Last year’s Glock rumors have officially come true with the announcement of the Glock models Glock 43X and 48. There are still plenty of surprises as the gossip wasn’t nearly as big as the real thing is turning out to be.
While the bulk of Glock product announcements tend to be old guns reworked into new configurations or rechambered for more cartridges, the 43X and 48 are the first two pistols in a completely new series. They make up the Silver Slimline with new looks and new functionality.
These Glock pistols are built on a new grip frame design with a standard 10+1 capacity in 9mm Luger. Glock introduced the original model 43 with a lot of fanfare, but also a lot of shooters criticizing its 6+1-round capacity. The improved 43X holds four more rounds and weighs almost the same.
The 43X weighs less than an ounce more unloaded and is a mere 4 tenths of an inch wider. The model 48 is a little heavier with its longer slide and barrel.
The 43X has virtually the same upper assemble as the 43. It has a 3.4-inch barrel and a .9-inch slide, just like the original. The 48 has a longer slide and barrel measuring at 4.2 inches long. The 43X weighs 18.7 ounces while the 48 weighs 2 ounces more.
Essentially the Glock 43X and Glock 48 blur the lines between compact and subcompact service pistols and single-stack concealed-carry pistols. For many people on and off the line of duty, this is an ideal everyday-carry configuration.
These guns have an above-average capacity compared to most single-stacks, a longer grip than sub-compacts and barrel lengths comparable to compact and full-size service pistols. They tick all the carry boxes.
See Also: Introducing the 9mm Glock 45: A Glock 19X Improved
Along with a new frame the Silver Slimline gets a makeover with forward slide serrations and matte silver PVD finish. Each model is offered in three different packages at three price points. Buyers have the option of the base model with polymer sights, more durable steel sights and at the high end, Ameriglo tritium night sights.
But for all the tweaks and changes these are still Glock handguns, fundamentally some of the most trusted and carried pistols in use today. They are polymer-framed, striker-fired pistols with a passive trigger safety an internal drop safety. They might have a new two-tone look but they are Glocks through and through.
These will be a big win for Glock. They will be available at the end of January and will quickly be carried by law enforcement on and off duty, by security professionals and by Americans everywhere. For more information visit Glock.com.
I am confused as to what is so innovative about the 43x? They increased the width and the height to allow for more ammo capacity. Now the grip is harder to conceal. Every article I read on concealability states that the length of the pistol is not usually the problem, the length of the grip is what is most difficult to conceal. Why not just purchase the G19? Basically many people are contradicting their own arguments by gloating over this release. Why not add another inch and add more ammo capacity ? I happen to pocket carry and anything larger than the 43 will not work for me. Guess I will be going with the new Sig. looking at the specs the Sig with the 12 round mag is still shorter than the 43x. I am all for giving credit where credit is due, but I was not expecting a modified G19 that is larger than the 43 to be Glocks answer to increased capacity. I don’t have an emotional loyalty to any gun manufacturer but I do now realize there are many of people who do. It’s just sad and dishonest and yes…childish.
Holy fu*k. One look and I almost threw up.
I guess I’m the only one who still likes single stack full size pistols. But wait, I can’t be the only one because the 1911 is still very popular. As for Kahr, they do them, but not very well. My CW-45 won’t reliably feed anything other than round-nose bullets. Removing the take-down pin while holding the slide back is, well, a lot harder than taking down a Glock. The Kahr trigger pull is long, with no “wall” before the break. But I still love the slim single stack grip. So, maybe I’ll trade it for a G48. I’d rather trade it for single stack version of the G21 or even the G41. Glock, can you make one for me?
It’d be interesting to know if those 10 round mags fit a regular 43 which would make them a choice for reloads.I like the ability to use a 13 round G21 mag in my g30 for reload and home defense.
They do not fit.
With a vickers racker the 43x would be a good gun for seniors and the ladies.far as I can see they only need a skinny 45 8rd and some 22lr guns.
sure looks a lot like my Kahr TP45
No thanks.
Yawn!!!! Kahr’s been making these pistols since 1996,
Welcome to the party glock!
I have to laugh at how people are manipulated. 15 years ago if you suggested Glock make a single stack pistol you’d be vilified and cursed at by people saying Glock would never do something so stupid as to make a single stack pistol. Now the same people are crowing about how great it is Glock is making a single stack.
18 years ago is when Glock introduced its first single stack pistol the Glock 36 chambered in .45 ACP.
I was about to point out the same the same thing. It’s probably my favorite Glock along with my G26 with extended magazine. I like to fire them all, but it’s hard to beat .45cap in that size and ability to conceal.
I bought my single stack g36 18 years ago. Still have it and still functions flawlessly. Lmao
With Mossberg now entering the plastic pistol market, it appears Singer Sewing machine should open up shop and make a striker fired pistol. Obviously, it is cheap and easy to make these pistols. Steal a few ideas from the existing lot of pistols, have a European gun maker produce it and voilà, in business.
This is good for the consumer, as a flood of brands and models forces competition, hence lower prices. Ultimately, the tree will shake and we will have quality pistols at a fair price .
Well thats disappointing. I thought they would have a G26 thick grip on a G43 slide. Who wants a 5″ grip on a carry gun?
A Glock is a Glock is a Glock. How much can you change a Glock and still have a Glock? Still looks like the typical Glock. I have owned several and never had a problem with them. Looks don’t constitute a design change, what about the internals? Looks nice though!
Big deal – who cares?