Glock 43xl - Glock hasn't always been at the top of the concealed carry market. As we have seen time and time again, they will take their time releasing a single batch of 9mm when literally every other manufacturer on the market has one. But as the old saying goes, the best things take time. When Glock makes a new gun, it works — and it works well.

When the G43 made its debut at the 2015 NRA Annual Meeting, it received much critical acclaim. Since then, his popularity has only grown. It was Glock's first 9mm subcompact single-stack pistol, so of course it had to attract a lot of attention. But its performance is what really set it apart and helped Glock sell over a million G43 models.

Glock 43xl

Glock 43xl

The Glock 43X takes the design of the original 43 and builds on it—adding 0.04 inches to the overall width, to be exact. As a card-carrying member of Glock's X family, the 43X is...weird. We'll have to explain the X Series in more detail to understand what we mean.

Glock 43x Optimized: Customizing The G43x

Before picking up a 43 or 43X, you need to know how these two pistols stack up against each other. Yes, both are compact 9mm for concealed carry. But is one a better option than the other? Time to lock and load.

First, let's get the whole X series thing out of the way so you understand where the 43X is coming from. The X Series is the 19X, known as Glock's first 'crossover' pistol. This pistol took the polymer frame of the Glock 17 and laced it with a 19" slide. First it was the US. The Military Modular Pistol System was created for competition, but was beaten by SIG Sauer. But you wouldn't know it from its commercial success.

Because the 43X was such a hit—and because the 43 was also a very popular concealed carry pistol—Glock created a version of the X 43. The 43 itself was an improvement over the 42, which, at least according to the complaints of some, was too small because it for the .380ACP cartridge. (Though the test targets may disagree with these claims.)

43 some people felt lacked potential when it first came out. Its seven rounds (6 in the magazine, one in the barrel) is a marked improvement over what the police used thirty years ago (a five-barreled revolver without additional rounds). However, in today's world, owners want more from their concealed carry pistols.

Best Glock 43x Mos Red Dot [top 7 List]

That's where the X series came in with changes to the 43. The 43X resulted in 10+1 performance. It has the same size slide and barrel as the 43, but the extended frame gives you a longer grip.

With that said, let's get to the specs. These two Glocks share the same model number but with a distinct 'X' difference. That 'X' means the G43X is larger than the 43 because it has an elongated grip. While the G43 is 4.25 inches tall, the G43X is 5.04 inches tall. This shows greater performance and longer grip. As mentioned earlier, the G43 has six plus one and the G43 has ten plus one.

As for weight, these guns don't make much of a difference when empty. The G43 weighs 17.99 ounces, while the G43X is literally a fraction of an ounce heavier at 18.70 ounces with an empty barrel.

Glock 43xl

When you load them, however, there is a significant difference in deprivation. The G43X weighs 23.07 ounces when loaded, while the G43 weighs 20.64 ounces. And it sure feels different when you have a gun in your purse or in your hand.

Build Your Custom Glock

Their width is also slightly different. The G43X is .04 thicker than the 43, which is 1.10 inches wider overall. It's an odd fix, but there you have it. Both guns have a barrel length of 3.41 inches. Their overall length is thus very different: the G43 measures 6.26 inches, while the G43X measures 6.5 inches. Noticeable? Yes, but not much.

If you're someone who struggles to carry a large gun, the sleek, compact design of the G43 will make concealed carry a lot easier. What about simple shooting? The G43X is actually easier to shoot. And we will get this minute.

But first, we need to review the fit and finish of both models. The Glock 43 is your classic Glock, just scaled down. (Think: Honey, I've scaled down my Glock! ) It doesn't have the finger grooves you find on other guns, but there are some serrations on the back to provide a grip. The frame is made of polymer and the slide has a black nitride finish for a sporty look. And not to mention durability.

Black nitriding has become controversial in the concealed carry world. Glock uses post-oxidation black oxide, which is an additional step in the nitrocarburizing process. This forms a layer of black oxide (Fe3O4) known for its ability to increase corrosion resistance while leaving the surface with a beautiful black color. Glock has used this process since 1982 and it works well at keeping rust at bay.

Glock Compensator 19/17/26

However, the G43X is quite different in this regard. Instead of a black nitride finish, Glock opted for not only a black finish, but also an nPVD coating on the G43X silver slide. This type of coating is used on the X series, so you'll also see it on the G19X. The nVPD sliding coating has proven to be equally resistant to corrosion, weathering and various chemicals. Plus, this silver finish option sets it apart from your typical all-black Glock.

Since we have already mentioned the serration of the rear slider, we must also mention the front one. You won't see them on the Glock 43, but they are actually present on the G43X. Our verdict so far? Advantage: G43X. But wait, there's more...

Ergonomics will be the deciding factor in choosing a pistol, and one of these two Glocks is much easier to shoot than the other because its ergonomics are better.

Glock 43xl

With its long grip, the G43X fills your palm so your little finger doesn't hang off the end. The end result is a nice, solid grip on a concealed carry pistol that is easy to draw, hold and measure.

Glock 19 Recon Iwb Holster

The downside is that the large grip is difficult to hide. The smaller G43 is easier to hide. And with the G43, if you get a good magazine with a pinky extension, the gun will feel comfortable in your hand.

If you are left handed, either Glock should be fine as they both have reversible magazines. In a world created by righties for righties, lefties can comfortably hold and measure with the G43 or G43X.

The front teeth on the G43X improve your grip. In addition, the beaver tail integrated into the frame provides additional comfort. If you are someone with large hands who are concerned about the bite of the slider, the G43X can be equipped with a beaver tail extension for that little extra grip you need. They also add more comfort. But Beavertail itself gives you a little extra control. On the other hand, the G43 (um, pardon the pun) will give you that sliding bite.

Also note that the trigger distance differs between the G43 and G43X. The G43 has a trigger distance of 2.56 inches, which is much shorter than the G43X's trigger distance of 2.64 inches. For someone with smaller hands, the shorter trigger distance on the G43 can make shooting easier. Of course, if you have large hands, this will be a disadvantage, so the G43X will be more up your alley.

Glock N Roses 43x Full Tiffany Blue Pistol 10 Rd 9mm Custom Engraved

And speaking of your hands, you need to consider your hand strength when it comes to this gun. The slider on the G43X is a little easier to slide, so if your hand strength is impaired for whatever reason (like mild arthritis or an old wound that never heals), the G43X will be easier on you and you'll be helping. Much more grip.

There's no doubt that a longer grip on the G43X means you have more control over it, which leads to less recoil, allowing you to fire follow-up shots more efficiently. And as we mentioned above, the beavertail offers more comfort and control, eliminating the sliding bite you get from the G43. In general, this helps you aim the gun and shoot with greater accuracy.

Don't be fooled; The G43 can be fun to shoot, especially if you have small hands

Glock 43xl

Glock lock, nerf glock, 43xl, cold steel 43xl, pellet glock, glock sights, key glock, lexmark 43xl, lexmark 43xl 44xl combo pack, 43xl 44xl, glock holster, glock holsters