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Glock 43X Review: The Ultimate Concealed Carry 9mm [2025 Complete Guide]

Estimated reading time: 5 minutes | Last Updated: January 22, 2025

Quick Take

  • 🎯 Perfect for: Concealed carry & everyday carry
  • ⭐ Our Expert Rating: 4.8/5
  • 🏆 Why Trust Us: Veteran-owned, licensed firearms dealer in Minooka, IL

Click Here to check the current prices of the Glock 43X

Introduction

As a veteran-owned firearms dealer in Minooka, IL, we at Voodoo Firearms believe in providing honest, experience-based reviews to help you make informed decisions. Our team has extensive hands-on experience with the Glock 43X through our training courses and daily interactions with customers. This comprehensive review combines our expertise with real feedback from Illinois concealed carry holders.

Technical Specifications

Specification Detail
Caliber 9x19mm Parabellum
Length 6.50 inches
Height 5.04 inches
Width 1.10 inches
Barrel Length 3.41 inches
Weight (Empty) 18.7 oz
Capacity 10+1 rounds

Key Features & Benefits

  • Enhanced Grip Design: Perfect for all hand sizes with improved texture
  • Slim Profile: Just 1.10 inches wide for excellent concealment
  • Superior Capacity: 10+1 rounds of 9mm /15+1 rounds with aftermarket magazines
  • MOS Compatible: Ready for your preferred optic

Real-World Performance

  • Accuracy: 2-inch groups at 15 yards
  • Reliability: 2,000+ rounds without failure
  • Recoil Management: Excellent for follow-up shots
  • Trigger Quality: Consistent 5.5 lb pull

Our Take

Glock-43x-Review15

Through countless hours behind the counter at Voodoo Firearms and extensive range time with customers of all skill levels, I’ve gained unique insights into how the Glock 43X performs in real-world situations. This slimline 9mm has proven itself to be more than just another entry in Glock’s catalog – it represents a thoughtful evolution in concealed carry design that addresses many of the compromises typically faced by CCW holders.

The 43X’s physical dimensions tell an important story about Glock’s design philosophy. With its 5.04-inch height, 6.50-inch length, and svelte 1.10-inch width, this pistol manages to conceal like a single-stack while offering the shooting characteristics of a compact service pistol. The unloaded weight of 18.7 ounces provides enough mass to tame recoil without becoming burdensome during all-day carry.

The engineering behind the 43X’s slimline frame demonstrates Glock’s attention to practical functionality. The modified dual recoil spring assembly significantly reduces felt recoil compared to other subcompacts, while the frame design maintains the familiar Glock grip angle that so many shooters have come to trust. This combination creates a shooting experience that feels remarkably similar to its larger siblings while maintaining a CCW-friendly footprint.

When it comes to concealment, the 43X truly shines in real-world applications. The thin profile disappears effectively under light summer clothing, while the slightly longer grip actually proves beneficial for consistent draw strokes. Through extensive testing with various carry positions, we’ve found it works exceptionally well in appendix carry, thanks to its balanced weight distribution and slim slide profile.

Range performance consistently impresses both new and experienced shooters. In our testing, the 43X regularly produces 2-inch groups at 15 yards with quality defensive ammunition. The manageable recoil allows for split times averaging 0.25-0.30 seconds between accurate shots, while the longer sight radius compared to the original 43 provides noticeably better precision in practical shooting scenarios.

Drawing from our extensive experience in CCW classes, we’ve observed that new shooters typically master the 43X faster than other micro-compacts. The generous grip length reduces common mistakes like improper grip placement, while the simplified Glock design makes malfunction clearing straightforward for beginners. Students consistently report less fatigue during extended training sessions compared to larger double-stack pistols.

Ammunition compatibility has proven to be excellent across a wide range of loads. Our testing shows consistent reliability with standard pressure 9mm ammunition, while premium defensive rounds like Federal HST and Speer Gold Dot perform exceptionally well. The pistol handles +P ammunition capably, though the increased recoil may not be worth the marginal ballistic advantages for most shooters.

The aftermarket support for the 43X has grown impressively since its introduction. The Shield Arms S15 magazines have been a game-changer, offering 15-round capacity while maintaining the flush fit of the original magazines. Sight upgrades, particularly the Trijicon HD XRs, have proven popular among our customers who want to enhance the pistol’s low-light capability.

Long-term ownership reports from our customers have been overwhelmingly positive. The finish holds up remarkably well to daily carry wear, and spring replacement is typically only needed after 5,000+ rounds. The simple maintenance requirements and excellent durability against cleaning solvents and oils make it a low-maintenance option for everyday carry.

When compared to its competitors, the 43X offers distinct advantages. It proves more shootable than the P365 for larger-handed users, provides better capacity than the Shield while maintaining similar dimensions, and features a more refined trigger than the Hellcat out of the box. The extensive aftermarket support gives it additional versatility that many competitors can’t match.

Professional users, including plain-clothes law enforcement and security professionals, have embraced the 43X for its balance of concealment and capability. Civilian carriers, particularly business professionals and active individuals, appreciate its secure grip during movement and its ability to disappear under business attire.

From a cost-benefit perspective, the 43X represents a solid long-term investment. While the initial price point might be higher than some competitors, the exceptional longevity, strong resale value retention, and lower long-term maintenance costs make it an economical choice over time. The reasonable ammunition requirements for maintaining proficiency also factor into its practical value proposition.

For optimal mastery of the 43X, we recommend a structured training approach. An initial familiarization period of 500 rounds, combined with monthly practice sessions of 100-150 rounds, helps develop and maintain proficiency. Regular dry-fire practice focusing on draw stroke and defensive tactics integration should complement live-fire training.

The Glock 43X ultimately represents a carefully engineered solution to real-world defensive carrying challenges. Its success lies not in revolutionary features but in the refined execution of essential elements that matter in daily carry and defensive use. While no single firearm can be perfect for everyone, the 43X comes remarkably close to being an ideal everyday carry pistol for a broad range of users.

Through our experience at Voodoo Firearms, we’ve seen that customers who choose the 43X tend to remain satisfied with their decision long-term. This satisfaction rate, perhaps more than any technical specification or feature list, speaks volumes about the pistol’s real-world utility and practical value.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Glock 43X good for concealed carry in Illinois?

Yes, the Glock 43X is an excellent choice for Illinois CCW holders. Its slim profile and 10+1 capacity make it compliant with state laws while providing excellent concealability.

Do you offer financing options?

Yes, we offer various financing options. Visit our store for details and current promotions.

Can I take a CCW class with my new Glock 43X?

Absolutely! We offer CCW classes regularly and can help you get familiar with your new firearm during training.

Final Verdict

The Glock 43X represents an excellent value for concealed carry enthusiasts. Its combination of reliability, capacity, and concealability makes it a top choice for both new and experienced shooters. I really like this gun and recommend to shoot one if given the chance.

Click Here to check the current prices of the Glock 43X

Available at Voodoo Firearms:

  • Illinois Concealed Carry Classes
  • One-on-One Training Sessions
  • Basic Pistol Courses

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Experience the Glock 43X in person at our Minooka location:

Ready to Purchase or Have Questions?

Visit our store or contact us today to learn more about the Glock 43X and our available training programs.

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