Glock 43x vs 19: The Ultimate Guide for Concealed Carry

Introduction to Concealed Carry and the Glock Models

Concealed carry has become a significant consideration for many individuals seeking personal protection and peace of mind. Among the array of options in the concealed carry market, Glock models stand out for their reliability and performance.

In this discussion, we’ll compare two popular Glock models – the Glock 43x and the Glock 19. These pistols have garnered a reputation for their functionality in different scenarios, choosing between them a topic of interest for most shooters.

Glock 43x: A Closer Look

The Glock 43x is a newer addition to the Glock family, explicitly designed to meet the demands of the concealed carry market. Its main attraction is its slim profile, which is particularly suited for deep concealment, making it an ideal choice for those who wear lighter clothing, such as gym shorts.

The 43x MOS (Modular Optic System) version allows for easy attachment of red dots, enhancing its versatility.

Key Features of the Glock 43x

• Shield Mags and Capacity: The Glock 43x is compatible with Shield Mags, which offer an increased magazine capacity without significant additional weight or bulk. This feature is a noticeable difference from other models and is a major plus for those prioritising magazine capacity in a compact gun.
• Grip and Control: The 43x provides excellent control, partly thanks to its ergonomically designed grip. This aspect is particularly beneficial for shooters with smaller hands, offering a comfortable and secure hold.
• Concealment and Comfort: Due to its slim frame, the Glock 43x excels in concealment. It fits comfortably in various types of holsters, making it a go-to choice for concealed carry under various clothing options.

Glock 19: The Trusted Choice

The Glock 19, on the other hand, has been a long-time favorite in the Glock line-up. Known for its versatility, the Glock 19 balances between compactness for concealed carry and robustness enough for duty use.

Highlights of the Glock 19

• Sight Radius and Shooting Accuracy: The Glock 19 boasts a longer sight radius than the 43x, significantly affecting shooting accuracy. This feature is particularly noticeable in range shooting and is preferred by many shooters who prioritize precision.
• Capacity and Recoil Control: The standard magazine capacity of the Glock 19 is higher than that of the 43x. Additionally, its slightly larger frame and weight help manage recoil better, offering a more stable shooting experience.
• Versatility and Adaptability: The Glock 19’s size and features make it adaptable for various uses, from concealed carry to a reliable duty weapon. Its ability to accommodate lights and other accessories adds to its versatility.

Comparing Glock 43x and 19: The Significant Differences

When comparing the Glock 43x and Glock 19, the noticeable differences lie in size, magazine capacity, and intended use.

• Size and Concealment: The Glock 43x, being slimmer, offers deeper concealment and is more comfortable for carry, especially in lighter clothing. The Glock 19, while still concealable, is bulkier and might require more consideration regarding clothing and holster choice.
• Magazine Capacity: The standard magazine capacity of the Glock 19 is higher than the 43x, although the latter can be enhanced with Shield mags.
• Shooting Experience: The Glock 19’s larger frame provides better recoil control and accuracy, making it more suitable for a wider range of shooting activities.

The Glock 43x shines in deep concealment and comfort, while the Glock 19 stands out in capacity, recoil management, and versatility. The choice between these two models depends largely on individual preferences, body type, and intended use.

Stay tuned for the next section where we will dive deeper into concealed carry, shooting experience, and more.

In-Depth Analysis of Shooting Experience and Pistol Performance

When it comes to shooting the Glock 43x, there are several aspects to consider. The pistol is designed for ease of carry and concealment, which impacts its shooting dynamics.

• Handling and Control: The Glock 43x, with its slim frame, provides a comfortable grip, making it easier to handle, especially for those with smaller hands. This leads to better control during shooting, which is crucial for a concealed carry pistol.
• SA Mags and Shooting Performance: Using SA (single-action) mags in the Glock 43x allows for a higher capacity without significantly altering the pistol’s size. This is a critical factor for those who prioritize having more rounds available in a self-defense scenario.
• Recoil and Accuracy: Despite its smaller size, the 43x maintains a respectable balance between recoil and accuracy. Shooters may find that while the recoil is noticeable, it is not overwhelming, allowing for decent accuracy in self-defense situations.

The Glock 19 Shooting Dynamics

The Glock 19, a staple in the Glock lineup, offers a different shooting experience, contributing to its popularity among many users.

• Recoil Management: The Glock 19’s slightly larger size and weight aid in better recoil management. This results in more stable shooting, a significant factor for novice and experienced shooters.
• Magazine Capacity and Shooting: With a higher standard magazine capacity, the Glock 19 allows shooters to engage targets longer without reloading frequently. This is particularly advantageous in a range setting or in situations where more rounds might be necessary.
• Versatility in Shooting Scenarios: The Glock 19 is renowned for its versatility, functioning well in various shooting scenarios, from range practice to tactical training. Its balanced size and capabilities make it a solid choice for concealed carry and duty use.

Glock 43x in Concealed Carry Situations

• Deep Concealment Shooting: The Glock 43x excels in scenarios where deep concealment is essential. Its compact size allows for quick and discreet draw, vital in self-defense situations.
• Performance Under Pressure: In high-stress situations, the Glock 43x’s ease of handling and control can be decisive. Its reliable performance under pressure makes it a trusted companion for concealed carry.

Glock 19 in Diverse Shooting Environments

• Range Performance: The Glock 19 demonstrates excellent control and accuracy at the shooting range, making it a favorite for practice and training.
• Adaptability in Tactical Situations: The Glock 19’s adaptability to various tactical accessories like lights and red dots enhances its utility in more demanding shooting scenarios.

Examining the Physical, Technical Aspects, and Their Impact on Carry

Glock 43x: The Compact Companion

• Size and Comfort in Carry: The Glock 43x’s slim and compact frame is a significant advantage for concealed carry. Its smaller size makes it less noticeable under clothing, which is a critical factor for those who need deep concealment.
• Weight and Ease of Carry: With its lighter weight, the Glock 43x is more comfortable to carry for extended periods. This is especially important for individuals who carry daily and need to maintain mobility and comfort, like wearing it with gym shorts or light pants.

Glock 19: The Balanced Workhorse

• Slightly Larger Frame for Better Handling: The Glock 19’s frame, while larger than the 43x, provides a more substantial grip. This can lead to better control and accuracy, especially for shooters with larger hands.
• Weight as a Factor in Stability: The additional weight of the Glock 19, though a consideration for concealed carry, contributes positively to its shooting stability and recoil management.

Technical Specifications and Performance

Magazine Capacity and Options

• Glock 43x’s Magazine Flexibility: The 43x’s compatibility with SA mags increases its capacity, making it a more versatile choice without compromising its concealability.
• Glock 19’s Higher Standard Capacity: The Glock 19 comes with a higher standard magazine capacity, providing more rounds for range practice or self-defense situations.

Trigger Mechanism and Shooting Response

• Glock 43x’s Trigger Feel: The trigger mechanism of the Glock 43x is designed for quick and responsive action, which is crucial in high-stress, self-defense scenarios.
• Glock 19’s Balanced Trigger: The Glock 19 offers a consistent and smooth trigger pull, contributing to its overall shooting accuracy and making it suitable for various shooting applications.

Durability and Maintenance

Reliability Under Different Conditions

• Glock 43x’s Performance in Varied Environments: The Glock 43x maintains its reliability across different environments, from humid to dusty settings, making it a dependable choice for everyday carry.
• Glock 19’s Proven Durability: The Glock 19 is known for its robust construction and has been proven to perform reliably in various challenging conditions, including tactical and duty use.

Maintenance and Longevity

• Ease of Maintenance with the Glock 43x: The simple design of the Glock 43x allows for easy maintenance, ensuring its longevity with regular care.
• Glock 19’s Endurance: The Glock 19’s durable build requires minimal maintenance, making it a long-lasting choice for shooters who need a reliable gun over many years.

User Experience and Practical Considerations

• Ideal for Certain Body Types: The compact size of the Glock 43x is particularly favorable for individuals with smaller frames or those who prefer minimalistic carry options. Its design caters well to different body types, ensuring comfort and ease of access.
• Shooting Style Adaptation: Shooters who prioritize speed and discretion often find the Glock 43x aligns well with their style. Its quick draw capabilities and ease of concealment make it a top choice for self-defense-focused shooting.

Glock 19: A Versatile Option for Many

• Adaptable to a Range of Shooters: The Glock 19’s slightly larger size and increased capacity make it a versatile option, suitable for a wide range of shooters, regardless of hand size or shooting experience.
• Flexible in Various Shooting Scenarios: Whether it’s for range practice, home defense, or duty use, the Glock 19 adapts well to different shooting styles, offering a balance of control, capacity, and versatility.

Considerations for Concealed Carry

Clothing and Holster Choices

• Glock 43x’s Concealment with Light Clothing: The Glock 43x can be easily concealed with lighter clothing, such as gym shorts or fitted shirts, without printing. This makes choosing a holster and outfit less restrictive.
• Glock 19’s Requirements for Concealment: While the Glock 19 can also be concealed effectively, it may require more consideration regarding clothing and holster choice, especially for deep concealment.

Lifestyle and Everyday Carry

• Daily Carry with the Glock 43x: The Glock 43x fits seamlessly into various lifestyles, especially for those who are always on the move and require a discreet carry option.
• Glock 19 as a Consistent Companion: The Glock 19, with its reliability and capacity, is a solid choice for everyday carry, especially for those who don’t mind its slightly larger size and weight.

Enhancing the Pistols with Accessories

• Glock 43x and Customization Options: The 43x, while efficient in its factory form, can be enhanced with different sights, grips, and magazine extensions, allowing shooters to tailor it to their specific needs.
• Glock 19’s Versatility with Add-Ons: The Glock 19’s design accommodates a variety of accessories, from tactical lights to red dots, making it a highly customizable pistol for different uses.

Impact of Accessories on Performance

• Performance Tweaks with the Glock 43x: Adding certain accessories to the Glock 43x can improve its performance in specific scenarios, like extended magazines for increased capacity or upgraded triggers for a smoother shooting experience.
• Glock 19’s Adaptability to Enhancements: The enhancements made to the Glock 19 can significantly boost its versatility, improving its usability across various situations, from tactical engagements to competitive shooting.

Final Thoughts and Recommendations

Choosing between the Glock 43x and the Glock 19 ultimately comes down to personal preferences, intended use, and lifestyle requirements. Both pistols have their unique strengths and cater to different needs within the concealed carry and shooting communities.

The Glock 43x stands out for its exceptional concealability and ease of carry, making it an excellent choice for those who prioritize a lightweight and discreet carry option. On the other hand, the Glock 19 offers a balance of capacity, control, and versatility, suitable for a variety of roles from personal defense to professional duty.

In our extensive analysis, we have explored various aspects of the Glock 43x and Glock 19, from their physical dimensions to shooting performance, user experience, and customization options. Each model offers a unique set of features that cater to different preferences and needs.

Whether you prefer the compactness and ease of carry of the Glock 43x or the versatility and capacity of the Glock 19, both pistols stand as reliable, high-quality choices in the world of firearms.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Glock 43X better than the Glock 19?

The Glock 43X is not necessarily better than the Glock 19, but it offers superior concealability and lighter carry, making it ideal for those who prioritize discreetness and comfort. The Glock 19, however, provides higher capacity and better recoil control, suited for a broader range of shooting applications.

Should I buy a Glock 43 or 19?

Your choice between a Glock 43 and a Glock 19 should be based on your specific needs for concealment and capacity. If you need a more concealable and lighter pistol, go for the Glock 43; if you require more rounds and a larger grip, the Glock 19 is a better choice.

Is Glock 19 too big to conceal?

No, the Glock 19 is not too big to conceal. While it is larger than some subcompact models, its design still allows for effective concealment with the right holster and clothing choices.

Is the Glock 19 better than the 48?

The Glock 19 and Glock 48 serve different purposes; the Glock 19 offers higher capacity and is more versatile for various shooting scenarios, while the Glock 48 has a slimmer profile, making it better for deeper concealment. Your choice should depend on your specific needs for capacity and concealability. For more information visit Redgif