Glock 43X
Glock Ges.m.b.H. · Pistol · In Production · 2019
Also known as: G43X, Glock 43X MOS, Slimline
Overview
The Glock 43X is a Slimline subcompact semi-automatic pistol introduced in 2019, designed to deliver an ideal balance between concealability and shootability. Combining the slim slide of the Glock 43 with a longer grip frame that accepts 10-round slim magazines, the 43X provides significantly improved capacity and ergonomics over the single-stack Glock 43 while maintaining a slender 28mm width. The pistol features Glock's fifth-generation Safe Action trigger system, the match-grade Glock Marksman Barrel (GMB) with enhanced polygonal rifling, an nDLC (diamond-like carbon) finish on the slide for superior durability and corrosion resistance, and an integrated beavertail for a high and secure grip. The Slimline frame includes a slim mounting rail for compact weapon lights and an orange magazine follower for easy round-count visibility. The Glock 43X has become one of the most popular concealed carry pistols worldwide and is authorized as a backup/off-duty weapon by the FBI and numerous U.S. law enforcement agencies.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 530 g (18.7 oz) |
| Weight (loaded) | 654 g (23.1 oz) |
| Overall Length | 165 mm (6.50") |
| Barrel Length | 87 mm (3.43") |
| Height | 128 mm (5.04") |
| Width | 28 mm (1.10") |
| Sight Radius | 133 mm (5.24") |
| Action Type | Short Recoil |
| Firing Mechanism | Striker Fired |
| Trigger Type | Safe Action |
| Trigger Pull | 24 N (5.4 lbf) |
| Magazine Capacity | 10 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 350 m/s (1148 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 457 J (337 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 35 m (38 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 1500 m (1640 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 250 mm (9.84") |
| Number of Grooves | 6 |
| Frame Material | Polymer |
| Slide Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Finish | NDLC |
Calibers
- 9x19mm Parabellum · primary · 9mm NATO — also known as 9mm Luger, 9mm NATO, 9x19mm
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Trigger Safety, Firing Pin Safety, Drop Safety
- Features: Marksman Barrel, Integrated Beavertail, Slim Mounting Rail, Reversible Mag Catch, Front Slide Serrations, Rough Textured Frame, Orange Magazine Follower
Variants
- Glock 43X MOS — Optics Ready
- Glock 43X MOS8 — Optics Ready
Service history
Operators
- FBI (Authorized Off-Duty/Backup) · adopted 2018
- U.S. Law Enforcement (Plainclothes/Backup)
- U.S. Civilian Concealed Carry Market · adopted 2019
Production
Production years: 2019-present
Production numbers not publicly disclosed. Quickly became one of the best-selling concealed carry pistols in the U.S. market.
Origin
Country of origin: Austria
Designer: Gaston Glock
Notes
The 43X uses Glock's Slim (01) magazine system, which is not compatible with standard double-stack Glock magazines. Aftermarket 15-round flush-fit magazines from Shield Arms (S15) are extremely popular but are not Glock-factory products. The 43X MOS variant adds a micro-optic-ready slide compatible with the Shield RMSc footprint for mounting red dot sights. The trigger reach of 67mm makes it suitable for a wide range of hand sizes. The 43X shares the same slide dimensions as the Glock 43 and Glock 48 but features the compact Glock 19-length grip.
Background
The Glock 43X was designed to solve the single biggest complaint about the ultra-slim Glock 43: its short grip that left the pinky finger dangling. By pairing the slim 43 slide with a longer Glock 19-length frame, Glock created what many consider the ideal concealed carry pistol -- thin enough to disappear yet long enough for a full firing grip.