Gaston Glock began manufacturing polymer pistol in the 1980s. Over the decades since, Glock® has become the major player in law enforcement and civilian handguns sales worldwide. Last year, Glock® sold over 1 million guns around the world. The newest pistol in the Glock® stable is the G43.

The G43 joins over 25 other models of Glock® handguns. It is a single stack 9MM pistol designed for discreet concealed carry. The gun is 6.25 inches long, 4.25 inches high, and just a tick over 1 inch wide. Empty, the gun weighs about 18 ounces and with the 6 round magazine loaded in inserted, it weighs roughly 22.5 ounces.

The G43 has many features of other Glock® pistols. It uses Glock’s “Safe Action”® trigger system. This is a proven fire control system that sports a very good and consistent trigger pull. Trigger pull on the G43 is said to be about 5.5 pounds and travel is .49 inches. The polymer frame is aggressively textured and the gun features a more pronounced beavertail grip than earlier Glock® models had. This prevents the “slide bite” first generation Glocks® were known for. The magazine release is where all American shooters expect to find it, behind the trigger on the side of the frame. The sights are white dot front and white outline rear and they are fixed. The color of course is evil black; the barrel and slide are steel. Pretty standard fare as far as Glocks® go.

I haven’t yet fired a G43, but I have shot its little brother, the .380 chambered G42. The G43 is a bit larger but I expect the guns to handle very similarly. I am anxious to try the G43 so I can compare it to what I consider the premier concealed carry 9MM, that being the S&W® Shield. I am extremely fond of the Shield, especially the new model that does not have an external safety. The new G43 will be a big seller. Glock® aficionados are very loyal to the brand. It gives Glock® another gun that will appeal concealed carry gun owners and with its small size I expect the G43 will be extremely popular with women. The G43 has the Glock® history of proven reliability, function, and durability. This little gun is going to be big.

Be safe and good shooting.

Colonel Smoothbore

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