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Why the Glock 43 Still Matters
The Glock 43 arrived in 2015 and immediately became one of the best-selling concealed carry pistols in America. Since then, Glock released the G43X and G48, and the market has flooded with micro-compact options from SIG, Springfield, and Smith & Wesson. So the question is fair: does the original Glock 43 still make sense in 2026?
The answer is yes, for a specific type of buyer. The Glock 43 is the thinnest, lightest, and most concealable Glock ever made. At just 17.99 ounces unloaded and 1.06 inches wide, it disappears on your body in a way that even the G43X cannot match. If deep concealment is your top priority, the G43 remains the best Glock for the job.
I carried a Glock 43 as my summer gun for three years before switching to a G43X. I still grab the original G43 when I need to conceal under a tucked dress shirt or lightweight clothing where every fraction of an inch counts.
Glock 43 Specs
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Caliber | 9x19mm |
| Barrel Length | 3.39″ |
| Overall Length | 6.26″ |
| Height | 4.25″ |
| Width | 1.06″ |
| Weight (unloaded) | 17.99 oz |
| Capacity | 6+1 |
| Frame | Polymer |
| Action | Striker-fired |
| Sights | Fixed polymer |
Single-Stack Simplicity
The Glock 43 uses a single-stack magazine, which is the main reason it is so thin. At 1.06 inches wide, it is noticeably slimmer than the double-stack G43X at 1.10 inches. That difference does not sound like much on paper, but you can feel it against your body. The G43 prints less and rides flatter, especially in appendix carry.
The tradeoff is capacity. You get 6+1 rounds standard. That is roughly half what the SIG P365 and Springfield Hellcat offer in similarly sized packages. For some carriers, that is a dealbreaker. For others, 7 rounds of quality 9mm defensive ammunition is enough to handle the overwhelming majority of civilian defensive encounters.
You can extend capacity with Pearce or Taran Tactical magazine extensions that add one or two rounds. A flush-fit 6-round magazine in the gun with a 7 or 8-round spare on your belt gives you 13 to 15 rounds total, which is a reasonable defensive loadout.
Glock 43 vs. Glock 43X
This is the comparison most buyers are weighing. The G43X uses a longer grip that accepts 10-round flush-fit magazines (or 15-round Shield Arms S15 magazines). The slide dimensions are nearly identical to the G43. So you get more capacity with essentially the same slide profile.
The catch is the grip. The G43X grip is half an inch longer than the G43 grip, and that extra length is what prints under tight clothing. If you can conceal a G43X comfortably, it is the better gun for most people. More rounds in the same slide package is a clear win.
But if you have a smaller frame, wear fitted clothing, or need to conceal in non-permissive environments where printing is not an option, the G43’s shorter grip makes a real difference. I know several people who can conceal a G43 but not a G43X in their preferred carry setup. The original G43 fills that niche perfectly.
The G43 is also lighter at 17.99 ounces versus the G43X at 18.7 ounces. Not a huge difference, but every ounce counts when you carry all day, every day.
Shooting the Glock 43
Let me be honest: the Glock 43 is not a fun range gun. It is snappy, the grip is small, and the short sight radius makes precision shooting challenging. After 100 rounds, your hand is ready for a break. This is a tool designed for a specific purpose, not a range toy.
That said, it is more than accurate enough for defensive work. At 7 yards, I can keep all rounds in a playing card shooting at a reasonable defensive pace. At 15 yards, I can hold a 6-inch group with deliberate shooting. For a gun this small, that is solid performance.
The trigger is standard Glock: functional with a mushy break and a reasonable reset. It is not going to win any trigger comparisons, but it is predictable and consistent. You learn to work with it.
Best Places to Buy the Glock 43
The Glock 43 is widely available from online retailers. Street prices in 2026 typically range from $399 to $449, which makes it one of the more affordable Glock models on the market. The G43 has been in production for over a decade, and supply is consistent.
Online retailers like Palmetto State Armory, Brownells, and Guns.com frequently run deals on the G43. Keep an eye out for holiday sales and clearance events where prices can dip below $400. At that price, it is extremely hard to beat for a reliable, proven carry gun.
When buying online, factor in FFL transfer fees ($20 to $50 at most dealers) and shipping costs. Some retailers offer free shipping on firearms, which can save you $15 to $30. Compare the total out-the-door cost rather than just the sticker price.
Glock 43 9mm
Glock 43 Price History
When the Glock 43 launched in 2015, it retailed for around $480 to $500 and sold at or above MSRP for months due to high demand. Over the years, the street price has steadily declined as supply caught up and newer models entered the market.
During the 2020 to 2021 panic buying period, G43 prices spiked back above $500 due to general firearms market inflation. Prices have since normalized, and 2026 pricing is at historic lows. If you have been waiting for the right time to buy a G43, this is it.
The used market is also worth checking. Because so many G43s were sold, you can find gently used examples for $325 to $375 at local gun stores, on consignment, or through private sales where legal. A Glock with 500 rounds through it is barely broken in.
Glock 43 Scorecard
| Category | Score (out of 10) |
|---|---|
| Reliability | 10 |
| Concealability | 10 |
| Accuracy | 7 |
| Trigger | 6 |
| Capacity | 5 |
| Value | 8 |
| Overall | 7.7 |
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Thinnest and lightest Glock ever made at 1.06 inches and 17.99 oz
- Legendary Glock reliability in a subcompact package
- Excellent concealability under any clothing
- Strong aftermarket for holsters, sights, and extensions
- Price has dropped to historic lows in 2026
- Proven design with a decade of real-world carry use
Cons
- 6+1 capacity is low compared to modern micro-compacts
- Snappy recoil due to light weight and small grip
- No accessory rail for weapon-mounted lights
- Short sight radius makes precision shooting harder
- Trigger is basic Glock quality with no improvements
- Grip is too small for shooters with large hands
Final Verdict
The Glock 43 is a purpose-built concealment tool, and it still excels at that job. It is not the highest-capacity subcompact, the most comfortable to shoot, or the most feature-rich. But it is thin, light, reliable, and proven. Those four qualities matter more than anything else when a gun rides on your hip every day.
If you can conceal a G43X or a SIG P365 comfortably, those guns offer more capacity in a similar size. But if you need the smallest, flattest carry gun from a brand you trust completely, the Glock 43 at today’s prices is one of the best values in concealed carry. It does exactly what it was designed to do, and it does it well.
FAQ: Glock 43
Is the Glock 43 discontinued?
No, the Glock 43 is still in production and widely available as of 2026. Street prices have dropped to historic lows between $399 and $449, making it one of the most affordable Glocks on the market. While Glock has released newer models like the G43X and G48, the original G43 remains in the lineup.
What is the difference between the Glock 43 and Glock 43X?
The main difference is the grip. The Glock 43X has a longer grip that accepts 10-round magazines (or 15-round Shield Arms S15 mags), while the G43 uses a shorter grip with 6-round single-stack magazines. The slides are nearly identical in width and length. The G43 is thinner (1.06 inches vs 1.10 inches), lighter (17.99 oz vs 18.7 oz), and conceals better under tight clothing. The G43X offers more capacity in a slightly larger package.
Is the Glock 43 good for concealed carry?
The Glock 43 is one of the best concealed carry pistols available. At just 1.06 inches wide and 17.99 ounces unloaded, it is the thinnest and lightest Glock ever made. It disappears in an appendix or IWB holster under any clothing. The tradeoff is capacity at just 6+1 rounds, but for deep concealment where printing is not an option, the G43 is hard to beat.
How much does a Glock 43 cost in 2026?
The Glock 43 typically sells for $399 to $449 at online retailers in 2026, with occasional sales dipping below $400. Used examples can be found for $325 to $375. Factor in FFL transfer fees ($20 to $50) and shipping when buying online. Check our live pricing widget for the best current deals from verified dealers.
Can you upgrade the Glock 43 capacity?
Yes. Pearce and Taran Tactical make magazine extensions that add one or two rounds to the standard 6-round magazine, giving you 7 or 8 rounds per mag. You can also carry a spare extended magazine. However, unlike the G43X and G48, the G43 cannot use Shield Arms S15 magazines because of its different grip module.
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