Glock 43 VS 43X – What you should know Before You Buy: Size, Capacity, Carry & Upgrades Compared

 

The Glock 43 and Glock 43X share a slide length, barrel length, caliber, and unmistakably Glock operating system. They are not, however, the same concealed-carry pistol.

The G43 remains the smaller choice. Its 4.25-inch height and six-round factory magazine make it easier to conceal when minimum grip length matters. The G43X stretches the grip to 5.04 inches and is slightly wider, trading some concealability for more hand contact, substantially greater magazine capacity, and—if you choose the MOS version—a factory optics cut and slim accessory rail. GLOCK lists the G43 at 6.26 inches long and the G43X at 6.50 inches, while both use a 3.41-inch barrel.

There is also a major 2026 update that makes many older G43-versus-G43X comparisons obsolete: GLOCK announced an OEM 15-round magazine for the G43X and G48, with current-production Slimline pistols transitioning to the new magazine. The magazine uses a metal, double-stack design while retaining compatibility with the standard magazine catch.

That changes the capacity argument considerably.

The Biggest 2026 Change: The G43X Is Now a 15-Round Platform

When the G43X launched, its 10-round magazine was one of its defining features. The original version of this comparison therefore treated the choice largely as six rounds in the G43 versus ten in the G43X.

That is no longer the complete picture.

In April 2026, GLOCK officially announced a 15-round OEM Slimline magazine for the G43X and G48. GLOCK describes it as a metal, double-stack design engineered so owners can retain the standard magazine catch. The company said the G43X and G48 would begin coming standard with the new 15-round magazines in May 2026.

That update does two things.

First, it makes the G43X substantially more capable in factory configuration without increasing the pistol’s basic grip dimensions.

Second, it means the old habit of describing the G43 and G43X together as two “single-stack Glocks” is technically outdated. The G43 remains a six-round single-stack design; the current 15-round G43X magazine is explicitly described by GLOCK as double-stack.

Older G43X pistols and older articles will still commonly be associated with the original 10-round magazine, so check exactly which magazines are included when comparing used or new-old-stock pistols.

Glock 43 VS 43X: Side By Side Comparison

Specification	Glock 43	Glock 43X
Caliber	9x19mm	9x19mm
Overall Length	6.26 in.	6.50 in.
Slide Length	6.06 in.	6.06 in.
Barrel Length	3.41 in.	3.41 in.
Overall Width	1.06 in.	1.10 in.
Height Including Magazine	4.25 in.	5.04 in.
Traditional Factory Capacity	6 rounds	10 rounds
Current OEM Capacity	6 rounds	15 rounds on current 2026 configuration
Factory Optics Option	No MOS G43	G43X MOS available
Accessory Rail	No	Slim rail on G43X MOS

The dimensional numbers remain close until you look at height. That 0.79-inch difference in grip length is where most of the practical difference lives.

The G43 is easier to hide because less grip protrudes above the belt. The G43X gives you enough frame for a more complete firing grip and more room inside the magazine body. Which matters more depends on what you are trying to accomplish.

Sadly, neither pistol features any type of accessory rail. Perhaps this was an intentional design choice by Glock to keep the overall size at a minimum. The G43 has the compact size advantage, although the G43X isn’t much bigger. However when carrying concealed, not much can be a lot.

G43 vs. G43X Weight Comparison

The Glock 43X is 11.6% heavier (G43 20.64 oz/1.29 lbs vs. G43X 23.07 oz/1.44 lbs) than the G43 when loaded with the same ammo. Part of this extra weight is the additional ammo capacity of the G43X. Interestingly enough, in hand, the fully loaded G43 feels more “top heavy” than the G43X.

This top-heaviness causes the front of the G43 to naturally tip forward when aiming the gun downrange. Unlike this, the loaded G43X sits in your hand in a balanced way, displacing the additional weight evenly and comfortably. Even though it is heavier, I’m giving the weight advantage to the well-balanced G43X.

Both guns feature the 3.41″ Glock Marksman Barrel (GMB) standard from the factory. After disassembling and inspecting both barrels, I saw no difference between them. For subcompact pistols, both the G43 and G43X were very accurate from a bench rest at twenty-five yards.

I tested the accuracy of the two guns by firing at IDPA cardboard targets with Blazer Brass ammunition. Using four different targets I fired two rounds of five shots from each gun. I averaged 6.2″ groups with the G43 and 5.9″ groups with the G43X. At a distance of twenty-five yards, those differences are negligible. For accuracy, I would say the pistols are well matched, with both performing according to Glock’s specifications.

Pistol Widths Compared

The overall width of the G43X is slightly wider than the G43 (G43 1.06″ vs. G43X 1.10″). Visually, there is no difference. Only by reading the specs sheet, did I notice there was a difference. Glock has done an excellent job of keeping the slimline series minimal in width for the EDC enthusiast crowd.

Both guns feature a beavertail on the rear of the frame, textured grips and a large textured magazine release. The G43X has a larger grip creating increased stability in the hand. Consequently, I expected to find the magazine release of the pistol easier to access. However, my reload time with both guns was almost identical. So again, tie in reloading time, with no clear advantage for either pistol in mag reloading speeds.

Glock 43 and 43X Ergonomics Compared

In the hand, the G43X is easy to get full purchase on quickly, due to its elongated grip. When drawing from a standard Kydex holster, from the appendix position, I had no trouble with gripping, drawing, or reholstering either gun. Drawing and reholstering a subcompact pistol is a skill that requires a fair amount of practice. Securely gripping a smaller target requires muscle memory precision. If you’re planning on purchasing a subcompact, I recommend practicing with your carry holster frequently. You should be able to confidently draw the gun with a full firing grip consistently.

The G43’s lower 1/3 of the grip provides the tension point for gripping the gun tightly against my palm, with the pressure applied by my ring and pinky fingers. On the G43X, the grip is more balanced; the lower 2/3 of the grip provides the tension point for gripping the gun. Holding the G43X, my middle, ring and pinky fingers all evenly carry the tension and applied pressure. After putting 100 rounds down range with both pistols in an afternoon, the grip of the G43X was more comfortable when shooting for extended periods of time. The advantage goes to the G43X for its well-balanced grip and its contributions to reducing shooter fatigue.

The G43X’s larger grip is not simply dead space added to hold more ammunition.

For shooters whose little finger falls below the G43 frame, the longer G43X grip provides another contact point. That can improve consistency in the way pressure is applied to the pistol and make the gun more comfortable over longer range sessions.

The original side-by-side testing reported exactly that: the G43X distributed grip pressure across more of the hand and was more comfortable during an extended 100-round session with each pistol.

The tradeoff is straightforward:

G43: less pistol to conceal.

G43X: more pistol to control.

Neither is automatically better. Hand size matters.

Glock 43 and 43X Factory Sights

The Glock 43 comes with the standard polymer ‘goal post’ rear sight and ‘white dot’ front sight. You can also get standard steel or Glock night sights for the G43. The Glock 43X comes with the standard polymer plus three additional configurations of sight options including standard steel, Glock night sights, and Ameriglo. Although I enjoyed targeting with the standard sights of my G43 at the range, I found the Ameriglo sights on the G43X made for quicker target acquisition. Also, the Ameriglo sights were more visible in extreme backlighting situations. For instance, the Ameriglo sights were easier to see while firing at targets backlit by the evening sun. Having additional factory sight options gives the G43X the advantage in visibility and targeting.

The silver nPVD coated slide of the G43X is one of the standout features on the new pistol. In addition to adding front serrations, Glock updated the slide to feature a beveled front muzzle with rounded corners and an improved cutout for the slide stop. Unfortunately, the silver finish gets dirty quickly around the muzzle area depending on the ammo being fired. These improvements are a welcome step up from the utilitarian form of the slide on the G43. The slide upgrade gives advantage to the G43X.

If single stack Glocks have an Achilles heel, it is the factory trigger. Putting both guns on a digital trigger pull gauge, I took the average of three trigger pulls for each. The force required to pull each pistol’s trigger ranged between 5.3 lbs and 5.7 lbs, giving me an average trigger pull of around 5.5 lbs.

The trigger weight for these guns is average for subcompact pistols. However, this trigger, which appears the identical on both guns, proves a soft almost ‘squishy’ feeling when pulled. It does not inspire feelings of confidence. The feeling of squeezing this plastic trigger takes some getting used to, even for a seasoned Glock owner. The trigger break is all the way to the rear, making for quick resets when firing multiple rounds. I had no issues running double-tap drills with either pistol. There is no advantage to the factory trigger in either pistol, so this one is a draw.

Ammo Capacity: Too Close To Call?

Critics of carrying a single stack pistol for self-defense often point to the impractical limits of the G43’s 6-round magazine. The 10+1 capacity of the G43X is a strong answer to this criticism and a selling point for the new slimline pistols. The added capacity lowers the risk of being outmatched in a self-defense situation. Glock advanced single stack pistols by increasing the capacity, but they are still outmatched by the 15+1 magazine capacity of the G19 model.

Considering aftermarket products is important to our comparison, but also introduces another level of complexity. offers a +1, +2 and +3 magazine base pad for the Glock 43. With the +3 machined aluminum base pad installed, the G43 becomes a 9+1 capacity pistol, narrowing the advantage of the 10+1 of the G43X. The G43 magazines are only compatible with the G43. In comparison, the G43X magazines are interchangeable with the G48. Magazine capacity advantage goes to the G43X, but adding reliable aftermarket parts to the G43 closes that gap significantly.

Glock 43 VS 43X: Ballistics Testing

Using a ballistic chronograph at the range to test popular self-defense ammo loads, I shot 10 rounds of Speer Gold Dot 9mm JHP 124gr +P and 10 rounds of Federal HST 9mm JHP 147gr through both pistols. The data from the chronograph was recorded at a distance of about 10′ with a calibrated unit. Both pistols’ mechanical function and accuracy were good with self-defense ammo, I had no issues with feeding, firing or ejecting.

In the G43, the Speer Gold Dot 9mm JHP 124gr +P pushed an average velocity of 1114. The G43X finished with an average of 1105. With the heavier subsonic Federal HST 9mm JHP 147gr loaded the G43 had an average velocity of 948, while the G43X averaged out at 953. Based on our data, we have another draw. The G43 handles the velocity of the 124gr +P loads a little better, while the G43X handles the heavier 147gr ammo at a velocity closer to box speed. I always recommend firing at least 100 rounds through your pistol before you commit to carrying it.

Good Vibrations? Recoil Compared

I don’t have a scientific way of measuring the recoil from either pistol, but to me the G43X handles recoil marginally better than the G43. During the process of this comparison, I put hundreds of rounds of various bullet weights, through the G43 and G43X. It became apparent when shooting them side by side that the recoil of the G43 pressed in the middle of my palm, while I felt the recoil of the G43X more in the webbing between my thumb and index finger. The longer grip of the G43X helps dispersed the snappy vibrations of recoil, and also helps control muzzle rise. Slight advantage goes to the G43X for recoil management.

Both pistols use essentially the same slide length and 3.41-inch barrel, so the recoil difference is primarily about what happens behind the slide.

A longer grip gives the support hand and firing hand more surface area to work with. That does not change the energy generated by the cartridge, but it can change how effectively the shooter manages the pistol.

The original comparison reported a modest subjective advantage for the G43X, with the longer grip distributing recoil differently through the hand and helping control muzzle movement.

That is consistent with the geometry: more usable grip area generally gives the shooter more leverage. Whether the difference is significant for you is something worth determining at the range rather than on a specification chart.

Glock 43 VS 43X: Best for Concealed Carry?

Concealability: The Glock 43 Still Wins on Minimum Size

For deep concealment, the G43 still has a legitimate advantage.

Slide length rarely creates the biggest concealment problem in an inside-the-waistband holster. Grip length usually matters more because the back of the grip is the portion most likely to push clothing outward and print.

At 4.25 inches tall, the G43 gives you almost eight-tenths of an inch less grip than the G43X. That does not sound dramatic on a specification sheet, but concealed carry is a game of small dimensions.

The original comparison reached the same practical conclusion after carrying both pistols with multiple clothing combinations: the stock G43 was easier to conceal, while extending the G43’s magazine reduced that advantage.

That remains a useful way to think about the two pistols today.

If you buy a G43 because it is short, then install a long magazine extension that makes the grip nearly G43X height, you have traded away part of the reason for choosing the G43 in the first place.

Holster Selection

When you’re considering a subcompact pistol for concealed carry, the question of which holster to buy is almost as important as which gun. In my research of holsters for the slimline Glock models, there were tons of options, but not all of them are good. One of the more popular concealed carry options is the IWB hybrid Kydex option. I selected the Vedder Holsters RapidTuck model for my G43. It features a stiff, leather body shield with a soft finished backing. Its molded Kydex holster is riveted deeply into the hyde. The belt clip is a solid spring steel clip, that locks over your belt for secure retention.

The hybrid Kydex holster is traditionally worn in the 3-5 o’clock position, intended for easy access and concealment. Regardless of the brand chosen or the material of the holster, the build quality and retention play an important part in the safety and life expectancy of the product. Bottom line, a gun owner needs to be able to comfortably conceal carry anytime, for long periods of time. The ability to do this is determined by the sturdiness and comfort level of the holster he chooses.

Stay away from options that have flexible body shields or soft Kydex if you plan to buy a hybrid style holster. These designs can fold or lose shape if your gun is drawn. Flagging yourself, or causing an accidental discharge when reholstering can be avoided by buying a holster that retains its form. Look for hybrid options that are well constructed, with strong riveting and locking retention systems. Also make sure to purchase a good gun belt. You can see in the photo below, my dress belt isn’t wide enough to make full use of the spring steel clip’s locking retention.

Comfort of Carry

With the right holster, carrying the subcompact Glock 43 or 43X is very comfortable. Compared with carrying a standard size pistol, the single stack Glocks are lightweight, slim and easily contoured to your body. The G43X’s printing can be an issue depending on your wardrobe and concealed carry style. Not all IWB holsters adjust enough to rest below the belt line, completely concealing your firearm. Many appendix style holsters provide additional accessory wings, hooks or spacer shims to even out your beltline and hide the shape of the gun in the planes of your body.

I selected the Fury Carry Solutions Kydex appendix holsters for this comparison between the Glock 43 and 43X. The Fury Kydex holsters are constructed of a strong, durable Kydex material. It keeps its shape, even when your gun is drawn. Of note, the standard Kydex holsters I received shipped with plastic retention clips. I’ll swap those clips out for spring steel clips or a riveted belt loop attachment to increase safety and retention soon.

For this test, I used these holsters for drawing and reholstering drills and range drills. I also tested the concealment and comfort levels of carrying both pistols in a variety of situations.

I test carried both pistols concealed in the appendix position. I wore three clothing combos, one for work, one business casual, and one everyday wear. The stock Glock 43, with less printing, was easier to conceal in all three outfits. I also found the slightly rounded rear grip of the G43 to be more comfortable to carry against my body when sitting down for extended periods of time. When I added the +3 base plate to the G43, the comfort and concealability advantage over the 43X disappeared. The stock G43 is more concealable than the G43X, the concealed carry advantage goes to the G43.

Glock 43 VS 43X: Which Gun Should You Buy?

Subcompact pistols with barrels under four inches have physical limitations and are by no means the right solution for all defensive situations. Being proficient with any handgun requires a time investment, and any proficient shooter must train with the dedication needed to achieve consistent results. If you choose one of these subcompact options as your concealed carry weapon, learn its limitations, work to minimize them, and train until your desired accuracy is consistent on the range.

If size and concealment are your top priorities, the Glock 43 is your best option. It may not have all of the features or improved ergonomics of the G43X, but it’s reliable and comfortable to wear for extended periods. Adding the +3 aftermarket magazine base plate increases the size of the G43, making it equal in size with a loaded G43X and only one round less in capacity.

Size considerations aside, the G43X has a lot to offer. Despite being new, it already has more magazine and accessory compatibilities with other slimline pistols than the G43. The well-balanced grip and improved slide are reason enough to purchase this pistol, but when you consider the increased capacity with standard 10+1 magazines, the G43X becomes and obvious choice. Additionally, the upgraded sight options and improved recoil management are improvements that any CCL holder should seriously consider when purchasing a concealed carry pistol.

G43X MOS Changes the Optics and Light Equation

This is another area where the original comparison needs an update.

The early G43 and G43X configurations discussed in the old article did not have an accessory rail. GLOCK later introduced the G43X MOS, which added both a factory micro-optic cut and a slim mounting rail. GLOCK’s announcement specifically describes the G43X MOS and G48 MOS as using factory-milled slides for micro optics and a slim accessory rail.

That gives the G43X family a factory path to both an optic and a compact weapon-mounted light that the standard G43 does not offer.

If you already own a standard, non-MOS G43 or G43X, however, replacing the entire pistol or machining the slide are not your only optics options.

Cross Armory’sRear Sight Dovetail to RMSc Mount Adapter is designed for OEM non-MOS Glock dovetails, including the G43 and G43X. It is CNC-machined from 17-4 stainless steel, finished in black nitride, and integrates a rear iron sight with a green fiber-optic front sight. Cross Armory specifies that it accepts RMSc-footprint optics and does not require permanent slide milling.

That distinction matters: the adapter is intended for non-MOS dovetail slides. If you already have a G43X MOS, use the factory optic interface and verify the footprint and hardware required by your optic.

Sights: A Simple Upgrade That Makes Sense on Either Pistol

A sight change is one of the few upgrades that can improve the interface without changing the fundamental size or operating system of the pistol.

Cross Armory’sCompact-Height Polymer Sights for Glock Slimline pistols are listed for the G43, G43X, G43X MOS, G48, and other compact Glock-pattern dovetails. They use a white-dot front sight and are manufactured in the United States. Cross Armory notes that sight dovetail dimensions can vary, particularly on aftermarket slides, and fitting may sometimes be required.

That last point is worth paying attention to. “Glock compatible” does not mean every aftermarket dovetail is dimensionally identical. Small tolerance differences matter when you are pressing or drifting a sight into a machined interface.

Adding a Red Dot to the G43X MOS

The factory G43X MOS was designed around compact micro-reflex optics. GLOCK’s original MOS announcement specifically referenced the Shield RMSc-style interface used by the Slimline platform.

Cross Armory’sSHADOW RMSc Red Dot Optic uses that compact RMSc footprint and is specifically listed by Cross Armory for the G43X MOS. Published specifications include a 3-MOA dot, shake-to-wake operation, eight visible brightness settings plus two night-vision settings, IPX6 water resistance, and a 7075-aluminum housing.

For a carry pistol, footprint compatibility is only the first check. Also verify screw length, thread specification, sight clearance, optic-to-slide fit and holster compatibility before putting the pistol into service.

Trigger Feel

The old comparison measured both pistols at approximately 5.5 pounds and described their factory trigger feel as essentially equal.

Current GLOCK technical documentation lists approximately 24 N, or roughly 5.4 pounds, for the G43-series trigger specification.

Trigger feel is more complicated than pull weight alone. Connector geometry, spring load, contact surfaces, trigger-bar movement and individual production tolerances all influence how a trigger feels through take-up, wall, break and reset.

For a carry pistol, the important question is not whether an aftermarket trigger feels lighter on the workbench. It is whether any change preserves safe, reliable operation. There is nothing wrong with learning the factory trigger before deciding that it needs to change.

Historical Ballistics: G43 vs. G43X

Because both pistols use a 3.41-inch barrel, you should not expect a meaningful inherent velocity advantage from one model over the other.

The original chronograph test illustrates that point. It reported the following averages:

Load	Glock 43	Glock 43X
Speer Gold Dot 124-gr. +P	1,114 fps	1,105 fps
Federal HST 147-gr.	948 fps	953 fps

Those numbers came from the original comparison and should be treated as one historical test rather than universal ammunition specifications. Individual barrels, ammunition lots, temperature, chronograph setup and normal shot-to-shot variation all affect measured velocity.

The useful conclusion is that the two pistols behaved much as their identical barrel lengths suggest: effectively even.

Glock 43 vs. 43X for Concealed Carry

Choosing between them comes down to which compromise you would rather make.

Choose the Glock 43 if:

• Minimum grip height is your first priority.
• You want the easiest of the two pistols to conceal.
• Six-round factory capacity is acceptable for your application.
• You prefer the smallest possible package and do not need a factory accessory rail.
• You already own one and shoot it well.

Choose the Glock 43X if:

• You shoot better with a full three-finger grip.
• Higher factory magazine capacity matters more than minimum dimensions.
• You want the option of the G43X MOS factory optic cut and slim rail.
• You want compatibility with G48-pattern Slimline magazines.
• The new 15-round OEM magazine significantly changes the capacity equation for you.

The 2026 magazine update makes that second list much more compelling than it was when the G43X originally launched.

Related Cross Armory Upgrades

For a standard G43 or non-MOS G43X, theCross Armory RMSc dovetail mount with co-witness sights provides an optics path without permanently milling the factory slide.

For either pistol,Cross Armory compact-height Slimline sights provide a straightforward replacement sight option.

For a factory G43X MOS or another verified RMSc-cut Slimline slide, theCross Armory SHADOW RMSc red-dot optic is a direct compact-footprint option.

Compatibility should always be checked against the exact slide, sight cut, optic footprint and holster combination you own.

Glock 43 vs. 43X: Final Verdict

The Glock 43 still does one job better: being small.

If minimum printing and minimum grip height are the goal, the G43 remains difficult to dismiss. Its six-round magazine is limited by current standards, but its short grip is exactly why the pistol disappears so well.

The G43X is the more versatile platform. Its longer grip improves hand purchase, the MOS version brings a factory optic cut and slim accessory rail, and GLOCK’s new 15-round OEM magazine dramatically increases capacity without requiring the owner to replace the factory magazine catch.

In 2020, the decision was essentially six rounds and maximum concealment versus ten rounds and better ergonomics.

In 2026, it is six rounds and maximum concealment versus a G43X ecosystem that can offer a full grip, factory optics capability, an accessory rail and 15-round OEM capacity.

That makes the difference between these two pistols clearer than it used to be.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Glock 43X bigger than the Glock 43?

Yes. The G43X is 6.50 inches long and 5.04 inches high, while the G43 is 6.26 inches long and 4.25 inches high. Width increases only slightly, from 1.06 to 1.10 inches.

Do the Glock 43 and 43X use the same barrel length?

Yes. GLOCK lists both with a 3.41-inch barrel.

Does the Glock 43X hold 10 or 15 rounds?

Historically, the G43X shipped with a 10-round magazine. In April 2026, GLOCK announced a new OEM 15-round metal double-stack magazine and stated that G43X and G48 pistols would begin shipping standard with it in May 2026. Older pistols and dealer inventory may therefore still be encountered with 10-round magazines.

Does the Glock 43X have a rail?

The G43X MOS has GLOCK’s slim accessory rail. Do not assume every older or standard G43X configuration has the same feature; verify the exact model before purchasing a light or holster.

Can you put a red dot on a standard Glock 43?