I have a Shield, and really like it, and have no intentions or desires to purchase a 43 at this time. That said, I've handled one a few times and the ergos are just fine. I just prefer the Shield, the ergos of which I like better, and the fact that it holds one more round.
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May our caskets be made of hundred-year oak, and may we plant those trees tomorrow.
Six months or so in I like my G43 well enough. Though not so much that I'm happily carrying it often, as I still have very little trouble hauling around and concealing a G23 and 13+1. It's nice that the G43 is available if/when I'm not feeling the urge to carry my 40S&W, but honestly that desire rarely happens.
Moreover I took the opportunity earlier tonight to shoot a 9mm Shield once again, and frankly this Glock guy actually likes and prefers the Shield over the littlest 9mm Glock. Not the first time that's happened, but I may have to turn in my Glock fanboy card if these sorts of shenanigans keep happening.
A friend won a G43 in a raffle. We both own several Glocks and I like the platform for what is. We also both own a Shield in 9mm. Having both shot it this past weekend we came to the same conclusions:
The trigger is very heavy compared to our other Glocks.
The trigger caused discomfort when shooting. This could be remedied by sanding it slightly.
It has a much more pronounced recoil impulse as compared to the Shield.
Had he not won the gun, he stated that he wouldn't have purchased it. Both of our primary carry guns are Gen 4 Glock 26's.
The public asked and Glock responded. I guess that has merit.
Posts: 1868 | Location: Westlake, OH USA | Registered: October 17, 2007
My only G43 gripe is the tritium sights I installed on it. Were those $65 dollar variety ones that always come up in a search, well they are tiny and tough to see in the daytime. Shoulda spent another 35 bucks I guess. The gun has been without malfunction however, and that is with the +1 Taran base pads to boot.
Posts: 86 | Location: Black Hawk, SD | Registered: October 21, 2008
I have those as well and they have worked just fine for me. I did just pick up some of the Vickers tactical extensions but have not tried them.
WJR
I think I'm going to try the TangoDown extensions as well. I had a Pearce +1 blow out on one of my G23 mags at the range recently when I was aggressively 'tapping' it into the magwell. It was one of my older mag installations (over 3 yrs ago) and wasn't even loaded to 14rds (only 12 HSTs), but with the way it popped right off I've lost confidence in the product for my 40S&W, and I've developed serious doubts for any other Glock (whether warranted or not) as well.
I didn't like the Strike Industries +2 extension for the G42 G43; too tall though through 80rds of misc ammo it held onto the mag. Not nearly enough rounds I admit, but the added height already killed any appeal it might've had. I know the Taran base plate extensions get great reviews but I really do have a problem paying MORE for their +1 plate than I did for the original factory magazine.This message has been edited. Last edited by: soggy_spinout,
I'm a year into my Glock 43. I really like it and have had no issues with it. I installed a Streamlight TLR-6 to mine.
I qualified with it at the range and carry it as a back up and off-duty weapon. I work at night, so I have to have the Streamlight attachment light. I probably have around 400-500 rounds through it with no problems found.
Me personally, I am not a fan of the flat mag floorplate as I hate the loose pinky finger hanging off. So, all of my mags are extended, except ONE that I keep just in case there's a use for it.
Posts: 968 | Location: Texas | Registered: May 14, 2004
Haven't shot a 43, but didn't care for its size at the fun shop. I adore my 26 and have yet to find a pistol that size that can even come close to how it works, for me
*Handguns are fine, Shotguns are final
Posts: 1239 | Location: IL | Registered: August 06, 2009
Originally posted by trickedtrix: Haven't shot a 43, but didn't care for its size at the fun shop. I adore my 26 and have yet to find a pistol that size that can even come close to how it works, for me
The other day I had two gents who EDC G26s come in at different times. Both were looking at the G43 as an alternative to their bulkier G26. One left with a Shield, the other is still mulling over the littlest 9mm Glock. Such is the allure of those single stacks.
While I too enjoy my G26 a lot (well, aside from the rust), I'd argue that the 9mm XD Mod 2 could make a compelling argument for itself against the G26. Not as small when it comes to girth but in all other dimensions it's right there with the old baby Glock. With its flush fit mag it holds 13+1, 3 more than the G26. The Mod 2 ergonomics are a revelation compared to the earlier Gen1 design...and against the G26 itself. Certainly with the grip safety it's a more complicated device than any Glock, but it's not like the XD design today in any of its forms is saddled with problems as a result, where in fact and reputation it's quite the opposite. It may not have a 33rd option (or even a 17rd one), but it not surprisingly shoots pretty darn good--I liked it--and makes a strong proclamation for itself in the crowded 9mm CCW space.
I think I'm over two weeks of G43 carry. Hate the holster I'm using but I admit the thinness of this Glock is growing on me.
A shout out to those SF members that EDC the Glock 43 from Milt Sparks Leather(4 hours ago):
"Glock 43 owners, we have Summer Special 2's IN STOCK and ready to ship. Right hand, Natural Tan, 1.5" belt loops, $108 + $13 S&H. To order, call 208-377-5577"
I like the Glock 43 just fine, it's accurate reliable and easy to shoot, mine has True-Glow TFX Night sights as well Crimson Trace green laser guard, thungston steel guid rod and a Ghost 3.5 trigger, and Taran plus 1 and 2 extension on my magazines, this gun is so easy to conceal and use as a EDC, or a great back up gun, I have no complaints, and highly recommend the Glock 43 9mm..but I also have the S&W performace center Shield, great gun, and a Walther PPS M2 another great gun, Kahr PM9 Springfield Armory xds all these guns are top notch carry guns, and quality made firearms....
P226 Scorpion, P225 A-1, P 226 SAO Legion, P229 Legion, P 22O Hunter SAO, P938, P320 full, P 320X Carry, P365 P365 XL. P365 SAS
Posts: 277 | Location: Grant Pass, Oregon | Registered: April 26, 2016
I love it! Just picked it up on Thursday and put 100 rounds of Federal JHP with zero problems. This gun handles very well and is accurate. I installed the Tango Down/Vickers plus 2 extension on one magazine and did not experience and problems with that either. I bought a JM Custom Kydex IWB and it disappears wearing shorts and a T shirt.
Posts: 948 | Location: NJ | Registered: September 05, 2009
Originally posted by parabellum: Well, as I've said, my experiences with the G43 have given me a renewed appreciation for just how good a pistol is the Glock G26.
For other people with smaller hands and/or a grip style different than my own, the G43 can be a superb choice for concealed carry.
As for myself, I acquired a new G26 because my Gen 2.5 G26 is a bit too slick, and I didn't want to modify this old friend I've had for coming up on 20 years. I sent my new G26 to Cold Bore Customs and had them texture the grip 360 degrees along with two Pearce grip extensions. I put Trijicons on the pistol, a factory 3.5 pound connector and dropped in a smooth-faced factory trigger after doing a seventy-five cent (a very thorough polishing) trigger job on the lockwork.
I acquired an Ozarks Holsters OWB and mag carrier for the pistol, along with a Armour Belts 1.5" belt, and all of this gear exceeds my expectations. In short, I am in bidness.
As for the G43, it worked out anyway, as this pistol is now in the possession of my wife, loaded with standard pressure 124 grain Federal HST.
