I really like my Glock 43's, but despite my smallish hands, the larger circumference of the grip for the G43X and G48 make them shoot SO much better. (The extra capacity of the G43X/G48 is nice too, but for me the difference in shootability and accuracy is the striking thing.) It isn't the long backstrap of the G43x/G48 that helps for me -- with a Pearce +1 the grip is tall enough --, but its thinness makes the grip less solid than the G43X/G48.
Yet I like the short grip of the G43 for pocket carry, and in some circumstances, IWB.
So how about a G43XShort? A grip exactly like that of the G43X/G48 (same grip circumference), but having the same height as the G43. At least for me, that would improve shootability, and probably allow 7 rounds, certainly 8 rounds with a (OEM of course) pinkie extension magazine. Then, if Shield made magazines for the G43XS, flush fit round capacity would be easily 10 rounds. And OEM and Shield magazines for the 43X/G48 would then also fit the G43XS -- like people carry an extra G19 magazine for their G26.
In fact the G43XS would be like a slimline G26. So the G43XS would be to the G48 what a G26 is to a G19. And with Shield magazines, capacities would be about the same.
(Actually you could do this with the whole Glock lineup -- produce slimlines with similar capacities based around metal magazines --, but that is another level of speculation.)
What do you think? I have been thinking about this for a while as I keep watching my better shooting with my G43X/G48, no matter how much I shoot my G43's.
I love my G48, but I would also love a pocketable Glock that would accept the Shield Arms mags. I'm still on the fence as to how reliable the S15 mags will be. Need to get to the range and try mine out.
I actually hope for a slim single-stack 9mm with a longer grip, like G17 height. I can hide grip length better that slide width, as it is the rear upper corner of the slide that is my concealment nemesis. My aging right wrist can no longer tolerate handguns with short grip dimensions, as I need firm contact with the “heel bone” of my hand, to be able to sufficiently stabilize the weapon. (My right thumb, hand, and wrist will swell, and discolor, for several days, after shooting as few as 80 rounds through a G19.)
For now, my G17 and G19x pistols are my friends; my “orthopedic” pistols.
Have Colts, will travel
Posts: 3193 | Location: SE Texas | Registered: April 08, 2008
Dig that idea, If they would consider a metal mag that would seal the deal. I think to make it stand out a bit, take the barrel to 3.1” making it a tad smaller with more capacity.
Posts: 1153 | Location: Decatur, GA | Registered: November 14, 2000