Sidearms & Scatterguns 43X Review

[NFAJohn]

I've been carrying a 19 for 3 years and recently switched to working in the office and wasn't real happy with how it carried and printed. I carried my wife's 43 a few times and really enjoyed it, but the length of the grip even with the extension just wasn't for me. The 43X seemed like it was going to fit the bill of providing decent capacity, reasonable grip length and thinner (easier on us big guys using IWB holsters). I was able to snatch one up Monday and thought I would share some size comparison pics.

Top to bottom 19 G4, 43X and 43

43X on top of 19

19 vs 43X

Overall it shoots just like every other Glock 9 with the exception of seeming a little snappier than most. The grip is pretty slick and I think working on that will address the increased muzzle flip. So far I have fired 150 rounds of 147gr American eagle fmjfp and 50 rounds of 147gr HST without any issues. Carrying it is a huge improvement over the 19 as far as comfort and it printing far less. The only thing I have found to dislike so far is the crappy factory sights, but that isnt anything that can't be easily fixed. I'll update back when I cross the 500rd mark.

 

[MEL07]

In a similar situation here. Love the G19, but there are times where it prints more than I would like. As much as I also like the G43, the feel of the short grip (even with mag extensions) just always felt wonky to me as well. Will likely pick up a G43X and give it a try. Looking forward to your update when you hit the 500 round mark. Thanks!

 

[MEL07]

Went ahead and took the plunge, and picked up a Glock 43X. 500 rounds later (250 FMJ and 250 various HP), and I could not be more pleased. Not a single malfunction. Surprisingly controllable (even with full power ammo). Plenty accurate. Good capacity (without having to mess around with $#%@#$% mag extensions). Very concealable. What's not to like?

 

[NFAJohn]

Nice! I'm at 350 and should cross 500 this weekend. Zero issues so far and carries really nice.

 

[NFAJohn]

At 550 as of this weekend and zero issues. Finish is holding up nicely, will report back if I run into any malfs.

 

[jbell]

I am very interested in these, thank you for posting. I look forward to more reports. Sure wish the slides were black...

 

[NFAJohn]

I’d have preferred a black slide as well, but let’s not forget that one of the greatest operators of our time preferred a Glock with a silver slide...

 

[7spd]

You guys are killing me . I started with ruger , then 43 and now have a 365 .
I can shoot Quarter size groups at 7 yards with the 365 .
I guess I have to try the 43x now

 

[Rebels010]

Thanks for sharing. I’ve been tempted to get one of these.

 

[SharpsNitro]

I think the 43/43x/48 has the chance to obsolete a lot of pistols. Especially if they get the 15 round after market magazine to pan out.

Anyway, here is my G43L; it’s the 48 upper on the 43 lower. My 48 frame is out at Stippgrips getting their Starbusrt parttern done on it.

Oh, and I hate Multicam, it’s the Kitcken Sink of camo patterns.

 

[mkollman74]

I think the 43/43x/48 has the chance to obsolete a lot of pistols. Especially if they get the 15 round after market magazine to pan out.

Anyway, here is my G43L; it’s the 48 upper on the 43 lower. My 48 frame is out at Stippgrips getting their Starbusrt parttern done on it.

Oh, and I hate Multicam, it’s the Kitcken Sink of camo patterns.

Interesting. I was thinking of going the other way - a 43 slide on the 48 frame...

 

[6.5creedmoor]

Just picked up and shot my 43x most comfortable conceal carry gun I've shot but I do have two questions for people that have them. The first is: has anybody had an issue with it not staying open after the last round? I couldnt get it too. I'm thinking its just me not holding it tight enough and letting it rock in my hand not allowing it to run the slide completely back never had this issue with my 17 gen 4. The second is when I pull the slide back to take a round out of the chamber I have to pull it back fast and hard to get it to eject if I dont then it just sits there like the ejector is pushing it out. Any thoughts would be great to hear.

 

[jbell]

I’m getting close to 1000 rounds through mine and have not had a single hiccup out of it. I am VERY pleased with it. I’m thinking it is my favorite pistol I have ever shot.

 

[SharpsNitro]

I’ve shot mine a bit alas well. No technical issues so far either. I would say the extractor holds the case to the breech face pretty well. When I clear the gun you do have to pull the slide all the way back. I don’t think it’s out of line though.

 

[NFAJohn]

Have you tried taking the slide all the way down and seeing if there is any crap built up inside of the plunger that is associated with the extractor? Slide is pretty easy to tear down and it’s always surprising how much shit builds up back there. Zero issues here, been carrying daily since the original post. Not sure of exact round count, but I’m thinking around 1K. Only service so far has been basic cleaning and lube with mobile one, I stripped the slide once I think. My only complaint is that the finish seems kind of crappy, but as long as it keeps functioning whatever.

 

[rybern]

I've been a huge fan of the 43 and didn't really understand the purpose of the 43x or 48.... until I handled one. I have since purchased a 43x and plan to make it my main CCW once it earns my trust at the range/training. I've always had +2 Vickers on my 43. The 43X is the same size as that, has a full length grip and carries two additional rounds. I too preferred a black slide but the silver one has grown on me. Forward cocking serrations serve no purpose to me either. Other than that, the gun is perfect.