Glock 43X and Glock 19: A Quick Overview
Glock has established a reputation for providing reliable, efficient, and easy-to-carry options in the world of concealed-carry firearms.
The Glock 43X and Glock 19 stand out as two of the most debated choices among the various Glock models.
This comprehensive comparison aims to clearly understand these models, helping you determine which pistol best suits your concealed carry needs.
Glock 43X: A Compact Powerhouse
The Glock 43X, a relatively newer addition to the Glock family, has quickly gained popularity in the concealed carry market.
Known for its slim profile and ease of concealment, this pistol offers a balance of comfort and capacity that appeals to a wide range of shooters.
Glock 19: The Versatile Classic
The Glock 19, on the other hand, has long been a favorite among Glock enthusiasts.
It’s a compact yet versatile pistol that is as effective for home defense as for concealed carry.
With its slightly higher capacity and robust frame, the Glock 19 continues to be a top choice for many.
Ergonomics and Concealment
Deep Concealment and Body Type Considerations
Glock 43X
The Glock 43X shines in situations requiring deep concealment. Its slender frame and shorter grip make it an ideal choice for those with smaller hands or for wearing lighter attire, such as gym shorts.
The pistol’s design caters to various body types, ensuring comfortable carry without compromising control and accuracy.
Glock 19
While the Glock 19 is slightly larger, it remains a popular choice for concealed carry.
Its design offers a comfortable grip for most shooters, although those with smaller hands might find the Glock 43X more manageable.
The Glock 19’s size may require a more considered approach to concealment, especially in holster selection and clothing.
Capacity and Control
Magazine Capacity
Regarding capacity, the Glock 19 holds a noticeable advantage with more rounds.
This can be a significant factor in self-defense situations where additional firepower might be needed.
The Glock 43X, while having fewer rounds, is still adequate for most concealed carry scenarios.
Recoil and Shooting Experience
The recoil on both pistols is manageable, but the Glock 19’s slightly larger frame can offer better control, especially during rapid shooting.
The Glock 43X, due to its lighter and smaller frame, might exhibit a bit more recoil, but it remains comfortable and controllable for most shooters.
Aesthetics and Customization
Sight Options and Personalization
Glock 43X
The Glock 43X comes with standard Glock sights, but it also allows for customization with various aftermarket sight options.
Shooters can opt for night sights, red dots, or other preferences to enhance shooting accuracy and comfort.
Glock 19
The Glock 19, too, offers a range of sight options. Its versatility in customization means that shooters can tailor the pistol to their specific needs, whether for range shooting or home defense.
Trigger and Accuracy
Both Glock models boast quality triggers that are consistent and reliable. The Glock 43X has a smooth trigger pull that aids in accuracy, especially in concealed carry situations where quick response is key.
The Glock 19’s trigger, being similar in feel, allows for precise and controlled shooting.
Even though both triggers are adequate and very useable, there are ways you can improve them with aftermarket parts like connectors, trigger shoes, and polished trigger bars.
Glock 43X vs Glock 19 in Everyday Carry
Moving deeper into the comparison between Glock 43X and Glock 19, we will now focus on the practical aspects that could influence your decision, depending on your personal preferences and carry style.
Size and Weight: The Balancing Act
Significant Difference in Size
One of the most significant differences between the Glock 43X and Glock 19 is their size.
The Glock 43X, being slimmer and shorter, offers an advantage in terms of concealment and comfort, particularly in situations where carrying a larger gun might be impractical.
The Glock 19, though compact, is bulkier compared to the 43X, which could be a noticeable difference for some users.
Additional Weight Considerations
While not substantial, the additional weight of the Glock 19 can be a factor in choosing a carry gun.
For those who are sensitive to weight or who carry for extended periods, the lighter Glock 43X might be more appealing.
However, the weight of the Glock 19 also contributes to its shooting stability and reduced recoil.
Customization, Reliability and User Preferences
Personalized Customizations
Both Glock models offer ample opportunities for customization, allowing you to tailor them according to your preferences.
From personalized grip modifications to custom sights and stippling, you can optimize either pistol depending on your preferences and needs.
Reliability
Both pistols are reliable, secure, and unlikely to malfunction.
The Glock 43X and Glock 19 are renowned for their robust build quality and reliability (just like all Glocks), offering peace of mind in self-defense situations.
Engagement with the Shooting Community And Glock Community
When considering a new firearm, engaging with the broader shooting community to understand how each model performs in real-world scenarios can be a good thing.
Online forums (especially Glock forums) and blog reviews can provide valuable insights into the experiences of other shooters with both the Glock 43X and Glock 19.
In my experience, both the Glock 19 and Glock 43X are great options for concealed carry pistols.
The Glock 43X is easier to carry, but a little more snappy in terms of recoil, and the Glock 19 is easier to shoot, but a little more bulky when you’re trying to conceal it.
Both a great options though, and I think you should base your decision over which one to get on whatever your intended use is for the handgun.
Protect Your Firearm
It’s a good idea to secure your Glock in a safe or with a device like a trigger lock.
This keeps everyone from touching or using your gun without your permission, and it’s generally considered to be the safest way to store your firearm.
The Impact of Carry Preferences on Pistol Choice
Depending on Your Concealment Needs
The choice between the Glock 43X and Glock 19 might also depend on your typical carry settings.
If deep concealment in various clothing styles is a priority, the slimmer profile of the Glock 43X could be more suitable.
Conversely, if you often wear attire that easily accommodates a slightly larger pistol, the Glock 19’s additional capacity might be more appealing.
Home Defense Considerations
For home defense, the Glock 19’s higher capacity and ease of handling might give it an edge over the 43X.
However, the 43X can still be an effective home defense weapon, especially when equipped with the right accessories, such as a red dot and a weapon light.
Holster Options and Concealment Strategies
Moving forward in our comprehensive comparison of Glock 43X vs Glock 19, understanding the importance of holster choices and concealment strategies is crucial for anyone in the concealed carry market.
Choosing the Right Holster
Glock 43X
For the Glock 43X, its slender frame opens up a wide range of holster options.
IWB (Inside Waistband) holsters are particularly popular, allowing for deep concealment under light clothing.
Additionally, the lighter weight of the Glock 43X means that even minimalist holsters can provide adequate support and concealment, making it a versatile choice for varied clothing styles, including gym shorts.
Glock 19
The Glock 19, being slightly bulkier, might require a more robust holster to ensure stability and comfort.
OWB (Outside Waistband) holsters can be an excellent choice, especially for those who don’t mind a little extra bulk under their clothing.
However, with the right IWB holster and strategic clothing choices, the Glock 19 can also be effectively concealed.
Concealment and Clothing Considerations
Regarding concealed carry, the choice of clothing can be just as important as the choice of firearm and holster.
The Glock 43X, with its slim profile, is more forgiving in clothing, easily hiding under a wider range of outfits.
The Glock 19, while still concealable, might require more strategic dressing, such as looser shirts or jackets, to prevent printing.
Shooting Performance and Accuracy
Glock 43X
The shooting performance of the Glock 43X is impressive for its size. Its ergonomic design and balanced weight distribution make it easy to handle, ensuring a high level of accuracy even in rapid-fire situations.
The lighter recoil spring assembly in the Glock 43X also contributes to its ease of use, making it a suitable choice for shooters of all experience levels.
And don’t forget that the Glock 43X has a longer grip that the Glock 43, which gives you the ability to carry more rounds and to get greater leverage on the pistol when you’re shooting (for more control).
Glock 19
The Glock 19 is known for its reliability and accuracy. Its slightly larger size and additional weight provide more stability when shooting, which can be beneficial in self-defense situations.
The consistent trigger pull and the option to add various sight options also enhance its shoot-ability, making it a reliable choice for both novice and experienced shooters.
Long-Term Durability and Reliability
Both Glock models are renowned for their durability and reliability (just like all Glock models in general).
The use of high-quality materials and precision engineering in both the Glock 43X and Glock 19 ensures that they can withstand the rigors of daily carry and frequent use.
Regular maintenance and proper care will keep either pistol in excellent condition for many years.
Tailoring to Shooter Preferences
The grip design on both pistols is ergonomic, providing a secure and comfortable hold.
The Glock 19’s slightly larger grip can be an advantage for shooters with larger hands, offering more control and stability.
The Glock 43X, while smaller, still provides a surprisingly comfortable grip, suitable for shooters with smaller hands or those who prefer a more compact firearm.
Capacity and Reload Efficiency
The Glock 19 offers a higher magazine capacity of 15 rounds, which can be a deciding factor for some shooters.
However, the Glock 43X, with its standard mag capacity of 10 rounds, is still efficient and reliable, and its magazines are designed for quick and easy reloads.
On top of that, there are aftermarket magazines for the Glock 43X, such as the Shield Arms mags, which will increase the mag capacity to 15 rounds.
Aside from that, in choosing between the Glock 43X and Glock 19, you must consider your specific needs, preferences, and scenarios in which you plan to carry.
Both pistols offer unique advantages in concealment, shooting performance, and reliability.
But the Glock 43X excels in situations requiring maximum concealment and ease of carry.
And at the same time, the Glock 19 provides a balance of capacity and versatility, suitable for a broader range of uses including home defense.
Aftermarket Support and Cost Considerations
In this section, we delve into the aspects of aftermarket support and cost, which might play a crucial role in your decision-making process when selecting the right firearm.
Aftermarket Accessories and Customization
Glock 43X
The Glock 43X, despite being a newer model, has a growing range of aftermarket accessories available.
But that being said, the Glock 19 is one of the most popular handguns in history, and because of that, there are thousands of aftermarket accessaries available for it.
So really, you can improve or modifiy any part on either of these handguns, but the Glock19 is going to give you a lot more options.
Wrapping Up: Making Your Choice
In the world of concealed carry, choosing the right firearm is a decision that should be tailored to your unique needs, lifestyle, and comfort.
The Glock 43X and Glock 19 offer distinct advantages, and your choice between them should reflect your priorities regarding concealment, capacity, and overall handling.
Personal Considerations
Think about your daily routine, the environments you frequent, and your comfort with carrying and handling a firearm.
The Glock 43X might be better for those who wear lighter clothing or require a more discreet carry option.
On the other hand, if you’re looking for a more versatile firearm that offers a higher capacity and is still concealable with the right setup, the Glock 19 could be the ideal choice.
Training and Familiarity
Regardless of your choice, it’s crucial to invest time in training and becoming familiar with your firearm.
Regular practice at the range, understanding the nuances of your pistol, and training in various scenarios will enhance your confidence and proficiency in handling your Glock, whether it’s the 43X or the 19.
Final Thoughts
Both the Glock 43X and Glock 19 are exemplary models in the Glock lineup, each with its own set of strengths.
As you consider your options, remember that the best firearm for you is one that you can carry comfortably, handle confidently, and rely on in any situation.
Whichever model you choose, you’ll carry a piece of Glock’s legacy of innovation, reliability, and commitment to quality.
As we conclude this comprehensive comparison, we hope the information has helped guide you towards the Glock model that best suits your concealed carry needs.
Stay informed, train regularly, and carry responsibly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Glock 43X better than Glock 19?
The answer to whether the Glock 43X is better than the Glock 19 depends on your specific needs and preferences.
The Glock 43X is ideal for those prioritizing a slim, lightweight design for deep concealment, while the Glock 19 is better suited for users seeking a balance between concealability and higher capacity.
Both pistols offer Glock’s renowned reliability and quality, making them excellent choices in their respective categories.
Why is the Glock 43X restricted?
The Glock 43X is restricted in certain jurisdictions due to its magazine capacity and features that may not comply with specific local gun laws.
These restrictions are often based on regional regulations regarding firearm sizes, capacities, and features deemed permissible for civilian ownership.
It’s always important to check local laws and regulations before purchasing any firearm.
Is Glock 19 too big to conceal?
The Glock 19 is not too big to conceal for most people, but it may require careful consideration regarding holster choice and clothing.
While it is larger than the Glock 43X and other subcompact models, its design as a compact pistol still allows for effective concealment, especially with the right carry setup.
The choice of the Glock 19 for concealed carry should be based on individual comfort, body type, and personal preference.