Glock G43 – No Longer Wishful Thinking!

A Glock single-stack 9mm pistol was wishful thinking for many people. While the Glock folks were doing dirty little design deeds, those wishing to have a concealable single-stack 9mm were buying Smith & Wesson Shields, Kahrs, and Springfield compact single-stack pistols, among others. I hate to admit it, but I was also among those and purchased a Springfield XDs 4.0 9mm. By that time; however, the Glock G43 arrived on the scene, but I took little notice of it.

First of all, I never intended to purchase the Glock G43, having earlier purchased the Springfield XDs 4.0 9mm. Purchasing another 9mm pistol was the furthest from my mind – until this morning at my local range.

I had just finished running my Springfield XDs 4.0 45 and was talking to several of the guys at the counter after the shooting session. I had been to several gun shops in the area during the week and no one had the Glock G43 – it was either coming in or they had sold the last one that they had. While I really wasn’t all that interested in the G43, I did have an interest in holding one to see what the hoopla was all about. I had been reading a lot about it, which really ended up being why Glock took so long to come out with a single-stack 9mm. My Son-In-Law had recently purchased a Ruger LC9s Pro, and while it is a nice pistol, I wasn’t enamored with it enough to rush out and buy one.

While I am at the range I ask one of the guys if they had received a Glock G43 in. It just so happened that they had one. The fellow placed a Glock on the counter and quickly realized that it was a G42. After he placed the “real” G43 on the counter, I could see why the mistake was made; the G43 is very similar to the G42.

I held the G43 and it was very comfortable. Although slightly barrel-heavy unloaded, the G43 had a nice feel to it. I was immediately set-back a bit because I had become accustomed to the heavily-textured grips of the Springfield XDs. Sighting down the slide, I was so happy to see a nice set of sights. Now, a lot of people complain about the Glock sights, but to older eyes like mine, bigger is better and the sights on the G43 were more than adequate for these old eyes.

I handed the G43 back to him, thanked him for the viewing, bantered with the rest of the guys for a bit, and came home. All the way home I was thinking about the G43. Now, I am not a Glock fanboy by any stretch, although I do own several of them. I do find them a pleasure to shoot and I shoot them pretty well; Glock pistols are not my first choice for concealed carry in an IWB holster. Even the G26 and G36 seem, well, blocky to me. The G43, on the other hand, might make me reconsider carrying a Glock when I am out among the English.

I stewed at the house for a bit, but soon found myself climbing in the car and heading back to the range.

When I walked in the door, one of the guys inquired, “Did you forget something?” With a smile I said, “I may have forgotten a G43.” Again, the G43 was brought out of the case for my perusal. “Would you like to shoot one?” I was asked. I did not expect that, to be sure. “If you do happen to buy a G43, I’ll throw in the box of ammunition for free. If you don’t decide to buy it, I’ll have to charge you for the ammunition. Since you are now a member, the target is free.” I could live with that and I commenced to gear up for the range.

Having run through one hundred rounds with the XDs 4.0 45 earlier, my pinky was still feeling the effect of full-load .45 ACP. I had run about a hundred rounds through the XDs 4.0 9mm the week prior and I had to switch my mind back to it so that I could do a somewhat comparison between the XDs 4.0 9mm and this Glock G43.

I loaded six rounds into the magazine and inserted it into the magazine of the G43. Just for giggles, I pulled the fully loaded XDs 4.0 45 from the SHTF holster and compared the weight of the two. The G43 was obviously the lighter of the two. Why is that important? You are talking about two different calibers here and the XDs will obviously be the heavier. Well, a fully loaded Springfield XDs 4.0 9mm actually weighs more than is .45 acp counterpart. Springfield had to beef up the barrel to accommodate the 9mm and 45 acp barrels in the same slide. While this makes for a heavy-barreled 9mm, it also means more weight. The G43 definitely beats the Springfield XDs in the weight department. Sliding the XDs 4.0 45 back into its resting place meant that it was time to fire up the G43.

I chose an IDPA target; the same type target that I had run the XDs 4.0 45 earlier. While I had managed to keep 100 rounds within the large round circle of the IPDA with the XDs 4.0 45 earlier, the image was still fresh in my mind. By using the same type of target, I hoped to really see a difference (if any) between the G43 and the XDs.

Bringing the G43 up to sighting height, I immediately noticed how slim the slide actually was over other 9mm Glock pistols. Later measurement showed that the slide of the G26, the slide is 1.010 inches. The slide of the G43 measures 0.864 with my set of digital calipers. The width of the G43’s slide is substantially thinner than the Glock 26. I cleared the G43, pulled the XDs out of its holster and cleared it (safety first – always). Then, I inserted the G43 in the holster for the XDs; the G43 actually rattled in the holster. Fascinating!

The XDs 4.0 45 was reloaded and placed back into its holster, the G43 was loaded with six 124-grain FMJs and it was time to get the party started. By the time I had run through fifty rounds, I was feeling quite embarrassed by my earlier attempts with the Springfield XDs 4.0 45. The G43 ran flawlessly and the large circle of the IDPA target showed a grouping much, much smaller than with the XDs. Granted, I may be comparing apples to oranges here (9mm to .45 acp), but the results can’t be disputed and it was right before my eyes.

Some may consider the 6+1 round magazine capacity the bane of the G43. Some folks would like 30-rounds of 9mm stuffed into a single-stack magazine that is only 4″ high. Physically, that dog ain’t gonna’ hunt. After-market +1 and +2 round magazine extensions are now available for the G43; While they increase capacity they decrease concealment. If you are looking for a sub-compact Glock in which to stick a 30-round magazine, please pass the G43 up and buy a G26. The G43 is just fine with its six-round magazine. I’ve carried revolvers with less available rounds; you learn how to shoot the darn thing and use your available rounds wisely. ‘Nuff said about that.

The G43, like the XDs just begs for the trigger finger of the support hand to be on the front of the trigger guard. I found that if I did not do so, I was pulling low on my shots. By moving the trigger finger of the support hand to the front of the trigger guard, I was able to move the remaining fingers of the support hand up the grip and provide for a better grip. Also, I was able to more comfortably place the thumb of the support hand on the frame with the shooting hand thumb resting comfortably on top of the support thumb. A different grip technique may work better for you.

The trigger of the G43, while typical of most Glock triggers, just felt different to me. Perhaps, it is the thin grip of the G43. Unlike the XDs, I was actually using the pad of my trigger finger to operate the trigger. The G43s trigger breaks clean and to the point, once the initial take-up and slight sponginess is passed. Trigger over-travel is practically non-existent. As a defensive firearm, I would not want the trigger lighter or heaver than what it is and 5.5 to 6 pounds of pull is fine with me.

Back to the sights for a moment! With the stock sights that come with the G43, I found them easy to work for my aging eyes. I had several sections of the large IDPA circle cleared out – I like that! There may be plans to have Trijicon HD night sights installed when they become available. On a small pistol like this, you need to see that front sight.

Fit and finish on the G43 is what you would expect from Glock. Controls are also where you would expect them to be on a Glock. The slide lock is small but operated smoothly to release the slide on the first round to be chambered. I wouldn’t mind a slightly oversized one and I don’t doubt that an after-market extended one will become available. The magazine release is large and easily found with the thumb, but not easily displaced when shooting. Magazines fed perfectly and were ejected cleanly. The G43 comes with two magazines; one flush mounted and one that incorporates a “pinky hanger” extension. Both worked well for me. The preference of magazines is pretty much up to the operator.

The arched back-strap fits the hand well and the slight beavertail is welcomed in my shooting hand anytime.

All sides of the grip area are slightly textured and makes for a comfortable hold. How well the grip does when wet, I don’t know. I feel that the “thumb bump” is not needed, but it is a nice aesthetic touch.

After the session was over, I field stripped the G43 in the usual Glock fashion. Internally, the G43 looks like any other Glock – just slimmer. However, there are some major design changes that set the G43 (and G42) apart the rest of the Glock family.

On the majority of Glock pistols there is a pin that holds the Locking Block in place. The Locking Block is what stops the barrel under recoil. There is not very much material around the Locking Block pin at the top of the frame. It has been noted that the area above the Locking Block pin has cracked after excessive firing of the pistol. Firing +P ammunition hastens the failure. Essentially, the frame is cracked and needs to be replaced. Since the frame is the serialized part, replacement of the frame constitutes a new gun with a new serial number.

My Son-In Law had to replace two frames (a G19 and a G17) on Glock that he bought from a range. Obviously, they had been shot a lot, and being range guns, there was no telling if patrons fired +P or other high-velocity ammunition through them.

The Locking Block pin has been removed on the G42 and G43 models (and hopefully on later Glocks other than the G42 and 43). The Locking Block assembly on the G42 and 43 is now larger and held in place by the Trigger Pin. This upgrade will mitigate any frame cracking problem caused by stressing the Locking Block. Of course, it is always wise to fire +P ammunition sparingly in any firearm to reduce possible stress problems – including yours from shooting it.

In other words, the G43 is not just a Glock, it is (IMHO) a better Glock.

I left the range area with a good feeling about the G43; I also left good money at the gun club for one.

As for a defensive load? I think that the Speer 124-grain GDHP +P (23611) (Short Barrel) or Hornady Critical Defense ammunition just might be the ticket.

Magazine extensions are in the works for spare magazines.

The Glock G43 is the first Glock that I felt was actually pleasing to look at. The lack of external controls helps the visual, in this case.

UPDATE 08/03/2015 – G43 Magazine Issue/Non-Issue:

While perusing the WWW, I discovered that there is a Glock G43 magazine issue. I had not experienced any magazine issues, but I decided to do a follow up and see what this was all about.

It seems that when you insert a magazine into the magazine well, it will hang up and cannot be inserted completely. Well fancy that! An issue with the new Glock G43! Say it isn’t so!

The “issue” seems to be with the magazine release assembly. One side of the magazine release assembly is the magazine catch (or magazine locking lug); a rectangular piece that protrudes outward from the magazine release assembly and that fits into the magazine to lock it into place. The corners of the “magazine lock” are squared off and this seems to be the problem. However, the issue does not rear its ugly head unless you apply pressure to the right side of the magazine well as you are inserting a magazine; in other words, the magazine is not inserted squarely and centered. I decided to check this out.

The magazine release is supposed to apply pressure to the side of the magazine (there will be a slight amount of resistance when inserting the magazine – this is normal). As the magazine is inserted, it contacts the magazine locking lug and slightly pushes the magazine release inward under spring tension. When the indent of the magazine aligns with the locking lug of the magazine release, spring tension forces the magazine release to lock the magazine in place.

My G43 was field stripped where I could look down into the magazine well and see the offending protrusion of the magazine release as I was inserting a magazine. Indeed, if the magazine was too far right, where it engages the “magazine lock” the top of the magazine would hit against the locking lug of the magazine release assembly. Simply shifting the magazine slightly in the opposite direction and the magazine would clear and seat as it is supposed to. A further search of the WWW revealed two fixes; neither of which was acceptable to me.

The first fix entailed removing the magazine release assembly, slightly removing material from the leading edge of the locking lug (the edge to which the magazine engages first) to create a beveled edge rather than a straight 90-degree edge, and then installing the magazine disconnect back into the pistol – problem solved.

The second fix was to slightly bevel the leading edge of the magazine; the part that first contacts the protrusion (the magazine lock). However, I discovered two solutions that does not require removal of the magazine disconnect nor beveling of magazine edges.

My first solution is to insert the magazine either centered or apply slight pressure to the left side of the magazine well. This resulted in a 100% magazine insertion without failure.

The second solution was to slightly press the magazine release button when inserting the magazine. This method moves the offending edge out of the way of the magazine. Once the magazine is fully seated, simply release the pressure on the magazine release. Again, problem solved and no surgery is involved.

I don’t consider the issue a design flaw; it was probably just an oversight. Apparently, Glock is aware of the issue and if I go crying to them they will replace the offending magazine release assembly with a new (and modified) magazine release assembly. Since I live fairly close to their facility in Smyrna, Georgia, I be making a short drive to seek relief from this Glock issue.

With that said, I inspected the four magazines that I have for the G43. On one of the four, the leading edge of the magazine (the part that first contacts the locking lug) was a little thicker than the other three and had a rougher shoulder. Being that this edge is plastic, smoothing out the shoulder with some Emery Cloth is an easy fix without harming the integrity of the magazine, as was mentioned in an earlier fix.

I simply used a bit of very fine Emery Cloth wrapped around a large roll pin and lightly sanded the offending edge, at about a 45-degree angle, to smooth it out. Although I could still feel the edge contacting the Magazine Release Assembly’s locking block, the magazine inserted without a problem.

In short, and if you purchase a G43, inspect the magazines for roughness in this area and lightly smooth it out (if needed) using the aforementioned method.

All four of my magazine have been “smoothed out” and they all work just fine. Glock is also sending me two new magazines for my troubles. Yay – a win-win proposition!

CARRY OPTIONS:

The G43, being of diminutive size, lends itself to a multitude of carry options; pocket carry in a cargo pants pocket (with suitable holster), IWB carry, and alternate carry.

As a side note, the G43 and magazine (as does all of the Springfield XDs series pistols) fits exceedingly well in the Galco Classic Lite Shoulder System that I had purchased years before for my Sig Saur P239. The G43 magazine; however, is just a bit tight in the magazine carrier but does come out with little effort. With that said, there is a need for a good IWB holster for it.

The SHTF ACE-1 IWB Holster for Glock G43 (I’ve carried the XDs in a SHTF holster for quite a while and they are excellent holsters for the price paid) and is an excellent holster for the G43. With adjustable tension, adjustable cant, and adjustable holster height features, you can set up the holster for your carry needs.

Another excellent carry means (and one that I already have) is the KA-BAR TDI Fanny Pack Holster. The KA-BAR TDI Fanny Pack Holster can be set up for right or left-handed operation. The G43 magazines fit perfectly in the provided pouches. The carry package is augmented with the Ka-Bar TDI Law Enforcement Knife, which resides in the provided left-side strap (a right side strap is also available). One of the reasons that I like the KA-BAR TDI Fanny Pack Holster is that belt supports (two) are provided, which keeps the pack from bouncing during heavy activity and keeps the pack close to the body. The buckle is on the right side of the pouch, and even if the buckle becomes detached, the pouch remains on the body – something that the majority of fanny packs do not do.

The G43 simply melts into the holster section, which is set up for right or left-handed operation. While I am not a big fan of fanny packs, the KA-BAR TDI Fanny Pack Holster provides a compact means of transporting the G43 (among other pistols) that, when worn under a loose-fitting outer garment, is nearly undetectable – even from the side. (See REFERENCES – Other, for links to information for the KA-BAR TDI Fanny Pack Holster and the Ka-Bar TDI Law Enforcement Knife.

A NOTE TO THOSE WHO LIKE GRIP PLUGS ON THEIR GLOCK Pistols:

I would like to pass on some information directly from a Glock employee who happens to work at the range on weekends.

He noticed that I had added a “butt plug” to the G43, which covers the hole at the bottom of the grip. He warned me about using one in any Glock. The hollow grip frame, he explained, is to allow gases and debris to escape from the pistol should I experience a catastrophic failure of a round, such as case separation or a blow-out. He told me that Glock has actually seen a destroyed G19 where a case blew out, destroyed the firearm, and injured the shooter. The grip plug prevented the gases and debris from venting away from the shooter. I immediately removed the plug.

When I got home, I removed all grip plugs from my Glock pistols. The grip plug does finish off the gun’s appearance. Apparently, they can also finish off a shooter during a catastrophic cartridge failure.

I listen to people who know what they are talking about. He once warned me away from stainless steel guide rods in Glock pistols, as they have seen numerous pistols destroyed by these guide rods.

The bottom line is: if you own a Glock pistol and have installed a grip plug – remove it and let the force of a catastrophic round failure go elsewhere.

UPDATE 08/12/2015:

I have been at the range a lot running the Glock G43 through some ammunition and trying to better my handling of the G43. I can happily report that the G43 took everything that was fed to it and spit it out.

I have shot ammunition from numerous different ammunition manufactures:

• Georgia Arms 124-grain FMJ (1150 fps)
• Remington Golden Sabre 124-grain BJHP (1125 fps)
• Fiocchi 124-grain XTPHP (1290 fps)
• Remington 124-grain Ultimate Defense (1125 fps)
• Monarch brass-cased 124-grain JHP (no velocity rating found. However, Monarch brass-cased 124-grain JHP is Manufactured in Serbia; it is essentially PPU, which is rated at 1132 fps for the comparable product)
• Hornady Critical Defense 115-grain FTX (1135 FPS)

The Fiocchi 124-grain XTPHP (1290 fps) is in the +P+ range and is a handful with the G43. I think that this round would be better in a larger pistol or possibly the CX4 Storm.

I was surprised that the Georgia Arms and Monarch provided such good performance with the G43 especially considering that this ammunition is relatively inexpensive.

For the time being, the Hornaday Critical Defense ammunition is my selected ammunition for EDC – until I find something better.

The Glock G43 has proved itself to be totally reliable and a good performer for Defensive use. After carrying the G43 for a bit, I did not realize just how heavy the Springfield XDs 4.0 9mm pistol actually was. That is not to say that I would not carry the XDs, but just that the G43 is a more desirable carry due to its light weight and concealment factor when carried in a good holster.

I will admit that I am having a challenge shooting the G43. The challenge stems from the compactness of the pistol and my somewhat large mitts. A sub-compact pistol is difficult to shoot anyway just by the very nature of sub-compact pistols. Even the smallest error in grip, sight alignment, and trigger control is seen on the target. A lot of time has been spent impacting snap-caps with the striker trying to master the pistol. Although the G43 is quite capable of producing good groups when bench rested, offhand shooting of this pistol takes a whole lot less caffeine than I normally consume in a day and a steadier hand than mine.

I am finding that I am garnering the best results with a strong right hand hold while just using the support hand for that – support. The common push-pull two-handed grip is just not working for me with the G43. I am also finding the pulling the trigger with the first joint of my trigger finger is producing the best results. A consistent and firm grip is also, I’m finding, important. If I increase the tension of my grip with the fingers while holding the pistol, the muzzle will dip. I attribute this to the design of the back strap of the pistol against my hand. Since the G43 will not adapt to my grip, my grip must adapt to the grip of the G43. Unfortunately, the back strap of the G43 cannot be changed to a straighter back strap like, say, the Springfield XDs or Glock G19 GEN 4 for example.

My ultimate goal with the G43 is to keep all rounds within a 4” circle under fast fire at fifteen yards, which I think is a reasonable expectation for me, with the understanding that this pistol was intended for CQB, and this pistol.

Do I like the Glock G43? Yes, I like it, very much so. I like it enough to keep and carry it – as is with one exception.

With my hands and the G43’s diminutive grip size, I needed a little bit more purchase on the pistol. A Hogue Rubber Grip Handall Jr. Small Size Grip Sleeve provided the purchase and a little bit more grip width that I needed. Once in place, some minor trimming was required at the base. The Hogue Rubber Grip Handall Jr. Small Size Grip Sleeve has a slight palm swell and finger groove, which aids in obtaining a proper grip on the pistol. Note that adding the Hogue Rubber Grip Handall Jr. Small Size Grip Sleeve has not affected concealed carry.

UPDATE 04/27/2016:

While I have not experienced the malady mentioned in the linked video, I feel that it is necessary to forward this information should you be considering the Glock G43. Although the video is a about fun with a suppressed G43, there is mention of something no firearms owner wants to have on their firearms – rust. Perhaps Glock needs to look at their new “protective” finish on slides of “newly produced” pistols?

https://www.full30.com/video/ae7ba9f4c8903cf98c67d163909e2d15

REFERENCES:

• Glock G43: http://singlestack9.com/
• Glock G43: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8pHdg4F15aQ#t=34
• Glock G43 (Part 2): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nomwVPMBqUM
• The Glock 43 is For Lazy People: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tn3DiPmOm0E
  The Glock 43: Late To The Party or Saving the Best for Last?: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c5BznRK2dRA
• Glock 43 vs Smith and Wesson M&P Shield 9mm: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=93PHr6I5O1A
• Ka-Bar TDI Law Enforcement Knife: http://www.amazon.com/Ka-Bar-1480-TDI-Enforcement-Knife/dp/B003IXYW3M/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1438791301&sr=8-1&keywords=ka+bar+tdi
• KA-BAR TDI Fanny Pack Holster Polyester: http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/product/54626
• SHTF ACE-1 IWB Holster for Glock G43: https://guntoters.com/blog/2015/08/09/shtf-ace-1-iwb-holster-for-glock-g43/
• Hogue Rubber Grip Handall Jr. Small Size Grip Sleeve: http://www.amazon.com/Hogue-Rubber-Handall-Small-Sleeve/dp/B000H6GZI8
• How the Glock G43 Works (animation): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MCQYhfxdtSw