Introducing the Glock Family
The world of firearms is vast, filled with options to suit a diverse range of needs. For many, the choice boils down to self-defense, concealed carry, and the peace of mind that comes with owning a reliable handgun. Among the most popular and trusted names in the industry, Glock stands tall. Their reputation for simplicity, durability, and accuracy has solidified their place in the hands of law enforcement, military personnel, and civilian gun owners worldwide. Today, we’ll delve into a detailed comparison of two of Glock’s most sought-after models: the Glock 19 and the Glock 43. Our goal is to examine the crucial factor that often dictates purchasing decisions: size. We’ll explore how the size of these pistols translates into real-world differences in carrying, handling, and overall usability. Ultimately, we aim to help you determine which Glock pistol best fits your individual requirements.
Before we dive into the specifics, let’s briefly acknowledge the Glock legacy. These firearms are renowned for their polymer frames, striker-fired mechanisms, and user-friendly designs. They’re celebrated for their reliability, capable of withstanding harsh conditions and delivering consistent performance. Their consistent design language and shared parts also facilitate easy maintenance and accessory compatibility, which have contributed to their massive popularity.
The Glock 19 and Glock 43 represent two distinct segments within the Glock catalog, appealing to different consumer needs. The Glock 19 is often considered the Goldilocks of handguns, offering a balance of size, capacity, and shootability. The Glock 43, on the other hand, targets those prioritizing concealability and ease of carry.
The Glock 19: A Versatile Powerhouse
The Glock 19, introduced to the market, quickly became a favorite. Its mid-size dimensions hit a sweet spot, making it suitable for a wide range of roles, from home defense to duty carry and recreational shooting. Chambered typically in a popular caliber, the Glock 19 strikes a balance between manageable recoil and stopping power.
The Glock 19’s design emphasizes simplicity and ease of use. The polymer frame contributes to its light weight, while its internal safety mechanisms prioritize safe handling. The Glock 19 typically boasts a substantial magazine capacity, providing users with ample rounds for defensive situations. This combination of factors makes it a well-rounded choice for individuals who want a reliable and versatile pistol.
The Glock 43: Engineered for Concealment
The Glock 43 emerged as Glock’s offering dedicated primarily to the concealed carry market. Its design prioritizes minimal dimensions, making it easier to conceal on a daily basis. The Glock 43 is typically chambered in a common caliber, chosen because of its balance of manageable recoil and effective performance.
The slim profile of the Glock 43 makes it easier to conceal under various clothing choices, including lightweight attire. This slimness, however, comes with trade-offs, which we’ll explore in the coming sections. Like other Glocks, the Glock 43 offers a user-friendly platform and is designed for ease of operation, making it a solid option for both experienced shooters and those new to firearms.
Physical Dimensions: A Detailed Breakdown
The core of our comparison lies in the physical dimensions of these two pistols. These measurements determine how each gun will fit in your hand, how easy it will be to conceal, and how it will feel during shooting.
Height: The Vertical Measurement
Height is a critical measurement that affects both concealability and grip. The Glock 19, with its slightly larger dimensions, has a taller profile. This increase in height allows for a more substantial grip, accommodating a full hand hold. This helps with recoil management and provides a more stable shooting platform, particularly when firing rapidly.
The Glock 43 is deliberately designed to be shorter. This is directly aimed at improving concealability, especially when carrying inside the waistband (IWB). A shorter pistol is less likely to print (become visible) through clothing. This is a critical factor for those who prioritize discreet carry.
Length: The Overall Reach
The overall length of a handgun influences how it fits in your holster and how easily it can be manipulated. The Glock 19, being a larger gun, naturally has a longer overall length. This contributes to a longer sight radius, which can potentially enhance accuracy, especially at longer distances.
The Glock 43, designed for concealment, has a shorter overall length. This makes it easier to conceal in various positions and reduces the likelihood of the pistol snagging on clothing during draw.
Width: The Slimness Factor
Width, often overlooked, significantly influences concealability, comfort, and grip. The Glock 19, while not bulky, is wider than the Glock 43. This increase in width is primarily due to its larger slide and frame. While this might make it slightly less comfortable for some smaller-handed individuals, it generally offers a more stable grip surface.
The Glock 43 is where width becomes a defining characteristic. Glock meticulously narrowed the slide and frame of the Glock 43, maximizing its concealability. This slimming effect is a major advantage for those who want to carry their firearm discreetly. However, the reduced width can sometimes lead to a less secure grip, particularly for those with larger hands.
Weight: The Burden of Carry
Weight is a key consideration for anyone who intends to carry their firearm on a daily basis. The Glock 19, being larger and capable of holding more rounds, naturally weighs more than the Glock 43. This difference might not seem significant at first, but over prolonged periods, the added weight can become noticeable.
The Glock 43 offers a lighter footprint, making it a favorite for daily concealed carry. The reduction in weight can significantly improve comfort, reducing fatigue for the carrier. This allows for greater all-day wearability.
Putting Size Differences into Practical Perspective
The size differences we’ve described directly translate into real-world implications that affect your experience with these firearms.
Concealed Carry Considerations
For concealed carry, the Glock 43 has a clear advantage, because it’s designed for it. Its smaller size, reduced weight, and slimmer profile make it significantly easier to conceal. It’s less likely to print under clothing, making it a more discreet choice. The Glock 19, on the other hand, can be successfully concealed, but requires more careful consideration of clothing choices and holster selection. Some individuals may find the Glock 19 challenging to conceal with certain outfits or carry positions.
Grip and Handling: The Feel in Your Hand
The Glock 19 offers a more substantial grip, allowing for a more secure hold and improved control, especially during rapid fire. Its larger grip size might suit those with medium to large hands. The Glock 43 offers a smaller grip, which is beneficial for those with smaller hands, allowing for easier reach to the trigger. This is great for comfort. Shooters with larger hands might find the grip of the Glock 43 to be less secure, potentially leading to reduced control and a less comfortable shooting experience.
Magazine Capacity and Real-World Implications
The Glock 19 typically features a higher magazine capacity than the Glock 43. This offers the potential for more rounds on tap in a defensive situation. The extra capacity could be seen as an advantage. The Glock 43, while typically holding fewer rounds, still provides a sufficient number for self-defense.
Overall Versatility: Beyond Concealed Carry
While the Glock 43 excels at concealed carry, the Glock 19 offers broader versatility. Its larger size, greater capacity, and generally more controllable recoil make it a great choice for a wide range of uses, from home defense to range shooting. The Glock 19 can be used for training and competition. The Glock 43, while suitable for the range, might present more of a challenge to newer shooters due to its smaller size and lighter weight.
Beyond Size: The Complete Picture
While size is crucial, other factors also weigh into your decision.
Caliber: Both models are typically offered in a common caliber.
Ergonomics: The feel of the grip in your hand is subjective. Handle both pistols and see which feels best and most comfortable.
Shooting Experience: Consider your level of experience. A smaller pistol like the Glock 43 might be more challenging to control for a new shooter.
Budget: While both are very affordable guns, prices vary.
Accessories: Check out what the aftermarket offers.
Making the Right Choice: Recommendations
Based on our comparison, here’s a quick guide to help you decide:
If concealment is your top priority, the Glock 43 is the better choice. Its smaller size and lighter weight make it easier to carry discreetly.
If versatility, a larger capacity, and ease of shooting are more important, the Glock 19 is the better option.
It is important to handle both pistols to make the best choice. Test them out, and see which one best fits your needs.
Final Thoughts
Ultimately, the decision between the Glock 19 and the Glock 43 comes down to a personal balance of size and functionality. There is no single “best” choice. Both pistols are proven, reliable firearms capable of protecting you.
Consider your specific needs, your shooting experience, and your comfort level. Make an informed decision, and choose the Glock that empowers you with confidence and peace of mind. Both of these handguns are excellent choices, and choosing between the Glock 19 and the Glock 43 is more a question of defining your priorities.
