G19 vs G43

[thvigil11]

I just feel that the 19 and 43 are such world's apart as it pertains to carry, that it's hard to give opinions. The 43 carries tons better than the 19, with a wider array of options. Anything beyond that, and you get into capacity, capability etc.

That's why I'm trying to rein this in. Let's make it simple.

Who here carries a G43? What are the high and low points of carry?

For those who carry a G19. What are the highs and lows of carry?

By getting both of these questions answered, I will have a decent idea of what I am in for with both of these firearms. I say both because I will eventually own them both and probably carry them both.

[ray1970]

I am pretty new to carrying anything but I have carried the 19 and the 43. Honestly, I seldom carry the 19.

The high points for the 43 for me is the thinness of it and the light weight. I've carried it in a pocket holster ocassionaly and it didn't pull my pants down. I've carried it in the appendix position frequently. I've carried it in a traditional IWB holster in shorts with no belt. As far as low points I really can't think of one.

As far as the 19, I don't find it as flexible for me as far as carry positions. I also really notice the weight of it. Obviously, having 16 rounds on tap without a reload is mentally comforting but since I've fired a total of zero rounds in self-defense in the last 45 years I really don't feel under gunned with the 43 instead.

Not to muddy things, but I love carrying my 30S. It's closer to the size of the 19 but having 11 rounds of 45 ACP on tap is very comforting. So much so that I don't hardly notice the size and weight.

[lex137]

I like carrying the 43 it's not uncomfortable and easy for me to conceal, I have carried a subcompact and didn't like it. Not a lot of rounds but I carry an extra mag. I feel like it was more reliable than my cm9 and about the same weight and feel but the 43 is better.

[hurley842002]

I've carried both, here are my thoughts :

The 19, excellent pistol, but I just can't get used to carrying (concealed) that size of a pistol. I know many people can, unfortunately I'm not one of them, and I think it's the weight that kills it for me.

The 43, conceals amazingly, and shoots quite well. I can't get comfortable with the capacity, plain and simple.

Unfortunately I'm in a position where I have to "choose just one" for my ccw, and for all the reasons above, the 26 is perfect for me.

[alan0269]

Here's my $.02

Since you have shot both, and feel comfortable doing so, it comes down to the carry aspect of each. I've owned both, shot both, and carried both. Either one is a good choice for concealed carry, however the determining factor on which to get first would most likely come down to your daily attire and how you plan to carry. If you don't have the luxury of having a loose(r) cover garment or want to have the ability to pocket carry, I would say go with the 43. It is slimmer and will fit in a pocket if need be, and with the shorter grip, it is easier to conceal without a loose/baggy shirt or jacket over it. If you are able to throw on a jacket, loose shirt, or other cover garment without looking out of place, the 19 could be the better choice as if you can conceal it easily the extra capacity and longer sight radius is nice to have.

Positives of each over the other:
43
- Slimmer, making it more IWB and pocket carry friendly.
- Short grip is easier to conceal IWB and OWB, and the only one of the two to be a viable pocket carry option.
- Lighter.
- As accurate and reliable as any other Glock model. (not really an advantage over the 19, just a comment that despite its size, it is still accurate and reliable)

19
- Higher capacity.
- Longer sight radius.
- More comfortable to shoot on long range trips (the 43 is not bad though).
- Seems to always be highly ranked in the discussion of "if you could only have one pistol for all around use..."

As I said, it all depends on how you intend to carry and your daily attire. In my thoughts, I would probably go with the 19 now since it is getting colder out and it will be easier to have a jacket/whatever as a cover garment then pick up the 43 later, but if we were going into spring or summer I would lean towards the 43 first and then pick up the 19 later.

[hurley842002]

Here's my $.02

Since you have shot both, and feel comfortable doing so, it comes down to the carry aspect of each. I've owned both, shot both, and carried both. Either one is a good choice for concealed carry, however the determining factor on which to get first would most likely come down to your daily attire and how you plan to carry. If you don't have the luxury of having a loose(r) cover garment or want to have the ability to pocket carry, I would say go with the 43. It is slimmer and will fit in a pocket if need be, and with the shorter grip, it is easier to conceal without a loose/baggy shirt or jacket over it. If you are able to throw on a jacket, loose shirt, or other cover garment without looking out of place, the 19 could be the better choice as if you can conceal it easily the extra capacity and longer sight radius is nice to have.

Positives of each over the other:
43
- Slimmer, making it more IWB and pocket carry friendly.
- Short grip is easier to conceal IWB and OWB, and the only one of the two to be a viable pocket carry option.
- Lighter.
- As accurate and reliable as any other Glock model. (not really an advantage over the 19, just a comment that despite its size, it is still accurate and reliable)

19
- Higher capacity.
- Longer sight radius.
- More comfortable to shoot on long range trips (the 43 is not bad though).
- Seems to always be highly ranked in the discussion of "if you could only have one pistol for all around use..."

As I said, it all depends on how you intend to carry and your daily attire. In my thoughts, I would probably go with the 19 now since it is getting colder out and it will be easier to have a jacket/whatever as a cover garment then pick up the 43 later, but if we were going into spring or summer I would lean towards the 43 first and then pick up the 19 later.

Good post Alan, and I agree, just didn't articulate it as well. I'll add, I had a 19 and 43 at the same time, and found I was leaving the 43 behind more often than not, the capacity just killed it for me.

[ray1970]

Good post Alan, and I agree, just didn't articulate it as well. I'll add, I had a 19 and 43 at the same time, and found I was leaving the 43 behind more often than not, the capacity just killed it for me.

I currently have a 43, a 26, and a 19. I find myself carrying the 43 about 98% of the time.

[TEAMRICO]

I started to carry my 43 this past weekend. I love it. Slim, light and hides in a shirt with IWB holster easily. I shot it this weekend and is enjoyable. The fist 6 rounds were Brass, 4 inch group at 12 yards! Next was cheap aluminum Federal. All shots were 6 inches to the left of target. Weird but brass was dead on and aluminum was always to the left even, even when supported.
I have the +1 pinky extension so 8rds total with the smaller mag carried in my pocket.
I have had a G27 and that was the Baby Glock as they called it. Nice but HEAVY.
Also own a G42 all the pluses of the 43 except the caliber.
I like the ability to put it my fleece jacket quickly or pocket.
Im hooked on my 43 and am glad I bought one.
Keep in mind I'm 6'3" and the 43 is a nice fit even in larger hands.

[Zundfolge]

I currently have a 43, a 26, and a 19. I find myself carrying the 43 about 98% of the time.

I too have both high capacity and low capacity options for carry. It always seems like within a few days of me switching to my low capacity option I see some news story (like a mass shooting or I'll read some account of armed self defense) and then I don't feel comfortable with only 6 (or back when I had a J frame, 5) rounds and I go back to my high capacity option.

Yes this is probably foolishness on my part (hell, statistical probability says I'll NEVER need to use my CCW) but since psychology is a big part of self defense I find myself not wanting to tempt fate.

It seems to me pretty obvious if you want comfortable to carry go with the 43 if you want comforting to carry go with the 19. Noting that the biggest advantage of comfortable to carry is that you will carry more and remember the first rule of a gun fight is; have a gun.

[buffalobo]

You guys are making this too hard. Get both and carry as needed.

I have several different hammers for different "pounding" jobs.

ETA - I carry G19 more than any other. Daily utility hammer.



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