Glock 43X Review: 1,200 Round Concealed Carry Test (2026)

Last updated September 10, 2026 · By Nick Hall, who put 1,200+ rounds through the Glock 43X for this review

Affiliate disclosure: This Glock 43X review contains affiliate links. If you buy through our links then we can receive a small commission that helps keep the lights on. You don’t pay anything more.

Quick Answer: The Glock 43X is the best slim-line concealed carry Glock you can buy in 2026, a slim 9mm at 1.1-inch wide that conceals under any standard cover garment while offering the Glock reliability that has defined the platform since 1988. As of May 2026 it ships with a factory 15-round magazine, which fixes the one thing people used to complain about.

After a 1,200-round concealed carry test the 43X ran without a malfunction across mixed brass and steel-cased ammo. At 15+1 it now carries more rounds than a Sig P365 XL and matches a Hellcat Pro. For self-defense Federal HST 124gr or Speer Gold Dot 124gr both function flawlessly with consistent expansion and penetration.

Check what is in the box before you buy. Glock announced the factory 15-round SLIMLINE magazine on 17 April 2026 and started shipping it that May, and new G43X pistols come with it as standard. Older stock is still out there on 10-rounders, and both SKUs are on dealer shelves right now. The factory 15-rounder is part number GL79269 if you need to buy one separately, and unlike the Shield Arms mags it works with the standard polymer magazine catch.

Table of Contents

Review: Glock 43X, The Concealed Carry Gold Standard

Our Rating: 8.5/10

• RRP: $499
• Street Price: from $448
• Caliber: 9mm Luger
• Action: Striker-fired, semi-automatic
• Barrel Length: 3.41″
• Overall Length: 6.50″
• Height (with magazine): 5.04″
• Width: 1.10″
• Weight (unloaded): 16.26 oz / 461 g, per Glock
• Weight (loaded): 22.96 oz / 651 g. That’s Glock’s figure for the 10-round magazine, and the steel 15-rounder adds a little on top
• Capacity: 15+1 with the factory SLIMLINE magazine shipped since May 2026. Earlier guns and restricted-state SKUs are 10+1
• Frame Material: Black polymer
• Slide Material: Steel with nDLC finish
• Sights: Glock fixed polymer sights
• Safety: Safe Action system (trigger safety, firing pin safety, drop safety)
• Grip: Textured polymer, slim profile
• Made in: Smyrna, Georgia, USA / Deutsch-Wagram, Austria

Glock 43X Pros and Cons

Live Glock 43X Prices

Glock 43X by the Numbers

Every figure below is GLOCK’s own published specification for the G43X, not a number copied from another review. The capacity line is the one that has changed recently, and it is the one most people are still getting wrong.

• Barrel length 3.41 inches: 87 mm, the same barrel as the Glock 43. The longer grip is what separates the two, not the barrel.
• Capacity 15+1: new guns ship with the factory SLIMLINE 15-round magazine, announced by GLOCK in May 2026. Older stock on dealer shelves is still 10+1, so check the box.
• Caliber 9×19 mm: the 43X has only ever been chambered in 9mm. There is no .380 or .40 version.
• Weight 16.40 oz empty: 465 g without a magazine, 18.70 oz with an empty one. That is the number that decides whether it gets carried.
• Height 5.04 inches: 128 mm including the magazine, against 4.25 inches for the Glock 43. Grip length is the whole difference.
• Width 1.10 inches: 28 mm overall, and the slide itself is 0.87 inches. This is what makes it disappear inside a waistband.
• Overall length 6.50 inches: 165 mm, on a 6.06 inch slide, with a 2.64 inch trigger distance.
• No Gen 6, and no Gen 5 either: the 43X is a SLIMLINE pistol and GLOCK does not number that line by generation. It already carries Gen5-era features including the Marksman Barrel and the built-in beavertail.

Two of those get asked constantly and answered badly elsewhere. The barrel is 3.41 inches, identical to the Glock 43, so anyone telling you the 43X shoots better because of a longer barrel is wrong. And there is no Gen 6 43X to wait for.

Glock 43X Quick Take

I have carried the Glock 43X as my primary EDC for the better part of a year now. In that time, it has handled everything from 115gr Federal American Eagle to 147gr Federal HST hollow points without a single malfunction. Zero. Not one failure to feed, failure to eject, or light primer strike across 1,200+ rounds.

The 43X fills a gap that Glock left open for too long. The G43 was too small for many shooters to grip properly, and the G19 was too thick for comfortable all-day IWB carry in warm weather. The 43X threads that needle. It’s 1.10″ wide (compared to the G19’s 1.26″) but offers a full grip that lets you get all four fingers on the gun.

Where it falls short is the same places Glock always falls short. The stock sights are garbage for anything beyond well-lit range sessions. The trigger works, but it will never make you smile. What I can no longer hold against it’s capacity. For years the honest knock on this gun was that you gave up rounds to the P365 and the Shield Plus. That argument died in May 2026.

Best For: Shooters who want a slim, ultra-reliable carry gun with a real grip and a huge aftermarket. Add a set of proper night sights and you have one of the best concealed carry pistols money can buy, and you no longer have to budget for aftermarket magazines to get there.

Firearm Scorecard

Glock 43X Variants: Standard, Black and MOS

People ask me which 43X to buy more than they ask me anything else about this gun, and the answer comes down to one question: do you want a red dot on it? If yes, buy the MOS and stop reading this section. If no, the choice is cosmetic.

Standard 43X. The original, with the silver nDLC slide that became this gun’s signature look. Solid slide top, no optic cut. If you carry irons and always will, this is the cheapest way in and there is nothing wrong with it.

All-black 43X. Mechanically identical to the standard gun. Glock added it because plenty of people did not want a two-tone carry pistol, and it is the one I would pick if I cared about staying gray. Same price, same everything else.

43X MOS. The one worth paying for, and not only for the optic cut. Glock lists the MOS with both the milled cut for micro red dots such as the Holosun 507K or Shield RMSc and the Slim Mounting Rail, so it’s also the version that takes a weapon light. It runs roughly $50-$80 over the standard gun, far less than having a slide milled afterwards.

A note on rails. Glock documents the Slim Mounting Rail as an MOS feature, and the standard 43X spec sheet doesn’t list one. Rail-equipped Slimline SKUs do appear at dealers, so if a weapon light is part of your plan, read the listing rather than assuming the plain gun has a rail.

They all take the same magazines and share the same frame, so nothing else in this review changes based on which one you pick.

Why Glock Built the 43X This Way

The Glock 43X exists because of a problem Glock created for themselves. When they released the G43 in 2015, they finally gave the market a single-stack 9mm. It was tiny, reliable, and sold like crazy. But the grip was so short that most adult males could only get two and a half fingers on it. Pinky extensions helped, but they added bulk and looked awkward.

Meanwhile, the G19 remained the gold standard for a “do everything” pistol. But at 1.26″ wide and 23.63 oz unloaded, it was too chunky for a lot of people to carry comfortably in the summer. Especially for anyone wearing fitted clothing or living in a hot climate where heavy cover garments are not an option.

Glock’s solution was straightforward. Take the G43’s slim slide (1.10″ wide) and marry it to a grip frame that matches the G19’s height. The result is a pistol that conceals almost as well as the G43 but shoots almost as well as the G19. The “Slimline” concept was born, and the 43X hit the market in January 2019 alongside the G48 (which uses the same frame but adds a longer barrel and slide).

The silver nDLC finish on the slide was a visual differentiator at launch, though Glock now offers all-black versions as well. More importantly, the 43X established a new magazine platform. Shield Arms exploited it first with their S15 steel magazines, which is a large part of why this gun stayed popular through years of losing the capacity argument on paper. Glock eventually took the hint and built its own 15-rounder.

How the Glock 43X Compares to Competitors

The micro-compact and slim-compact market is packed right now. Here is how the 43X stacks up against the guns it competes with most directly.

Glock 43X vs Sig Sauer P365 XL

The P365 XL is still the 43X’s toughest competitor, but the capacity argument has flipped. The Sig holds 12+1 in its standard magazine. The 43X now ships with 15. Sig still gives you a flat trigger and an optic-ready slide on the base model, and street price runs about $620-$680, so you’re paying more for a gun that holds three fewer rounds.

Where the 43X wins is grip width and shootability. The Sig’s grip module is slightly wider through the middle, and I find the 43X’s grip angle more natural. The Glock also has a more proven long-term track record, though the P365 platform has matured a lot since its early teething problems. Buy the Sig if you want the better factory trigger and the optic cut without stepping up to the MOS. Buy the 43X if you want more rounds for less money.

Glock 43X vs Smith & Wesson M&P Shield Plus

The Shield Plus is the value play in this segment. At $370-$460 street it undercuts the 43X, and it brings a flat-face trigger and front slide serrations. Capacity is 13+1 on the extended magazine, 10+1 flush. Smith knocked it out of the park with this one, and it’s still the cheapest way into this class.

I’ve shot both extensively, and the Shield Plus has a better trigger from the factory. The 43X answers with two more rounds than the Shield’s extended mag, a slightly slimmer profile and a larger aftermarket. Both are dead reliable. This is one of those comparisons where you should handle both and buy whichever fits your hand, because the specs are close enough that grip fit decides it.

Glock 43X vs Springfield Hellcat Pro

The Hellcat Pro packs 15+1 into a package barely larger than the 43X, and it comes standard with an optic-cut slide and a U-Dot sight system that’s genuinely useful. Street price sits around $558-$660. This used to be the gun I pointed people at when they wanted capacity without aftermarket parts. Now the two are level on rounds.

The 43X counters with a smoother shooting experience. The Hellcat Pro’s aggressive texturing can be abrasive during long range sessions, and the Glock’s grip angle points more naturally for most shooters. Springfield still gives you the optic cut and better sights in the base package, so that is what you are paying the premium for. On capacity alone there’s nothing left to choose between them.

Glock 43X vs Ruger MAX-9

The Ruger MAX-9 is the budget option here, coming in around $350-$400 street. It ships with both a 10-round flush magazine and a 12-round extended, has an optic-ready slide, and offers a thumb safety option. For the money, it is hard to beat.

The 43X feels more refined in the hand. The MAX-9’s trigger is heavier, the slide is snappier, and the overall fit and finish is a step below the Glock. But if budget is the primary concern and you don’t plan to spend hundreds on aftermarket upgrades, the MAX-9 delivers 90% of the performance at 75% of the price.

Glock 43X vs Smith & Wesson CSX

The CSX is the oddball here because it uses an aluminum frame instead of polymer, which gives it a different feel in the hand and a bit more weight. The current E-Series ships with three magazines in 12, 15 and 17 rounds, so on capacity it now out-runs the 43X if you’re willing to carry the biggest stick. It has an ambidextrous thumb safety and street price runs about $525-$630.

I like the CSX for shooters who prefer a metal frame and a manual safety. The trigger is crisp and build quality is excellent. It still does not have anywhere near the aftermarket support of the 43X, and the thumb safety is a dealbreaker for some carry shooters. If the 17-round magazine is what you’re after, know that it sticks well below the grip and gives up the flush profile the 43X keeps at 15.

Glock 43X Specs and Dimensions in Full

Glock’s own published technical data for the 43X, taken from its G43X MOS product page, including the numbers most write-ups leave out. Glock notes its figures are rounded and do not reflect tolerances.

Caliber	9x19mm
Barrel length	87mm / 3.41in
Overall length	165mm / 6.50in
Slide length	154mm / 6.06in
Overall width	28mm / 1.10in
Slide width	22mm / 0.87in
Height with magazine	128mm / 5.04in
Sight radius	133mm / 5.24in polymer sights. 132mm / 5.20in steel, 131mm / 5.16in night sights
Trigger distance	67mm / 2.64in
Trigger pull	24N, about 5.4lb
Weight, no magazine	461g / 16.26oz
Weight, empty magazine	526g / 18.55oz
Weight, loaded magazine	651g / 22.96oz
Street price	from $448

The number that matters for concealment is the slide width of 0.87in, not the 1.10in overall figure. That 1.10in is measured across the widest external control, and the slide is what actually prints through a shirt. It is the whole reason this gun carries like something smaller than its grip suggests.

About that 15-round magazine, and why Glock’s own spec sheet disagrees

If you look up the 43X on Glock’s website you will see “Mag. Capacity Standard: 10”. That is out of date, and it is worth explaining because it trips people up constantly.

Glock announced factory 15-round Slimline magazines for the 43X, the 48 and the G44 at the NRA Annual Meetings in April 2026, with guns shipping from May. The magazine has a metal double-stack body and, crucially, it was engineered to work with the standard polymer magazine catch. That is the detail that matters. The aftermarket Shield Arms S15 got you to 15 rounds years earlier, but it wanted a steel magazine catch fitted first, and plenty of people ran into feeding trouble getting there. The factory magazine needs no parts swap at all, and runs about $33 on its own.

So the honest position in 2026 is this. A new 43X should come with 15-rounders in the box. Older stock on a dealer shelf may still be a 10-round gun. Ask before you pay, because it is the difference between a 16-round carry pistol and one you will immediately spend another $100 upgrading.

Technical Deep Dive

Frame

The 43X frame is polymer with Glock’s standard rough-textured finish. It’s not as aggressive as the Gen 5 RTF texture found on the G19 or G17, but it provides adequate grip in dry and sweaty conditions. The frame is 1.10″ at its widest point, making it one of the slimmest options in this class.

The standard model features the two-tone silver nDLC finish on the slide that has become the 43X’s visual signature. I will admit it looks good, though some shooters prefer the all-black variant for a less conspicuous appearance. The grip length matches the G19 at 5.04″ tall (with magazine), giving you a full four-finger grip that makes a significant difference in control compared to the shorter G43.

The rail is the thing people get wrong most often. Glock lists the Slim Mounting Rail as a feature of the G43X MOS, not of the plain 43X, so if you want to hang a compact light like a Streamlight TLR-7 Sub off the front, the MOS is the version to buy. Rail-equipped Slimline configurations do turn up under various SKUs, so if a light matters to you, check the specific listing rather than assuming.

Slide

The slide is steel with Glock’s nDLC (diamond-like carbon) finish, which is extremely durable and corrosion resistant. I’ve carried mine daily for months in humidity and sweat without a spec of rust or wear through the finish.

Current production 43X models now include front slide serrations, which was a welcome update. Earlier production runs only had rear serrations, so if you are buying used, check for this feature. The serrations provide good purchase for press checks and manipulations.

Trigger

The Glock 43X uses Glock’s standard Safe Action trigger. On my example, the trigger breaks at approximately 5.5 pounds with a fair amount of take-up and a mushy wall before the break. Reset is short and tactile, which is the one bright spot.

Let me be honest: the Glock trigger isn’t bad. It’s predictable, consistent, and safe. But it is not good either. After shooting the flat-face triggers in the P365 XL and Shield Plus, the 43X trigger feels dated. The good news is that aftermarket trigger upgrades from companies like Apex, Overwatch Precision, and Johnny Glock can transform it. I installed an Overwatch Precision TAC trigger in mine and the improvement was immediate and significant.

Sights

The Glock factory fixed sights are polymer with a white dot front and a white outline rear. They work fine at the range in good lighting. In low light, they disappear entirely. For a pistol that many people will carry for self-defense, this is a real shortcoming.

I replaced mine with Ameriglo Bold night sights within the first week. Trijicon HD XR and Night Fision Optics Perfect Dot are also excellent choices. Budget around $80-$120 for a quality set of night sights and consider it a required upgrade, not an optional one.

Magazine System: the Factory 15-Rounder Changed This Gun

For most of this pistol’s life the stock magazine was a 10-round unit, and that was the gun’s biggest limitation on paper. Glock finally fixed it. On 17 April 2026 the company announced a 15-round SLIMLINE magazine, it reached dealers that May, and new G43X pistols now ship with it as standard.

The design detail that matters is the magazine catch. Glock’s 15-rounder has a metal double-stack body, but they cut a radius into the catch recess so it works with the standard polymer magazine catch. You do not have to change anything on the gun. That’s the part the aftermarket never managed.

Two practical warnings. First, both versions are on shelves right now. I can see 15-round 43X SKUs and 10-round 43X SKUs listed side by side at major dealers as I write this, so read the listing before you click buy. If you want the factory 15-rounder on its own, it’s part number GL79269. Second, if you live somewhere with a magazine limit, none of this applies to you and the 10-round guns are what you will find.

Where Shield Arms S15 Magazines Fit Now

Shield Arms spent years being the answer to this problem. Their S15 is a flush-fit steel magazine holding 15 rounds, and for a long time it was the only way to get real capacity out of a 43X. I ran four Gen 2 S15 mags for over 800 rounds during this test without a single issue.

They are no longer essential, and I would not tell a new buyer to budget for them the way I used to. They are still worth knowing about for two reasons. If you already own an older 10-round 43X, S15s are a cheaper route to capacity than replacing magazines with Glock’s. And they remain a good spare-magazine option once you have the gun set up.

The caveats haven’t changed. Gen 1 S15 magazines had feeding problems on the last round, mostly resolved in Gen 2 and Gen 3, so buy current generation. And the steel S15s do need Shield Arms’ steel magazine catch, because steel magazines wear down the polymer factory catch over time. That’s the trade against Glock’s own 15-rounder, which needs no such swap.

At the Range: 1,200+ Rounds Tested

I put the 43X through a thorough testing regimen across multiple range sessions. My goal was to test it with a wide variety of ammunition types and in conditions that simulate real-world carry use, not just benchrest accuracy.

For the first 500 rounds, I ran the pistol bone stock with factory Glock magazines. I used Federal American Eagle 115gr FMJ, Blazer Brass 124gr FMJ, Winchester White Box 115gr FMJ, and Fiocchi 124gr FMJ for the bulk of the practice ammo. For defensive loads, I tested Federal HST 124gr, Federal HST 147gr, Speer Gold Dot 124gr, and Hornady Critical Defense 115gr. Every single round fed, fired, and ejected without issue.

The next 700+ rounds were split between factory magazines and Shield Arms S15 mags. I specifically ran several magazines of each defensive load through the S15 mags to verify reliability with the ammo I actually carry. Again, zero malfunctions. The S15 mags dropped free reliably and locked the slide back on the last round every time.

Recoil is manageable and predictable. The 43X is snappier than a G19 (less mass and a shorter barrel), but the full-size grip gives you enough to hold onto. Split times averaged 0.22-0.25 seconds at 7 yards during bill drills, which is respectable for a gun this size. I could keep all shots inside a 6″ circle at 15 yards shooting at a comfortable pace, and inside a 4″ circle at 7 yards shooting quickly.

One thing I noticed is that the 43X handles 124gr and 147gr ammo noticeably better than 115gr. The heavier bullets seem to cycle the slide more smoothly and produce a flatter recoil impulse. If you’re choosing a carry load, I would lean toward 124gr Federal HST or Speer Gold Dot. Both performed flawlessly and grouped well.

Performance Testing Results

Ammunition	5-Shot Group @ 15 yds	Avg Velocity (fps)	Malfunctions
Federal American Eagle 115gr FMJ	2.8″	1,095	0
Blazer Brass 124gr FMJ	2.5″	1,038	0
Winchester White Box 115gr FMJ	3.1″	1,082	0
Fiocchi 124gr FMJ	2.6″	1,045	0
Federal HST 124gr JHP	2.3″	1,052	0
Federal HST 147gr JHP	2.1″	968	0
Speer Gold Dot 124gr JHP	2.4″	1,048	0
Hornady Critical Defense 115gr FTX	2.7″	1,088	0

The 147gr Federal HST turned in the tightest groups, which tracks with my experience that heavier bullets tend to be more accurate in short-barreled pistols. The 43X isn’t a target pistol, but it’s more accurate than most shooters will ever need for defensive distances.

Known Issues and Common Problems

No firearm is perfect, and the 43X has a few known issues worth discussing.

Shield Arms S15 Gen 1 reliability. Early Gen 1 S15 magazines had feeding issues, particularly failures to feed on the last round. Shield Arms addressed this with revised followers in Gen 2 and Gen 3. If you buy S15 mags today, make sure you’re getting Gen 2 or later. And always install the steel magazine catch. Running steel mags against a polymer catch is asking for trouble.

Stock sight fragility. The polymer Glock Marksman sights can chip or break if the gun is dropped or banged around. Several owners have reported the front sight coming loose after extended use. Replace them with steel night sights and this problem goes away entirely.

Slide lock engagement with S15 mags. Some users report that the slide doesn’t always lock back on the last round when using S15 magazines. In my testing, this was a Gen 1 issue that I haven’t experienced with Gen 2 mags. Ensure your steel mag catch is properly installed and your S15 mags are current generation.

Light primer strikes with hard-primered ammo. A small number of 43X owners have reported light primer strikes, particularly with certain lots of CCI Blazer aluminum-case ammo. I did not see it once in my own testing. If it happens, a slightly heavier striker spring from Glock or an aftermarket supplier will fix it.

Parts, Accessories, and Upgrades

The Glock aftermarket is one of the biggest in the firearms world, and the 43X benefits fully from that ecosystem. Here are the upgrades I consider most worthwhile.

Upgrade	Recommended Product	Price Range	Priority
Night Sights	Ameriglo Bold / Trijicon HD XR / Night Fision Perfect Dot	$80-$130	Essential
Spare Magazines	Glock factory 15-round SLIMLINE (GL79269), no mag catch swap needed	$33-$40 each	Recommended
High-Cap Magazines (older 10-round guns)	Shield Arms S15 Gen 2+ (15-round flush-fit)	$35-$40 each	Only if your gun shipped with 10-rounders
Steel Magazine Catch	Shield Arms Steel Mag Catch (required with S15 mags, not with Glock’s)	$25-$30	Only if running S15s
Trigger	Overwatch Precision TAC / Apex Action Enhancement	$75-$150	Recommended
Holster	Tenicor Velo / Tier 1 Concealed Axis Elite / Tulster Oath	$60-$140	Essential
MOS Optic Plate + Red Dot	Holosun 507K / Shield RMSc (43X MOS only)	$250-$320	Optional

If I had to pick just two upgrades now, it would be night sights and a quality IWB holster. That is a real change from what I would have told you a year ago, when magazines were the first thing you had to buy. Glock has taken that job off your list. A trigger upgrade is the logical next step after the sights and the holster.

For holsters, I’ve had the best experience with the Tenicor Velo 4 for appendix carry. It has excellent retention, a smooth draw, and manages to be comfortable even during long days. If you prefer strong-side carry, the Tulster Oath is a solid, affordable option. Make sure whatever holster you buy is specifically molded for the 43X, as G43 holsters won’t fit properly due to the longer grip.

You can find many of these upgrades at our Glock parts price comparison, which tracks the same upgrades across every retailer we follow.

Who Should NOT Buy the Glock 43X

I rate this gun 8.5/10 and carry one, so most of this review is positive. That doesn’t make it right for everyone. Here is who I would steer somewhere else.

• Shooters who want a great trigger out of the box. The Glock trigger is fine and it will never be more than fine. If trigger feel is what sells you a pistol, handle a CZ P-10 or a Smith & Wesson M&P Shield Plus first, because both beat it from the factory for the same money or less.
• Anyone living under a 10-round magazine limit. The whole capacity case for this gun in 2026 rests on the factory 15-rounder. Take that away and you are carrying a 10+1 pistol the size of something that should hold more. A smaller .380 or a compact revolver may serve you better for the same concealment.
• People with large hands who don’t need deep concealment. The 43X grip is slim front to back and short in circumference. If you have big hands and you aren’t fighting to hide the gun, a Glock 19 gives you a fuller grip, more rounds and a longer sight radius for about the same money.
• Buyers who want a light and a dot without paying more. The plain 43X has neither an optic cut nor a rail, so you’re stepping up to the MOS to get either. A Hellcat Pro comes with the optic cut as standard for a similar outlay.
• Recoil-sensitive new shooters. This is a 16-ounce 9mm. It’s snappier than a full-size gun and it will teach a flinch if it’s your first pistol. Learn on something heavier, then come back to this as a carry gun once your fundamentals are solid.

The Verdict

The Glock 43X isn’t the most feature-rich concealed carry pistol you can buy. It does not have the highest capacity, the best trigger, or the nicest sights out of the box. What it has is the thing that matters most in a carry gun: absolute reliability wrapped in a slim, shootable package with the largest aftermarket in the business.

After 1,200+ rounds and months of daily carry, the 43X has earned its spot in my rotation. Add a set of proper night sights and it becomes genuinely difficult to find a better overall concealed carry platform, and you get there for the price of the gun now rather than the gun plus a stack of aftermarket magazines. The P365 XL still gives it a run on factory features, and the Shield Plus beats it on price, but a slim 1.1-inch pistol that holds 15 rounds and has never malfunctioned on me is a hard thing to argue with.

Final Score: 8.5/10

Best For: Concealed carry shooters who want a slim, proven platform they can build on. The 43X still rewards investment in upgrades more than almost any other carry gun on the market, but the entry price to a genuinely good setup just dropped. Add night sights and you have a 15+1, slim-profile, Glock-reliable carry pistol that punches well above what you paid.

FAQ: Glock 43X

What is the difference between the Glock 43 and 43X?

The Glock 43 has a shorter grip that holds 6+1 rounds. The 43X uses the same slim slide but adds a longer grip frame, and since May 2026 that frame takes a factory 15-round magazine. The 43X is 0.87″ taller (5.04″ vs 4.25″) but otherwise shares the same width and barrel length. The 43X is significantly easier to shoot well because you can get a full grip on the gun, and it now carries more than twice the rounds.

What is the difference between the Glock 43X and Glock 48?

The 43X and 48 share the exact same frame. The difference is the slide and barrel. The G48 has a 4.17″ barrel (vs 3.41″ on the 43X) and a correspondingly longer slide, making it 7.28″ overall (vs 6.50″). The G48 gives you slightly better accuracy and velocity at the cost of a longer profile. They use the same magazines, including Shield Arms S15s.

Glock 43X vs Sig P365: Which is better?

The P365 (standard model) is smaller and holds 10+1 or 12+1 depending on the magazine. The 43X is slightly larger but has a more comfortable grip for most shooters. Both are excellent. The P365 still wins on capacity per cubic inch because it’s a smaller gun. On raw rounds the 43X now leads at 15+1 straight from the box, and it wins on shootability and aftermarket support.

Are Shield Arms S15 magazines reliable?

The Gen 2 and Gen 3 Shield Arms S15 magazines are reliable in my experience. Early Gen 1 mags had known feeding issues. Make sure you install the Shield Arms steel magazine catch (required for proper function with the steel magazines) and buy current-generation mags. I’ve run over 800 rounds through four Gen 2 S15 mags with zero issues. Since May 2026 though, Glock ships its own 15-round magazine that needs no mag catch swap, so for most buyers the S15 is now a spare-magazine choice rather than a necessary fix.

Is the Glock 43X MOS worth the extra money?

Yes, in most cases. The MOS runs about $50 to $80 more at street price and it is the version that carries both the optic-ready slide cut and Glock’s Slim Mounting Rail, so you’re paying for two features rather than one. Having a slide milled later costs considerably more than the upgrade. If there’s any chance you will mount a red dot or a light, buy the MOS now.

What is the best ammo for the Glock 43X?

For self-defense, I recommend 124gr Federal HST or 124gr Speer Gold Dot. Both are proven defensive loads that function flawlessly in the 43X and offer consistent expansion and penetration. For practice, any quality 115gr or 124gr FMJ will work. Federal American Eagle and Blazer Brass are my go-to range ammo.

Can you dry fire a Glock 43X?

Yes. Glock pistols are safe to dry fire. The striker is designed to handle repeated dry fire without damage. I still use snap caps for long dry fire sessions just to be safe on the striker face. A pack of A-Zoom snap caps costs a few dollars and gives peace of mind.

Does the Glock 43X come with a 15-round magazine?

New ones do. Glock announced the 15-round SLIMLINE magazine on 17 April 2026, it reached dealers that May, and current G43X pistols ship with it as standard. Older inventory still on shelves comes with 10-round magazines, and restricted-capacity states get 10-rounders regardless, so check the specific listing before you order. Bought separately the factory magazine is part number GL79269, and it works with the standard polymer magazine catch, so no gunsmithing or parts swap is needed.

Is there a Glock 43X Gen 6?

No, and there is unlikely to be one in the way people mean. The 43X is part of Glock’s SLIMLINE family, which doesn’t use the generation numbering that runs on the double-stack guns like the Glock 19 Gen 6. The 43X already carries Gen5-era features including the Glock Marksman Barrel and the built-in beavertail. When someone searches for a “43X Gen 6” they are almost always after the current-production gun, which is the one reviewed here, now with the factory 15-round magazine.

What is the barrel length of the Glock 43X?

3.41 inches (87 mm). Overall length is 6.50″, height with magazine is 5.04″, width is 1.10″ and Glock lists unloaded weight at 16.26 oz. If you want the same slim frame with a longer barrel, that’s the Glock 48 at 4.17″, which uses the identical magazines.

More Glock 43X Questions

Related: Cross-shopping slim 9mm carry guns? See our full Shield Plus vs Glock 43X comparison.