I got a G43 yesterday to use for summer carry. I did a LOT more reading up on them than I usually do before buying, because I'd heard such mixed reviews of them. I'd heard they had terrible triggers, were difficult to shoot accurately, hard to hold, finicky with JHPs, etc. But, I figured it wasn't a gun to shoot for fun, it was for being small and hiding under a tshirt, so I got one.
First Impressions
I feel like this is the first subcompact I've held where I don't feel like I'm giving something up to have a small gun. I have medium sized hands, and I find the G43 to be extremely comfortable. I don't feel like I'm overgripping it at all. I am able to get a LOT of meat on the gun, but at the same time I'm not hitting the slide stop inadvertently or running the risk of slide bite. The gun is exactly as big and as small as it needs to be. The gun comes with two 6rd mags, one with a flat baseplate and one with a finger rest. My pinky hangs off the end of the gun, but it doesn't feel like I'm losing any control at all. The finger rest mag is very comfortable, but should have just been a +1 extension since you're taking up nearly the same amount of space with the finger rest.
The slide stop is very low profile which prevents me from hitting it during shooting, but I might want it to be a little easier to hit quickly, so I may install an extended model. The mag release is, for me, hard to hit without switching my grip a little. An extended mag release will help a lot here. Ejecting mags is also an adjustment, since the slightest bit of pressure from your hand will prevent them from dropping free, something that isn't a problem with the larger Glocks.
The trigger is not a typical Glock trigger. It's not mushy at all, but quite stiff. I have 3.5lb OEM connectors in all my Glocks, and I've found them very easy to shoot, but the G43 has a very positive break without feeling heavy or like I'm hitting a wall. I was able to adjust to it after the first mag.
Range Report
I shot 250rds of various FMJs including four mags of Winchester Ranger RA9T JHPs that I use for my carry load. I shot Herter's brass FMJ, Herter's steel FMJ (shittiest ammo I have ever shot. Guaranteed 1-4 duds per box. It's actually great for practicing your malfunction drills), and Winchester white box 115gr.
I was able, right from the start to dump all my rounds exactly where I wanted them, every time. I was amazed, since all my Glocks shoot left a little. This one was dead on with a slight 6 o'clock hold, even with the abysmal OEM sights. The majority of my shooting was at 7-10yds but I was able to easily keep all 6 shots in a 4" circle at 21 yards as well. I think the contributing factor here is the gun's small size, which enables you to hold it very solidly and focus on the trigger. The trigger also helps, I believe, since it is stiff but consistent. It makes you focus on the pull more deliberately, like a DA revolver to a lesser extent. I found I was shooting my chopped G17 much better after I shot the 43.
Overall I'm very happily surprised by this gun. I fully expected to deal with it being barely shootable since it was a tiny 9mm designed for CCW and not as a range toy. I was shocked how well I was able to shoot it, how comfortable it is, and how it doesn't feel like a compromise in terms of ergonomics or features. The only issues I encountered were controls that were a little hard for me to activate easily, but that's not necessarily an issue everyone will have and it's easily solved by aftermarket accessories.
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Originally Posted by Edmo
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