Glock 43 first impressions

[techguy85]

I got lucky and got my hands on a Glock 43 this afternoon. I brought it home and am shocked at how light and small this gun feels in the hand. I have small hands and it feels great to be able to reach all the controls without stretching. A couple of interesting points:
The finger grooves are gone.
It doesn't look like there are any adjustable backstraps.
The grip texture is more muted than my gen 4 G19.
The trigger feels slightly heavier than a gen 4 of any other model that I've seen; however the press is still (relatively) smooth like other Glock triggers.

The only thing I'm not immediately a fan of is the fact that even the extended mag with the finger extention doesn't hold 7 instead of 6; and they didn't include 3 mags, only 2.

I'll report back once I have a chance to shoot it.

[Nocturnx]

My buddy picked one up and I got to fondle it the other day. I didn't have my PPS on me but it felt very similar to it in weight. I liked the feel of the grooved trigger and it felt good in my hand, more round and not as squared grip as my PPS...but the trigger pull was super heavy and long compared to the PPS, I didn't care for the trigger or travel for the reset. I didn't think it was as smooth of a pull either.

I was also very disappointed that mag with the pinky extension didn't add a round, there is plenty of space on the mag for it to have a round but they just made it hollow instead. Overall it was pretty underwhelming in my opinion...

[Brian D.]

I've seen aftermarket +1 extensions for the Model 42, so it seems likely that same outfit would make one for the G43 as well.

[Quack]

+1 and +2 pads.

http://tarantacticalinnovations.com/ind ... h=44_49_81" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[curmudgeon3]

Not a Glock-knocker but, for a few more scheckels the Kahr P9 comes in 3 ounces lighter, thinner width, 7+1 and a non-rectangular grip.

[techguy85]

I looked at those +1 and +2 base pads, I'll probably try them once they come back in stock.
I had a Kahr PM9 and wasn't really a fan of the trigger. Other than that it was indeed a nice gun.

[curmudgeon3]

I looked at those +1 and +2 base pads, I'll probably try them once they come back in stock.
I had a Kahr PM9 and wasn't really a fan of the trigger. Other than that it was indeed a nice gun.

The P9 is a little different than the PM9.

[techguy85]

I looked at those +1 and +2 base pads, I'll probably try them once they come back in stock.
I had a Kahr PM9 and wasn't really a fan of the trigger. Other than that it was indeed a nice gun.

The P9 is a little different than the PM9.

Ah... I see... How so if you don't mind explaining?

[BobK]

I've seen photos of a Glock 43 on top of a Glock 26, and I personally don't see much advantage in carrying the 43 when you lose 4 rounds capacity for an indistinguishable size difference. I suppose if I was ankle carrying I might notice the 3.76 oz difference, but I'll never notice that weight on my hip.

Also, with a 26 I can easily carry a spare 15 or 17 round mag, all you get is another 6 with the 43. I realize +1/+2 mag pads are starting to emerge, but they are the expensive aluminum ones; haven't seen any plastic one yet.

Oh well, every time I start to let myself get tempted into getting a single stack 9, I find myself sticking to larger guns with more capacity. I see the same comparison between an M&P Shield versus an M&P 9c. Not enough size difference in real life to warrant the capacity reduction.

[CCIman]

Certainly the same arguments can be made against revolvers and .380 guns. PPK/PPKS??? Glock42???

[BobK]

Certainly the same arguments can be made against revolvers and .380 guns. PPK/PPKS??? Glock42???

Correct. And I carry neither.

[Glock Rock]

I know it has a dual recoil spring, but isn't a super light and compact 9mm going to have some serious felt recoil and bark?

I''m not saying a full size Beretta 92 is the answer but...

[HancockCountyHAl]

Doesn't the extended baseplate negate the short grip design?

[TSiWRX]

^ I think there's an end-use concern at play as well.

I agree, physically extending the magazine does compromise concealment simply by dimensional concerns, but then there's the consideration of the spare magazine - since this magazine is not inserted into the gun, the additional round(s) on the reload could make the concession in length/size a viable trade-off. My EDC has a 13-round "flush" magazine for its "compact"-sized frame, but I carry a 19-round full-size magazine as a spare. Since my spare is carried on my off side and a straight IWB drop, there's no concern of printing.

In terms of the +0 capacity "pinky rest," usually, if waistline carry is the preferred concealment method, the cant of the pistol may obviate any concealment issues caused by the wedge-shape of such extensions. However, it is nevertheless undeniable that anything adding height to the gun will cause concerns with pocket-carry.

[ Aside: I personally prefer a "full grip" when I come out of the holster, thus I do favor a "pinky rest" type of extension on smaller guns (this is purely subjective: on the clock, I draw just as fast regardless, but subjectively, I feel more positive about the draw when I can get all three of my fingers around the grip). However, I've recently taken a page from the late Mr. Louis Awerbuck, who pointed out that in-reality, all that's necessary to hold the gun is simply sufficient pressure with the middle digit. Looking at the 8- and 4-o'clock positions on pistol correctional targets, one sees that these areas are often blamed on the tightening of the grip or fingers during discharge. With Mr. Awerbuck's technique, these problems are eliminated. Recoil-control is gained through the side-to-side squeeze of the grip. Depending on the BSA template, I sometimes use this technique. ]


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I looked at those +1 and +2 base pads, I'll probably try them once they come back in stock.
I had a Kahr PM9 and wasn't really a fan of the trigger. Other than that it was indeed a nice gun.

The P9 is a little different than the PM9.

Ah... I see... How so if you don't mind explaining?

Size:

P9 -
https://www.kahr.com/Pistols/Kahr-P9.asp" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Length O/A: 5.8"
Height: 4.5"

PM9 -
https://www.kahr.com/Pistols/Kahr-PM9.asp" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Length O/A: 5.42"
Height: 4.0"


It's a small difference, but it's a noticeable one for most folks.

For most, the PM9 is "pocket-able," the P9, not so much.


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I know it has a dual recoil spring, but isn't a super light and compact 9mm going to have some serious felt recoil and bark?

I''m not saying a full size Beretta 92 is the answer but...

I think that's definitely a viable concern.

But this is where individual fit as well as subjective perceptions come into play as the wildcards.

[techguy85]

I could see this fill a spot for me; there are times where I carry around people that being discovered would be potentially an issue that could impact our relationship. And yes, I know, don't hang around them is going to be some of your answers and to a certain extent I get that, but some of them will be future family after I get married.
On the whole, on a typical day, I will stick with my G19 with 15+1 and 1 or 2 17 round Glock 17 magazines for a reload.