G19 vs G43

Been carrying full size for a while. While it works for me, been thinking about toning it down. I've got experience with the 19 but just a little with the 43. I'd like to hear real world experience from anyone here who carries one or the other. I fully understand the size and capacity differences, I'm more interested in unique carry experiences (comfort, concealability issues, etc). Don't really care for the subcompact glocks, but the thinner 43 does seem to work for me.

I'm set on the Glock, so no need to tell me about other models, (or Toyotas). Also chances are I'm probably going to get both eventually, after all, blue label makes it pretty affordable to have both.

I love my 43. Points and shoots like the rest of the Glock lineup for me at least. It's about the only handgun I own that I find really comfortable to carry. Although, honestly the 26 is darn near as easy to carry. Overall length and height of the 26 and the 43 are pretty much identical. Obviously, the 26 is a bit wider. I do have to make a conscious effort to adjust my grip ever so slightly on the 43 or I find my thumb riding the slide stop and it won't lock back on empty. I don't have that issue with the 26 or 19.

While I haven't carried a 43, nor do I own one, I have played with one. I wasn't a fan. Sure as a pocket gun, I'm sure it's fine. I just honestly don't like how it feels when I shoot it. I have shattered my hand before and when I grip it the small size just doesn't feel right.

I don't have the same issues with any of the standard guns. 17, 19, 26... 23, 27. They all feel just fine and dandy, but I didn't like the 42 or 43. Had a 42.

It's not just the size as my sig 238 feels fine. It's something about the ergonomics on their single stacks


Sent by a free-range electronic weasel, with no sense of personal space.

Preface: I typically carry IWB at 4:30-5 o'clock position with either a crossbreed supertuck or a aliengear cloak 3.0.

I carried the 19 for a few years, before getting a 26, and now I mostly carry the 26 (with a grip extension that makes it feel more like a 19 grip without adding length to the butt of the grip). Now, I only carry the 19 around if I feel the need for more capacity. The weight is the biggest factor here, which I'm sure transfers over the to 19 vs 43 argument even better. 2nd biggest factor is the grip length, which is easier to conceal with the 26 (or 43).

I would love the chance to shoot a 43 and see how it compares. Just don't forget the physics of the equation: less mass in the gun means that it isn't going to be fun to shoot. I have tried similar sized 9mm pistols and have reverted back to the G26. Now my Kahr PM9 and Kel Tec PF9 sit in the safe. I sold the Diamondback DB9 because that was just a POS gun.

Really kind of hard to compare the two. About the only thing similar is the name stamped on the pistol, and the caliber. Even carrying them yields a completely different experience IMO. I've carried the 43 and 26 extensively, and can say those two are quite similar. I can't just throw the 26 in a pocket holster and put it in a pocket. The 43 can be carried just about any way you can think of, even in gym short pockets. Not the info you were looking for, but there is my two.

I've always carried a 19.... Until I bought a 43. Now I carry the 43 prob 6-7 days a week. When I go back to a 19, it is significantly more bulky and heavy.

So for me size, weight, comfort is what stands up. The cons would be the ammo capacity, but i always carry at least one spare mag (even with the 19).

I shoot the 43 just fine, i find it fits my smaller hands better (let the jokes flow in).

While I don't have a 43, I do have a Kahr PM9 which is very similar in size. I also have a 19 that I rotate in. The pm9 is VERY easy to carry. I don't even notice it. But usually it's my attire that dictates what I'm carrying. I have a smart carry holster for the pm9 on days I'm wearing gym shorts/sweat pants/etc. Now that we're approaching winter, I'll probably go with the 19 as hoodie season is here and makes the 19 easier to conceal. If I can, I like having the 19 but the PM9 is a great option to have. I really like it for summer and dress attire.

I think you'll like having a 43 as another option. Just a matter of how you shoot with it.

I have grown to prefer my 26 over my 19 over the last year. I love that all my holsters are interchangeable between the two. I have only shot the 43 one time, but for me the difference was negligible between the 26. A big positive for me is the spare G17 mags I carry in my truck will interchange between the 26/19.

I would like to carry a full size but since I'm a small guy it's to much weight to be carrying appendix and the handle/butt of the gun would poke out the side to much. So I carry a g43 and have the tti extended mag plates and its no issue, and I don't notice it cause it weights close to the cm9. It's easy to conceal and I'm not as skinny as I use to be, wear shirts that aren't baggy. I carry an extra mag so I get another 8 tries. Would like to get a different holster not liking the blade tech one that much. For the price with blue label mine as well buy a 43!

Seems to me that if its a choice between G19 and G43 the answer really is G26.