Glock 43

G43 in the Glock Slim Lineup

The G43 was Glock’s first single-stack 9mm, introduced in 2015 to address demand for a slim carry pistol in the most popular defensive caliber. Subsequent additions—the G43X with its 10-round magazine and the G48 with a longer barrel—have largely superseded the G43 for primary carry use by offering more capacity with minimal size increase. The G43 retains its place as the absolute smallest Glock 9mm, the thinnest option in the lineup, and the natural choice for pocket carry applications where the G43X’s slightly longer grip becomes a constraint.

6+1 Capacity—Is It Enough?

Six rounds is on the lower end of carry capacity, and most defensive firearms trainers recommend at least 10 rounds for a primary carry gun. The G43 is best understood as a deep-concealment backup gun or a pistol for situations where nothing larger can be carried, rather than a primary defensive firearm for most shooters. Extended 8-round magazines from Glock and aftermarket sources add two rounds with a slight grip extension. For primary carry use, the G43X’s 10-round flush magazine makes it a meaningfully more capable choice at only a modest size increase. For pocket carry and backup use, 6+1 rounds of 9mm is legitimate defensive capability.

Pocket Carry Suitability

The G43’s short 6.26-inch overall length and slim 1.06-inch width make it one of the most pocketable 9mm pistols available. In a front pants pocket with a dedicated pocket holster, the G43 carries comfortably in most clothing without obvious printing. The short grip is the key dimension for pocket carry—longer-gripped pistols like the G43X create a more obvious outline in a pocket. For shooters whose primary concealment method is pocket carry, the G43 is more practical than the G43X in that specific application. In all other carry positions the G43X is generally the better choice.

Backup Gun Use

The G43 has become a popular backup gun for law enforcement officers and armed professionals who carry a primary full-size pistol and want a secondary arm that’s genuinely pocketable during off-duty hours. The Glock manual of arms is identical to any other Glock, meaning no training adjustment between primary and backup. Ankle carry is practical given the G43’s 18.7-ounce loaded weight. For concealed carry permit holders who carry a G19 or similar as their primary and want a deep-concealment backup that shares 9mm ammu

Frequently Asked Questions: Glock 43

What is the Glock 43?
The Glock 43 is a single-stack subcompact 9mm pistol designed for deep concealment and pocket carry. It holds 6+1 rounds, measures 6.26 inches overall, and weighs 17.95 ounces unloaded — making it one of the most compact Glock models and one of the most popular deep-cover carry pistols in the market.

What is the difference between the Glock 43 and Glock 43X?
The Glock 43X uses the same slim single-stack slide as the 43 but adds a longer grip frame that accepts a 10-round magazine versus the 43’s 6-round standard mag. The 43X is the same width as the 43 but taller in the grip, giving shooters more capacity and a fuller grip while maintaining the same slide profile for holster compatibility with slim-profile holsters.

Is the Glock 43 good for concealed carry?
Yes — the Glock 43 is one of the most popular concealed carry pistols in the United States. Its slim single-stack profile minimizes printing, its 9mm chambering provides adequate defensive performance, and the Glock reliability and support ecosystem are well established. The primary tradeoff is the 6-round standard capacity compared to double-stack competitors.

Does the Glock 43 accept Shield Arms S15 magazines?
No. The Shield Arms S15 is designed for the Glock 43X and Glock 48 which use a different, wider magazine well. The standard Glock 43 uses a narrower single-stack magazine and is not compatible with S15 magazines.

See Also: Glock Firearms • Glock 43X • Glock 48 • Concealed Carry • Pocket Pistols