If you're in the market for a reliable and versatile handgun, chances are you've come across the names "Glock 43" and "Glock 19." As a seasoned munitions expert and journalist with a lot of hands-on experience with similar beauties, I've had the privilege of extensively testing both of these firearms. So, which is the best: Glock 43 vs 19?
In this comprehensive comparison, I'll provide you with insights into the Glock 43 and Glock 19, shedding light on their respective histories, designs, performance, ergonomics, and more. By the time we're through, you'll have a clear understanding of which Glock is the right choice for your needs.
BRIEF OVERVIEW OF GLOCK 43 VS 19
THE EVOLUTION OF THE GLOCK 43
The Glock 43 represents Glock's venture into the concealed carry market. Released in 2015, it's part of Glock's single-stack 9mm lineup. The Glock 43 was Glock's answer to the growing demand for a slim, lightweight, and easily concealable handgun.
THE EMERGENCE OF THE GLOCK 19
In contrast, the Glock 19 has a longer history and is considered by many as the quintessential Glock. This model was introduced back in 1988 and has since gained immense popularity, becoming a favorite among law enforcement, military, and civilian users alike. The Glock 19 is renowned for its balance between compactness and capacity.
GLOCK 19 VS 43: DESIGN AND FEATURES
To find out which of these Glocks is the better choice, we need to delve deeper into the main design features of both models.
GLOCK 43 VS 19: SPECS COMPARISON
Before we explore the main features of the two Glocks, let's take a quick look at a breakdown of size specs of the two pistols, shall we?
|
|
Glock 19 |
Glock 43 |
|
Caliber |
9x19mm (9mm Luger) |
9x19mm (9mm Luger) |
|
Action |
Striker Single-Action (SA) |
Striker Single-Action (SA) |
| Weight (empty mag) |
23.65 oz |
17.99 oz |
|
Overall Width |
1.26 inch |
1.06 inch |
|
Overall Length |
7.36 inch |
6.26 inch |
|
Barrel Length |
4.01 inch |
3.39 inch |
|
Magazine |
Double stack |
Single stack |
|
Mag Capacity |
15+1 rounds (standard mag) |
6+1 rounds (standard mag) |
| Safety | Safe Action® |
Safe Action® |
| MSRP | $649.00 |
$538.00 |
Glock 43 VS 19 - Size Chart
Source: handgunhero.com
Size-wise, the Glock 43 (on the left) looks like a smaller and much shorter brother of the Glock 19 (on the right). It should be rather obvious by now that due to its more compact size, the G43 is a much better option for concealed carry. However, there's still so many interesting featuress the G19 brings to the table ... and we'll now take a look at whether these features make it a great carry choice too.
GLOCK 43: DESIGN AND KEY FEATURES
The Glock 43 was designed with concealed carry in mind, and it shows in its compact and slim profile. It boasts a 6-round magazine capacity, making it perfect for discreet carry. It has a striker-fired polymer frame and is incredibly lightweight, tipping the scales at around 17.95 ounces when fully loaded.
One of the standout features of the Glock 43 is its simplicity. It's a no-frills, point-and-shoot handgun with minimal controls and a trigger that breaks consistently at around 5.5 pounds. The small grip is comfortable in my hand, but for shooters with larger hands, it may require a bit of adjustment.
GLOCK 19: DESIGN AND KEY FEATURES
The Glock 19, on the other hand, follows the classic Glock design philosophy. It's a compact, striker-fired pistol with a 15-round magazine capacity, making it a versatile choice for both concealed carry and home defense. It weighs in at approximately 30.18 ounces with a fully loaded magazine.
What sets the Glock 19 apart is its adaptability. It's a firearm that can seamlessly transition from concealed carry to duty use. The grip, while not as slim as the Glock 43's, offers a more substantial hold and accommodates larger hands comfortably.
GLOCK 19 VS 43: PERFORMANCE AND HANDLING
GLOCK 19: PERFORMANCE REVIEW
The Glock 19, with its larger frame and increased magazine capacity, delivers a different level of performance. The extra weight contributes to better recoil control, and you'll find the 15-round capacity to be reassuring. The stock sights on the Glock 19 are an improvement over the Glock 43, offering better visibility and target acquisition.
During testing, the Glock 19 consistently produced tight groupings, even during rapid-fire drills. Its versatility makes it suitable for various scenarios, from concealed carry to home defense and even competition shooting. The trigger pull is crisp, and the reset is tactile, enabling faster follow-up shots.
GLOCK 43: PERFORMANCE REVIEW
In terms of performance, the Glock 43 is a reliable companion. During my extensive testing, I experienced minimal recoil, allowing for quick follow-up shots. The sights are functional but could benefit from an upgrade. Glock's legendary reliability holds true here, and I encountered no malfunctions or hiccups.
As a concealed carry firearm, the Glock 43 shines when it comes to ease of carry and concealment. It disappears under clothing, making it an ideal choice for deep concealment situations. The trigger pull is consistent, aiding in accuracy, but it may feel a bit stiff to some.
GLOCK 19 VS 43: ERGONOMICS AND COMFORT
GLOCK 19: GRIP AND COMFORT
The Glock 19's grip is where it truly shines. It accommodates a wider range of hand sizes and provides a more substantial grip for better control. The textured frame ensures a secure hold, even in adverse conditions. Shooting the Glock 19 is comfortable, and it's a firearm you can confidently rely on in high-stress situations.
G43: GRIP AND COMFORT
The Glock 43's grip, while small, surprised me with its comfort. It may not be ideal for those with large hands, but the stippling on the frame ensures a secure hold. During extended shooting sessions, I found it comfortable to handle, and its slim profile makes it easy to carry all day.
GLOCK 43 VS 19: CAPACITY AND SIZE
When it comes to choosing the right Glock for your needs, understanding the differences in capacity and size is paramount.
GLOCK 43: SIZE AND ROUND CAPACITY
The Glock 43's compactness is both its strength and limitation. Its slim profile makes it easy to conceal, and it's an excellent choice for deep concealment. However, this slim design comes at a cost. The Glock 43 typically comes with a 6-round magazine, which includes one in the chamber, giving you 6+1 rounds of 9mm ammunition.
While six rounds are sufficient for many self-defense situations, it's essential to remember that carrying spare magazines may be necessary to increase your round count. The Glock 43's overall dimensions make it incredibly discreet, with an unloaded weight of about 16.23 ounces.
GLOCK 19: SIZE AND ROUND CAPACITY
In contrast, the Glock 19 offers a substantial increase in both size and round capacity. Its 15-round magazine capacity, also including one in the chamber, provides a total of 15+1 rounds. This extra capacity can make a significant difference in high-stress situations or extended engagements.
The Glock 19 is larger, with an unloaded weight of approximately 30.18 ounces. While it may be less discreet for concealed carry compared to the Glock 43, its versatility and capacity make it an attractive choice for a variety of scenarios, including open carry and home defense.
GLOCK 43 VS 19: MODULARITY AND CUSTOMIZATION
The ability to customize and tailor your firearm to your specific needs is essential for many gun enthusiasts. Let's explore the modularity and customization options for both the Glock 43 and Glock 19.
GLOCK 43: MODULARITY AND CUSTOMIZATION OPTIONS
The Glock 43's modularity and customization options are somewhat limited compared to its larger counterparts. Glock has designed it to be a straightforward concealed carry firearm with minimal external controls. While there are aftermarket options for sights, triggers, and grip enhancements, the Glock 43's compact size leaves less room for customization.
However, you can still make meaningful improvements to the Glock 43. Upgrading the sights for improved accuracy and the trigger for a smoother pull can enhance its overall performance. Stippling or grip tape can provide better control without increasing the firearm's bulk.
GLOCK 19: MODULARITY AND CUSTOMIZATION OPTIONS
The Glock 19, with its larger frame, offers more room for customization. Glock's reputation for modularity is exemplified here. There's a vast market for aftermarket parts and accessories, allowing you to tailor your Glock 19 to your liking.
You can replace the sights with night sights, install custom triggers for a personalized feel, and even opt for different slide and barrel configurations. The Glock 19's versatility extends to compatibility with various holsters, lights, and red dot optics, enhancing its adaptability to different roles and preferences.
GLOCK 43 VS 19: PROS AND CONS
Now, let's delve into the advantages and disadvantages of both the Glock 43 and Glock 19 to help you make an informed decision.
GLOCK 43: ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES
ADVANTAGES of glock 43:
- Concealability: The Glock 43's slim design makes it incredibly easy to conceal, making it ideal for concealed carry in various situations.
- Lightweight: With a light overall weight, the Glock 43 won't weigh you down during all-day carry.
- Reliability: Glock's legendary reliability is present in the Glock 43, ensuring it functions flawlessly when you need it most.
Glock 43 DISADVANTAGES:
- Limited Capacity: The Glock 43's 6+1 capacity may be insufficient for some users, necessitating the need for spare magazines.
- Recoil Control: Due to its smaller size, recoil management can be more challenging for some shooters.
- Customization Constraints: Customization options are somewhat limited due to the Glock 43's compact design.
GLOCK 19: ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES
ADVANTAGES of Glock 19:
- Capacity: The Glock 19's 15+1 round capacity provides a significant advantage in self-defense situations.
- Versatility: Its larger size allows for versatile use, from concealed carry to home defense and even competition shooting.
- Customization: The Glock 19's modularity and extensive aftermarket support make it highly customizable to fit your preferences and needs.
Glock 19 DISADVANTAGES:
- Size: While versatile, the Glock 19's larger size can make concealed carry less discreet for some users.
- Weight: The added weight of the Glock 19 may become noticeable during extended carry.
- Cost: With more features and a larger frame, the Glock 19 typically comes with a higher price tag.
GLOCK 43 VS 19: CONCLUSION
In conclusion, choosing between the Glock 43 and Glock 19 is likely not as difficult as some of our other comparison articles—each firearm here offers a significant contrast between needs and priorities.
The Glock 43 excels in concealability and is an excellent choice for deep concealment and discreet carry. Its slim profile and lightweight nature make it a trusted companion for those who prioritize concealment above all else. However, its limited capacity may require you to carry spare magazines, and customization options are somewhat constrained due to its compact design.
On the other hand, the Glock 19 offers versatility and firepower. Its larger frame and increased round capacity make it suitable for a wide range of scenarios, including open carry, home defense, and even competition shooting. The Glock 19's modularity allows you to customize it to your heart's content, tailoring it to your preferences and needs. While it may be less discreet for concealed carry, its adaptability makes it a compelling choice for many gun owners.
Ultimately, your decision should be based on your intended use. If deep concealment and discreet carry are your primary concerns, the Glock 43 is an excellent choice. It's a reliable and easily concealable firearm that can keep you protected in everyday situations.However, if you seek a versatile firearm that can handle various roles, from concealed carry to home defense and beyond, the Glock 19 is the way to go. Its higher capacity, customization options, and adaptability make it a popular choice among gun enthusiasts.
A CRAFT HOLSTER IS THE RIGHT COMPANION FOR YOUR FAVORITE FIREARM
Pairing your choice of personal protection with the right holster is essential. Whether you opt for the Glock 43 holster or the Glock 19 holster, finding a quality accessory that provides comfort, security, and quick access is crucial. Be sure to explore the full range of Craft Holsters available to complement your firearm selection.
In the end, both the Glock 43 and Glock 19 are reliable and trusted firearms, each with its strengths and limitations. Your decision should align with your lifestyle, preferences, and the specific situations you anticipate encountering.
Remember, the right firearm can make all the difference when it comes to personal defense. Make your choice wisely, train diligently, and stay safe.