The Glock 43 Gen5

The Glock 43 Gen5 is one of the most popular compact pistols on the market, particularly favored by those seeking a reliable, easy-to-conceal firearm. As part of Glock’s renowned Gen5 series, this handgun combines the portability and slim profile of the original Glock 43 with the enhanced features of the fifth generation. Whether you’re a seasoned firearms enthusiast or a newcomer looking for a dependable sidearm, the Glock 43 Gen5 offers excellent value and performance. In this guide, we’ll explore the key features, improvements, and benefits of this compact firearm.

A Brief History of Glock and the Gen5 Series

Glock has long been a dominant force in the world of handguns. Founded in 1981 by Austrian engineer Gaston Glock, the company quickly became known for its rugged, polymer-framed pistols, which were revolutionary at the time. The design was simple, reliable, and highly durable. By the late 1980s and early 1990s, Glock firearms had gained widespread popularity, particularly among law enforcement and military personnel.

The Gen5 series, introduced in 2017, brought significant improvements to Glock’s existing line. Enhanced ergonomics, improved accuracy, and user-friendly features set the Gen5 models apart from earlier generations. The Glock 43 Gen5 represents the company’s commitment to improving on their designs without sacrificing the simplicity and reliability that made them famous.

What’s New in the Glock 43 Gen5?

The Glock 43 Gen5 isn’t just a rehash of the original Glock 43; it’s a thoroughly upgraded firearm. Here’s a breakdown of the key new features in this model:

1. Improved Trigger Mechanism

One of the major complaints about previous Glock models was the trigger pull. Glock has addressed this issue in the Gen5 series by introducing a smoother, lighter trigger. This results in a more consistent and crisp break, making the firearm easier to shoot accurately, even for beginners. For experienced users, this improved trigger enhances overall shooting performance and follow-up shots.

2. No Finger Grooves

The original Glock 43 had finger grooves on the grip, which some users found uncomfortable. Glock responded to this feedback by removing the grooves in the Gen5 series. The Glock 43 Gen5 offers a more neutral grip, making it more comfortable for a wider range of hand sizes. This change also improves handling under stress or during rapid-fire situations.

3. nDLC Coating

The nDLC (Diamond-Like Carbon) coating on the Glock 43 Gen5 slide is another standout feature. This coating provides added durability, making the firearm more resistant to corrosion and wear. Whether you’re carrying it in humid environments or exposing it to harsh conditions, the nDLC coating ensures your firearm will stand the test of time.

4. Marksman Barrel

The Glock 43 Gen5 comes equipped with Glock’s Marksman Barrel, a significant upgrade over previous barrels. It features enhanced polygonal rifling and improved precision engineering, which contribute to better accuracy and consistency. Whether you’re firing at close or long distances, the Marksman Barrel offers impressive performance.

5. Ambidextrous Slide Stop Lever

Another user-friendly addition is the ambidextrous slide stop lever. This feature makes the Glock 43 Gen5 suitable for both right- and left-handed shooters, enhancing its accessibility and versatility. This upgrade is particularly appreciated by left-handed users who often have to make do with right-hand-centric firearms.

Compact Size and Concealability

One of the main reasons for the Glock 43 Gen5’s popularity is its compact size. Designed for concealed carry, the Glock 43 Gen5 measures just 6.06 inches in overall length, with a height of 4.25 inches. Its slim frame, with a width of just over 1 inch, allows for easy concealment under clothing, making it ideal for everyday carry (EDC).

Despite its small size, the Glock 43 Gen5 retains a full 6+1 capacity with 9mm rounds. For users seeking more firepower, aftermarket magazines can expand the capacity slightly without adding significant bulk.

The lightweight frame—unloaded, it weighs only 18.70 ounces—further enhances its appeal for concealed carry. This makes the Glock 43 Gen5 a great choice for users who need to carry a firearm comfortably for extended periods.

Reliability: A Glock Hallmark

Glock firearms are famous for their reliability, and the Glock 43 Gen5 is no exception. Glock’s “Safe Action” system ensures that the gun is easy to operate and has a consistent trigger pull from the first to the last round. Additionally, the Glock 43 Gen5 is known to function in a variety of conditions, including extreme heat, cold, dust, and mud. This rugged durability has made Glock pistols a favorite among law enforcement and military personnel around the world.

Field stripping and maintenance of the Glock 43 Gen5 are also simple and straightforward. The process involves only a few steps, making it easy for users to clean and maintain the weapon even in challenging conditions.

The 9mm Advantage

The Glock 43 Gen5 is chambered in 9mm, a popular caliber known for its balance between recoil, capacity, and stopping power. The 9mm round has been widely adopted by law enforcement agencies, military forces, and civilian shooters due to its effectiveness and availability.

For those who prioritize accuracy and quick follow-up shots, the 9mm caliber in a compact platform like the Glock 43 Gen5 is ideal. Its manageable recoil makes it easier to control during rapid-fire situations or under stressful conditions. Plus, the wide availability of 9mm ammunition means users can easily find rounds for practice or defense.

Comparison with Other Subcompact Pistols

In the crowded world of subcompact pistols, how does the Glock 43 Gen5 stand up to its competition? Let’s compare it to some popular alternatives.

1. Smith & Wesson M&P Shield

The Smith & Wesson M&P Shield is another highly regarded subcompact pistol in the 9mm category. While similar in size to the Glock 43 Gen5, the M&P Shield is often praised for its ergonomics and grip texture. However, it lacks some of the refinements found in the Gen5 series, such as the Marksman Barrel and nDLC coating.

2. Sig Sauer P365

The Sig Sauer P365 is a direct competitor to the Glock 43 Gen5, and it offers a higher capacity (10+1 rounds) in a similarly compact package. The P365 also has a great trigger and ergonomics. However, some users prefer Glock’s simple design and proven reliability over Sig’s more feature-packed but potentially complex platform.

3. Springfield Hellcat

The Springfield Hellcat is another top contender in the subcompact 9mm market, boasting an impressive 11+1 capacity. Its small frame makes it easy to conceal, but some users find the Glock 43 Gen5 more comfortable to carry due to its slimmer profile and lighter weight.

Glock 43 Gen5 for Everyday Carry (EDC)

The Glock 43 Gen5 shines as an everyday carry option. Its small, concealable profile, combined with Glock’s legendary reliability, makes it a trusted companion for those who need personal protection in their daily lives.

Holster options for the Glock 43 Gen5 are plentiful, with a wide variety of inside-the-waistband (IWB), outside-the-waistband (OWB), and appendix carry styles available. Users can choose the holster that best fits their carry style and comfort needs.

Another benefit of the Glock 43 Gen5 for EDC is its consistent trigger pull and ease of use. Whether you’re drawing the firearm quickly from a holster or taking careful aim, the smooth trigger pull helps ensure that shots are on target.

Additionally, the Glock 43 Gen5’s modular design makes it easy to customize with aftermarket parts. Whether you want to add night sights, change the grip texture, or install a different magazine release, there are numerous options available to make the firearm truly your own.

Accessories for the Glock 43 Gen5

One of the biggest advantages of owning a Glock is the vast number of accessories available. Here are some of the most popular aftermarket upgrades for the Glock 43 Gen5:

1. Night Sights

Many Glock 43 Gen5 owners opt to install night sights for better visibility in low-light conditions. Popular options include Trijicon HD XR Night Sights and AmeriGlo Bold Sights. These sights feature tritium inserts that glow in the dark, helping users quickly acquire their target in the dark.

2. Extended Magazines

While the standard Glock 43 Gen5 comes with a 6-round magazine, extended magazines can increase the capacity to 8 or 10 rounds. These aftermarket magazines are popular among users who want a little extra firepower without significantly increasing the size of their firearm.

3. Custom Grips and Texturing

The Glock 43 Gen5 grip can be customized with aftermarket grip tape or stippling for added control and comfort. Many shooters find that customizing the grip helps them get a more secure hold on the firearm, especially in wet or sweaty conditions.

4. Triggers

For those looking to further improve the already solid Glock 43 Gen5 trigger, aftermarket triggers like the Apex Tactical Action Enhancement Trigger or the Overwatch Precision TAC Trigger can offer a cleaner, more consistent break.

Is the Glock 43 Gen5 Right for You?

Deciding whether the Glock 43 Gen5 is right for you depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you’re looking for a compact, reliable, and easy-to-conceal firearm, the Glock 43 Gen5 is hard to beat. Its improvements over previous generations, including the smoother trigger

Glock 43 Gen5 Specifications