In many ways, the Glock 43 is the ultimate concealed carry weapon. It is light, small, has excellent ergonomics, good (though not great) capacity, and is extremely reliable.
So whether you’re thinking about getting a CCW permit to carry yours or you’re going to get a lower parts kit for a Glock 43 and make your own, here are some things to consider that make the G43 what it is.
Super Concealability in a Subcompact Model
First and foremost, this Glock is a winner for its small size and extremely compact dimensions.
It has a 3.41” barrel and is only 6.26” overall, 4.25” high, and 1.06” wide. This thing is small but in a good way.
Printing is a concern for anyone who carries concealed weapons. Stealth and discretion are the hallmarks of concealed carry, and when you holster a weapon that prints, you give yourself away.
This is very unlikely with a G43. Not only is the pistol narrow, slim, and small, it has very organic dimensions and not a lot of sharp angles that jut out or create a noticeable impression. It’s so thin that you could carry it in a pocket holster or a paddle holster without it printing.
It’s also small enough to carry in a cross-draw holster or even in an IWB without it giving itself away, even with fairly thin, light clothing.
Lightweight, Easy Handling, Corrosion Resistance
Like all Glock handguns, the G43 is made with a polymer frame. This makes it lighter and easier to handle and results in a frame that is easier to maintain. Though it’s not as strong as steel, it is also impervious to corrosion.
Even though it looks like it would get swallowed up by your hands, it actually has very ergonomic features and aggressive texturing that makes it not only practical but comfortable to handle, point and shoot.
This Glock pistol is also, as Glocks are, extremely reliable, accurate, and smooth cycling.
Moreover, the oversized magazine catch makes mag swaps easier, something that can be tough with single-stack subcompact pistols.
6-Round Standard Capacity
There has to be a catch somewhere, and in the G43, it’s with the magazine size. In order to keep this gun so small, Glock has designed it to feed from a single stack, 6-round magazine. The pistol is chambered in 9×19 and has a total capacity of 6+1.
For those of you used to the 15 and 17-round capacities of the G19 and G17, respectively, this can seem like a harsh ceiling, but if you think about it, it’s actually quite generous. The G43 holds as many rounds as similarly-chambered revolvers that are several times larger and heavier.
So it’s a slight trade-off, but it’s really not a shortcoming.
Need a Lower Parts Kit for a Glock 43?
Sold on the Glock 43 but want to make your own? You can pick up a compatible lower parts kit for a Glock 43 along with diverse internal parts and accessories over at MCS Gearup (MCSGearup.com).
Visit their website for more information or contact them at [email protected]
