Glock 19 vs 43: How Do They Compare?
When it comes to Glocks, the 19 and the 43 both top the charts in terms of concealability and functionality. But, which one is the best choice for you?
In comparing the Glock 19 vs 43, both pistols are compact, semi-automatic, and designed for concealed carry, making them an excellent choice for personal defense and everyday carry. However, each model has its unique features and specifications that make it stand out.
In this article, we will compare the Glock 19 and the Glock 43 to help you determine which one is the best option for you. We will take a look at their size, capacity, trigger systems, accuracy, and overall performance to give you a comprehensive understanding of both pistols.
Whether you are a seasoned shooter or a beginner looking for your first pistol, this article will help you make an informed decision.
Products Mentioned In This Article
Glock 19
One of the most popular weapons on the market, many people use the Glock 19 for concealed carry and as a backup gun for law enforcement thanks to its compact size and versatility.
The striker-fired G19 is known for its reliability, accuracy, and durability, and features the signature Glock Safe-Action trigger system. It has a locked breech and short recoil and is crafted with a matte polymer-finished frame and a rough textured grip frame.
Chambered in 9mm Luger, the Glock 19 is a popular choice for everyday carry and personal defense, and, thanks to its modular back strap, is a great option for shooters of all hand sizes.
Sporting a 4.02” barrel, the Glock 19 measures 5.04” tall, weighs 23.63 ounces, and can hold up to 15 rounds.
If you’re looking for a Glock 19 holster, check out our selection here. Or, visit our Holsters By Gun Model page to customize a holster for your G19 with added accessories.
Glock 43
Designed to meet the same standards of accuracy and durability that larger Glock pistols are known for, the subcompact Glock 43 packs a lot into a small, concealable frame.
The G43 is a striker-fired, semi-automatic pistol specifically designed for concealed carry and is popular among law enforcement, military, and civilian firearm enthusiasts.
The Glock 43 is built with a black polymer frame and a Tenifer-coated ordinance-grade steel slide.
Despite its smaller size, the Glock 43 still offers a comfortable and secure grip, making it easy to shoot accurately. The pistol features the signature Glock Safe-Action trigger system and is chambered in 9mm Luger.
With a barrel length of 3.41” and a height of 4.25”, the G43 weighs 17.99 ounces and has a standard capacity of 6 rounds.
If you’re looking for a Glock 43 holster, check out our selection here. Or, visit our Holsters By Gun Model page to customize a holster for your G43 with added accessories.
Glock 43 vs Glock 19: Specs
Glock 19 vs 43: Size & Capacity
When it comes to size, the Glock 43 has a significant advantage. This model measures 4.25” tall, 1.06” wide, and 6.26” long with a barrel length of 3.41”. The Glock 19, on the other hand, stands 5.04” tall, 1.34” wide, and 7.28” long with a barrel length of 4.02”. The G43 also weighs less, at 17.99 ounces compared to the G19’s 23.63 ounces.
In terms of capacity, however, the Glock 19 is the clear winner. The 19 comes standard with a 15-round magazine and is available with optional 17, 19, 24, 31, and 33-round magazines. The 43, however, is limited to its standard 6-round magazine.
If ease of concealment is your concern, you may want to consider the G43. If capacity is more important to you, then the G19 is the easy winner.
Glock 43 vs 19: Ergonomics
Frame
The Glock 43 and 19 have similar frame designs. Both are built with a black polymer frame and a built-in beavertail for a high and tight grip.
The main difference is that the Glock 19 is modular, meaning you can change the backstraps of the gun to better accommodate your hand size, allowing you to choose the one that best fits your grip for added comfort.
Slide & Barrel
While both pistols are designed with a Tenifer-coated ordinance-grade steel slide, providing durability and corrosion resistance, that’s where their similarities end.
The G19 has a larger and longer slide than the 43, including a longer barrel length, giving it improved accuracy and a wider sight radius. On the flip side, the G43’s shorter barrel makes it significantly easier to conceal.
The Glock 19 also features front and rear slide serrations for a secure grip, while the Glock 43 only has front serrations.
Glock 19 vs 43: Sights & Optics
Both the Glock 43 and 19 come standard with Glock’s plastic sights. If you’re interested in upgrading to more advanced sights, that is an option for both Glock models.
While neither pistol comes optics-ready, the G19 MOS is a variation that offers modular optic compatibility. So if optics are your desire, the Glock 19 will be the best option between these two pistols.
Glock 43 vs 19: Controls
Safety
While neither the 19 nor 43 features a manual safety, they both come equipped with Glock’s Safe Action System. The system is designed with three independent mechanical safeties that disengage as the gun’s trigger is pulled and re-engage when released. The Safe Action System does offer protection in the event the firearm is dropped.
Trigger
Though similar, the triggers on these two pistols do have a few differences. First, the G43 has a trigger pull of 5.4 pounds, while the G19’s trigger pull is 6.3 pounds. The trigger distance is different as well, with the Glock 43 having a distance of 2.56” and the Glock 19 having a distance of 2.80”.
Besides the differences in their pull and distance, the G19 gen 5 is built with Glock’s newest trigger variant, which has a rolling break, making it more shootable for more gun owners.
Which is Right For Me?
At the end of the day, the Glock 19 and the Glock 43 are both reliable firearms that offer different benefits for different needs.
If you’re looking for a smaller, lighter gun for everyday carry, the G43 may be the right choice for you. If you’re looking for a weapon that’s still concealable but features a higher round capacity, the G19 is the obvious choice.
If you’re interested in adding optics to your firearm, you’ll want to choose the G19 MOS as the 43 does not come optics-ready. Both pistols feature Glock’s Safe Action System but have different trigger pull weights, so you’ll want to take that into consideration when choosing the right gun for you.
Finally, the Glock 19 is modular, meaning you can change its backstraps to fit your hand size, making it a more comfortable choice for those with hands that are smaller or larger than average.
The Glock 19 is a versatile and capable firearm for everyday carry and personal defense, while the Glock 43 is a more compact option for concealed carry. Ultimately, the choice between the two models depends on your specific needs and preferences.
Summary
When comparing the Glock 19 vs 43, it’s important to think about which model will best suit your individual needs and preferences. Both pistols are highly regarded in the gun community as concealed carry or home defense firearms.
If you’re looking for a new IWB, OWB, or pocket carry holster, visit our Holsters by Gun Model page for Kydex holsters that are custom-made for your weapon of choice.
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