there as soon as I can to try it. I’ve been curious how the G43 stacks up as far as accuracy and muzzle rise. It seems the S&W is a bit heavier and might be able to eat the recoil a little more.
Any thoughts on the accuracy comparison between the two?
I’ve got an FNX-9mm right now, and I love it, but the thing is like a brick when trying to carry and it is near impossible to conceal. I’ve tried inside and outside the waist band holsters and have one that’s comfortable, but not exactly concealable.
The Shield and Glock 43 are both solid choices with the only differences being very minor and mostly subjective (with the exception of ammo capacity and the optional safety on the Shield). Pick whichever one you shoot better.
Guy, are you nuts? You only carry the Glock 43 “in your house”? And you wrestle with your kids with a gun tucked in your pants? Is home invasion that prevalent in your neighborhood? Maybe it’s time to move. Sure hope you don’t have a round chambered when you are wrestling with your kids. Crazy stuff happens.
Have the 42 and 43, no malfunction with either one… Was very skeptical of the 42 with all the bad initial reviews but it seems most of the bugs are worked out on the newer models.. On a side note I hand cycled both guns hundreds of times before I had a chance to shoot them. Used frog lube for the shooting not a glitch!!!
Have you had anymore problems with failure to feed using the taran tactical extended magazine base pads since you found stronger mag springs?
So far it’s been fine, but I haven’t shot much JHP with it yet.
I have installed the base plates that increase the magazine capacity to 7+1 without issues so far and I’ve run about 500 rounds half FMJ and half hollow point without issue. You noted issues with the 8+1 feed, does that also apply to the 7+1?
I’m about 1000 rounds in now and had my first critical failure. The trigger bar cruciform failed leaving me with a dead trigger. Glock promptly replaced the entire trigger assembly and I’ve ran ~200 rounds without and issue with the new trigger.
I am looking for a new carry gun. What are your thoughts on the Glock 43 9mm vs the 42 .380?
I love the GLOCK 43 all I can say, good feel and solid shooter only 3 or 4 hundred rounds no malfunctions only cleaned once just because I love it. Don’t buy the .380 just get the 9mm.
Since you’ve mentioned both holsters and also utilize the HD sights on your 43, it seems wise to ask if you have a preference between the Stealth Gear or the Dark Star in regards to (1) overall prolonged-use comfort and (2) the ability to prevent that ridiculously sharp rear HD sight from diggin’ in.
The Stealth Gear holster is comfortable, but sub-optimal for an efficient and reliable draw stroke. I prefer the Dark Star holster but have added a piece of adhesive velcro to the back for attaching a neoprene wedge I have from a JM Custom Kydex holster for another gun. The wedge pulls the grip in closer to the body, and the shape of the Dark Star holster still allows for a full firing grip on the draw stroke.
Taran Tactical has since improved their design and started selling the stronger springs along with mag combinations that have the stronger spring and baseplate installed. been using them for a while now with no feed issues.
I love my 43, I adore the pierce pg-43+1 & pierce G43 slip on grip. Combined with TruGlow green/green tritium night sights, did I mention I love my G43. I do however agree with the article, one MUST do proper research before purchasing a ccw, It took me a year of research personally, before purchasing mine.