{"id":7957,"date":"2022-02-23T15:47:16","date_gmt":"2022-02-23T15:47:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ammunitiontogo.com\/lodge\/?p=7957"},"modified":"2023-03-15T14:15:09","modified_gmt":"2023-03-15T14:15:09","slug":"glock-26-vs-glock-43","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ammunitiontogo.com\/lodge\/glock-26-vs-glock-43\/","title":{"rendered":"Glock 26 vs. Glock 43"},"content":{"rendered":"

If you\u2019ve decided to get a Baby Glock, you aren\u2019t alone. The company\u2019s subcompact models are insanely popular among concealed carriers. However, the persistent raging debate is between the Glock 26 vs. Glock 43. Both models have plenty to offer, especially in the concealment and reliability departments.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

But which one is better?\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

While we probably won\u2019t be able to settle this argument here, we\u2019re going to dive into the specs so you can make an informed decision about which petite polymer 9mm pistol will work best for you.<\/span><\/p>\n

Glock 26 vs. Glock 43: Specs<\/span><\/h2>\n

We promised the specs, and here they are.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t
<\/td>Glock 26 (Gen 5)<\/th>Glock 43<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
Length<\/td>6.42\"<\/td>6.26\"<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Height<\/td>4.17\"<\/td>4.25\"<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Width<\/td>1.3\"<\/td>1.06\"<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Weight<\/td>21.69 oz empty
26.07 oz loaded<\/td>		17.99 oz empty
20.64 oz loaded<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Sight Radius<\/td>5.39\"<\/td>5.24\"<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Barrel Length<\/td>3.43\"<\/td>3.41\"<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Magazine Cap.<\/td>10 +1<\/td>6 +1<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n

Single Stack vs. Double Stack<\/span><\/h2>\n

\"G26<\/p>\n

Even on paper, the differences between these two subcompact handguns are minimal. The biggest difference is the way cartridges are stacked in their magazines.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The G43 has a single-stack magazine. Single stack magazines have their rounds arranged in a single, vertical column.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The G26 has a double-stack magazine. Double stack magazines hold their rounds in a sort of back-and-forth, zigzag pattern. The cartridges are arranged in two columns. The top cartridge of each column is fed alternately into the firearm\u2019s chamber. The design makes the magazine (and the pistol that holds it) wider than a single stack. However, the double stack configuration holds more rounds in a shorter area, accommodating about 1 \u00bd times more cartridges in the same vertical space.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The G26\u2019s double-stack configuration is what allows it to hold four more rounds than the G43.<\/span><\/p>\n

This may go without saying but both pistols are chambered to fire 9mm Luger ammo<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Concealability<\/span><\/h2>\n

The length and height of the G26 and G43 are pretty similar. The G26 is slightly longer, wider, and heavier, but not substantially. The most notable difference in dimensions is the width. While a quarter of an inch may not seem like much, it can make a world of difference in effective concealment. A thinner profile allows the G43 to easily disappear under almost anything in your wardrobe, especially in a good IWB holster.<\/span><\/p>\n

While both pistols are fairly easy to conceal, the slimmer dimensions of the G43 make it particularly well-suited for pocket carry. However, because of Glock\u2019s light trigger pull and lack of external safety, slipping it inside your pocket without a proper holster is just plain foolish.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Grip<\/span><\/h2>\n

\"Glock<\/p>\n

The grip dimensions of these two petite pistols aren\u2019t all that different either.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The G43\u2019s grip is narrower by .24 inches. However, it provides slightly more real estate to grasp thanks to its extra .08 inches in length. If that doesn\u2019t seem like much, you\u2019re right.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Considering the average human pinky is about .3 inches wide, that extra .08 inches of grip height is still going to leave most people\u2019s pinkies slipping off the bottom of the grip. Thankfully, there are pinky-extension magazines available for both models, but every extra inch you add to these firearms detracts from their concealability, which is really their best feature.<\/span><\/p>\n

Which grip is better? That\u2019s mostly a matter of opinion. There are plenty of articles floating around the internet claiming the narrow frame of a single-stack makes it easier for smaller hands to control. Most of those articles are written by dudes with big paws. The truth is that shooters with petite hands benefit from having something substantial to hold onto. Neither the G43 nor the G26 has a grip too massive for someone with small hands to control. In fact, the thinner dimensions of the G43 can make it difficult for some shooters (no matter their hand size) to maintain a firm, confident grip. Single-stacks have a tendency to slip around in some shooter\u2019s hands during shooting, especially when those hands are sweaty.<\/span><\/p>\n

Small guns are notoriously more difficult to control, whether you have sasquatch hands or dainty lady palms and fingers. Putting a smaller grip on a firearm that is already difficult to control only increases the difficulty.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

But here\u2019s the deal: Every shooter is different. The best way to figure out if the grip will work for you is to give it a thorough test drive. Perform that test drive on the range, not on the showroom floor. Just because a firearm \u201cfeels fine in your hands\u201d in the store doesn\u2019t mean you\u2019ll be able to maintain a proper grip through multiple shots. Recoil can be a major grip game-changer.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Magazine Capacity<\/span><\/h2>\n

The standard G26 magazine holds four more rounds than the standard G43 magazine.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

One advantage of the G26 is that it accepts Glock 19 and Glock 17 magazines. This can be a handy advantage at the range. It also means you can carry a G26 as a backup. If your primary sidearm is a G17 or G19, you can share spare mags with your backup pistol.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Weight and Recoil<\/span><\/h2>\n

\"Shooting<\/p>\n

Because the G26 holds four more rounds than the G43, it also is slightly heavier. Those four rounds make the G26\u00a0 tip the scales at just over 26 ounces. That\u2019s still only 6 ounces more than a fully loaded G43.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

However, an extra six ounces can help absorb some of the snappy recoil micro pistols are famous for. Due to their shorter barrel lengths, subcompact handguns can require more effort to maintain control, especially for inexperienced shooters. And although both Glocks are relatively easy to handle, the extra weight (and the extra grip width) gives the G26 a slight advantage in recoil control.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Which is Better?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Both the G26 and G43 are solid choices. They are Glocks<\/a>, after all.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Both are easy for average shooters to conceal, although if you\u2019re looking for a deep-concealment backup pistol, the G43\u2019s thinner profile gives it a slight advantage.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

However, it\u2019s tough to argue with the G26\u2019s larger magazine capacity.<\/span><\/p>\n

Enter the Glock 43X.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Glock 43X<\/span><\/h3>\n

\"A<\/p>\n

Glock is always settling debates about which of their models is best by offering a new model. This debate is no different, and Glock\u2019s attempt to settle it is the G43X.<\/span><\/p>\n

Here are the specs:<\/strong><\/p>\n