I had a 43 and sold it to get the 43X. Missed the smaller 43 frame so I ordered a 43 frame. Love the combo. The original 43 was perfect for CCW. Adding more rounds negates the purpose of a small and light CCW. Now the back up magazine is a 10 rounder. But the 43 size with addition of a GEEPLATE is awesome.
The 43 is perfect the way it is and 1 factory 6 round mag in the pocket as your backup. No extended mags, no extra hassle, just 13 rounds...My wife and I carry our 43 on our leg and 1 extra mag in our pocket.
Glock has since released a factory minus connector due to trigger complaints. Before it was sold by Glock part suppliers, I sent my G43 back to Glock because my trigger weight was over 9lbs and they fixed it with a minus connector and some work on the trigger bar. Love my G43. Its my only pistol that has never malfunctioned in over 2K rounds.
I actually just stumbled on to your Glock 43 series. The first thing that impressed me was your introduction title. It was quick and to the point and you got right into your subject matter. ★★★★★ on your studio lighting and background choice and the fact that you do not waste any words and your articulation on what you are talking about is excellent. This channel is a definite sub for me! Keep up the good work and I will be looking forward to some of your other vids.
I seriously cannot believe the part about people adding a +1 or +2 base pad to the FACTORY magazine and using the FACTORY spring and still complaining about reliability issues. If the factory spring was made to push 6 rounds into a chamber it will not magically push another 2 just because you say so. Great review BTW this comment is not to you, the channel, but to people doing so...
I like the glock 43 mostly because the size and it being glock. People say glocks are ugly but hell I love the look. The glock 43 is a great carry weapon for me most of all because I dont feel it on my side. Its great that I can also carry on my motorcycle and its not bulky at all.
Great videos for all the G43 reviews. What a pleasure to see knowledgable shooters giving solid, objective advice with quality testing. Excellent production quality on the videos and great articulation of your points. As an instructor myself I am very happy to have found your channel (subscribed) and am recommending it to my students now too. Great job guys!
Great series on the G43. I love mine and carry it daily with the Pearce 43+1 extension. The extension has been 100% reliable, looks stock, fits the hand nicely and gives me a 7th round in the mag without much added grip length. I like the Shield also but the 43 is also more concealable AIWB than the Shield. And I'm also a Glock guy.
Pearce PG-43+1 are amazing, they've always been 100% reliable. You can go back to the early G27 Pearce grip extensions. Pearce is the unspoken Official OEM Glock Perfection!!!
It’s amazing what can change in a couple years time. First Glock shows up late to the single stack party, and now Sig shows up sporting a 9mm double stack that’s smaller and holds more ammo than any single stack on the market. Personally, I’m trading in my G43 for a G26. With so much newfound love for Pistol Caliber Carbines that take Glock mags. It makes more sense to streamline that platform for me, as that’s my next rifle purchase.
I love my glock 43,never had an issue with it (over 1000 rounds) but i must say the rubber grib and the stainless steel guide spring upgrade helps alot
Good stuff. On a personal note, I find your production value to be top notch. All the pertinent info without the fluff, and high round count testing. Cudos. Your channel has just become a valuable resource to me. Subbed.
Taran Tactical does NOT provide an "extra power magazine spring" with its +1 base pads. When inquiry was made to Taran Tactical as to what the failure to feed failure rate was with their tests, they declined to answer. Not a serious product for EDC.
My consensus from everything I've read on forums and RU-vid is your better off staying with oem regardless of brand of gun or baseplate. Better safe than sorry when it's go time. Thanks for the info BTW.
I keep everything on the gun stock,I'm sure Glock got it right I have faith in that company,I have 1000 rounds threw mine not 1 jam I'm happy with performance for my carry gun....good video...
I noticed the same issue with FTF when using the Pearce +1 extension with my G43. if I realized that the Taran +1 included a Mag spring, I may have went that route.
There is so much good about the Shield. But, the grip felt boxy (note the shape in relation to the Glock's grip) in my medium-sized hands and the Glock 43 so much better. Also, after just 50 rounds through the Glock, the factory trigger smoothed out nicely and creep virtually disappeared.
$5 years of carry 24/7, I find the PM9 the best 9mm gun period. 5 years in a Remora, it has been my secondary weapon for 6 years now, and my off duty "retired" weapon. Never failed, but had all of the internals along with NS done by Kahr. It came back with the internals "even the barrel" polished like a mirror. I went and fired 6 mags with 7 types of a mix of ammo , with no stoppages of any kind. The gun is dead on target. It easily shoots 3 inch groups at 25 yards. I need my glasses on to do that, but it's a smoking hot little gun, I have had and still have the XDS, shield , Glock 26, "which is almost as easy to hide than the 43", if you are big, "I don't mean fat" just man sized. I also carry a 19 or a 30S in FL, so if I can do it, you can also.
I pocket carried a PM9 for years, bought it shortly after they were introduced. Great shooting, super reliable. I always take my carry guns to the range on a regular schedule to practice and verify reliability. The PM9 started getting feed failures at a range session. Looked like the mag catch wasn't holding it tight and mag was dropping down a hair. I ordered a new factory mag release and installed it. Seemed to make the mag fit tight again, but I still had a couple of failures. Cleaning, oiling, changing mags - nothing restored it to 100% reliability. Average was one stoppage about every 3 magazines. Now it sits in the safe, retired after years of good service. I have replaced it with 3 different pocket pistols and none of them are as "perfect" as the PM9 was.
Just watched again, the three G43 videos, I like it even more...very good in detail and final conclusions, perfect. Anyone considering to buy a single stack subcompact should see these 3 videos together with the one you have made with 5 different single stack guns. Thank you Chris.
I wanted to buy the glock 43 until Texas allowed open carry. So even though I never open carry, I don't worry nor mind about the little bit of printing that occurs.
I live in one of the "People's Republic" states and, while I'd love to carry a full sized pistol and call it a day, concealment is my top priority so I don't freak people out while keeping everyone around safer.
I have used Winchester 9mm 115-grain FMJ *STEEL SHELL CASE* in my (unaltered) G43 for cheap target practice. These had trouble feeding/ejecting. It is the only ammo I've had problems with, so I avoid uncoated steel case ammo. Great videos! Thanks for all the tips & reviews.
I tried the Pearce plus one. It stinks! The last round in to make 7, jams into the mag front as it nose dives down...lousy...Sold them. As far as the trigger...I pistolsmith and the only thing this beauty needed was the Ghost Self defense connector !! It smoothed it out and reduced it to the perfect weight. Just like my 21,19,26 now.....AWESOME this 43 is !! USA made one I got. GLOCK ROCKS
You're my new favorite channel. You do your research, show us that you've done it (very important) and then give us your analysis. Much appreciated, and your store will be my go-to from now on, no doubt.
That trigger is definitely not as "good" as a 26's or any of the bigger glocks but it makes it a little safer in the hands I think..maybe Glock made it stiffer to account for negligent discharges?..Iuno I can shoot it pretty well, and although i prefer the handling of the 26 I end up carrying my 43 the majority of the time...It's just sooo much slimmer. I have both and there's a substantial difference IWB. Fantastic videos btw; crisp and to the point...I like it.
My Glock 43 has functioned perfectly with all bullet weights and types I havd used. I have not changed a thing. My Glock is still the way it came from the factory. Upgrading a firearm does not always make someone a better shooter. But if you are some that needs to change things to shoot better that is fine too. Upgrading any gun to me is just personal preference it is not necessary for good fuction and accuracy.
Glock used the same 5.5 pound firing pin spring in the G43 as the G19. The firing pin is shorter in the 43 meaning that spring is under more pressure. This causes a heavy trigger pull and some have reported around 7-8 pound triggers. The solution is to replace with a quality reduced spring. Installing a 4 pound firing pin spring will bring it down to about 5.5 pounds. Right where it should be. This will not effect reliability due to that spring being under pressure. This means that 4 pound spring is coming in at 5.5. Replacing the connector is not necessary in these newer 43s. After replacing the spring I've ran around 500 rounds through and not had a single issue. The trigger is much improved and still reliable.
the glock store sells complete 43 mag with plus 2 extensions installed but uses the factory springs. i asked them via phone and they claim no issues but they also offer the extra strong spring separately. i like the fact that taran tactical automatically uses the stronger springs !!!
Good reveiw.. I have found Vickers +2 to work perfectly with my 43...I have also started carrying standard pressure 124gr HST ..instead of +P options .. in this smaller lighter pistol . has improved my follow up shots quite a bit ...
I'm very glad I forced myself not to snap purchase this gun as soon as it came out. After putting 200 rounds through one, I can safely say I prefer the Shield in almost every way.
Used the stock spring on the Strike +2 extension on both my 42 and 43 and no trouble with any of the ammo on either gun. The ghost connector helps on the 43. The finger eating trigger on the 43 will make you look for some kind of trigger relief.
I might give them a try, but probably won't dedicate a whole video to it. Possibly on our blog or Facebook. For what its worth, I've had good luck with the mag guts kits for the G42.
I've had the exact opposite experience with the TT basepads. But only the +2 ones. When I added the extra power spring, reliability actually went DOWN for me, even using 115gr FMJ. The spring is so stiff that when all 8 rounds are in, sometimes the last round is slightly up on top of the lip of the magazine and nosedives right into the feed ramp when feeding from one in the chamber. Action locked back and it functions 100% though.
It's been loaded with carry ammo for a while now. Like I said, from slide lock it's okay. I'll do another function check this weekend maybe and see if it's worked itself out. Got the yellow Trijicons on mine.
This is is a great channel. And the comments from the viewers are polite, respectful. People are actually exchanging ideas. Wow. Your presentation is top of the line. My only "complaint" is the money you cost me. I bought the Beretta 1301 after watching and considering the ups and downs from part 1 and part 2. What a great piece of gear. Please keep them coming.
BIG thank you for the heads up about Taran Tactical XP springs. My Glock 43 does FTF with them & not with the factory base pad/spring. On my Glock 43 it's trigger is great! It groups well. I was surprised at the accuracy. On my Glock 42 (.380) it's trigger is stiff, not so good (yet). Weird.
I would say from my experience the issue is not the trigger but the thin different grip which causes a different pull with your trigger finger. I could not get consistent with it either and ended up selling it
I love your videos, and always enjoy your concise evaluations of guns. When it comes to concealed carry of a subcompact, I do carry my G43, but continue to go back to the G26. Though it's a dbl stack, it simply disappears under a cover garment or t-shirt. I find that my G43 spends more time in the safe rather than on my side. Maybe it's just the 10+1 vs 7+1 (with Taran base plate).
I contacted Taran Tactical by email and asked about the +1 extension and the upgraded spring. I was told that the +1 extension did not require and upgraded spring and they would not provide one with an order of the +1 extension.
Taran Tactical sells the +1 extension without the stronger spring. My understanding from the review is that you experienced failures to feed with the +1 as well. Is that correct?
One issue I noticed with the G43 is how the factory mag does not always drop free, I usually have to flick it out of the magwell. Thought about a Taran baseplate just for the added weight to drop the mag better.
+Lucky Gunner Ammo Hey your the first RU-vidr to respond to me :) I really like your part vlog part shooting footage style of your videos. Also your animations and transitions are some of the best in the gun section of RU-vid.
I have the hardest time not shooting left with my Glock 43. I also own a Glock 17 and I am dead center with the 17. I found with the 43 I must grip hard with the left hand and relax the right trigger hand to bring those shots closer to center but I still shoot left. I owned a Shield and didn't shoot near as left as my Glock 43. Russ
2022 update: My Glock 43 I just bought from Sportsmans WH, has an average trigger pull weight of 3.14 lbs. That's crazy. I had to triple check it and perform function checks to make sure there wasn't any malfunctions going on. Maybe I'm lucky? But damn, 3.14 lbs average is insane! Since the trigger pull weight was so light, I did not want to mess with the trigger and just upgraded my slide and barrel to a Zaffiri Precision ported slide and ported barrel with a 507k mounted. I still am surprised by that stock glock trigger though. Maybe Johnny Glock snuck into their factory for one night? LOL!
I got a +2 extension from Strike Industries. It is really nice, and I love the grip it gives me over the stock mags, but I'm wondering where I might find a better spring. I have only had the gun for a few days, so there haven't been issues yet, but I anticipate it is likely to happen. Any recommendations on where to find a better spring? Thanks!
+Nick Been using the strike +2 with the stock spring for sometime and no problems yet. Just added up the count and it's 860 rounds including the 115grain Tulammo, 124gr HST, (but not many HST,sky high price)but most 115gr ;Blazer aluminum. This was the G43. I like the pattern,;it comes close to matching the stock grip pattern.
Like you vides very much. This is a little off subject but are you still with the M&P 9c as your go to carry? I am considering getting one based of your recommendation.
On the taran tactical +1. Did you have problems and upgrade the spring on the +1? I see they ship with a spring on the +2 variant but not the +1. Thank you
Replace the stock trigger with an OC Custom trigger and problem will be solved~ Inexpensive too! Also, Hyve technologies make some nice base pads and magazine release button, nice video, subscribed! Also, curious Chris, as you reload your guns during demonstration you tend to look at magazine well/grip of the pistol of your pistol, instead of focusing your eyes on the threat or threats in front of you. Eyes should be focused on the battlefield as you reload; placing the firearm directly front of your eyes head up not down, allows you scan the threat or possible threats while still having visibility while your reloading. Just constructive criticism from a combat veteran.
Yep...i shoot the Shield too, but I carry the 43 more. It's lighter, smaller, and in a defensive situation, the fact that I shoot the Shield a hair better isn't going to matter much. Especially at typical defensive distances.
No idea on that one. I'm not sure I'd trust a 10 round mag since that's so far from the original design. It would also significantly extend the length of the grip, to the point where it would make a lot more sense to just carry a larger gun.
What color version was this plus 1 tartan tactical base plate in this video? They have two black versions and a grey. I just noticed it went very well with upper piece and would like that color
I bought a couple +1 TTI extensions for my G43. It's hard to chamber a round once I insert the magazine fully loaded with 7 rounds. Did you have any issues?
Why the Springfield XDS is not on this list? (of best single stack, 9mm, concealed carry options) Can you give me your honest opinion? What is your opinion about it? have you owned it? I have one, but I am evaluating other options.
I have witnessed more problems with the XD line of handguns than with other similarly priced modern polymer pistols. This is consistent with what professional handgun instructors have told me they have witnessed in their classes as well. The grip safety in particular seems to be a weak point in the design. The XDS is not as problematic as some of the other XD pistols because the slide does not lock in place if the grip safety is not engaged (big problem if your grip safety breaks and you've got a round chambered that you can't remove). Realistically, most XDS pistols will end up working just fine, but I believe they are more likely to fail at a greater rate than the Shield, G43, and PPS (all of which are also subject to occasional malfunctions and parts breakage too, just to be fair).
Thank you for your honest opinion and thorough explanation. I have had the XDS for aproximately 2 months only, and have shot about 600 rounds only. No malfunctions so far. Will see in the future. It's my carry weapon. I also have an HK P30SK, and a S&W Bodyguard. I find the HK to wide to carry in a summer weather all-year round in the Caribbean and with my usual office clothes (that's why I looked for a single stack), and the Bodyguard... well.. it's a 380 caliber. I got my hands on a Shield at the gun shop, and what I don't line about the S&Ws is that when you rack the slide, they sound too much, as if there were loose parts inside, or not as smooth as other pistols that I have. The construction seems to be cheaper in my opinion. That's why I didn't buy it. Thanks!
I have a 42, it's 100% stock with the exception of a pinky grip extension. I refuse to modify my firearm in any way such as, plus one ,trigger etc. anytime you dothat you are jeopardizing functionality of the firearm.
+gcdiver I haven't shot the PPS M2 yet, but plan to review it sometime this year. If the M2 shoots as well as the original PPS, I suspect I will like it better than the G43, but that's purely a matter of subjective preference, and not a knock on the G43.
So my Glock was running great until my (insert name of aftermarket add on somebody invented in their garage that is supposed to be better but ain’t) suddenly and not unexpectedly turned my excellent Gaston Glock machine into a paperweight.
Best option Pearce for +1 extension or even extension without additional magazine capacity! Taran +3 with 10% spring is also a good choice based on my experience. With three mags I carry two with PG-43+1's from Pearce and one Taran Tactical +3 in flat black.
