Help me decide. Glock 26 or 43x

[Mike169]

Personally, I own a 42, 43 (not the x model) a 26, 19, and 17, and my next planned purchase is an LCP or bodyguard..

Different guns for different needs. Sometimes it’s nice to go smaller, sometimes it’s nice to go bigger..

That said, if you absolutely, positively can only have one Glock, I’d go with the 26 over the 43 just because it’s slightly more versatile overall.

[zac stark]

I prefer the 26 because the magazines are interchangeable. I have both pistols though.

[epsilon_v1]

The 43x is really comfortable to shoot for its size.

[Arik]

The 43x is really comfortable to shoot for its size.

Yes, because it has a G19 esque grip. It really isn't a small gun. Take a G19 grip and shave of maybe a 1/4 in width. In fact if it were a traditional Glock double stack it would be a G26X. Barrel length, slide length, thickness is about the same. Throw on a G19 frame and done

[sundance435]

I've found that unless I'm pocket carrying, I really don't notice the difference between carrying a 26 and a 43. The 43 isn't a great pocket gun, either, but I've done it rather than not carry. If I'm carrying IWB, I'll always take the 26. I shoot the 26 much better than the 43, too. I just purchased a Sig 365 which I'm going to try as my new pocket gun.

[El Vaquero]

Magazine compatibility is great and if one is looking for a tie breaker well there it is.

I find the 43x much more comfortable to shoot and carry. It’s not as chunky. And for me spending an extra $50-60 to buy an extra couple of mags is not a deal breaker.

[Biggy]

For warm weather carry, I like the G43X using the Shield Arms 15rd mags. In cooler weather I like a G19. All nine of my SA15 15rd mags have so far been flawless in every way. I have had them for around two months. I bought two of them through SA and the rest got through Brownell's. They all lock in secure and drop free using the SA aluminum mag release, in my G43X pistol (black slide model). All nine of mine have the gloss black finish, with no blemishes. My pistol's functioning (feeding, extraction, ejection and last round slide lock back) has been perfect since day one with around 600rds of 124gr and 147gr FMJ, and 200rds (total) of 124gr+p AND 147GR FMJ HP ammo. I also installed the EP +10% mag springs in all of my mags from the start. While the mags were designed to feed and function loaded with 15rds, and mine have functioned fine loaded with 15rds, I will only be loading 14rds in my mags, because I feel it will increase the mag spring life.

[cdknox]

Its just me but I'd never go a 43X when the 19 is the same overall size just a little thicker. I think a 43 vs G26 is a more accurate comparison and in that case I'd go a G43 mainly because of width.

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[Hadoken]

Its just me but I'd never go a 43X when the 19 is the same overall size just a little thicker. I think a 43 vs G26 is a more accurate comparison and in that case I'd go a G43 mainly because of width.

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If you prefer the thicker 19 with its advantages over the 43x shouldn’t you prefer the 26 as well since it’s a thicker 43?

For me everything discussed is too large to pocket carry, but grip length makes a big difference backup/ankle carry.
I find the 19 to be just as easy IWB as the 26 and the reduced weight of the 43 makes a big difference on my ankle over the 26. For my body type and carry methods the 26 is coming out as the loser, but I can’t seem to part with it.

Hoping to try a 43x soon to compare IWB to the 19. The 43 and 26 grips dig into my fat sides more than the longer 19 (and theoretically 43x)grip.

[Watrdawg]

I own both the G19 and G43, carrying my 19 the majority of the time. However, I had been picking up and shooting a 43X off and on over 3-4 weeks. I was about to purchase a 43X but then I got the chance to shoot a P365XL. It's only about 1/3" longer than the G43 and the same height of the G43 but it has double the magazine capacity of the G43. The 365XL has a shorter grip than the G43X and it carries two more rounds. The 365XL is basically the same size as a G43 except the length is just a bit longer. I ended up buying the 365XL and haven't regretted it at all.