Recently Glock updated their Glock 43X and Glock 48 Slimline models with one very important, but ultimately cosmetic change: they made them all black. Now they’re getting a much more functional improvement, at least for the European market.
Both of these new models were well-received but there were two common criticisms common to the designs. First was the two-tone finish. They came with matte silver slides unlike almost all standard Glock pistols, and they lacked accessory rails.
These are trivial considerations for most shooters and agencies since these are backup guns and concealed-carry pistols first and foremost. While the finish color is largely superficial, the lack of any ability to attach a universal light or laser sight to the guns is a bigger issue for a lot of users.
It looks like Glock has been listening since they are now rolling out all-black Model 43X and 48 pistols with rails … just not quite yet in the U.S. Right now the new pistols are only on the E.U. portion of the Glock website.
It is incredibly unlikely for these guns to stay exclusive to the E.U. There is strong demand for these guns in the U.S. and that’s not limited to the commercial market. Law enforcement agencies across the country are likely to approve the use of these pistols for duty, backup, and concealed-carry.
While for some, a light or laser sight is unwanted bulk on an everyday-carry pistol, for others it’s simply a must-have. Given the immediate success and popularity of these pistols, it won’t be long before manufacturers start rolling out Glock-specific holsters and other accessories for these railed models. They just have to start selling them in the U.S.
See Also: Glock 43X and 48 15-round Flush Fitting Magazines Teased
The Glock Model 43X and 48 are both staggered-stack pistols that blur the lines between single-stack, concealed-carry pistols and compact and subcompact duty guns. Chambered for 9mm Luger they have a standard capacity of 10+1 rounds of ammunition.
The only difference between the two models is the barrel and slide length. The 43X has a 3.4-inch barrel while the 48 has a 4.2-inch barrel. They are the same width at 1.1 inches at the frame and just .9 inches along the slide.
Both new Rail versions have a standard black finish, rear and forward slide serrations, a reversible magazine catch, an enhanced beavertail, and a match-grade barrel. In the E.U. they’re offered with polymer sights, steel sights or steel night sights. Hopefully, it’ll be the same for the U.S.
Do you have any info on when the G48/43x Rail models will finally be available here in the US?
They will be great carry and home defense pistols with Shield Arms S15 15rd steel flush bottom mags and Glock’s combo Surefire minis or Olight’s PL Mini 2 tactical lights. I just picked up a PL Mini 2 and it is amazing.
Thanks – Gary McCann.