Glock G43: A Top-Selling Handgun In 2020

by
posted on March 3, 2021
g43-mos.jpg
The Glock G43 was the second-fastest selling semi-automatic pistol on GunBroker.com during 2020. Combined with the company’s G19, which claimed top honors, it was a 1-2 finish for the manufacturer that took polymer-framed handguns mainstream.

Moving up from the No. 4 position in 2019, the G43 a single-stack 9 mm—the company’s smallest—and ideal for concealed carry. Overall length is 6.26", and the barrel measures 3.41". Palm texturing ensures a solid grip under stress, in poor weather or when wearing gloves. Magazine capacity is six rounds.

The pistol tips the scales at only 20.64 ozs. when loaded. B. Gil Horman tested one for American Rifleman and reported, “As a Glock fan, I found that the G43 rang all of the reliability and ease-of-use bells that keep me going back to the company for more.”

This year the company made a good thing even better with the introduction of a pair of increased capacity models. The G43X Black features a Slimline frame ideal for concealment, but its black slide features an nDLC finish. Magazine capacity is up to 10 cartridges. “The G43X combines a compact-size grip length, a built-in beavertail and a subcompact-slim slide for a comfortably balanced, versatile grip that’s ideal for a variety of users,” the company explains on its web page. It comes in at 23.06 ozs. when loaded, has the same length barrel and measures 6.5" in length.

The G43X Mos is Glock’s other introduction for 2021. It’s an optics-ready solution for self-defense. Specifications are identical to the Black version, with the exception of the nDLC finish. Instead, its stainless steel slide has been CNCd for fast and effortless mounting of today’s popular red-dot sights.

Glock doesn’t list MSRPs on its website, although shop around and you’ll likely find a few original G43s for slightly below $700. Expect the G43X Mos to set you back around $800 and the G43X Black to run about the same.

Latest

Springfield Armory Trp Aos 1911 F
Springfield Armory Trp Aos 1911 F

Springfield Adds AOS & 9 mm Models To TRP 1911 Line

Springfield Armory introduced its first optic-ready TRP 1911s, equipped with the Agency Optic System, along with the company's first 9 mm Luger-chambered TRP pistols.

Rifleman Q&A: Commercially Made M1 Garands

A number of M1 Garands on the market have higher serial numbers than many military-issue Garands? Why? Here's the story of the commercially made M1s from Springfield Armory.

Book Review: The U.S. Model 1917 Rifle | “America’s Enfield”

As with all of his previous works, Bruce Canfield's latest, by Mowbray Publishing, is another “must-have” for the shelf of any avid collector of U.S. military arms.

Hedging For The Future: Winchester .21 Sharp

At first glance, Winchester Ammunition’s .21 Sharp rimfire cartridge appears very similar in purpose to the classic .22 Long Rifle. So, what’s the reason for the new chambering? For the answer, we have to look to the past—and also to the future.

The Armed Citizen® March 24, 2025

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

Suppressor Inventory Slim After Last Year’s 80 Percent Sales Increase

The analytic report, courtesy of GoGearfire.com, suggests while firearm, optic and ammunition sales are trending downward, suppressor sales, however, are up 264 percent since 2019 figures.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.