Glock 43X

Description

The Glock 43X is part of Glock’s Slimline series, designed to offer compactness, reliability, and improved ergonomics for concealed carry and personal defense. Released in early 2019, the Glock 43X merges the slimness of the original Glock 43 with an extended grip and increased magazine capacity, making it a popular choice for both novice and experienced shooters. Below are its key properties and specifications:

Dimensions and Weight:

• Overall Length: 6.50 inches (165 mm)
• Barrel Length: 3.41 inches (87 mm)
• Height (including magazine): 5.04 inches (128 mm)
• Slide Width: 0.87 inches (22 mm)
• Overall Width: 1.10 inches (28 mm)
• Weight (with an empty magazine): 18.7 ounces (531 grams)
• Weight (with a loaded magazine): Approximately 23 ounces (652 grams)

The dimensions make the Glock 43X easy to conceal while still being large enough for most hand sizes to grip comfortably. Its lightweight construction, even when fully loaded, adds to its appeal for daily carry.

Caliber:

• Caliber: 9x19mm (9mm Luger)

The Glock 43X is chambered in 9mm, a versatile and widely used caliber known for its balance between manageable recoil, affordability, and stopping power. This makes it ideal for both self-defense and range shooting.

Magazine Capacity:

• Magazine Capacity: 10 rounds

One of the key upgrades from the original Glock 43 is the increased magazine capacity. The Glock 43X holds 10 rounds in a single-stack magazine, offering more firepower than many other slim-line models without adding much bulk.

Frame and Grip:

• Frame Material: Polymer
• Grip: Textured surface with an extended beavertail

The frame of the Glock 43X is constructed from Glock’s signature high-strength polymer, which is both lightweight and durable. The grip features a stippled texture for enhanced traction and control, and the extended beavertail helps protect the shooter’s hand from slide bite while ensuring a higher grip for better control and accuracy. The slightly extended grip also allows all fingers to wrap around comfortably, improving the overall shooting experience.

Slide and Finish:

• Slide Material: Stainless steel
• Slide Finish: nDLC coating (matte black)

The Glock 43X features a stainless steel slide with Glock’s proprietary nDLC (Diamond-Like Carbon) finish. The nDLC coating is highly resistant to wear, corrosion, and scratches, making it durable even under adverse conditions. The matte black finish also reduces glare, ensuring the user can acquire their sights without distractions.

Sights:

• Factory Sights: Standard Glock polymer sights (front dot, rear U-notch)
• Optional Upgrades: Glock night sights or aftermarket options like fiber optics or tritium

The standard sights on the Glock 43X are Glock’s basic polymer sights, featuring a white dot on the front and a U-shaped notch at the rear. While these sights are adequate for close-range shooting, many users opt to upgrade to night sights for better visibility in low-light conditions.

Trigger:

• Trigger Pull Weight: Approximately 5.4 lbs (2.45 kg)
• Trigger Travel: 0.49 inches (12.5 mm)

The trigger on the Glock 43X follows Glock’s standard design, with a crisp break and a relatively short reset. The trigger pull weight is around 5.4 lbs, providing a balance between safety and ease of shooting. Glock’s trigger safety system includes the Safe Action trigger mechanism, which consists of three automatic safety systems that disengage sequentially when the trigger is pulled.

Safety Features:

• Safety Type: Glock Safe Action System (trigger safety, firing pin safety, and drop safety)

Like other Glock models, the 43X does not have a manual safety lever. Instead, it relies on the Glock Safe Action system, which consists of three independent mechanical safeties:

1. Trigger Safety – a safety lever integrated into the trigger itself, preventing accidental discharge unless the trigger is deliberately pulled.
2. Firing Pin Safety – a mechanical block preventing the firing pin from moving forward unless the trigger is fully pressed.
3. Drop Safety – designed to prevent the weapon from discharging if dropped.

These safety features are automatic and ensure that the pistol only fires when the shooter deliberately pulls the trigger.

Ergonomics and Handling:

The Glock 43X is designed with ergonomics in mind, offering a slim profile that is easy to handle for users with various hand sizes. The grip angle is consistent with Glock’s traditional design, promoting a natural point of aim. The longer grip provides better control than the original Glock 43, especially during rapid fire, without significantly impacting concealability.

The 43X also features an ambidextrous magazine release, catering to left- and right-handed shooters, and a reversible magazine catch for further adaptability.

Performance and Recoil:

Due to its slim design and polymer frame, the Glock 43X is relatively light, which can result in a slightly more noticeable recoil compared to heavier handguns. However, the extended grip helps mitigate felt recoil, making it manageable for most shooters. The pistol’s low bore axis also contributes to faster follow-up shots and better accuracy.