Glock 43X
The Glock 43X combines the slim, single-stack-width profile of the G43 with a longer grip that accommodates a 10-round flush magazine—giving carry shooters the thinnest possible Glock with meaningful capacity. At 1.1 inches wide and 10+1 rounds of 9mm, the G43X competes directly with the Sig P365 and Springfield Hellcat as one of the defining micro-compact carry pistols of the modern era. The addition of the Rail MOS variant brings factory optics capability and a weapon light rail to the slimmest Glock, making it the most fully featured slim-carry option in the Glock lineup.
Read our full Glock 43X Buying Guide ↓
G43X vs. G43—Why the X Is Better
The original G43 is a 6-round single-stack that prioritizes absolute minimum size. The G43X uses the same slim slide as the G43 but on a slightly longer frame that holds a 10-round flush magazine—adding four rounds without a meaningful increase in concealment difficulty. The longer grip is actually easier to shoot accurately as more of the hand contacts the grip. The G43X also accepts Shield Arms S15 magazines, which fit 15 rounds of 9mm in a flush-fitting magazine—the same capacity as a G19 in a G43X-width pistol. For the vast majority of carry buyers, the G43X is simply a better gun than the G43 with no meaningful downside.
Rail MOS Variant
The G43X Rail MOS adds two features absent from the standard G43X: a factory optics cut (MOS system) and a Picatinny accessory rail for a weapon light. These additions make the Rail MOS one of the most complete slim carry pistols available from any manufacturer. A mounted red dot and a compact weapon light bring the G43X to a genuinely capable defensive configuration that rivals full-size duty pistols in features. The Rail MOS is the recommended variant for any G43X buyer who intends to mount an optic or light, as the factory optics cut avoids the cost and lead time of aftermarket milling.
Shield Arms S15 Magazines
One of the most significant aftermarket upgrades for the G43X is the Shield Arms S15 magazine, which fits 15 rounds of 9mm in a flush-fitting single-stack-width magazine. Installing S15 magazines requires a Shield Arms steel magazine catch (replacing the factory polymer catch that would wear from the steel S15). The combination of a G43X with S15 magazines delivers G19 capacity in a significantly slimmer package—a combination many carry shooters consider ideal. The G43X with S15 magazines and a Rail MOS optics cut is among the most capable slim-carry configurations available.
Carry Suitability
The G43X’s 1.1-inch width makes it one of the most concealable Glocks available. IWB appendix carry disappears under a t-shirt for most body types. The slim profile sits flat against the body without the hip print that wider pistols create. The 10-round flush magazine provides adequate capacity for carry use without extending below the grip. The G43X is available with the standard silver finish slide on a black frame—the distinctive two-tone appearance has become one of the most recognizable carry Glock looks. For everyday carry users who want a Glock in the micro-compact category, the G43X is the most natural choice.
G43X vs. Sig P365
The Sig P365 is the G43X’s most direct competitor and the most common comparison. The P365 offers 10+1 in a slightly smaller package with a trigger most shooters prefer to the stock Glock trigger. The G43X offers Glock’s familiar manual of arms, broader holster availability, and the S15 magazine upgrade path to 15-round capacity. For shooters already invested in the Glock ecosystem—training, holsters, magazines—the G43X is the natural carry choice. For shooters starting fresh, handling both before deciding is strongly recommended as the trigger preference is significant.
Where to Go Next
Explore the full Glock lineup on our Glock brand page. For the compact carry version with more capacity, see our Glock 19 page. For the slim long-slide variant, see our Glock 48 page. Ammunition is available on our 9mm ammo page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Glock 43X good for concealed carry?
The Glock 43X is one of the most popular concealed carry pistols in America for good reason — its single-stack width conceals easily in light clothing, the 10+1 standard capacity (17+1 with Shield Arms S15 magazines) gives it competitive capacity for its size, and the longer grip versus the G43 makes it significantly easier to shoot. It is the slim-profile Glock carry option most shooters choose over the stubbier G43.
What is the difference between the Glock 43X and Glock 48?
The G43X has a compact slide on a full-length grip frame — the barrel is 3.41 inches. The G48 has a full-length slide on the same grip frame — the barrel is 4.17 inches, giving slightly better velocity and a longer sight radius. Both use the same magazines. The G48 shoots better at distance; the G43X is slightly more compact for carry. Both are excellent slim-profile carry pistols — the G48 MOS with its optics cut is particularly popular.
Can the Glock 43X use Glock 19 magazines?
No — the G43X uses a different single-stack magazine than the double-stack G19. However, Shield Arms makes S15 15-round flush-fit magazines for the G43X that bring capacity to 15+1, making the G43X competitive with double-stack compacts while retaining its slim profile. Shield Arms magazines require a Shield Arms metal magazine catch to function reliably.
Does Impact Guns carry the Glock 43X?
Yes. The Glock 43X is available in standard and MOS (optics-ready) configurations at our Ogden and Boise stores and ships to FFL dealers nationwide. See our Glock brand page for the full slim-line lineup.