The GLOCK 43X has long been one of the hottest sub-compact EDC pistols on the market.
But with so many newer carry guns competing for attention, we wanted to see whether it still deserves the hype it’s carried since 2019.
To answer that, we put two G43X pistols through the kind of evaluation we’d give any new release, and the results were a strong reminder of why this slim 9mm still has such staying power.
- You want slim dimensions with a full three-finger grip
- You value proven reliability and familiar Glock controls
- Testing used 10-round magazines; 15-round OEM options are now available
- Its longer grip is less discreet than the smaller G43
GLOCK 43X Origins, Dimensions and Carry Capacity
Glock made noteworthy introductions to its product lineup in 2019 with the GLOCK 43X and the G48. The G43X sub-compact quickly established itself as one of the most popular models of all time. This review offers up many reasons why the GLOCK 43X is a perfect everyday carry companion.
The .380 ACP GLOCK 42 and six-round 9mm G43 preceded the G43X, which answered calls for a slim carry pistol with greater capacity.
The increase in round capacity from 6 to 10 was accomplished via a ¾-inch grip extension. This makes a surprising difference in terms of balance and recoil management, and facilitates a significant bump in onboard ammunition.
The slide for the G43X is the same compact length as the G43’s at 6.06 inches. The G43X maintains a minimal profile measuring only 1 inch in width. This is important for concealed carry consideration, especially with IWB.
The G43X was a sure response to the US concealed carry market that continues to expand and generate firearm sales. All civilian practitioners of concealed carry want to carry the most potent handgun they can handle proficiently.
Unfortunately, constraints caused by weather, clothing or social environment can force a compromise in terms of size and caliber. With the G43X, Glock created a slim, petite, polymer 9mm handgun.
The G43X uses Glock’s Safe Action trigger system, first established with the Glock 17. The magazine holds 10 rounds, giving it a total capacity of 11 with a round chambered and magazine topped off. Two magazines are supplied.
The G43X is blessed with a sight radius superior to most sub-compacts, which is conducive to accurate fire, more typical of full-size handguns. Glock further enhanced the sight system with the G43X MOS in late 2020.
I was so fond of the G43X that I had already acquired a custom-milled 43X slide before the MOS variant was announced.
2026 capacity update: In April 2026, GLOCK announced new OEM 15-round magazines for the G43X and G48, with dealer availability scheduled for May. The testing in this review used the original 10-round configuration.
LOCK 43X Ergonomics, Controls and Recoil System
The G43X instills confidence that it is capable of performing past bad breath distances. Glock, through savvy design, was able to duplicate the ergonomics and natural pointability of its larger models in the G43X.
While the grip size may change between specific models, the position of the slide and magazine releases will instantly be familiar. A better illustration of the Glock system would be the similar trigger pull and weight found on both the G43X and G48.
Simplicity should not be confused with a lack of refinement. Glock reliability and solid performance have become entrenched as the standard.
The G43X features a dual recoil spring similar to what was originally introduced in the “mini” Glock 26/27 and later introduced across the board in most GLOCK handguns.
The Glock recoil spring is a dual compression type with the captured springs operating at different rates.
Glock literature points to the dual recoil spring assembly reducing recoil impulse and increasing the life cycle of the pistol by limiting wear.
Though no formal test reports have appeared to my knowledge, non-scientific estimates have been bandied about between 10%-30% reduced recoil via the dual springs.
GLOCK 43X Range Test: Nearly 600 Rounds Through Two Pistols
My experience with the G43X starts with its introduction. I have maintained an iron-sighted G43X model and customized G43X with a milled slide with Trijicon RMR installed, grip texturing, and a trigger from Johnny Custom Glocks installed in my carry stable.
Scenarios involving plate racks and dueling trees were run with the G43X. Engaging targets from behind cover or on the move was also incorporated.
Magazine changes were done for the dual purpose of getting a feel of manipulating the G43X. No malfunctions were encountered with nearly 300 rounds fired in each.
Compared to previous experience with a G43, the G43X seems tamer; probably a result of the longer grip frame providing more purchase and leverage against recoil.
A pleasant surprise was firing a 100% rating over a 60-round proficiency test with both Glock 43Xs. The test is timed from the holster at various ranges stretching from 5 yards back to 30 yards.
I was pleased with the G43X performance. Here were two compact Glocks performing as one would expect from full-size brethren. This is a compliment to trigger, sights and ergonomics.
Manufacturer and price range serve as no guarantee that a handgun will perform immediately after purchase. Yes, many deficiencies are quickly remedied by “breaking in” a pistol by use or making slight adjustments to various parts.
This does not have to be accepted. Glock’s solid performance over the years is sometimes neglected or taken for granted. The Glock 43X is a handgun you can count on being ready to go straight out of the box.
Should You Buy the GLOCK 43X?
The Glock 43X is a multiple-purpose personal defense handgun. Do not let nomenclature such as sub-compact fool you. The G43X performs beyond any preconceived notions based on labels.
It can easily be a primary carry gun, especially in summer months, or under social conditions where discovery of a concealed carry weapon is untenable.
The reliable and accurate Glock 43X balances size to firepower for the concealed carry practitioner. The ability to mount a red dot optic only adds to its appeal.
The Glock 43X is a compact handgun that pushes the envelope past “safe” norms, while still maintaining real-world application. The G43X increases the effectiveness of a compact handgun beyond what most thought capable.
Glock 43X Review: Final Verdict and Score
- Around 300 rounds per gun with no malfunctions
- Scored 100% on a 60-round timed qualification
- Sight radius beats most sub-compacts
- Just 1 inch wide and 18.7 ounces empty
- Controls match the full-size Glock layout
- Two magazines supplied at a $500 MSRP
- 10+1 capacity trails newer rivals
- Product Origin
- Personal Firearm
- Test Type
- Range — plate racks and dueling trees; engaging from behind cover and on the move; magazine changes; a timed 60-round proficiency test from the holster at 5 to 30 yards
- Rounds Fired
- Nearly 300 through each of two pistols
- Malfunctions
- None
- Magazines
- Two supplied, 10-round
- Test Units
- Two G43X pistols — one factory iron-sighted; one customised with a milled slide, Trijicon RMR, added grip texturing and a Johnny Custom Glocks trigger
- Tested By
- Todd Burgreen
- Caliber
- 9mm
- Weight
- 18.7 ounces (unloaded)
- Magazine Capacity
- 10 rounds
- Length
- 6.5 inches
- Slide Length
- 6.06 inches
- Slide Width
- 0.87 inches
- Overall Width
- 1 inch
- Height
- 5.04 inches
- Barrel Length
- 3.41 inches
- Trigger
- Glock Safe Action
- Recoil System
- Dual captured recoil spring, differing rates
- MSRP
- $500
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