Welcome, firearm aficionados! The stage is set for a showdown between two fantastic pistols in Glock’s Slimline series: the Glock 48 vs 43X. Concealed carry, barrel length, weight, and ergonomics are just a few of the critical factors in this comparison. Buckle up, and let’s find out which of these two pistols comes out on top!
Key Takeaways
Discover the perfect concealed carry with Glock 48 and 43X – slim, lightweight, and user-friendly!
Enjoy improved accuracy & recoil control from the longer barrel of the Glock 48 or greater comfort in a shorter package with the Glock 43X.
Customize your experience w/ tons of sight options, magazine capacities & trigger upgrades available for both models!
Glock 48 and Glock 43X: The Slimline Series
Introducing the Glock 48 and Glock 43X, two guns from Glock’s Slimline series that serve as sleek, low-profile concealed carry handguns. These pistols prioritize comfort and user-friendliness, making them excellent concealed carry choices. Both pistols share the same frame, and they are equipped with the following features:
Glock Marksman barrel: a match-grade barrel that notably enhances their mechanical performance
Slimline design: for easy concealment and comfortable carry
Front serrations: for improved grip and slide manipulation
Ambidextrous slide stop lever: for easy operation by both right-handed and left-handed shooters
It’s no surprise that these small guns perform exceptionally well!
The features of the Glock 48 and Glock 43X include:
10-round magazine capacity for shooting fast without constant reloading
Plastic magazine release for comfortable shooting
Reversible magazine release for user-friendly operation
If you are looking for an upgrade, there are plenty of aftermarket options available for both guns.
On the other hand, the Glock 48 slightly outperforms the Glock 43X due to its 4.17-inch barrel, contributing to improved accuracy. But don’t worry, the Glock 43X is not far behind. Despite its shorter barrel, it offers the highest capacity for the size in its class, making it a worthy competitor against other small guns.
Size and Weight Comparison
Size and weight play significant roles in concealed carry. Let’s compare the size and weight of the two pistols, starting with the barrel length, overall length, and weight.
Barrel Length
The Glock 48 boasts the following features:
Barrel length of 4.17 inches, outstripping the Glock 43X
Higher muzzle velocities due to the longer barrel, which can significantly impact accuracy
Added weight of a longer barrel helps dampen recoil and reduce muzzle flip, improving control of the handgun
Nonetheless, the Glock 43X provides greater comfort due to its shorter barrel and shorter sight radius. While it sacrifices some accuracy due to its shorter barrel, it’s still an excellent choice for those who prioritize comfort and ease of carry over pinpoint accuracy.
Overall Length
The Glock 48, with its extended slide, measures at 7.28 inches, displaying a taller stance in terms of overall length. The Glock 43X, on the other hand, measures a shorter but still impressive 6.50 inches. The extended slide of the Glock 48 not only enhances its accuracy but also contributes to its longer overall length, which includes the grip length.
The big difference in overall length may not seem like a big deal, but it’s a significant factor when considering the gun’s concealability. Due to its shorter length, the Glock 43X offers easier concealment and carriage, rendering it an optimal selection for concealed carry.
Weight
The Glock 48:
Weighs around 20.74 oz unloaded and 25.12 oz loaded
Is marginally heavier than the Glock 43X’s 18.7 ounces
This difference is primarily due to the Glock 48’s longer slide and barrel.
The extra weight of the Glock 48 might be noticeable during extended range time. However, it also helps dampen recoil and improve control of the handgun. But if comfort during carry is your top priority, the Glock 43X with its lighter weight might be the right choice for you.
Ergonomics and Handling
Both the Glock 48 and Glock 43X exhibit the usual Glock-style ergonomics, incorporating conveniently placed grip, slide serrations, and magazine catch. The Glock 48 has a larger grip and more slide serrations, which provide a better shooting experience. However, the Glock 43X is not far behind, offering a comfortable grip that aids in recoil control and accurate shooting.
The Glock 48 has several distinct advantages. One is its longer grip, which helps to reduce felt recoil and improve the gun’s shooting and control characteristics. This makes it more pleasant to shoot. On the other hand, the Glock 43X, with its shorter slide, is easier to manipulate, making it a preferred choice for some shooters.
Performance at the Range
On the range, the Glock 48 exhibits better accuracy and control than the Glock 43X across different distances. Its longer barrel and slide contribute to this better performance. However, the Glock 43X, despite its shorter barrel and slide, handles most ammunition very nicely for its compact size.
For shooting within 12 yards, the Glock 43X is recommended due to its compact size and ease of control, allowing you to shoot accurately. However, for precise shots, the Glock 48, with its longer barrel and better accuracy, is the preferred choice.
Sights and Trigger Options
A variety of sight and trigger options is available for both the Glock 48 and Glock 43X. Here are some options to consider:
The standard sights on both models are typically Glock plastic slot fillers.
AmeriGlo sights can also be fitted.
In terms of triggers, both models have an average pull weight of 5.5lbs.
If you’re looking for an upgrade, there are plenty of aftermarket options available.
Some of the best aftermarket sights options for these pistols include Ameriglo Agent, Ameriglo Bold, Trijicon HD, Holosun 407K, Holosun 507K, and Holosun EPS Carry. For trigger upgrades, options such as Apex Tactical Glock Enhancement Trigger, Velocity Trigger, Overwatch Precision Trigger, Zev Fulcrum Ultimate Trigger, and Tyrant CNC ITTS Trigger are available.
Magazine Capacity and Compatibility
The Glock 48 and Glock 43X both come equipped with 10-round magazines featuring high visibility followers. For those looking to increase their magazine capacity, Shield Arms S15 magazines are a fantastic option. These magazines are specifically designed to increase the capacity of these pistols, providing an extra five rounds in the gun.
However, it’s worth noting that the SIG P365 has a higher magazine capacity than both the Glock 48 and the Glock 43X. But, if you’re looking for a pistol with a larger size and better handling, the Glock 48 or the Glock 43X might still be the right choice for you.
Holster Choices and Concealment
For holster choices and concealment, the Glock 43X’s shorter slide presents an advantage. It’s easier to conceal, making it a great choice for concealed carry. However, the Glock 48, despite its longer slide, can still be comfortably carried with the right holster.
Popular holster choices for both pistols include:
Inside the Waistband (IWB) Holsters
Outside the Waistband (OWB) Holsters
Appendix Carry Holsters
Shoulder Holsters
Pocket Holsters
Choosing the right holster is a personal preference and depends on factors such as comfort, ease of access, and concealment.
Customization and Aftermarket Support
The Glock 48 and Glock 43X are superb pistols straight from the box and also provide a plethora of customization options along with aftermarket support. There are a TON of aftermarket sight options that’ll fit these guns, and any Glock 43 pattern sight will fit these firearms.
If you’re looking to upgrade the magazine capacity, the Shield Arms S15 magazine is a fantastic option. It is specifically designed to increase the capacity of these pistols. For sight upgrades, both handguns offer Ameriglo sight upgrades directly from Glock.
In terms of triggers, some of the exciting options available in the market are:
Apex Tactical Glock Enhancement Trigger
Velocity Trigger
Overwatch Precision Trigger
Zev Fulcrum Ultimate Trigger
Tyrant CNC ITTS Trigger
Pros and Cons of Each Model
The Glock 48, a remarkably slim and lightweight pistol, is easy to conceal and comfortable to carry. It has:
A longer barrel than the Glock 43X, which gives it an edge in accuracy and a longer sight radius
A grip that isn’t exactly large, making it tricky to handle
A sight line that is short compared to other handguns
Recoil that can be quite extreme due to its light weight
A capacity that is just slightly greater than a revolver, which can be considered rather average
In contrast, the Glock 43X provides immense comfort both in carrying and shooting. However, you do sacrifice some accuracy due to its shorter barrel and slide. Despite these cons, it’s still an amazing gun, and its ease of concealment and handling make it a worthy competitor against the Glock 48.
Summary
In conclusion, both the Glock 48 and the Glock 43X are excellent choices for concealed carry. The Glock 48 offers better accuracy and control due to its longer barrel and slide, while the Glock 43X is easier to conceal and handle due to its shorter dimensions. Both offer a variety of sight and trigger options, ample magazine capacity, and a wealth of customization options and aftermarket support. Ultimately, the choice between the two comes down to your personal preferences and needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the Glock 48 so popular?
The Glock 48 is a popular choice due to its light weight design and user-friendly operation, making it an ideal blend of comfort, concealability, and usability. Its ease of use and reliable performance make it perfect for shooters of any skill level.
Is Glock 48 too big for concealed carry?
The slim design of the Glock 48 makes it a great choice for concealed carry – perfect for those who desire the reliability and power of the larger Glock 19 but want to remain undetected.
Why is the Glock 43x restricted?
The Glock 43x is restricted in California due to legislators deeming it “unsafe” since the manufacturer refused to “apply a microstamp” to the firing pin. With this restriction, any rounds found at a crime scene will be traceable to the gun that fired it and its owner.
What is the difference between Glock 43 and 48 magazine?
The main difference between the Glock 43 and 48 magazines is that the Glock 48 can hold 10+1 rounds of 9mm due to its longer grip, while the Glock 43 holds only 6+1.
What are the key differences between the Glock 48 and the Glock 43X?
The Glock 48 has a longer barrel and slide for enhanced accuracy and control, but it’s heavier than the Glock 43X, which has a shorter barrel and slide for easier concealment.
Born in rural Texas, Logan has been a passionate gun enthusiast from a young age, influenced by his family’s deep-rooted tradition in hunting and sport shooting. He has carved out a niche as an authoritative voice in the firearms community, writing extensively about gun safety, hunting techniques, and the latest advancements in firearm technology.
