SHOT Show 2019: Glock Silver Slimline Series

by
posted on January 31, 2019
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
glock-2_lead.jpg

Glock has sold more than a million Slimline G43  single-stack, sub-compact 9 mm pistols in just three years. Having worked with the pistol when it first came out, I can see why so many folks have chosen to adopt it for self-defense and concealed carry. If, however, there are two features some customers would like to see changed it would be this model’s relatively low 6+1 round capacity and a short grip frame that, while easy to conceal, does not provide a full three-finger grip for folks with larger hands. 

To address both of these customer requests, Glock has released two new models that are members of what is being called the Silver Slimline series. The G43X sports the same slide length of 6.06" and frame thickness as the original G43. However, the grip frame has been stretched to accept a 10-round single stack magazine and to provide plenty of room for the little finger of the shooting hand. The slide is treated with a matte silver nPVD for a handsome 2-tone finish and a set of slide serrations have been added near the muzzle. 

The key difference between the G43X and the G48 is the slide length, which has been extended to 6.85" to meet Canadian export regulations. But it also provides a bit more velocity and a longer sight radius for those who want it (like I do). Other features found on both pistols include a match-grade Glock Marksman Barrel (GMB), built-in beavertail, reversible magazine catch and three sight configuration including standard, Glock Night Sights (GNS), and Ameriglo Bold options. The Silver Slimline models will ship with suggested retail prices starting at $580. We have a G48 is on the way, so stay tuned for a full product review.

Latest

Gotw Wilson Combat Bulwark 1
Gotw Wilson Combat Bulwark 1

Gun of the Week: Wilson Combat Bulwark

Wilson Combat has long been known for its custom work on 1911-style designs, but the company also develops its own firearms, and one of its latest in-house creations is the new Bulwark.

The Armed Citizen® Sept. 4, 2026

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

NFA Wait Times Continue to Drop

In early 2021, it took the ATF about 280 days to process a Form 4 NFA transfer. In August 2026, using the recently implemented eForms system, that wait time had dropped to only nine days.

Pelican Air Carry-on Case Review

An industry staple just made air travel more convenient.

The ROSE Program by SIG Sauer: Empowering Women in Shooting Sports Across the Nation

The ROSE Program is a shooting program created specifically for women. It aims to create a community of women in shooting that can learn about shooting and self-defense.

I Have This Old Gun: French MAS-49

Despite being early adopters of several semi-automatic rifles for military use, the French army took several decades to work out a standardized semi-automatic rifle for general service use. The rifle that finally came to being was the MAS-49.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.