WHAT'S SHIPPING: Glock Model 43, 9x19mm [Archive]

ST911

04-26-15, 18:59

Manufacturer: Glock
Model: 43
Serial Number: ZGX###
Test Fire Date: 04/14/2015

On the web: http://singlestack9.com/

Source

This G43 was obtained from a Glock LE distributor at LE pricing of ~$358.00, paid by me.

Unboxing

The Glock 43 ships in the same hard plastic Glock branded box like others. Included in the case are the gun itself, two magazines, promotional and safety literature, a trigger lock, and fired casing(s). Its diminutive size is its greatest distinction from the rest of the line and there is little else noteworthy about it externally. Unloaded, the G43 with empty magazine inserted weighs ~18oz.

http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j18/Skintop911/G43/IMG_0623.jpg

The upper is detail stripped in the same manner as other Glocks. The serrations on the slide are shallower and have less bite when grasping than the larger guns. The RSA is the same type of captive dual spring assembly found on other gen4 Glocks. The sights are a downsized version of the plastic ball-and-bucket type most Glocks ship with. The rear sight is 6.1mm in height, and the front is the standard OEM front. The firing pin safety and corresponding machining in the slide is unique to the G42 and G43. The balance of the slide internals are mostly just reductions of larger Glocks.

http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j18/Skintop911/G43/IMG_0614.jpg

Detail stripping of the G43 lower is similar to other Glocks, and identical to the G42. There is only the single trigger pin (“first pin”) to remove above the trigger, along with the trigger mechanism housing pin at the rear. The locking block must be removed to remove the slide stop lever. The slide stop lever has a captured coil spring attached to it. The slide lock lever receives its tension from a coil spring beneath it, rather than the leaf spring of the larger Glocks. The trigger spring is a combination of a captured coil spring and leaf bar on top. It attaches to the interior of the trigger mechanism housing. Disassembly of the trigger mechanism housing is unique to the G42 and G43. The grip texture of the lower receiver is the same raised polygonal surface as found on other gen4 models, but less pronounced. It’s not particularly grabby, but there is some slip resistance. The trigger face is serrated on the G43, unlike the smooth face of the G42.

http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j18/Skintop911/G43/IMG_0613.jpg

The magazine catch is the standard gen4 size and type, and is fully reversible.

http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j18/Skintop911/G43/IMG_0603.jpg

The slide stop lever, slide lock lever, and firing pin safety share the same coil spring.

http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j18/Skintop911/G43/IMG_0619.jpg

Two magazines are included, one with a flush fit base plate and the other with pinky extension. Both magazines have six round capacity. The witness holes are correct to the number remaining. The spring has 11 coils.

http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j18/Skintop911/G43/IMG_0615.jpg

Comparisons

The most frequent comparison for the G43 is to the G26. They are nearly identical in overall height and length. The width of grip and slide is more obvious. It is readily apparent on view, and even more-so in the hand.

http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j18/Skintop911/G43/IMG_0628.jpg

http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j18/Skintop911/G43/IMG_0627.jpg

http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j18/Skintop911/G43/IMG_0629.jpg

In all other physical attributes, the G43 is simply another Glock.

Dry Handling

Trigger pull is typical Glock and this sample feels to be about ~6-7 pounds. It is heavier than several larger Glocks on hand but lighter than a comparison G42. Over-travel is typical of other Glocks. Trigger reset was distinct and audible. Grip issues that I had with the G42 are less prevalent with the G43 but still noted. My strong hand middle finger makes contact with the bottom of the magazine release and my thumbs rest along the side of the slide. The meat of my hands interfere with ejecting and inserting magazines unless I reposition my grip. Reloads can be slow, and painful.

The G43 is flat and conceals well. As a pocket gun it is tall though, and may be too much so to draw from many pants in a firing grip. It draws easily from various vest, purse, and shoulder bag sleeves. The gun disappears in OWB carry and there is a feel of having more holster than gun. When IWB, it feels buried. It carries light and easily on the ankle in many cuts of pants. Regardless of carry location, getting a firing grip on the gun when holstered can be challenging and will take some adjustment.

Shooting

Live fire testing is underway with a wide assortment of ammunition. Comprehensive results will be added soon.

Should you have any requests for particular photos, data, or other information please feel free to post them within the thread and I will attempt to accommodate them.

donlapalma

04-27-15, 00:14

Thanks for all the great detail. I look forward to your testing results.

Flankenstein

04-27-15, 00:37

Nice post!

SeriousStudent

04-27-15, 21:13

I shall be following this with interest, especially when you try various carry methods.

I must admit, I am pondering this as a potential replacement for my beloved J-frames as a pocket-carry BUG.

tonyj265

04-28-15, 07:56

Great post

ST911

05-10-15, 15:32

UPDATE

Having had the gun in hand for two weeks, I have the following to share.

Range sessions: 6
Number of shooters: 10. 2 female, 8 male. Youngest 12, oldest 60+. 3 current LEOs, 2 LE retirees, 5 citizens.
Cumulative round count: 1,230
Most rounds per session: 507
Fewest rounds per session: 12
Malfunctions – Gun: 0
Malfunctions – User/Ammo: 4*. 1 failure to eject, 3 light strikes. See discussion below.

Ammunition used (24):

50rds Black Hills Ammunition 115gr FMJ (BHA brass)
50rds Black Hills Ammunition 115gr GDHP +P (Starline brass)
30rds Black Hills Ammunition 115gr TAC-XP +P (Win brass)
100rds Black Hills Ammunition 115gr TAC-XP +P (BHA brass)
60rds Black Hills Ammunition 124gr JHP-XTP +P (BHA brass)

26rds Federal 100gr RHT lead free frangible
50rds Federal 115 FMJ (aluminum case)
50rds Federal Champion 115gr FMJ
50rds Federal 124gr Hydra-Shok
*100rds Federal 147gr JHP
50rds Federal 147gr Hydra-Shok
50rds Speer Lawman 147 TMJ
50rds American Eagle 115 FMJ
50rds American Eagle 147 FMJ
50rds American Eagle 124gr FMJ

50rds Corbon 115gr FMJ (Starline brass)
40rds Corbon 100gr +P Pow’RBall

62rds PMC Bronze 115 FMJ
50rds Freedom Munitions 115 FMJ
50rds Herters-Tula 115 FMJ (steel case)
50rds Winchester Mk254 Mod 0 Frangible
46rds Remington 100gr Disintegrator lead free frangible
*16rds International Cartridge Company 100gr lead free frangible
50rds Fiocchi 115gr FMJ

Stoppages and Malfunctions

There were four total. The first three occurred with a ~20yo female novice shooter using Federal 147gr JHP (9MS), and were light off-center strikes. It appeared that she had been riding the slide while shooting, causing it to be slightly out of battery. During a second session with the same shooter and ammo, it did not reoccur.

The second was a stovepipe/failure to eject in the hands of a LEO using the International Cartridge Company lead free frangible. This malfunction was not unexpected, given this load’s similar problems and poor inconsistent performance in other 9mm service pistols.

Subcompact Comparisons

Over time I’ve accumulated a body of data comparing my performance on various subcompact 9mm pistols. After reflecting on all those numbers, I think two particular exercises best exemplify the design purpose and likely use of these guns. They are intended to be carried easily, drawn quickly, fire several rounds to a vital area, and possibly be reloaded for another volley. Therefore, I liked D5s and F.A.S.T. drills.

D5 from concealment to USPSA A-Zone, 3 / 5 / 7 / 10yds
Glock 43: 2.32 C / 2.42 C / 2.91 C / 3.45 C
Glock 26: 2.24 C / 2.51 C / 2.88 -2 / 3.48 -2
Shield(1): 2.59 C / 2.72 C / 3.50 C / 3.72 C
Shield(2): 2.48 C / 2.65 C / 2.98 C / 3.83 -1
Sig P290: 2.82 -1 / 3.10 C / 4.16 -2 / 4.62 -1
SAI XDs: 2.81 C / 2.94 -1 / 3.30 -1 / 3.76 C
SR LC9: 3.73 C / 3.61 C / 3.84 C / 4.14 -1
Kahr PM9: 2.80 C / 3.63 C / 3.23 -1 / 3.61 -1
Kahr Mk9: 3.63 C / 3.30 -1 / 3.54 C / 4.00 -1
S&W 642: 3.32 C / 3.62 C / 4.58 C / 5.31 -1

F.A.S.T.
Glock 43: 7.09 C, 10.12 T, 9.61 T
Glock 26: 6.40 C, 6.50 C, 6.83 C
Shield(1): 9.24 T, 7.08 C, 7.07 C
Shield(2): 8.82 C, 7.4 C, 7.16 C
Sig P290: 11.29, 10.89, 10.31
Kahr PM9: 10.58, 12.64, 13.1
Kahr Mk9: 10.25, 11.8, 12.58

Maintenance Notes

The gun was cleaned and lubed and the start, and periodically thereafter for consistency with other subcompact tests. Slip CLP or EWL was applied to the connector and two slide rails only.

Magazine baseplates and the locking block pin required deliberate effort to remove when new, but far less at this update. The locking block pin is no more difficult to remove than any other Glocks now. Magazines disassemble easily.

Minor finish wear on the barrel hood is apparent, and seems normal.

There is some slight smoothing of the trigger with additional shooting, though the break remains stiff.

Carry Notes

Due to the lack of G43 carry gear, an assortment for other similar guns was adapted. The gun is thin and carries easily OWB, IWB, on the ankle, on body armor, in a cargo pant side pocket, or in a front pocket. Off-body the gun also disappears and added weight to bags is negligible. Off the shelf holsters for the P239, XDs, and Shield have some compatibility to the G43 for my purposes at this point, but are not suitable for serious EDC use.

Though thin, the gun is as tall as a G26 and several others, especially when the baseplate with the finger rest is used. For pocket carriers, the size of the opening and the shooter’s hands will be critical. I found even large pockets incompatible with the G43 in my large hand unless I broke my grip significantly.

The pliable plastic OEM sport-combat holster sized for the G43 would be a terrific offering for several types of CCWers.

Shooting Notes

The G43 has stouter recoil with more rise, blast, and twist than its larger siblings. The reduction in grip surface area is obvious in the hand and especially when trying to run the gun at speed. Though more apparent than larger Glocks (inc the G26) recoil is still quite agreeable to all those who tried it.

A single stack magazine makes the grip smaller, and with it the magazine well. Reloads are easy to fumble and miss. Reloads required a significant break in my grip else the well be blocked altogether or hands and fingers be painfully pinched.

The trigger is typical Glock though a bit heavier. I found it to feel halfway between a gun equipped with a standard coil spring and connector, and a NY1. The break is quite a bit stiffer on the 43 than other models. That break was the most frequently noted attribute after its small size. Regular Glock shooters were the most negative about it, while shooters of long DA triggers were indifferent or quick to move past it.

The G43 shot to POA with all loads tried. I was able to stay within the 3” circle at 10yds with relative ease. Bullseye work at distance was more challenging as I struggled more with the trigger. A 25yd, 10-shot score on a B8 bullseye was ~70-0X. The same exercise with the G26 was 94-2X. The G43 is unforgiving of trigger press issues.

It shot well in a number of other structured exercises. I shot high passing scores on several LE quals, the Farnam basic test, Claude Werner’s 5^5, and the Hackathorn self-defense practice drill. F.A.S.T.s were poor as were the Vickers 6-6-6 drill due to reloading bobbles.

I inadvertently activated the magazine release during several 5-6 round strings. This occurred only with the finger rest magazine, presumably due to a grip shift facilitated by it. It did not occur with the flush fit magazine nor with other shooters.

I dislike finger rests on magazines in general except for their added length and grasping surface in magazine pouches. I had considered taking the dremel to these plates, but will wait for replacement mags instead.

For a time, I reversed the magazine release and used it in that position for support hand work. It was fully functional.

Ejection was generally brisk and relatively uniform. Light loads in the hands of youth and lady shooters were less so. Lightly loaded 115gr practice loads like the Federal 115 FMJ (CAL9115) occasionally ejected in different directions. This has also been seen with some of those loads in other systems as well, and is not a concern unless a stoppage occurs.

An extended 8-10rd OEM magazine would be handy.

Summary

This G43 has thus far demonstrated reliability across a broad range of loads and shooters.

Differences between the G43 and G26 are greater in the hand than on paper but depend on the task. The G26 is closer to service auto performance for me.

My most likely use for this G43 is as a loaner, test bed, and occasional BUG. In the rare event I need a gun smaller than the G17/19, the G26 meets my needs. For others, the compact size and functionality will make this a popular CCW and BUG option.

Any quirks or downsides of the G43 are likely to be beyond the interests or ability of the overwhelming majority of shooters who will buy this gun.

DWood

05-10-15, 16:43

ST911

05-10-15, 17:09

I got a good laugh that only 5 of your test shooters including active and retired LE are citizens. LOL. ;), I kid. I kid. I know the 5 are really civilians.

Thanks for your report full of meaningful details. Good stuff and well appreciated.

Did any of your shooters notice a problem with magazines stopping from being inserted when any sideways pressure was put on the mag. This has been a reported problem and I could duplicate it on my 43. When the mag release and magazine wear in together the "problem" (non-problem in reality) goes away.

This is a known issue.

Easiest fix: Assuming a mag release for R handed shooter, left side of frame. Look up into the magwell at the bottom of the mag release. You should see a 90-deg edge. Knock the square of that edge and the mags will slip past even with side pressure.

If you have a gun with some accumulated mag changes, assuming same mag release set-up... Look at the right side of the mag, top front. You may see some wear/peening wear the mag body first makes contact with that square edge.

ST911

05-13-15, 20:52

UPDATE

+112rds today. Added two new loads and 1 new shooter to the list. No malfunctions. Able to stay well under 3 sec on D5s, no real difference in times but shot dispersion is less with the added work. I trimmed the finger rest off the spare magazine and finished it to the flush profile. No additional magazine ejections during NSRs.

Number of shooters: 11
Cumulative round count: 1,342

Updated ammo list:

Ammunition used (26):
50rds Black Hills Ammunition 115gr FMJ (BHA brass)
50rds Black Hills Ammunition 115gr GDHP +P (Starline brass)
30rds Black Hills Ammunition 115gr TAC-XP +P (Win brass)
100rds Black Hills Ammunition 115gr TAC-XP +P (BHA brass)
60rds Black Hills Ammunition 124gr JHP-XTP +P (BHA brass)

26rds Federal 100gr RHT lead free frangible
50rds Federal 115 FMJ (aluminum case)
50rds Federal Champion 115gr FMJ
50rds Federal 124gr Hydra-Shok
*100rds Federal 147gr JHP
50rds Federal 147gr Hydra-Shok
50rds Speer Lawman 147 TMJ
62rds American Eagle 115 FMJ
50rds American Eagle 147 FMJ
50rds American Eagle 124gr FMJ
50rds CCI Blazer Brass 115 FMJ

50rds Corbon 115gr FMJ (Starline brass)
40rds Corbon 100gr +P Pow’RBall62rds PMC Bronze 115 FMJ

50rds Freedom Munitions 115 FMJ
50rds Herters-Tula 115 FMJ (steel case)
50rds Winchester Mk254 Mod 0 Frangible
46rds Remington 100gr Disintegrator lead free frangible
*16rds International Cartridge Company 100gr lead free frangible
50rds Fiocchi 115gr FMJ
50rds Remington UMC 147 FMJ

ST911

05-21-15, 20:59

UPDATE

+70rds today, trying out some 3-6-9 drills from the Vickers class this weekend. The rough G43 trigger has helped with my G17 trigger management. Another 20rds of my BHA TAC-XP carry ammo makes 150 total, GTG for life support. 50 more rounds of the 9MS helps rule out the gun/ammo, and validates previous observation of a shooter issue with that load. No problems today.

Number of shooters: 11
Cumulative round count: 1,412

Updated ammo list:

Ammunition used (26):
50rds Black Hills Ammunition 115gr FMJ (BHA brass)
50rds Black Hills Ammunition 115gr GDHP +P (Starline brass)
30rds Black Hills Ammunition 115gr TAC-XP +P (Win brass)
120rds Black Hills Ammunition 115gr TAC-XP +P (BHA brass)
60rds Black Hills Ammunition 124gr JHP-XTP +P (BHA brass)

26rds Federal 100gr RHT lead free frangible
50rds Federal 115 FMJ (aluminum case)
50rds Federal Champion 115gr FMJ
50rds Federal 124gr Hydra-Shok
*150rds Federal 147gr JHP
50rds Federal 147gr Hydra-Shok
50rds Speer Lawman 147 TMJ
62rds American Eagle 115 FMJ
50rds American Eagle 147 FMJ
50rds American Eagle 124gr FMJ
50rds CCI Blazer Brass 115 FMJ

50rds Corbon 115gr FMJ (Starline brass)
40rds Corbon 100gr +P Pow’RBall

62rds PMC Bronze 115 FMJ
50rds Freedom Munitions 115 FMJ
50rds Herters-Tula 115 FMJ (steel case)
50rds Winchester Mk254 Mod 0 Frangible
46rds Remington 100gr Disintegrator lead free frangible
*16rds International Cartridge Company 100gr lead free frangible
50rds Fiocchi 115gr FMJ
50rds Remington UMC 147 FMJ

ritepath

05-21-15, 21:24

I hated the feel of my G26 (and most other "baby" glocks 29/30/27) but shot it good and felt it pointed good. The 43 just felt like crapola, and pointed even worse....I'm still saving for a g40. It was 499 at dicks.

ST911

05-30-15, 21:32

UPDATE

+121rds today. The youngest shooter is now 11yo and the least experienced of the 12 total. During basic marksmanship exercises he was able to keep all rounds in a 3" circle out to 5 yds, and managed the gun pretty well. While shooting, he had some out of battery light strikes like those reported earlier. I was unable to replicate them even when holding the gun with v-blocks and minimally gripping the gun so I'm going to attribute those to the shooter.

Picked up several odds and ends for ammo to add to the list in upcoming range sessions.

Number of shooters: 12
Cumulative round count: 1,533

Updated ammo list:

Ammunition used (26):
*121rds Black Hills Ammunition 115gr FMJ (BHA brass)
50rds Black Hills Ammunition 115gr GDHP +P (Starline brass)
30rds Black Hills Ammunition 115gr TAC-XP +P (Win brass)
120rds Black Hills Ammunition 115gr TAC-XP +P (BHA brass)
60rds Black Hills Ammunition 124gr JHP-XTP +P (BHA brass)

26rds Federal 100gr RHT lead free frangible
100rds Federal 115 FMJ (aluminum case)
50rds Federal Champion 115gr FMJ
50rds Federal 124gr Hydra-Shok
*150rds Federal 147gr JHP
50rds Federal 147gr Hydra-Shok
50rds Speer Lawman 147 TMJ
62rds American Eagle 115 FMJ
50rds American Eagle 147 FMJ
50rds American Eagle 124gr FMJ
50rds CCI Blazer Brass 115 FMJ

50rds Corbon 115gr FMJ (Starline brass)
40rds Corbon 100gr +P Pow’RBall

62rds PMC Bronze 115 FMJ
50rds Freedom Munitions 115 FMJ
50rds Herters-Tula 115 FMJ (steel case)
50rds Winchester Mk254 Mod 0 Frangible
46rds Remington 100gr Disintegrator lead free frangible
*16rds International Cartridge Company 100gr lead free frangible
50rds Fiocchi 115gr FMJ
50rds Remington UMC 147 FMJ

ST911

06-04-15, 19:30

UPDATE

+200rds today, adding 18 shooters and two new loads during a demo session of CCW guns. One 14yo girl had the same out of battery light strike discussed earlier, as well as a stovepipe.

Number of shooters: 30
Cumulative round count: 1,733

Updated ammo list:

Ammunition used (28):
*221rds Black Hills Ammunition 115gr FMJ (BHA brass)
50rds Black Hills Ammunition 115gr GDHP +P (Starline brass)
30rds Black Hills Ammunition 115gr TAC-XP +P (Win brass)
120rds Black Hills Ammunition 115gr TAC-XP +P (BHA brass)
60rds Black Hills Ammunition 124gr JHP-XTP +P (BHA brass)

26rds Federal 100gr RHT lead free frangible
100rds Federal 115 FMJ (aluminum case)
50rds Federal Champion 115gr FMJ
50rds Federal 124gr Hydra-Shok
*150rds Federal 147gr JHP
50rds Federal 147gr Hydra-Shok
50rds Speer Lawman 147 TMJ
62rds American Eagle 115 FMJ
50rds American Eagle 147 FMJ
50rds American Eagle 124gr FMJ
50rds CCI Blazer Brass 115 FMJ

50rds Corbon 115gr FMJ (Starline brass)
40rds Corbon 100gr +P Pow’RBall

50rds Magtech 115 FMC
50rds Herters (S&B) 115 FMJ
62rds PMC Bronze 115 FMJ
50rds Freedom Munitions 115 FMJ
50rds Herters-Tula 115 FMJ (steel case)
50rds Winchester Mk254 Mod 0 Frangible
46rds Remington 100gr Disintegrator lead free frangible
*16rds International Cartridge Company 100gr lead free frangible
50rds Fiocchi 115gr FMJ
50rds Remington UMC 147 FMJ

GregP220

06-06-15, 13:13

Great thread Skintop911! Thanks for the info.

calviroman

06-07-15, 12:23

ST911

06-07-15, 20:03

UPDATE

+270rds today. Ran some drills for comparison data to other subcompacts, which I'll get into a postable format and put up later. 100+ rounds of one handed shooting. Despite some struggle with the hard break on the trigger (vs. other Gs), the short OAL helps the gun point and shoot easily SHO and WHO. Also did some low light and flashlight work. Muzzle flash was less than expected. With the short, narrow slide I felt like I had to hunt a bit more for the sight picture I wanted. Muzzle flash was less than expected. No new shooters, no malfunctions. With the session today, we've now reached the 2k milestone.

Number of shooters: 30
Cumulative round count: 2,003

Updated ammo list:

Ammunition used (28):
*404rds Black Hills Ammunition 115gr FMJ (BHA brass)
50rds Black Hills Ammunition 115gr GDHP +P (Starline brass)
30rds Black Hills Ammunition 115gr TAC-XP +P (Win brass)
120rds Black Hills Ammunition 115gr TAC-XP +P (BHA brass)
60rds Black Hills Ammunition 124gr JHP-XTP +P (BHA brass)

26rds Federal 100gr RHT lead free frangible
100rds Federal 115 FMJ (aluminum case)
50rds Federal Champion 115gr FMJ
50rds Federal 124gr Hydra-Shok
*150rds Federal 147gr JHP
50rds Federal 147gr Hydra-Shok
50rds Speer Lawman 147 TMJ
62rds American Eagle 115 FMJ
50rds American Eagle 147 FMJ
50rds American Eagle 124gr FMJ
50rds CCI Blazer Brass 115 FMJ

100rds Corbon 115gr FMJ (Starline brass)
40rds Corbon 100gr +P Pow’RBall

50rds Magtech 115 FMC
50rds Herters (S&B) 115 FMJ
62rds PMC Bronze 115 FMJ
87rds Freedom Munitions 115 FMJ
50rds Herters-Tula 115 FMJ (steel case)
50rds Winchester Mk254 Mod 0 Frangible
46rds Remington 100gr Disintegrator lead free frangible
*16rds International Cartridge Company 100gr lead free frangible
50rds Fiocchi 115gr FMJ
50rds Remington UMC 147 FMJ

ST911

06-07-15, 21:10

Great post and thanks for the updates. So it sounds like the pistol has experienced about 10 stoppages between the out of battery light strikes and single stovepipe? The out of battery light strikes are concerning to me...any thoughts on what may be causing these? Any direct correlation between ammo used and experiencing the light strikes?

Looking at the variables...

There have been 30 total shooters. Four experienced an out of battery light strike or stovepipe. They were an 11yo male novice, a 14yo female new shooter, a ~20yo female with limited experience, and an experienced LEO, Glock shooter, and LEFI.

28 total loads have been used to date. Three loads, from three different manufacturers, were involved in the malfunctions. They were BHA 115 FMJ (404/2003 total), Federal 147 JHP (150/2003 total), and ICC 100gr green frangible (16/2003 total). The 11yo and 14yo had malfunctions with the same load, BHA 115 FMJ. The 11yo experienced only the out of battery light strikes. The 14yo experienced both the light strike and stovepipe. These were the only shooters to have issues, despite it being the round most fired to date (404, ~20%) and by the most shooters. The 20yo experienced only the light strikes with the Federal 147 JHP, and was the only shooter using that load to have issues. In a later session, she fired it without issue. The LEO experienced only a stovepipe with the ICC, and was the only shooter to fire that load.

My thoughts: The 11yo was a novice and the 14yo a new shooter. The G43 was new to both of them and the first rounds they fired. While shooting they frequently broke their grip. The 11yo settled into the gun later. The 14yo didn't get a chance to. The 20yo had some more experience but her malfunction also occurred her first session. In a repeat session later with the same ammo, she had no issues. Other shooters used both the BHA and Federal loads without issue. The malfunction with the ICC was predicted, and that load was specifically sought out to help ID a threshold. The 16 rounds fired were the last remaining from a much larger quantity that was wonky in larger, known-good guns.

Conclusion: Shooter induced.

PLCedeno

06-13-15, 17:03

Picked mine up and fired 300 rounds (100 Blazer Brass 115r, 100 Federal Suppressed 124r and 100 Atlanta Arms and Ammo 147r). Had some failures to lock open on last round. 6 from the mag with the extension and one from the flat one. Most were from the light recoiling Fed and Atlanta. Not sure if it should matter but it all occurred while the gun got extremely hot. Also, this did not occur while my wife shot the gun with her considerably smaller hands. I have a very strong suspicion that my thumb was riding the slide lock since my grip and thumbs were forced to shift in a way not consistent with any of my other Glocks. I'm going with shooter induced until i follow up.

For me the gun was easy to shoot accurately out to 7 yards at speed. From outside of 7 yards accuracy required a lot more effort. This is not a G17 but i don't believe its meant to be. The GSSF match in Jackson next week should be interesting in the mini gun category with this gun. Not a lot of people shooting that category yet.

Other than that i noted what others have said, that its sharper recoil than a G26 but manageable. Inserting a fresh magazine is sometimes difficult from an angle. It seems to get hung up unless perfectly vertical.

Gave the gun a very thorough cleaning and prep for FireClean. Also leaving the gun locked open over night. Will try again tomorrow. Ordered the OEM steel front sight and a magazine. Strangely even though i have large hands i found the extension on the magazine a detriment. On the G26 i actually prefer the extension.

ST911

06-13-15, 21:36

Picked mine up and fired 300 rounds (100 Blazer Brass 115r, 100 Federal Suppressed 124r and 100 Atlanta Arms and Ammo 147r). Had some failures to lock open on last round. 6 from the mag with the extension and one from the flat one. Most were from the light recoiling Fed and Atlanta. Not sure if it should matter but it all occurred while the gun got extremely hot. Also, this did not occur while my wife shot the gun with her considerably smaller hands. I have a very strong suspicion that my thumb was riding the slide lock since my grip and thumbs were forced to shift in a way not consistent with any of my other Glocks. I'm going with shooter induced until i follow up.

Riding the slide stop is pretty common with the G42/43.

Other than that i noted what others have said, that its sharper recoil than a G26 but manageable. Inserting a fresh magazine is sometimes difficult from an angle. It seems to get hung up unless perfectly vertical.

Description and solution earlier in this thread.

Strangely even though i have large hands i found the extension on the magazine a detriment.

I'm finding that to be a common observation.

PLCedeno

06-14-15, 16:22

Shot another 200 rounds today. Federal 124r Suppressed. With more careful placement of my thumb i experienced zero issues. After my wife was done with her G19 she asked if we could trade for the last 50 rounds. She said afterwords that she found the gun to be fun with less recoil than she expected. Conversely after 200 rounds through this gun i found the G19 to feel gargantuan in my hands which isn't usually the case as i usually shoot a G17.

Need to work on the solution Skintop911 mentioned to the magazine insertion issue.

Will be getting rid of the extension on the one magazine as soon as they become available alone.

Overall for me it is a reliable pocket gun in a way the G26 can't be due to its width and is a welcome addition to the stable.

ST911

06-17-15, 20:36

UPDATE

+70rds today, played with some turners, but bored quickly and decided to stop. Add a new load to the list, no malfunctions.

Number of shooters: 30
Cumulative round count: 2,073

Updated ammo list:

Ammunition used (29):
*404rds Black Hills Ammunition 115gr FMJ (BHA brass)
50rds Black Hills Ammunition 115gr GDHP +P (Starline brass)
30rds Black Hills Ammunition 115gr TAC-XP +P (Win brass)
120rds Black Hills Ammunition 115gr TAC-XP +P (BHA brass)
60rds Black Hills Ammunition 124gr JHP-XTP +P (BHA brass)

26rds Federal 100gr RHT lead free frangible
100rds Federal 115 FMJ (aluminum case)
50rds Federal Champion 115gr FMJ
50rds Federal 124gr Hydra-Shok
*150rds Federal 147gr JHP
50rds Federal 147gr Hydra-Shok
70rds Speer Lawman 124 TMJ
50rds Speer Lawman 147 TMJ
62rds American Eagle 115 FMJ
50rds American Eagle 147 FMJ
50rds American Eagle 124gr FMJ
50rds CCI Blazer Brass 115 FMJ

100rds Corbon 115gr FMJ (Starline brass)
40rds Corbon 100gr +P Pow’RBall

50rds Magtech 115 FMC
50rds Herters (S&B) 115 FMJ
62rds PMC Bronze 115 FMJ
87rds Freedom Munitions 115 FMJ
50rds Herters-Tula 115 FMJ (steel case)
50rds Winchester Mk254 Mod 0 Frangible
46rds Remington 100gr Disintegrator lead free frangible
*16rds International Cartridge Company 100gr lead free frangible
50rds Fiocchi 115gr FMJ
50rds Remington UMC 147 FMJ

ST911

06-27-15, 16:14

UPDATE

+92rds since the update above. No new loads. Added six new shooters, 2 men, 3 women, one 8yo boy with no previous shooting experience. 8yo is now the youngest shooter. One failure to return to battery with a lady shooter new to handguns, 1/10 rounds fired. All others, no malfunctions. Another lady shooter noted that she preferred her G26 to the G43. Primary reasons were preference for the larger grip area, and less muzzle rise.

Number of shooters: 36
Cumulative round count: 2,165

Updated ammo list:

Ammunition used (29):
*496rds Black Hills Ammunition 115gr FMJ (BHA brass)
50rds Black Hills Ammunition 115gr GDHP +P (Starline brass)
30rds Black Hills Ammunition 115gr TAC-XP +P (Win brass)
120rds Black Hills Ammunition 115gr TAC-XP +P (BHA brass)
60rds Black Hills Ammunition 124gr JHP-XTP +P (BHA brass)

26rds Federal 100gr RHT lead free frangible
100rds Federal 115 FMJ (aluminum case)
50rds Federal Champion 115gr FMJ
50rds Federal 124gr Hydra-Shok
*150rds Federal 147gr JHP
50rds Federal 147gr Hydra-Shok
70rds Speer Lawman 124 TMJ
50rds Speer Lawman 147 TMJ
62rds American Eagle 115 FMJ
50rds American Eagle 147 FMJ
50rds American Eagle 124gr FMJ
50rds CCI Blazer Brass 115 FMJ

100rds Corbon 115gr FMJ (Starline brass)
40rds Corbon 100gr +P Pow’RBall

50rds Magtech 115 FMC
50rds Herters (S&B) 115 FMJ
62rds PMC Bronze 115 FMJ
87rds Freedom Munitions 115 FMJ
50rds Herters-Tula 115 FMJ (steel case)
50rds Winchester Mk254 Mod 0 Frangible
46rds Remington 100gr Disintegrator lead free frangible
*16rds International Cartridge Company 100gr lead free frangible
50rds Fiocchi 115gr FMJ
50rds Remington UMC 147 FMJ

AKDoug

06-27-15, 22:30

I got a chance to shoot one today and came away fairly impressed. It shot right to point of aim without any adjustments on my part. For some reason it seemed to shot softer than the Shield and XDs I have previously shot. I might be picking one up.

ST911

06-29-15, 22:29

UPDATE

+100rds, no new shooters, one new load. Swapped to Machine Gunners Lube for lube, just because. No malfunctions. The new load, 115 Speer Lawman (53650) had 1/3 bounce off my hat. Resorted the list below a bit.

Number of shooters: 36
Cumulative round count: 2,265

Updated ammo list:

Ammunition used (30):
*496rds Black Hills Ammunition 115gr FMJ (BHA brass)
50rds Black Hills Ammunition 115gr GDHP +P (Starline brass)
30rds Black Hills Ammunition 115gr TAC-XP +P (Win brass)
120rds Black Hills Ammunition 115gr TAC-XP +P (BHA brass)
60rds Black Hills Ammunition 124gr JHP-XTP +P (BHA brass)

26rds Federal 100gr RHT lead free frangible
100rds Federal 115 FMJ (aluminum case)
50rds Federal Champion 115gr FMJ
50rds Federal 124gr Hydra-Shok
*150rds Federal 147gr JHP
50rds Federal 147gr Hydra-Shok
100rds Speer Lawman 115 TMJ
70rds Speer Lawman 124 TMJ
50rds Speer Lawman 147 TMJ
62rds American Eagle 115 FMJ
50rds American Eagle 124gr FMJ
50rds American Eagle 147 FMJ
50rds CCI Blazer Brass 115 FMJ

100rds Corbon 115gr FMJ (Starline brass)
40rds Corbon 100gr +P Pow’RBall

50rds Magtech 115 FMC
50rds Herters (S&B) 115 FMJ
62rds PMC Bronze 115 FMJ
87rds Freedom Munitions 115 FMJ
50rds Herters-Tula 115 FMJ (steel case)
50rds Winchester Mk254 Mod 0 Frangible
46rds Remington 100gr Disintegrator lead free frangible
*16rds International Cartridge Company 100gr lead free frangible
50rds Fiocchi 115gr FMJ
50rds Remington UMC 147 FMJ

donlapalma

06-30-15, 00:15

Skintop911 - with 36 shooters putting rounds through the G43, are there any common themes, opinions, gripes, etc that you noticed amongst the shooters? I'm getting close to 500 rounds myself but I'm certainly biased since I'm quite committed to the Glock platform. It would be interesting to hear the commentary from the wide array of folks.

EzGoingKev

07-06-15, 21:09

I put 50 rounds through one I rented at my local range yesterday.

I found it comfortable to hold and shoot. It felt like shooting a real pistol and not some half ass pocket pistol. Trigger was maybe a little stiffer than other Glocks I shot. Reset was excellent, just like on a full sized Glock. It REALLY needed a Vickers slide release IMO.

The biggest thing was that recoil was much milder than I thought it would be.

T2C

07-07-15, 11:19

jandbj

07-07-15, 20:46

I shot the 42 & 43 side by side recently and the increase in recoil from the 380 to the 9 is way less than you'd expect. The design really makes the 42 feel like a rimfire and the 9 feel like a weak 380. Much tamer than even the kahr pm9.

EzGoingKev

07-07-15, 21:03

In your opinion, how does the recoil compare to the Glock 42?
I am sorry but I have not fired the 42, only the 43.

joe138

07-11-15, 17:16

EzGoingKev

07-13-15, 04:25

I went to the range today and rented a 9mm S&W Shield. It had more recoil then the G43 which led to some discomfort when shooting. For me if were to make a purchase it would be the G43 over the Shield. YMMV.

ST911

08-22-15, 23:18

UPDATE

+62rds since last post, no malfunctions, 5 new shooters sampling the gun, one new load, ammo list resorted.

Number of shooters: 41
Cumulative round count: 2,327

Updated ammo list:

Ammunition used (31):
*496rds Black Hills Ammunition 115gr FMJ (BHA brass)
50rds Black Hills Ammunition 115gr GDHP +P (Starline brass)
30rds Black Hills Ammunition 115gr TAC-XP +P (Win brass)
120rds Black Hills Ammunition 115gr TAC-XP +P (BHA brass)
12rds Black Hills Ammunition 124gr FMJ Reman
60rds Black Hills Ammunition 124gr JHP-XTP +P (BHA brass)

26rds Federal 100gr RHT lead free frangible
100rds Federal 115 FMJ (aluminum case)
50rds Federal Champion 115gr FMJ
50rds Federal 124gr Hydra-Shok
*150rds Federal 147gr JHP
50rds Federal 147gr Hydra-Shok
100rds Speer Lawman 115 TMJ
70rds Speer Lawman 124 TMJ
50rds Speer Lawman 147 TMJ
62rds American Eagle 115 FMJ
50rds American Eagle 124gr FMJ
50rds American Eagle 147 FMJ
50rds CCI Blazer Brass 115 FMJ

100rds Corbon 115gr FMJ (Starline brass)
40rds Corbon 100gr +P Pow’RBall

46rds Remington 100gr Disintegrator lead free frangible
50rds Remington UMC 115gr MC
50rds Remington UMC 147 FMJ

50rds Magtech 115 FMC
50rds Herters (S&B) 115 FMJ
62rds PMC Bronze 115 FMJ
87rds Freedom Munitions 115 FMJ
50rds Herters-Tula 115 FMJ (steel case)
50rds Winchester Mk254 Mod 0 Frangible
*16rds International Cartridge Company 100gr lead free frangible
50rds Fiocchi 115gr FMJ

T2C

08-23-15, 00:09

Thanks Skin Top. I bought a Glock 43 on July 23rd. The only change I made was to replace the OEM sights with Ameriglo CAP sights. To date, I have fired 1350 rounds through it.

The pistol will have an occasional failure to feed on the last round in the magazine when firing 147g Gold Dot HP. Winchester +P+ is a little harsh to shoot and not recommended for a recoil sensitive person. (+P+ may void the warranty.) All other ammunition functioned flawlessly.

ST911

09-27-15, 22:13

UPDATE

+150rds since the last update, no malfunctions. Added 3 new shooters, all ladies new to handguns. A 13yo male fired 24rds SHO using the standard length (non-pinky) mag using the Fed AE 115gr FMJ aluminum case in hopes of inducing a stoppage. There were none. Current totals follow. Made a correction to total number of loads used (32).

Number of shooters: 44
Cumulative round count: 2,477

Updated ammo list:

Ammunition used (32):
*622rds Black Hills Ammunition 115gr FMJ (BHA brass)
50rds Black Hills Ammunition 115gr GDHP +P (Starline brass)
30rds Black Hills Ammunition 115gr TAC-XP +P (Win brass)
120rds Black Hills Ammunition 115gr TAC-XP +P (BHA brass)
12rds Black Hills Ammunition 124gr FMJ Reman
60rds Black Hills Ammunition 124gr JHP-XTP +P (BHA brass)

26rds Federal 100gr RHT lead free frangible
124rds Federal 115 FMJ (aluminum case)
50rds Federal Champion 115gr FMJ
50rds Federal 124gr Hydra-Shok
*150rds Federal 147gr JHP
50rds Federal 147gr Hydra-Shok
100rds Speer Lawman 115 TMJ
70rds Speer Lawman 124 TMJ
50rds Speer Lawman 147 TMJ
62rds American Eagle 115 FMJ
50rds American Eagle 124gr FMJ
50rds American Eagle 147 FMJ
50rds CCI Blazer Brass 115 FMJ

100rds Corbon 115gr FMJ (Starline brass)
40rds Corbon 100gr +P Pow’RBall

46rds Remington 100gr Disintegrator lead free frangible
50rds Remington UMC 115gr MC
50rds Remington UMC 147 FMJ

50rds Magtech 115 FMC
50rds Herters (S&B) 115 FMJ
62rds PMC Bronze 115 FMJ
87rds Freedom Munitions 115 FMJ
50rds Herters-Tula 115 FMJ (steel case)
50rds Winchester Mk254 Mod 0 Frangible
*16rds International Cartridge Company 100gr lead free frangible
50rds Fiocchi 115gr FMJ

T2C

09-28-15, 07:56

ST911,

Have you measured the trigger pull weight on your Glock 43?

ST911

09-28-15, 08:26

ST911,

Have you measured the trigger pull weight on your Glock 43?

No, but I'll get it on the scale in the next day or two. Been meaning to do that, thanks for the reminder.

T2C

09-28-15, 08:53

At 2,198 rounds the trigger pull weight on my G43 is 7 lbs. 8 oz.

ST911

10-11-15, 23:05

UPDATE

I had a request for more Winchester ammunition, especially WWB. I ran +79rds of it playing with a plate rack, no malfunctions. I did experience the mag popping free while using the magazine equipped with the finger rest, but the gun continued to feed. It's now across the 2,500rd threshold. Resorted the ammo list.

Number of shooters: 44
Cumulative round count: 2,556

Updated ammo list:

Ammunition used (33):
*622rds Black Hills Ammunition 115gr FMJ (BHA brass)
50rds Black Hills Ammunition 115gr GDHP +P (Starline brass)
30rds Black Hills Ammunition 115gr TAC-XP +P (Win brass)
120rds Black Hills Ammunition 115gr TAC-XP +P (BHA brass)
12rds Black Hills Ammunition 124gr FMJ Reman
60rds Black Hills Ammunition 124gr JHP-XTP +P (BHA brass)

26rds Federal 100gr RHT lead free frangible
124rds Federal 115 FMJ (aluminum case)
50rds Federal Champion 115gr FMJ
50rds Federal 124gr Hydra-Shok
*150rds Federal 147gr JHP
50rds Federal 147gr Hydra-Shok
100rds Speer Lawman 115 TMJ
70rds Speer Lawman 124 TMJ
50rds Speer Lawman 147 TMJ
62rds American Eagle 115 FMJ
50rds American Eagle 124gr FMJ
50rds American Eagle 147 FMJ
50rds CCI Blazer Brass 115 FMJ

100rds Corbon 115gr FMJ (Starline brass)
40rds Corbon 100gr +P Pow’RBall

46rds Remington 100gr Disintegrator lead free frangible
50rds Remington UMC 115gr MC
50rds Remington UMC 147 FMJ

50rds Winchester Mk254 Mod 0 Frangible
79rds Winchester 115 FMJ (WWB)

50rds Magtech 115 FMC
50rds Herters (S&B) 115 FMJ
62rds PMC Bronze 115 FMJ
87rds Freedom Munitions 115 FMJ
50rds Herters-Tula 115 FMJ (steel case)
*16rds International Cartridge Company 100gr lead free frangible
50rds Fiocchi 115gr FMJ

ST911

01-23-16, 14:55

UPDATE

+200rds since last update. I hadn’t handled this G43 much or shot it at all since October. To continue comparison to the G26, I took it out today for two runs on the IDPA classifier. These were shot cold, open carry, 3:00 OWB. The G26 results are from June, 2015. I use the RGT-1 target for classifier practice, which has the proper -0 and -1, but no -3. Any -3 hits score as a miss.

For information on the IDPA classifier, see: http://www.idpa.com/compete/rules
RGT-1: http://www.letargets.com/content/rgt-1-reston-group-tactical-training-target-version-1.asp

Results:

G43 (1): 92.93 time, 38pts down, 111.93 total
G43 (2): 91.57 time, 38pts down, 110.57 total

G26 (1): 90.57 time, 40pts down, 110.57 total
G26 (2): 82.46 time, 41pts down, 102.96 total

I tried to run the 43 about the same pace as the 26, and got pretty close. Though the times and points down are very similar, the differences on the target were more significant. For the 43, there were 3 misses in run(1) and 5 in run(2). For the 26, only 1 miss for both runs. Other points down with the 43 were spread around the -1, but were evenly distributed surrounding the -0 for the 26.

During strings with reloads, I pinched my hand on the 43 but it didn’t negatively affect times for comparison. The pinky rest magazine popped free on stage 3 creating a type 1 stoppage, cleared and shot through. I’m officially done with any extended magazine in this gun, it just doesn’t work for me.

No other gun or ammo related malfunctions, nor items of note. I continue to like this gun, but it’s role for me remains very narrow.

Number of shooters: 44
Cumulative round count: 2,756

Updated ammo list:

Ammunition used (33):
*622rds Black Hills Ammunition 115gr FMJ (BHA brass)
50rds Black Hills Ammunition 115gr GDHP +P (Starline brass)
30rds Black Hills Ammunition 115gr TAC-XP +P (Win brass)
120rds Black Hills Ammunition 115gr TAC-XP +P (BHA brass)
12rds Black Hills Ammunition 124gr FMJ Reman
60rds Black Hills Ammunition 124gr JHP-XTP +P (BHA brass)

26rds Federal 100gr RHT lead free frangible
224rds Federal 115 FMJ (aluminum case)
50rds Federal Champion 115gr FMJ
50rds Federal 124gr Hydra-Shok
*150rds Federal 147gr JHP
50rds Federal 147gr Hydra-Shok
100rds Speer Lawman 115 TMJ
70rds Speer Lawman 124 TMJ
50rds Speer Lawman 147 TMJ
62rds American Eagle 115 FMJ
50rds American Eagle 124gr FMJ
50rds American Eagle 147 FMJ
50rds CCI Blazer Brass 115 FMJ

100rds Corbon 115gr FMJ (Starline brass)
40rds Corbon 100gr +P Pow’RBall

46rds Remington 100gr Disintegrator lead free frangible
50rds Remington UMC 115gr MC
50rds Remington UMC 147 FMJ

50rds Winchester Mk254 Mod 0 Frangible
79rds Winchester 115 FMJ (WWB)

50rds Magtech 115 FMC
50rds Herters (S&B) 115 FMJ
62rds PMC Bronze 115 FMJ
87rds Freedom Munitions 115 FMJ
50rds Herters-Tula 115 FMJ (steel case)
*116rds International Cartridge Company 100gr lead free frangible
50rds Fiocchi 115gr FMJ

platoonDaddy

01-23-16, 15:52

Thank you for your review of the G43.

samuse

01-23-16, 20:53

What's causing the extended mags to pop out for you?

I like my 43 so far. I think it's relegated my 19 and 26 to the safe.

ST911

01-23-16, 21:54

What's causing the extended mags to pop out for you?

The extended mag redistributes some grip force so my finger at or near the mag release activates it.

PaLEOjd

01-24-16, 19:03

The extended mag redistributes some grip force so my finger at or near the mag release activates it.

An extended magazine should not really change your grip on a pistol, strange hearing that it happening. What changes in your grip between a standard magazine and extended magazine?

RIDE

01-24-16, 20:00

ST911

01-24-16, 20:46

An extended magazine should not really change your grip on a pistol, strange hearing that it happening. What changes in your grip between a standard magazine and extended magazine?

It's most likely due to the fact that he's talking about a Glock 43. With a Standard mag the pinky hangs off. With an extension, the pinky does not hang off, and instead "grips" the extension.

I'd like to be able to explain it better, but can't find it. The best I came up with is that additional grip force on the pinky extension pulls my middle finger in such a way that it exerts more force on the mag release, causing the intermittent but inevitable release.

Here's a G42 in my hands, to give you an idea of what I'm working with.

http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j18/Skintop911/Glock42/IMG_0436e.jpg

ST911

10-14-16, 20:41

UPDATE

+785 rounds
+19 new shooters
+9 new loads

The 19 new shooters were all youth (~14-17) new to handguns, 8 female and 11 male. 1 girl experienced failure to return to battery, another mag ejection while firing. One boy experienced failure to return to battery, and the other a similar mag ejection while firing.

Four test loads were shot as part of another project. The test load fired 6/11 produced two stoppages, which were expected based on that loads performance in other guns. There were no problems with the other test loads, and eight new loads in general.

The new OEM G43 connector was installed, marked (33564). It is a noticeable improvement over the old. Comparison photos are below (new atop old), posted for reference.

Number of shooters: 63
Cumulative round count: 3541

Updated ammo list:

Ammunition used (42):
*762rds Black Hills Ammunition 115gr FMJ (BHA brass)
50rds Black Hills Ammunition 115gr GDHP +P (Starline brass)
30rds Black Hills Ammunition 115gr TAC-XP +P (Win brass)
123rds Black Hills Ammunition 115gr TAC-XP +P (BHA brass)
12rds Black Hills Ammunition 124gr FMJ Reman
72rds Black Hills Ammunition 124 JHP-XTP (BHA brass)
60rds Black Hills Ammunition 124gr JHP-XTP +P (BHA brass)

26rds Federal 100gr RHT lead free frangible
224rds Federal 115 FMJ (aluminum case)
50rds Federal Champion 115gr FMJ
50rds Federal 124gr Hydra-Shok
*150rds Federal 147gr JHP
50rds Federal 147gr Hydra-Shok
4rds Federal 147 HST
100rds Speer Lawman 115 TMJ
70rds Speer Lawman 124 TMJ
100rds Speer Lawman 147 TMJ
62rds American Eagle 115 FMJ
50rds American Eagle 124gr FMJ
50rds American Eagle 147 FMJ
50rds CCI Blazer Brass 115 FMJ

100rds Corbon 115gr FMJ (Starline brass)
40rds Corbon 100gr +P Pow’RBall
50rds Corbon 147gr FMJ

46rds Remington 100gr Disintegrator lead free frangible
50rds Remington UMC 115gr MC
50rds Remington UMC 147 FMJ

50rds Winchester Mk254 Mod 0 Frangible
79rds Winchester 115 FMJ (WWB)

50rds Magtech 115 FMC
50rds Herters (S&B) 115 FMJ
62rds PMC Bronze 115 FMJ
87rds Freedom Munitions 115 FMJ
50rds Herters-Tula 115 FMJ (steel case)
*116rds International Cartridge Company 100gr lead free frangible
50rds Fiocchi 115gr FMJ
55rds Northern Hills Ammunition 115 FMJ reman
25rds Hornady Critical Defense 115 FTX

46rds test load, 3/21
*200rds test load, 6/11
90rds test load, 7/30
50rds test load, 7/30

http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j18/Skintop911/G43/g43newconnector2.jpg

http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j18/Skintop911/G43/g43newconnector1.jpg

ST911

12-17-16, 15:42

UPDATE

+161 rounds, no malfunctions

Number of shooters: 63
Cumulative round count: 3702

Updated ammo list:

Ammunition used (42):
*812rds Black Hills Ammunition 115gr FMJ (BHA brass)
50rds Black Hills Ammunition 115gr GDHP +P (Starline brass)
30rds Black Hills Ammunition 115gr TAC-XP +P (Win brass)
123rds Black Hills Ammunition 115gr TAC-XP +P (BHA brass)
12rds Black Hills Ammunition 124gr FMJ Reman
122rds Black Hills Ammunition 124 JHP-XTP (BHA brass)
100rds Black Hills Ammunition 124gr JHP-XTP +P (BHA brass)

26rds Federal 100gr RHT lead free frangible
224rds Federal 115 FMJ (aluminum case)
50rds Federal Champion 115gr FMJ
50rds Federal 124gr Hydra-Shok
*150rds Federal 147gr JHP
50rds Federal 147gr Hydra-Shok
4rds Federal 147 HST
100rds Speer Lawman 115 TMJ
70rds Speer Lawman 124 TMJ
100rds Speer Lawman 147 TMJ
62rds American Eagle 115 FMJ
50rds American Eagle 124gr FMJ
50rds American Eagle 147 FMJ
50rds CCI Blazer Brass 115 FMJ

100rds Corbon 115gr FMJ (Starline brass)
40rds Corbon 100gr +P Pow’RBall
50rds Corbon 147gr FMJ

46rds Remington 100gr Disintegrator lead free frangible
50rds Remington UMC 115gr MC
50rds Remington UMC 147 FMJ

50rds Winchester Mk254 Mod 0 Frangible
79rds Winchester 115 FMJ (WWB)

50rds Magtech 115 FMC
50rds Herters (S&B) 115 FMJ
62rds PMC Bronze 115 FMJ
87rds Freedom Munitions 115 FMJ
50rds Herters-Tula 115 FMJ (steel case)
*116rds International Cartridge Company 100gr lead free frangible
50rds Fiocchi 115gr FMJ
55rds Northern Hills Ammunition 115 FMJ reman
25rds Hornady Critical Defense 115 FTX

46rds test load, 3/21
*200rds test load, 6/11
111rds test load, 7/30, 12/17
50rds test load, 7/30

Eurodriver

12-18-16, 19:12

_Stormin_

12-18-16, 19:45

Are you saying you've had no malfunctions with any ammo or just those 161 rounds?

He's posted about several failures, just none in that run of ammo.

ST911

12-18-16, 19:59

Are you saying you've had no malfunctions with any ammo or just those 161 rounds?

My 43 has 500+ through it and I just had my first failure to feed with some cheap 115gr HP hand loads I made years ago. Stuff i jams my 19s

He's posted about several failures, just none in that run of ammo.

What Stormin said. No malfunctions since last report. Further, in the ammo list an * indicates that load was involved in a malfunction, but may not be the cause.

ST911

12-24-16, 23:57

UPDATE

+307 rounds, no malfunctions. Added one new load, Ruger’s 80gr ARX +P from PolyCase. The ARX was POA/POI to 10yds, with a flat and smooth recoil impulse. The new, revised OEM connector installed and discussed a few entries ago has also smoothed out even further.

Number of shooters: 63
Cumulative round count: 4009

Updated ammo list:

Ammunition used (43):
*812rds Black Hills Ammunition 115gr FMJ (BHA brass)
50rds Black Hills Ammunition 115gr GDHP +P (Starline brass)
30rds Black Hills Ammunition 115gr TAC-XP +P (Win brass)
140rds Black Hills Ammunition 115gr TAC-XP +P (BHA brass)
12rds Black Hills Ammunition 124gr FMJ Reman
187rds Black Hills Ammunition 124 JHP-XTP (BHA brass)
100rds Black Hills Ammunition 124gr JHP-XTP +P (BHA brass)

26rds Federal 100gr RHT lead free frangible
424rds Federal 115 FMJ (aluminum case)
50rds Federal Champion 115gr FMJ
50rds Federal 124gr Hydra-Shok
*150rds Federal 147gr JHP
50rds Federal 147gr Hydra-Shok
4rds Federal 147 HST
100rds Speer Lawman 115 TMJ
70rds Speer Lawman 124 TMJ
100rds Speer Lawman 147 TMJ
62rds American Eagle 115 FMJ
50rds American Eagle 124gr FMJ
50rds American Eagle 147 FMJ
50rds CCI Blazer Brass 115 FMJ

100rds Corbon 115gr FMJ (Starline brass)
40rds Corbon 100gr +P Pow’RBall
50rds Corbon 147gr FMJ

46rds Remington 100gr Disintegrator lead free frangible
50rds Remington UMC 115gr MC
50rds Remington UMC 147 FMJ

50rds Winchester Mk254 Mod 0 Frangible
79rds Winchester 115 FMJ (WWB)

25rds Ruger 80 ARX +P (PolyCase)
50rds Magtech 115 FMC
50rds Herters (S&B) 115 FMJ
62rds PMC Bronze 115 FMJ
87rds Freedom Munitions 115 FMJ
50rds Herters-Tula 115 FMJ (steel case)
*116rds International Cartridge Company 100gr lead free frangible
50rds Fiocchi 115gr FMJ
55rds Northern Hills Ammunition 115 FMJ reman
25rds Hornady Critical Defense 115 FTX

46rds test load, 3/21
*200rds test load, 6/11
111rds test load, 7/30, 12/17
50rds test load, 7/30

SeriousStudent

12-25-16, 19:11

I'm going to go ahead and grab one of these next month from GT Distributors. Hopefully, mine will have the newish parts.

ST911

12-28-16, 21:32

UPDATE

+236 rounds. I found some Fed 147 JHP (9MS) on my shelf and decided to revisit this load, as it had been previously involved in a stoppage in 2015. A female shooter at the time had a slight out of battery condition and light strike within the first 50 rounds of that load. 200 rounds of 9MS were fired in this session without issue. I also fired 36rds of the 147 HSTs for POI and recoil comparison to the 9MS. I didn’t realize I fired so few rounds of HST as a whole, and will add that to the list of stuff to shoot.

Number of shooters: 63
Cumulative round count: 4245

Updated ammo list:

Ammunition used (43):
*812rds Black Hills Ammunition 115gr FMJ (BHA brass)
50rds Black Hills Ammunition 115gr GDHP +P (Starline brass)
30rds Black Hills Ammunition 115gr TAC-XP +P (Win brass)
140rds Black Hills Ammunition 115gr TAC-XP +P (BHA brass)
12rds Black Hills Ammunition 124gr FMJ Reman
187rds Black Hills Ammunition 124 JHP-XTP (BHA brass)
100rds Black Hills Ammunition 124gr JHP-XTP +P (BHA brass)

26rds Federal 100gr RHT lead free frangible
424rds Federal 115 FMJ (aluminum case)
50rds Federal Champion 115gr FMJ
50rds Federal 124gr Hydra-Shok
*350rds Federal 147gr JHP
50rds Federal 147gr Hydra-Shok
40rds Federal 147 HST
100rds Speer Lawman 115 TMJ
70rds Speer Lawman 124 TMJ
100rds Speer Lawman 147 TMJ
62rds American Eagle 115 FMJ
50rds American Eagle 124gr FMJ
50rds American Eagle 147 FMJ
50rds CCI Blazer Brass 115 FMJ

100rds Corbon 115gr FMJ (Starline brass)
40rds Corbon 100gr +P Pow’RBall
50rds Corbon 147gr FMJ

46rds Remington 100gr Disintegrator lead free frangible
50rds Remington UMC 115gr MC
50rds Remington UMC 147 FMJ

50rds Winchester Mk254 Mod 0 Frangible
79rds Winchester 115 FMJ (WWB)

25rds Ruger 80 ARX +P (PolyCase)
50rds Magtech 115 FMC
50rds Herters (S&B) 115 FMJ
62rds PMC Bronze 115 FMJ
87rds Freedom Munitions 115 FMJ
50rds Herters-Tula 115 FMJ (steel case)
*116rds International Cartridge Company 100gr lead free frangible
50rds Fiocchi 115gr FMJ
55rds Northern Hills Ammunition 115 FMJ reman
25rds Hornady Critical Defense 115 FTX

46rds test load, 3/21
*200rds test load, 6/11
111rds test load, 7/30, 12/17
50rds test load, 7/30

3ACR_Scout

12-29-16, 13:04

T2C

12-29-16, 13:19

ST911

12-29-16, 14:01

Lots of great information in this thread as I consider the G43 - thanks for keeping it going. Any chance you could run some Gold Dots through it? I normally use 147gr GDHPs but also keep some 124gr on hand. I see that you put some Lawman through it but also noted that someone mentioned a failure to feed (I think) with GDHPs on the previous page.

I had feeding issues with the GDHP. My Glock 43 would have an occasional failure to feed on the last round in the magazine when firing 147g Gold Dot HP. The front of the cartridge would hang up on the inside of the magazine. Everything else fed reliably.

The only GDHPs I've run so far have been the BHA 115 +P GDHPs. I think I have some 147s around here and can shoot them too. In the interim, other 147s to date:

*350rds Federal 147gr JHP
50rds Federal 147gr Hydra-Shok
40rds Federal 147 HST
100rds Speer Lawman 147 TMJ
50rds American Eagle 147 FMJ
50rds Corbon 147gr FMJ
50rds Remington UMC 147 FMJ

Have you tested any of the aftermarket mag extensions, or are you sticking with factory mags for testing purposes? I'm particularly interested in the Pierce +1 and Tango Down +2, as I've seen positive reviews of both. Thanks!

No aftermarket parts at all, and I only plan to consider sights. Extended mags and pinky extensions don't work well for me, so I haven't bothered with those at all other than those jettisoned from the OEM mags.

ST911

01-14-17, 18:01

UPDATE

+150 rounds of Speer Gold Dot 147gr G2, sku 54226. Sorry, I didn’t have any of the legacy GDHPs in 147. There were no malfunctions. Recoil was mild. An audible crack reminded me a bit of the 115gr Lawman and GDHP. Rounds hit as much to POA as I could group them out to 25yds. Visually, the G2 is at or near maximum length for the G43 magazine. I’ll measure and compare to the OAL of some other loads later.

Number of shooters: 63
Cumulative round count: 4395

Updated ammo list:

Ammunition used (44):
*812rds Black Hills Ammunition 115gr FMJ (BHA brass)
50rds Black Hills Ammunition 115gr GDHP +P (Starline brass)
30rds Black Hills Ammunition 115gr TAC-XP +P (Win brass)
140rds Black Hills Ammunition 115gr TAC-XP +P (BHA brass)
12rds Black Hills Ammunition 124gr FMJ Reman
187rds Black Hills Ammunition 124 JHP-XTP (BHA brass)
100rds Black Hills Ammunition 124gr JHP-XTP +P (BHA brass)

26rds Federal 100gr RHT lead free frangible
424rds Federal 115 FMJ (aluminum case)
50rds Federal Champion 115gr FMJ
50rds Federal 124gr Hydra-Shok
*350rds Federal 147gr JHP
50rds Federal 147gr Hydra-Shok
40rds Federal 147 HST
100rds Speer Lawman 115 TMJ
70rds Speer Lawman 124 TMJ
100rds Speer Lawman 147 TMJ
150rds Speer GDHP G2
62rds American Eagle 115 FMJ
50rds American Eagle 124gr FMJ
50rds American Eagle 147 FMJ
50rds CCI Blazer Brass 115 FMJ

100rds Corbon 115gr FMJ (Starline brass)
40rds Corbon 100gr +P Pow’RBall
50rds Corbon 147gr FMJ

46rds Remington 100gr Disintegrator lead free frangible
50rds Remington UMC 115gr MC
50rds Remington UMC 147 FMJ

50rds Winchester Mk254 Mod 0 Frangible
79rds Winchester 115 FMJ (WWB)

25rds Ruger 80 ARX +P (PolyCase)
50rds Magtech 115 FMC
50rds Herters (S&B) 115 FMJ
62rds PMC Bronze 115 FMJ
87rds Freedom Munitions 115 FMJ
50rds Herters-Tula 115 FMJ (steel case)
*116rds International Cartridge Company 100gr lead free frangible
50rds Fiocchi 115gr FMJ
55rds Northern Hills Ammunition 115 FMJ reman
25rds Hornady Critical Defense 115 FTX

46rds test load, 3/21
*200rds test load, 6/11
111rds test load, 7/30, 12/17
50rds test load, 7/30

Ryster88

01-14-17, 22:59

Glad that I stumbled across this thread, been bouncing back and forth between a S&W Shield 9 and the 43 and I think after reading the thread the 43 will be the next purchase.

BufordTJustice

01-15-17, 10:39

ST, I just wanted to take the time to thank you for doing this. I had been rocking the ghost connector in my wife's 43 because it was vastly superior to the factory setup.

This new Glock connector really does optimize the trigger pull and is very nearly as light as the ghost. I mean, it's still heavier than my broken-in G21 gen4 duty gun, but it's now a damn good trigger. Thank you for all of the work you've put into documenting this. Without that work, I wouldn't have paid this connector a second thought.

3ACR_Scout

01-15-17, 20:25

Thanks a lot for following up with the Gold Dots. The G2 line doesn't appear to have very good terminal performance, but I believe the dimensions are the same, so standard GDHPs should function the same. I'm dying to pick up a G43 but blew the budget over the holidays, so I'll have to wait a couple more months.

ST911

01-28-17, 19:46

http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j18/Skintop911/JAG43/IMG_2521.jpg

UPDATE

+308 rounds, 1 new load, no malfunctions. This update covers a single range session test firing two of the new Jagemann JAG 43 magazines. Those are covered in a separate review thread, here: https://www.m4carbine.net/showthread.php?193250-Review-Jagemann-JAG-43-Magazine-(Glock-43)

Number of shooters: 63
Cumulative round count: 4703

Updated ammo list:

Ammunition used (45):
*912rds Black Hills Ammunition 115gr FMJ (BHA brass)
40rds Black Hills Ammunition 115gr JHP-XTP +P (BHA brass)
50rds Black Hills Ammunition 115gr GDHP +P (Starline brass)
30rds Black Hills Ammunition 115gr TAC-XP +P (Win brass)
164rds Black Hills Ammunition 115gr TAC-XP +P (BHA brass)
12rds Black Hills Ammunition 124gr FMJ Reman
211rds Black Hills Ammunition 124 JHP-XTP (BHA brass)
100rds Black Hills Ammunition 124gr JHP-XTP +P (BHA brass)

26rds Federal 100gr RHT lead free frangible
448rds Federal 115 FMJ (aluminum case)
50rds Federal Champion 115gr FMJ
50rds Federal 124gr Hydra-Shok
*374rds Federal 147gr JHP
50rds Federal 147gr Hydra-Shok
64rds Federal 147 HST
100rds Speer Lawman 115 TMJ
70rds Speer Lawman 124 TMJ
124rds Speer Lawman 147 TMJ
174rds Speer GDHP G2
62rds American Eagle 115 FMJ
50rds American Eagle 124gr FMJ
50rds American Eagle 147 FMJ
50rds CCI Blazer Brass 115 FMJ

100rds Corbon 115gr FMJ (Starline brass)
40rds Corbon 100gr +P Pow’RBall
50rds Corbon 147gr FMJ

46rds Remington 100gr Disintegrator lead free frangible
50rds Remington UMC 115gr MC
50rds Remington UMC 147 FMJ

50rds Winchester Mk254 Mod 0 Frangible
79rds Winchester 115 FMJ (WWB)

25rds Ruger 80 ARX +P (PolyCase)
50rds Magtech 115 FMC
50rds Herters (S&B) 115 FMJ
62rds PMC Bronze 115 FMJ
87rds Freedom Munitions 115 FMJ
50rds Herters-Tula 115 FMJ (steel case)
*116rds International Cartridge Company 100gr lead free frangible
50rds Fiocchi 115gr FMJ
55rds Northern Hills Ammunition 115 FMJ reman
25rds Hornady Critical Defense 115 FTX

46rds test load, 3/21
*200rds test load, 6/11
111rds test load, 7/30, 12/17
50rds test load, 7/30

nick84

02-02-17, 16:13

Have you carried it all? Developed any opinion on holsters?

3ACR_Scout

02-02-17, 20:54

For what it's worth, I did my own mini test today while comparing the G43 and Shield for one last time (pretty much decided on the G43). I fired 20 rounds of Speer 124 gr +P GDHP through a G43 using a factory mag with a Pearce +1 extension and a second mag with a Tango Down +2 extension. The last round (no. 7) in the mag with the Pearce +1 failed to feed; the lower edge of the hollowpoint got hung up on the bottom of the feed ramp. The Tango Down +2 mag functioned fine, and the last 5 rounds through the Pearce +1 mag also fed fine. Both magazines locked back on the last round (once I fixed the misfeed on the first one). I know this is a very small sample size, but I wanted to test out both extensions. I didn't have any Speer 147 gr GDHP with me to test (aside from what I was carrying). That would be my normal carry round, and it sounds like it works ok. I finished up with 50 rounds of Blazer Brass 115 gr FMJ, all of which ran smoothly through these two magazines.

I know not everyone is a fan of these aftermarket extensions, but I want to see if they'll work for me to bring the G43 up to comparable capacity with the Shield. I also find the grip with the Pearce +1 extension to be very comfortable for me. I believe the issue with the Pearce extension is related to using the factory 6-round spring with the +1 baseplate. The spring feels a little weak when loading the mag, so I ordered the extra power spring from the Glock Store to use with the Pearce baseplate. All this experimentation may be a little crazy when I don't even have a G43 yet, but I'm waiting for my tax return. I also haven't bought a pistol in ten years, believe it or not, so I'm putting a lot of analysis into it.

opngrnd

02-02-17, 21:23

Be careful to respect the constraints of the design concerning spring strength. I have found on occasion that if I accidentally create drag on the slide with my thumb when reloading with +2 Vickers mag extensions from slide lock I get a failure to return completely to battery.

3ACR_Scout

02-02-17, 21:50

opngrnd

02-02-17, 22:00

That's good to know, thanks. Does this occur with your thumb when you depress the slide stop to release the slide? I've trained for about a decade to pull back with my support hand over the top to release the slide, which I think helps maximize the return force to put the slide into battery, and also reinforces the muscle memory for clearing a misfeed.

Incidentally, the slide stop is one of a few things that leads me to prefer the G43 over the Shield. I found the Shield's slide stop to be small and more difficult to manipulate, and also extremely tight if trying to release it with your thumb, even on the well-used rental I tried today. Overall, I just found the G43 smoother to operate when pulling the slide back, with an all around tighter, more precise feel with how all the components (trigger, slide, magazine) fit together and function.

Concerning my thumb, yes. At first I thought it was simply a matter of my crushing the slide with my thumb on a bad reload or two, but I noticed it only seemed to have happened with the +2 equipped mags. I need to do more testing, and probably get out and use the mags more as well. It could be something that goes away as the mag springs take a set, but perhaps not.

Concerning the Shield slide release, I noticed that as well with the slide stop. I like the Shield better overall, but in the role I wanted my 43 for, I prefer it for its overall size/weight ratio.

ST911

02-04-17, 15:29

UPDATE

I finally installed a set of Ameriglo Hackathorns, #GL-436. The features and overall profile of these give me a clear, uncluttered, no-glare, snag-free carry configuration. Centered in the dovetail, they shot to the middle of an 8” circle at 25yds. The Glock OEM sights are functional, but these are easier to pick up in space, track through recoil, and align precisely.

43836 43837 43838

+318 rounds with no malfunctions, almost all through my two sample JAG 43 mags. After the most recent sessions, this gun is now at 5021 rounds.

Number of shooters: 63
Cumulative round count: 5021

Updated ammo list:

Ammunition used (45):
*912rds Black Hills Ammunition 115gr FMJ (BHA brass)
40rds Black Hills Ammunition 115gr JHP-XTP +P (BHA brass)
50rds Black Hills Ammunition 115gr GDHP +P (Starline brass)
30rds Black Hills Ammunition 115gr TAC-XP +P (Win brass)
164rds Black Hills Ammunition 115gr TAC-XP +P (BHA brass)
12rds Black Hills Ammunition 124gr FMJ Reman
231rds Black Hills Ammunition 124 JHP-XTP (BHA brass)
100rds Black Hills Ammunition 124gr JHP-XTP +P (BHA brass)

26rds Federal 100gr RHT lead free frangible
498rds Federal 115 FMJ (aluminum case)
50rds Federal Champion 115gr FMJ
50rds Federal 124gr Hydra-Shok
*374rds Federal 147gr JHP
50rds Federal 147gr Hydra-Shok
64rds Federal 147 HST
100rds Speer Lawman 115 TMJ
70rds Speer Lawman 124 TMJ
272rds Speer Lawman 147 TMJ
174rds Speer GDHP G2
62rds American Eagle 115 FMJ
50rds American Eagle 124gr FMJ
50rds American Eagle 147 FMJ
50rds CCI Blazer Brass 115 FMJ

100rds Corbon 115gr FMJ (Starline brass)
40rds Corbon 100gr +P Pow’RBall
50rds Corbon 147gr FMJ

46rds Remington 100gr Disintegrator lead free frangible
50rds Remington UMC 115gr MC
50rds Remington UMC 147 FMJ

50rds Winchester Mk254 Mod 0 Frangible
79rds Winchester 115 FMJ (WWB)

25rds Ruger 80 ARX +P (PolyCase)
50rds Magtech 115 FMC
50rds Herters (S&B) 115 FMJ
162rds PMC Bronze 115 FMJ
87rds Freedom Munitions 115 FMJ
50rds Herters-Tula 115 FMJ (steel case)
*116rds International Cartridge Company 100gr lead free frangible
50rds Fiocchi 115gr FMJ
55rds Northern Hills Ammunition 115 FMJ reman
25rds Hornady Critical Defense 115 FTX

46rds test load, 3/21
*200rds test load, 6/11
111rds test load, 7/30, 12/17
50rds test load, 7/30

3ACR_Scout

02-09-17, 20:37

ST911

02-09-17, 23:28

Understanding that you're not carrying this G43 on a daily basis, yours has certainly seen a lot of use. I'm curious if you have experienced any of the wear issues that this guy displays at about the 5-minute mark in this video:

https://youtu.be/pVRiiwPUuq8

His complaint is that the finish on newer Glocks is not as durable as Gen 3s and maybe earlier Gen 4s, and he shows examples of rust around the rear sight and holster wear spots that are starting to rust (those are harder to see in his video). Anyone seen this on their Glocks?

This G43 has been my daily BUG for awhile now. (I looked for a reference in this thread, but can't date it.) With the exception of a few drills from the belt line here and there, it lives in an ankle holster. It is a BUG, only. There is very mild finish polishing and wear at the nose of the slide and other friction points, but nothing abnormal. The underlying metal treatment remains intact. The open bottom has let the gun be every definition of dusty/dirty, and the muzzle has been packed with snow and mud on occasion. So, plenty of opportunity for corrosion.

As Glock has played with their black finish a bit in recent years, I've noticed that different formulations will wear at different rates than one another. Nothing I would consider unusual though, and all in the expected spots. A batch of gen4 G17s, G19s, and G26s from ~2012 or so have the deep black, shiny, slippery finish. They show almost no visible wear, despite one G19 in particular getting a lot of use and all of it in kydex. More recent guns with the flat, matte black finish like the older guns show more wear, but similar to guns made 1990-2010(?) or so.

I've seen some speckled surface rust on a few (3-4) G17s over a period of years. G17s are the most prolific of new(er) production guns as the mass 9mm transition continues. So short answer, an exception not a rule.

3ACR_Scout

02-09-17, 23:54

Thanks for the quick feedback - I somehow missed that you have been carrying it that frequently. I'm pretty comfortable with the idea that if I do encounter any issues with the finish, I'm sure I can send it back to Glock to have the slide refinished.

EDIT: Not sure what's going on with that guy's G43s, but at the 1:30 mark in this newer video, he shows some nasty-looking corroded spots on the finish:

https://youtu.be/-A0yAPT2aG4

On a side note, I just received two G43 extra power mag springs from the Glock Store today (boy, their shipping is a bit slow - ordered them on Jan 28). I put them in two mags with Pearce +1 baseplates and will see how they preform.

SiGfever

02-10-17, 14:56

Have you carried it all? Developed any opinion on holsters?

I carry mine in a Fist #1K (thin Kydex) holster at 4 o'clock and find it to be very comfortable and light.

http://www.fist-holsters.com/novoerfide/kydex/sampel-12h-159i-160l-167-3-192-224-225-226-227-detail.html

Outlander Systems

02-10-17, 15:49

http://trholsters.com/glock-43-iwb-kydex-holster/

Have you carried it all? Developed any opinion on holsters?

dhnut1973

02-14-17, 12:58

Fordtough25

02-21-17, 12:10

I picked up a new G43 earlier today, feels great in the hands and the trigger is nice and smooth. This thread is awesome, thanks so much for the invaluable information!

T2C

02-21-17, 17:18

Has Glock made any changes to the G43 in the past year? If so, what changes were made?

3ACR_Scout

03-11-17, 16:05

I finally picked up a Blue Label with night sights this week after months of pondering over it and a few trips to the range to rent one alongside a Shield. The Glock is just more comfortable in my hands than the Shield, despite the fairly sharp recoil. I took it to the range today and put 100 rounds each of Winchester 115 gr FMJ and Fiocchi 124 gr FMJ through it. I shot ok for the first 100 and then started to get sloppy with the second 100. I hadn't put more than 50 through the rental in one session, so I think the recoil tires me out a little faster than I'm used to. I already have a bad habit of anticipating the recoil, so I need to spend a lot of time dry firing this little pistol. The pistol itself functioned flawlessly though.

When I went to pick up this pistol at the store, I asked them if they could humor me and let me compare a couple of them to see if there was any difference between the feel of the triggers. I've heard a few people mention some variation between different G43s. The guy brought out three for me to compare (all current production - they had just gotten a new shipment in that morning). Either my trigger finger isn't sensitive enough, or their triggers are pretty consistent. I couldn't tell the difference between any of them, but I did notice that the trigger in the current version is definitely lighter than the rental that I've shot a couple times (which is probably a year or so old).

I really do like this pistol, and I think it's going to serve my needs well, but I'm going to have to put some work into shooting it better. Probably going to head back to the range again tomorrow. I picked up some Monarch 115 gr FMJ (to try a different brand) and some more Winchester white box. I plan to follow the lead of this thread and try a bunch of different types of ammo in it.

556BlackRifle

03-11-17, 16:19

Congrats! I just added rubberized Talon Grips to mine and I love 'em. Well worth the $15 I paid for them. If you have larger hands like me, it will help a lot.

EzGoingKev

03-11-17, 16:29

For anyone following this thread Midway Glock mags on sale. Glock 43 mags are only $18.74. It is also $10 off if you spend $100.

Best price on the mags I have seen.

SiGfever

03-11-17, 16:36

I finally picked up a Blue Label with night sights this week after months of pondering over it and a few trips to the range to rent one alongside a Shield. The Glock is just more comfortable in my hands than the Shield, despite the fairly sharp recoil. I took it to the range today and put 100 rounds each of Winchester 115 gr FMJ and Fiocchi 124 gr FMJ through it. I shot ok for the first 100 and then started to get sloppy with the second 100. I hadn't put more than 50 through the rental in one session, so I think the recoil tires me out a little faster than I'm used to. I already have a bad habit of anticipating the recoil, so I need to spend a lot of time dry firing this little pistol. The pistol itself functioned flawlessly though.

When I went to pick up this pistol at the store, I asked them if they could humor me and let me compare a couple of them to see if there was any difference between the feel of the triggers. I've heard a few people mention some variation between different G43s. The guy brought out three for me to compare (all current production - they had just gotten a new shipment in that morning). Either my trigger finger isn't sensitive enough, or their triggers are pretty consistent. I couldn't tell the difference between any of them, but I did notice that the trigger in the currently version is definitely lighter than the rental that I've shot a couple times (which is probably a year or so old).

I really do like this pistol, and I think it's going to serve my needs well, but I'm going to have to put some work into shooting it better. Probably going to head back to the range again tomorrow. I picked up some Monarch 115 gr FMJ (to try a different brand) and some more Winchester white box. I plan to follow the lead of this thread and try a bunch of different types of ammo in it.

I bought and trimmed a Hogue Handall Jr. grip sleeve for mine, really made a difference for me.

https://www.hogueinc.com/store/products/handall-jr-small-size-grip-sleeve-black/147

3ACR_Scout

03-12-17, 15:28

My second trip to the range went a lot better - I think I'm starting to get a feel for how I need to grip the G43 to improve my accuracy. Tightening up my grip helped bring things back on to target, although I'm still pulling a bit to the left. Groups were much tighter this time though. That Monarch / PPU is some filthy ammo (unless it was the Winchester white box, but I don't think so). The whole front end of the pistol ended up covered in residue.

My two Pearce +1 extensions (with Glockstore +10% springs) and the Vickers +2 continued to function flawlessly. The only thing that was a little odd is that I can sometimes hear the spring adjusting itself inside the mag with the Vickers +2, but it doesn't seem to affect function. At some point, I'm going to have to risk sacrificing one of the Pearce extensions to do a drop test with a loaded mag, since I've heard some complaints about them popping loose. I really like the feel of the little finger rest and the extra round, so I'm hoping they will continue to be reliable. I'd like to try the TTI extensions also, but it's hard to think about spending more than the cost of the mag itself on a new baseplate.

I may try the Talon grips down the road, but I want to see how things go with the bare factory grip for a while. I used to have a Hogue sleeve on my old G17 Gen 2, and I didn't really care for it because it had a tendency to slide around, either rotating to one side or "choking up" towards the triggerguard. For concealed carry, I generally dislike having anything that makes the grip more sticky, since I've found that it tends to catch on my shirt tail and cause it to ride up.

Edit: I went ahead and ordered the Vickers extended mag release and slide stop to try them out. While I normally release the slide by pulling back over the top with my weak hand, I like to have the option of using the lever, and I can't seem to operate the inset one on the G43. I know some people have had issues with holding down the slide stop with their thumb and preventing it from locking back on an empty mag. If I experience that with the Vickers version, I'll switch back to the factory part.

seb5

03-15-17, 13:10

I ordered one through LEO circles and waited 8 months! In the meantime I bought myself one, which my wife decided she needed, bought my self another, then my blue label gun came in(long waiting list), then I ordered 43's for my agency to issue as back ups! My first one ordered has upwards of 500 rounds through it, and the others anywhere between 100 and 300 rounds. I did put "-" connectors on all of them, which really didn't change much, and also have a mixture of Pearce +1's and Vickers+2's base plates. all have worked well and I'm confident with either. I also kept one magazine with the factory base plate for the times when extreme conceal-ability is an issue.

People ask why i get a small gun and make it bigger, but for me they are just more comfortable than a 26/27, in any configuration.

3ACR_Scout

06-17-17, 14:03

I took the G43 to the range today for the first time since March and shot 50 rounds each of Speer Lawman 147 gr TMJ, Speer 147 gr GDHPs, Speer 147 gr G2, and Federal 147 gr HSTs. I used a Pearce +1, Taran Tactical +1, and two Tango Down +2s. I continue to have mixed results with the Taran extension, and the TD +2s gave me a few problems this time too (I need to mark one of them to see if it's both or just one of them). Most of the malfunctions were on the last round, as I've seen in the past, with the slide riding halfway over the last round and jamming it against the feed ramp. I should have documented it better, but I think it happened with the GDHPs and the HSTs. I'm not sure what the solution is to this, although it seems like my Pearce +1 extensions have been more reliable after adding the Glockstore +10% springs.

I also has a couple problems when initially chambering a round with the HSTs. With the slide locked back, I insert a magazine and use the hand over the top method to pull back and release the slide. On several occasions, if I didn't pull back firmly enough on the slide, the lower lip of the HST round would jam against the bottom of the feedramp and prevent the slide from going forward. Pulling back and releasing the slide again would fix it. I've actually encountered this when riding the slide forward to chamber a GDHP (when getting ready to carry), but never when releasing the slide like this. My G19 also never exhibits this issue. My initial thought is that the sharper lip of the HST is the culprit, combined with the G43 slide not having enough mass to overcome it. I may just stick with Gold Dots.

I need to go back to shooting with the G43 factory mags to see if any of these issues can be replicated. I'm definitely not 100% confident in the various aftermarket extensions, especially the Taran +1, which I really want to like because of its low profile (and how much it cost!). I really hope that Glock is developing a new baseplate for the G43, with a finger rest like the Pearce +1 that will accept an additional round.

556BlackRifle

06-17-17, 19:09

3ACR, I have had really good luck with the Taran extensions. I have the +1 using the standard Glock spring, the +2 with the Taran spring and a +3 Taran factory built mag as well as a couple of the stock Glock 43 mags. I have run every kind of ammo I could get my hands on through all of them and haven't had any failures yet knock on wood. I've heard a lot of guys with the same experiences that you've had and it does make me nervous but so far I've been lucky. I wonder if there are some differences in materials or workmanship during certain timeframes......

Baldness

06-17-17, 23:25

I have had my g43 for a cpl years now. I've ran somewhere around 2,000 rds through it with just the two mags it came with. One with a taran+1 and the other with a taran+2 no malfunctions to date. I know it's not a high round count but I feel confident in both the gun and the extensions. Maybe I just got lucky. It is by far my favorite carry gun.

ST911

12-25-17, 12:15

UPDATE

+1059 rounds since last update, no malfunctions. One new shooter used this gun as a loaner for a basic handgun class and it was also used in the Pocket Glock division at a GSSF match. I’ve continued to use the JAG 43 magazines as my primary range mags and they run without issue. Use includes repeated drops to concrete range floors. Magazines with finger extensions and extended-magazine capacities are not used at all. Sights are still the excellent Ameriglo Hackathorns (GL-436).

Four new loads were added to the list: Armscor 124 FMJ, Winchester 147 FMJ, and two steel cased 115 FMJ loads from Maxxtech and Hotshot. The latter two were pretty dirty but functional. Both, accurate enough.

With BHA 115 FMJ, this gun shot a 92-2X, 10-round bullseye group to a B8 at 25yds. This is the best group to date. During another outing, the LAV 10-10-10 “Test” was fired from ready, scoring 92-4X and included a slide lock reload. On the Gabe White standards (http://www.gabewhitetraining.com/performance-awards/) it hovers in the lower end of Dark Pin territory. Any assertion that the G43 cannot be shot accurately or practically is utter tripe.

Similarly, there continues to be no foundation for any +P ammunition precautions. Of the 6080 rounds fired, 724 (~12%) have been +P ammunition. No +P load has been involved in any malfunction.

I had hoped this gun would reach 10k rounds by the end of the year, but I think I’ve spent more time on other people’s G43s than my own in 2017. Those guns were likewise reliable, and most badly in need of new sights. The ability to see both quickly and as precisely as needed is particularly helpful with this gun.

49401

Number of shooters: 64
Cumulative round count: 6080

Updated ammo list:

Ammunition used (49):
*1249rds Black Hills Ammunition 115gr FMJ (BHA brass)
40rds Black Hills Ammunition 115gr JHP-XTP +P (BHA brass)
50rds Black Hills Ammunition 115gr GDHP +P (Starline brass)
30rds Black Hills Ammunition 115gr TAC-XP +P (Win brass)
164rds Black Hills Ammunition 115gr TAC-XP +P (BHA brass)
12rds Black Hills Ammunition 124gr FMJ Reman
231rds Black Hills Ammunition 124 JHP-XTP (BHA brass)
100rds Black Hills Ammunition 124gr JHP-XTP +P (BHA brass)

26rds Federal 100gr RHT lead free frangible
548rds Federal 115 FMJ (aluminum case)
50rds Federal Champion 115gr FMJ
50rds Federal 124gr Hydra-Shok
*374rds Federal 147gr JHP
50rds Federal 147gr Hydra-Shok
64rds Federal 147 HST
100rds Speer Lawman 115 TMJ
70rds Speer Lawman 124 TMJ
422rds Speer Lawman 147 TMJ
174rds Speer GDHP G2
112rds American Eagle 115 FMJ
50rds American Eagle 124gr FMJ
50rds American Eagle 147 FMJ
50rds CCI Blazer Brass 115 FMJ

100rds Corbon 115gr FMJ (Starline brass)
40rds Corbon 100gr +P Pow’RBall
50rds Corbon 147gr FMJ

68rds Remington 100gr +P Disintegrator lead free frangible
50rds Remington UMC 115gr MC
150rds Remington UMC 147 FMJ

50rds Winchester Mk254 Mod 0 Frangible
179rds Winchester 115 FMJ (WWB)
50rds Winchester 147 FMJ

25rds Ruger 80 ARX +P (PolyCase)
50rds Magtech 115 FMC
50rds Herters (S&B) 115 FMJ
162rds PMC Bronze 115 FMJ
87rds Freedom Munitions 115 FMJ
50rds Herters-Tula 115 FMJ (steel case)
*116rds International Cartridge Company 100gr lead free frangible
50rds Fiocchi 115gr FMJ
55rds Northern Hills Ammunition 115 FMJ reman
25rds Hornady Critical Defense 115 FTX
100rds Armscor 124 FMJ
50rds Maxxtech 115 FMJ (steel case)
50rds Hotshot 115 FMJ (steel case)

46rds test load, 3/21
*200rds test load, 6/11
111rds test load, 7/30, 12/17
50rds test load, 7/30

GJM

12-25-17, 13:28

3ACR_Scout

12-25-17, 14:27

I put 50 rounds of standard pressure 147 gr HSTs through mine a couple months ago using the factory 6-round mag with the finger rest. Sure enough, it functioned fine, which tells me that the aftermarket extensions are the likely cause of my previous malfunctions. I’m still hoping that Glock will produce their own +1 extensions / finger rest (which I think they should have done from the start). They could even do it with a slightly extended magazine body with a thicker baseplate that both provides a finger rest and closes the gap with the grip (kind of like the Pearce +1).

davidjinks

12-25-17, 17:10

Excellent! Thank you for the update.

UPDATE

+1059 rounds since last update, no malfunctions. One new shooter used this gun as a loaner for a basic handgun class and it was also used in the Pocket Glock division at a GSSF match. I’ve continued to use the JAG 43 magazines as my primary range mags and they run without issue. Use includes repeated drops to concrete range floors. Magazines with finger extensions and extended-magazine capacities are not used at all. Sights are still the excellent Ameriglo Hackathorns (GL-436).

Four new loads were added to the list: Armscor 124 FMJ, Winchester 147 FMJ, and two steel cased 115 FMJ loads from Maxxtech and Hotshot. The latter two were pretty dirty but functional. Both, accurate enough.

With BHA 115 FMJ, this gun shot a 92-2X, 10-round bullseye group to a B8 at 25yds. This is the best group to date. During another outing, the LAV 10-10-10 “Test” was fired from ready, scoring 92-4X and included a slide lock reload. On the Gabe White standards (http://www.gabewhitetraining.com/performance-awards/) it hovers in the lower end of Dark Pin territory. Any assertion that the G43 cannot be shot accurately or practically is utter tripe.

Similarly, there continues to be no foundation for any +P ammunition precautions. Of the 6080 rounds fired, 724 (~12%) have been +P ammunition. No +P load has been involved in any malfunction.

I had hoped this gun would reach 10k rounds by the end of the year, but I think I’ve spent more time on other people’s G43s than my own in 2017. Those guns were likewise reliable, and most badly in need of new sights. The ability to see both quickly and as precisely as needed is particularly helpful with this gun.

49401

Number of shooters: 64
Cumulative round count: 6080

Updated ammo list: