Anybody go from G19 to G43 or similar size guns? Regret it? Glad you did?

[FlyingHunter]

I've been carrying a G19 for a long time. Never had any issues or problems however, I'm thinking of reducing the overall size and weight of my CCW. I fully appreciate the advantages of the G19 such as capacity, reduced recoil, grip surface area etc...I have top of the line belts and holsters, so thats not the issue. It's an interesting introspective from my point of view as I'm always highly objective with decisions but some intangible is drawing me to a smaller CCW consideration.

[Evel Baldgui]

Considered it, personally, it was insignificant as far as daily carry was concerned, so continued with my g19. Not sure who posted a comment regarding standard capacity pistols (15rds) vs pocket pistols, it was " if you're going to carry a pistol,carry a pistol".

[Achilles11B]

Carried a G17 for a while before picking up a G43. Didn’t really like it, ended up selling it and buying a G26 instead which I really like. The G26 is my full-time carry gun while the 17 is my suppressor host. The G26 with a Magpul magazine provides both additional capacity (12 rounds) and grip length while still staying compact. It may be what you’re looking for.

[Butch]

I did exactly that. Have carried my G19 daily for what seems like forever. Bought the G43, shot it enough to be confident with it, now carry that everyday. OWB strong side with a spare mag on the other. Much less bulky and convenient. My achy back thanks me.

[SiGfever]

I did exactly that. Have carried my G19 daily for what seems like forever. Bought the G43, shot it enough to be confident with it, now carry that everyday. OWB strong side with a spare mag on the other. Much less bulky and convenient. My achy back thanks me.

Do you mind me asking which holster you chose?

[Ron3]

Yea. Tried a few guns smaller than my G19.

G36 was lighter and the thinner grip actually made a difference in comfort. But I didn't like the short-length grip, extra recoil, and low mag capacity.

I then tried a S&W Shield .45 (because I really liked the Gen 2 design. This was before the Gen 2 9mm Shield came out) The gun was also a little short of frame but carried better with the six round mag than the seven round mag. So again, low capacity. I had intended to use lightweight bullets but in the end it preferred 230's. Wtih those it really wasn't that light anymore. (29 oz) Then it had a few malfunctions with JHP's and I was carrying FMJ in it. But also the trigger, while a joy to shoot with, was too light. It made me nervous. Just felt like a 4 lb single action trigger. That was really what made me reject it.

The Beretta Cheetah FS (yea, a circa 1976 design) is what got me to stop carrying my G19. The grip is fat but just the right length and very pleasant to the hand. The top and front of the gun is small and rounded and takes much less volume inside the waistband. The DA trigger adds safety, the SA trigger adds speed and accuracy. And it holds 12+1. It's lighter, too. I could go on but that's enough.

Whats funny is the belt gun I enjoyed carrying the most and replaced with a G19 for nearly 10 years was a Bulgarian Makarov 9x18 cal. The Beretta is basically the Cadillac version of the Makarov / Walther PP class of pistols. (Oh, along with the CZ82/83 I suppose

[Butch]

Do you mind me asking which holster you chose?

Raven for both gun and magazine.

[SiGfever]

Raven for both gun and magazine.

Thank you sir!

[Frailer]

I don’t know if I’d call size and weight “intangibles,” but I think I get where you’re coming from.

While I understand the appeal of the micro 9s, they just don’t work for me. My biggest problem is that their grips are too thin for me to shoot well. I have long fingers, and they don’t have enough real estate to wrap around.

If I want to “carry a pistol” I’ll carry a Glock 17. If concealment is an issue I’ll carry the smallest gun that I can shoot as well (or nearly so) as a Glock 17...which means Glock 26.

If I don’t want to carry a gun the answer is airweight J-frame.

YMMV, of course. If I were you, I’d buy a G43 and give it a try...ignoring the chorus that insists “Glock 19” is always the answer.

[Quiet-Matt]

Me edc pistols have been either a G19 or a S&W J frame depending on dress and activity. So, the G43 wasn't too much to accept as an alternative to the J frame. Capacity was better than the J with a easier to carry and utilize reload. I shoot the thing as good as the 19, which is odd because I struggled with my old G26? I really like my 43. It shoots and carries/conceals great, and has been 100% with every type of ammo I have fed it. When I was working out of town the 43 was all I had with me and I never felt that it wasnt up to task. I primarily carry it IWB appendix with a reload on the left of my belt buckle. I'm not a big guy but I'm able to easily conceal the 43 under just a t-shirt.