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Glock 43X MOS
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- Design Features
- Build Quality
- Recoil
- Fun Factor
3.7/5Overall Score
Specs
- Weight: 18.7 oz
- Length: 6.5"
- Capacity: 10
- Caliber: 9mm
Pros
- Concealability
- Weight
- MOS Option
Cons
- Low Capacity
Are you looking for the perfect concealed carry pistol that is no fuss and works at all costs? The Glock 43X MOS has to be considered unless you can’t get it or don’t like Glocks.
What is the Glock 43X MOS?
The Glock 43X MOS is a subcompact slim-frame pistol built for concealed carry and is a great, reliable option.
The 43X is a submodel of the Glock 43, a smaller, lower-capacity subcompact pistol with no available optics model.
Glock 43X MOS is among the most popular in the subcompact line, along with the Glock 48, which features a longer barrel and grip.
Features
If you’re in the market for a sub-compact Glock, this might be the one for you, but make sure it checks all the boxes, and there isn’t something better for just a few compromises.
Magazine Capacity
One of the most significant drawbacks of having a sub-compact pistol is the magazine capacity.
The Glock 43X MOS factory magazine is a 10-round magazine, meaning you can only get a 10+1 round capacity from this gun with factory magazines.
This can be improved by using the Shield Arms aftermarket magazines, but there are some drawbacks to these mags as Shield Arms recommends changing out the magazine release to a metal one.
The PSA Dagger Mirco Magazines are the better option because they hold 15 rounds and require no changes in parts.
Glock’s biggest capacity issue is they refuse to drop the metal sleeve with a polymer case design.
Grip and Ergonomics
I have small to medium-sized hands, so often, if a pistol is too large framed, it’s uncomfortable.
Since this is a relatively small and slim-framed pistol, the master grip on it works well for me.
I have no issues with my hands falling off the grip frame and shooting with both hands; I can get a lot of surface area contact with my support hand.
Sights and Optics Mount
Glock stock sights are doo-doo.
If you like the Glock sights, I apologize you have poor taste in aiming devices. They are probably some of the worst in the industry, okay I’m done.
My 43X is the MOS version, which means I don’t have to bother changing the sights because it will get an optic mounted to it anyway.
But, if you plan to shoot the irons or don’t have an optics cut, you should replace the stock sights.
If your Glock 43X doesn’t have an optics cut, you can always get the slide milled for one by a third-party company.
Rail
The built-in rail gives you options, but due to the small nature of the gun, you’ll have to purchase a light expressly for the Glock 43/43X-sized pistol.
Because of the size, it’s not a standard 1913 rail, and truth be told, those lights will be too large anyway for this gun.
I’m a big fan of the Streamlight TLR-7 Sub for the 43X/48 Glock models.
Controls
If you aren’t familiar with Glock pistol controls, I’ll try to use my experience with them to give you the run down, but if you’re already familiar with Glocks, skip this section entirely and save yourself some time.
Magazine Release
With the Gen 4 and Gen 5 model Glocks, they stepped up their magazine release game.
Glock went from a small, tall button to a rectangular, flat button more aligned with the frame and covered more surface area. This helped a lot of people who had difficulty reaching the smaller release.
I also like that it now lies flatter with the grip frame. The function of it is fantastic; it will drop magazines easily and can be used from any grip position.
Slide Stop
Glock slide stop/releases have always left much to be desired but they work. I always like it when companies pay attention to the small details, especially on small handheld products.
The slide stop works but is rather small and hand to use on an empty magazine.
Using it to lock the slide to the rear is very easy and fluid. If you have any experience with a Glock slide stop, this is no different, maybe slightly smaller than a Glock 19 or Glock 45.
Trigger
Glock triggers are usable, and once you become familiar with them, you might even start believing they aren’t half bad.
Well, they aren’t great either but they are of a they’ll do situation. People have made entire businesses fixing the Glock trigger so it’s far from perfect.
The take-up on the trigger isn’t bad, but the wall is a bit squishy. The break is clean and crisp and the reset is back to the wall.
Aesthetics
Regarding looks, the ongoing joke about Glocks is it’s a Block. Yes, sorry, the Dad jokes are real here.
I’ve long thought Glock needs a custom shop like Sig Sauer or more SKU options like the PSA Dagger.
Ammo for the Glock 43X MOS
It’s a Glock shoot, what you want. But here are some suggestions.
Shooting the Glock 43X MOS
The 43X MOS is a bit snappy when shooting, but it’s a sub-compact 9mm, so the recoil will be a bit more than something with more mass to absorb the perceived felt recoil.
It’s an easy gun to control, and if you like Glock’s grip angle and feel, you’ll be happy with the Glock 43X.
It is one of the best concealed carry 9mm pistols on the market. This gun will continue to be popular for years to come.
I could see the Glock 48 eclipsing it only because it has a better grip and longer slide and barrel. The 48 is a bit more forgiving to shoot than the Glock 43X.
You likely won’t take this gun to the range to shoot all day for fun but rather to train with and carry regularly, and for that, it’s perfect.
Glock 43 vs Glock 43X vs Glock 43X MOS
Are they the same gun? No, very similar, but the 43X packs some upgrade options that the Glock 43 doesn’t.
The Glock 43X has an MOS version with a rail, whereas the Glock 43 and standard Glock 43X do not.
The Glock 43X has a slightly wider frame than the Glock 43
Spec
Spec
Caliber: 9mmCapacity: 10
Weight: 17.99 oz
Length: 6.5 oz
Width: 1.06″
Spec
Caliber: 9mmCapacity: 10
Weight: 18.70 oz
Length: 6.5″
Width: 1.1″
Spec
Caliber: 9mmCapacity: 10
Weight: 18.55 oz
Length: 6.5″
Width: 1.1″
Final Thoughts
It’s hard not to like the Glock 43X, and while it isn’t perfect, it’s a great sub-compact Glock.
The sheer number of different holster options and accessories for this gun should speak volumes about its love from the concealed carry community.
I like the Glock 43X and used to carry one religiously; however, now, I have gone to the moved to the Glock 48 because the size difference wasn’t enough to ignore the gains that model has over the Glock 43.
FAQ
There are many questions about the Glock 43X, and if you have more, please leave a comment below, and we will try to get them answered for you as well!
Is a Glock 43X MOS a good gun?
Yes, the Glock 43X MOS is a good gun for concealed carry. It might not be the most fun to take to the range and shoot all day because of its small frame and recoil impulse, but the gun is reliable and accurate.
Which is better Glock 43 or Glock 43X?
That depends on your intended use. The Glock 43X is nice because an MOS option is available, and it has an increased magazine capacity over the Glock 43. It’s hard for me to recommend the Glock 43 over the Glock 43X unless having the smallest gun possible is the most important factor.
Is Hellcat better than Glock?
This question is very subjective. Each gun has pros and cons, but the Glock has a longer proven record of reliability and real work use.
What does Glock 43x MOS mean?
Glock 43X Modular Optic System
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