Glock 43

[CarbonSteel]

I have rented one of these on two different occasions (a month ago and again today) to see if I would like it as a EDC, but I have to say it is not for me. I wanted to share my thoughts about it:

• Much more felt recoil versus my Glock 19
• Because it is a single stack the recoil is focused on a narrow part of my palm which becomes annoying in short order--this is much more pronounced than on some of the other single stacks I have shot
• Less than 1/2 the capacity of my Glock 19 (not a deal breaker, but something to consider and of course, I realize sub-compacts usually have less capacity)
• Already have a S&W Shield, but wanted to see if the 43 was a better fit
• As expected, accuracy is quite a bit less than my 19, but not awful by any means

Just my thoughts...

 

[skyactiv]

The Glock 43 is too large for me as an EDC. I'm 6'2" and 160 pounds.

 

[TTK]

Originally Posted By: skyactiv
The Glock 43 is too large for me as an EDC. I'm 6'2" and 160 pounds.



LOL. Okay, then you need a Keltec P-32.

 

[TTK]

Originally Posted By: 2015_PSD
I have rented one of these on two different occasions (a month ago and again today) to see if I would like it as a EDC, but I have to say it is not for me. I wanted to share my thoughts about it:

• Much more felt recoil versus my Glock 19
• Because it is a single stack the recoil is focused on a narrow part of my palm which becomes annoying in short order--this is much more pronounced than on some of the other single stacks I have shot
• Less than 1/2 the capacity of my Glock 19 (not a deal breaker, but something to consider and of course, I realize sub-compacts usually have less capacity)
• Already have a S&W Shield, but wanted to see if the 43 was a better fit
• As expected, accuracy is quite a bit less than my 19, but not awful by any means

Just my thoughts...


I have shot both the Glock 43 and the S&W Shield 9mm, and I liked the S&W Shield better.

 

[billt460]

Originally Posted By: 2015_PSD
I have rented one of these on two different occasions (a month ago and again today) to see if I would like it as a EDC, but I have to say it is not for me. I wanted to share my thoughts about it:

• Much more felt recoil versus my Glock 19
• Because it is a single stack the recoil is focused on a narrow part of my palm which becomes annoying in short order--this is much more pronounced than on some of the other single stacks I have shot
• Less than 1/2 the capacity of my Glock 19 (not a deal breaker, but something to consider and of course, I realize sub-compacts usually have less capacity)
• Already have a S&W Shield, but wanted to see if the 43 was a better fit
• As expected, accuracy is quite a bit less than my 19, but not awful by any means

Just my thoughts...


I agree with your assessment. I'm not seeing anything this gun has over a 19. What I am seeing is less ammunition capacity. And for what? A gun that's a bit thinner. To me that is not an advantage.

 

[CT8]

I don't own one but the Shield in 9 or 40 is the nicest pistol in its class. I have shot both and I was so impressed. I have a Kahr PM 9 which works well and i bought it use but today it would be a shield over any other pistol in its class. The tiny CCW guns are really if at all used the distance will be in feet.

 

[CarbonSteel]

Originally Posted By: billt460
Originally Posted By: 2015_PSD
I have rented one of these on two different occasions (a month ago and again today) to see if I would like it as a EDC, but I have to say it is not for me. I wanted to share my thoughts about it:

• Much more felt recoil versus my Glock 19
• Because it is a single stack the recoil is focused on a narrow part of my palm which becomes annoying in short order--this is much more pronounced than on some of the other single stacks I have shot
• Less than 1/2 the capacity of my Glock 19 (not a deal breaker, but something to consider and of course, I realize sub-compacts usually have less capacity)
• Already have a S&W Shield, but wanted to see if the 43 was a better fit
• As expected, accuracy is quite a bit less than my 19, but not awful by any means

Just my thoughts...
I agree with your assessment. I'm not seeing anything this gun has over a 19. What I am seeing is less ammunition capacity. And for what? A gun that's a bit thinner. To me that is not an advantage.
I really wanted to like the 43, but the Shield (at least for me) beats it out hands down. I have no problem with my 19 as an EDC, but it is nice to have some options.

 

[Al]

I prefer my 43 over my shield or my LC9s. I am selling the Shield to my best friend. The Shield certainly a good firearm. But for me the added bulk and size tips the balance to Glock.

 

[Balrog006]

Originally Posted By: Al
I prefer my 43 over my shield or my LC9s. I am selling the Shield to my best friend. The Shield certainly a good firearm. But for me the added bulk and size tips the balance to Glock.


I prefer my G43 over the Shield (sister has) and my old kahr PM9 hands down.

All the observations the OP stated are real and valid concerning it's felt recoil, capacity, etc.

It is a mini version of the 26 or 19 in every respect so those trade offs are to be logically expected and are essentially unavoidable. They are thecost of carrying an ultra small 9mm.

However IMHO the G43 shines in many more respects just as most other Glock products do. Function and reliability, ease of use, simplicity the list goes on, and on. I address the capacity issue by carrying a spare magazine, which also serves as a backup in case of mechanical issues, a vast majority of issues with semi auto pistols are magazine related.

Regardless of your choice, carry quality ammo, practice often and carry!

 

[Ethan1]

Originally Posted By: skyactiv
The Glock 43 is too large for me as an EDC. I'm 6'2" and 160 pounds.



What.

 

[bubbatime]

Originally Posted By: billt460
I agree with your assessment. I'm not seeing anything this gun has over a 19. What I am seeing is less ammunition capacity. And for what? A gun that's a bit thinner. To me that is not an advantage.


I can pocket carry a G43 (and do) every day of the year. I can pocket carry a G19 zero days of the year (its too large).

 

[bubbatime]

I sold my Shield 9MM. Didn't care for it. I much prefer the G43.

My usual day to day carry gun is a G43, G26, or J-Frame, depending on what clothing I'm wearing that day and what I feel like carrying that day. Also have a G42 .380 and Ruger LCP for gym/beach shorts.

 

[CarbonSteel]

Originally Posted By: bubbatime
I sold my Shield 9MM. Didn't care for it. I much prefer the G43.
I contemplated selling my Shield (and still might) but it will not be to buy a 43. I have no EDC issues with my 19 and I am comfortable with the feel, function, and accuracy. The 43 does not fit my hands and the irritating recoil makes it a non-starter.

 

[Robenstein]

I will take a Walther PPS if I have to carry a small single stack polymer 9mm. However, now that it is fall/winter my trusty old Steyr M9 is doing my tupperware carry duty.

 

[AMC]

Originally Posted By: 2015_PSD
I have rented one of these on two different occasions (a month ago and again today) to see if I would like it as a EDC, but I have to say it is not for me. I wanted to share my thoughts about it:

• Much more felt recoil versus my Glock 19
• Because it is a single stack the recoil is focused on a narrow part of my palm which becomes annoying in short order--this is much more pronounced than on some of the other single stacks I have shot
• Less than 1/2 the capacity of my Glock 19 (not a deal breaker, but something to consider and of course, I realize sub-compacts usually have less capacity)
• Already have a S&W Shield, but wanted to see if the 43 was a better fit
• As expected, accuracy is quite a bit less than my 19, but not awful by any means

Just my thoughts...


Everything you said here applies to any single stack, sub compact pistol.

If you want a larger, heavier gun that holds more ammo, get a larger, heavier, gun that holds more ammo.....

Where the Glock 43 really shines is the fact that it is as small as it is while still being very reliable and having the typical Glock familiarity, features and aftermarket support.

I have compared my glock 43 to similar guns such as the S&W Shield, Keltec PF-9, Karh PM9, Beretta Nano and a few others randomly thrown in. None of them had the combination of size, weight, accuracy, reliability and aftermarket support I wanted, except the Glock 43.

I never considered myself a "Glock guy" but I guess I am now. My summer carry / back up gun is the glock 43 and my winter / outdoor full size carry gun is the Glock 22 / 31 with a trl 3 attached. Lately I have been testing and carrying with the .357 Sig. I own lots of other full size and mid side guns from other manufacturers but I keep coming back to Glock.

 

[CarbonSteel]

Originally Posted By: AMC
Everything you said here applies to any single stack, sub compact pistol.
True, but some have either more or less than the Glock 43. I daresay the Shield is easily the equivalent of the 43 in every aspect (and I am not a S&W guy either). It is 8+1 in stock form versus 6+1 for the 43. The aftermarket community has embraced the Shield as well or better than the 43 and they are nearly the same as far as ergonomics and accuracy. I was not a Glock guy until I bought the 19 Gen 4, but I guess I am not a 43 guy.

 

[Balrog006]

Originally Posted By: 2015_PSD
Originally Posted By: AMC
Everything you said here applies to any single stack, sub compact pistol.
True, but some have either more or less than the Glock 43. I daresay the Shield is easily the equivalent of the 43 in every aspect (and I am not a S&W guy either). It is 8+1 in stock form versus 6+1 for the 43. The aftermarket community has embraced the Shield as well or better than the 43 and they are nearly the same as far as ergonomics and accuracy. I was not a Glock guy until I bought the 19 Gen 4, but I guess I am not a 43 guy.

Shield does not equal G43, they have functional and practical differences. Grip angle, trigger function and pull, takedown procedure, magazine construction, backstrap width and shape, etc.

Stock for the Shield is actually 7+1, the 8 rounder is optional and extended.

Aftermarket quantity of accessories does not equal quality, there are many quality aftermarket functional accessories for Glocks including the 43.

For me the trigger, backstrap feel and function under recoil, dead simple and ubiquitous availability for parts is a clear winner for the G43 over the Shield.

 

[CarbonSteel]

Originally Posted By: Balrog006
Shield does not equal G43, they have functional and practical differences. Grip angle, trigger function and pull, takedown procedure, magazine construction, backstrap width and shape, etc.
Of course they have design differences, I did not mean to imply they are the same, but they are in the same class and the Shield can do everything the 43 can and for less money.

Originally Posted By: Balrog006
Stock for the Shield is actually 7+1, the 8 rounder is optional and extended.
The 8 round magazine was included with my Shield so I do not see this as optional. Glock does not make a larger magazine for the 43, you have to buy aftermarket, such as the one from Hyve, who also makes the same for the Shield.

Originally Posted By: Balrog006
Aftermarket quantity of accessories does not equal quality, there are many quality aftermarket functional accessories for Glocks including the 43.
There is an equivalent amount of accessories for the Shield which are of equal quality to those for the Glock 43.

Originally Posted By: Balrog006
For me the trigger, backstrap feel and function under recoil, dead simple and ubiquitous availability for parts is a clear winner for the G43 over the Shield.
Glad it works for you, as I said, I wanted to like it, but some of the same things that make it a clear winner for you are what causes me to move away from it. With that said, my Glock 19 is the favorite in my stash and I am considering picking up another, or perhaps go the other way and grab a 17 Gen 4.

 

[Hokiefyd]

I'm interested to read your observations, especially how it compares to the Shield. I'm a 9mm Shield owner and, without a doubt, it's my most favored gun in my collection. I've owned a number of full-size 9mm pistols, including three CZs and a fullsize M&P 9, and the Shield is more comfortable and enjoyable to shoot for my hands. I've sold every 9mm I've owned except for the Shield. I think it compares to a Glock 43 the same way a Challenger compares with a Camaro. Both are fast cars with a lot of horsepower. The Camaro is a little smaller and probably a little "edgier". The Challenger is a larger car, and probably feels larger (with less NVH, etc). Both are fast cars, just with a slightly different footprint. The G43 is objectively smaller than the Shield. By nearly every account, it has a snappier feel to it. There are pros and cons to size, and physics is usually not fooled.

I'd like to shoot a 43 one day. It wouldn't be the first Glock I've tried, but I would like to try the Shield's direct (and much younger) competitor. The Shield has such a satisfying feel to me, from the way it fits my hand to the way it seems to push straight back into my hand rather than flip the muzzle like it was on a hinge. The CZs I owned had more flip than the Shield does. It's a universally-praised gun for how well it shoots, but its slightly larger size and weight go along with that. What's that saying about there being no free lunch?

 

[Al]

Originally Posted By: Hokiefyd

I'd like to shoot a 43 one day. It wouldn't be the first Glock I've tried, but I would like to try the Shield's direct (and much younger) competitor. The Shield has such a satisfying feel to me, from the way it fits my hand to the way it seems to push straight back into my hand rather than flip the muzzle like it was on a hinge. The CZs I owned had more flip than the Shield does. It's a universally-praised gun for how well it shoots, but its slightly larger size and weight go along with that. What's that saying about there being no free lunch?

When comparing the 43 to my LC9s. I really thought the LC would win out over the 43. I just gave them equal opportunities to win me over. I think the two things were: The Glock "felt" more solid, and truthfully the word Glock carried weight with me. My son also has a Shield and it took him about 10 minutes for the 43 to win him over. For him it was a mater of he shot it better. I actually felt the Shield shot "better"