Handgun selection becomes very confusing for new buyers, especially when deciding between the Glock 43X vs Glock 19 Gen 5.
Glock continues to deliver its trusted reliability through these two pistol variations. The 43X focuses on concealability, while the 19 balances size with capacity.
Our team at Paramount Defense LLC, a gun shop in Downingtown knows you need to make an informed decision. Our team of experts at our trusted online store helps customers find the ideal firearm that suits their needs.
First Glance: Glock 19 Gen 5 vs Glock 43X:
The Glock 19 Gen 5 follows the familiar design of standard Glock pistols. This pistol holds its ammo in two stacked magazines.
When you look at the 43X, it seems thinner compared to other models. The gun holds its cartridges in a single line, making it slimmer and easier to handle for users.
These models serve different shooters. The 19 appeals to those wanting versatility. The 43X model is designed for concealed carry users who want a slim, ergonomic handgun.
Size Comparison:
The Glock 43X is 6.5 inches long and 4.41 inches tall. At 1.1 inches wide, it’s slimmer than the other models.
The Glock 19 Gen 5 measures 7.28 inches long and 5.04 inches tall. Its 1.34-inch width gives the handgun a firm grip feel.
The weight difference is significant. The 43X weighs 18.7 ounces when empty, but the 19 holds 23.99 ounces without ammo.
Frame and Slide Differences:
When looking at the Glock 43X vs Glock 19 Gen 5, the frame and slide differences play a big role in how each pistol feels and functions. The following is the difference you need to know:
Frame Construction:
The 43X features a slimline frame with a single-stack design. The grip area has much less space than the 19.
The 19 Gen 5 features Glock’s new frame design without finger grooves. Its two-stacked design provides a wider grip area that suits hands of all sizes.
Their polymer frames create different handling experiences because of their various sizes.
Slide Length and Design:
The 43X model features a shorter barrel slide, making the firearm more compact. The small size helps you hide this pistol better when wearing light clothing.
The 19 model has a longer slide that extends the sight path. The feature lets many shooters hit their targets more accurately from longer distances.
Both slides use Glock nDLC coating to protect against corrosion. The 19 includes front slide serrations, which are absent from the basic 43X model.
Texture and Grip:
The Gen 5 texturing system on the 19 model offers superior grip retention. The textured surface helps users keep their grip steady during fast shooting.
The 43X has the same texturing design but on a thinner frame. People with small hands prefer this model since it fits their grip better.
The size of your hands determines which surface texture will work best for you. Every shooter experiences different levels of comfort with the same texture.
Overall Ergonomics:
The 19 Gen 5 fits most hands well. The system works for left-handed users by changing the slide stop and magazine release positions.
The 43X excels for those with smaller hands. The thinner design makes it easy for many people to point the gun naturally.
Consider grip circumference when choosing. Your shooting experience becomes more comfortable and precise when you hold the gun correctly.
Ammunition Capacity:
The 43X comes standard with 10-round magazines. The pistol matches the ammo capacity of other compact models in its category.
The Glock 19 Gen 5 model has a standard ammo capacity of 15 rounds. The gun packs 50% more bullets than before without increasing its size.
Shield Arms manufactures S15 magazines for the 43X model. The upgraded magazines bring 43X capacity up to 15 rounds, which matches the 19.
Controls and Operation:
In the Glock 43X vs Glock 19 Gen 5 comparison, differences in controls and operation can affect ease of use and overall handling. Following is what you need to know:
Trigger Mechanism and Feel:
The two pistols employ Glock’s Safe Action system. The factory-installed trigger mechanism on the 19 Gen 5 provides a smoother experience than its original design.
The 43X trigger needs 5.5 to 6.5 pounds of force to activate. The 19 model weighs between 5 and 5.5 pounds to produce a smoother trigger experience.
Aftermarket triggers can improve both. Most gun lovers choose upgrades to boost their pistol’s performance.
Slide Lock/Release:
The 19 Gen 5 features an ambidextrous slide stop lever. The update makes it easier for left-handed users to use their guns effectively.
The 43X comes with a traditional right-side slide stop. The smaller frame design prevents the pistol from adjusting controls that work for both hands.
The 19 model performs well, but its bigger controls simplify handling during high-stress situations.
Magazine Release:
The 19 Gen 5 offers a reversible magazine release. The system lets left-handed users replace the release button for improved handling.
You can find the standard right-side release button on the 43X. The setup benefits right-handed gun users.
You can feel a clear response when you push either button. Magazines drop freely when released.
Magazine Well Design:
The 19 Gen 5 model comes with a magazine well that expands outward. The design helps users insert new magazines faster during reloading.
The 43X keeps its regular shape without adding additional width. The slender design helps the gun hide better than it speeds up reloads.
Training overcomes most reload differences. Your training success depends more on daily practice than small magazine design changes.
Sights and Optics:
When comparing the Glock 19 Gen 5 vs Glock 43X, the differences in sights and optics options can influence your accuracy and upgrade potential.
Factory Sights:
The 19 Gen 5 features standard U-shaped polymer sights made from plastic. Their basic function works fine, but people replace them anyway.
The 43X offers similar standard sights. You can replace both types of sights with night sights or fiber optic options.
The standard sights on these guns do not perform well. You should spend money on new sights for better sight picture performance.
Aftermarket Sight Options:
The two models support different types of sight upgrades from external sources. You can choose between tritium night sights, fiber optics, and target sights.
Popular brands like Trijicon, AmeriGlo, and Truglo offer options for both pistols. Prices range from $60 to $150.
Installation requires specific tools. Hire a professional to install sights if you don’t have the right tools.
Aftermarket Support and Customization:
The Glock 19 boasts great aftermarket support. You can find many replacement parts for almost every component of these guns.
The 43X has fewer customization choices than the Glock 19 Gen 5. The updated model design reduces the selection of available parts.
Both can be customized. You can enhance the Glock 19 and 43X with standard parts like triggers, sights, and magazines.
Quality and Reliability:
The two guns provide the same dependable performance as all Glock products. These guns need little care and continue working even when you ignore them.
The 19 has shown dependability over more years than the 43X. The 43X uses the same design basics as previous Glock models.
The guns can last through more than 25,000 rounds before needing new major components. You can depend on both pistols for a lasting, reliable purchase.
Price and Value Analysis:
The Glock 19 Gen 5 typically costs $550-600. Its many uses make this gun a smart choice at its price point.
The 43X runs slightly less at $530-580. The small price difference between these guns does not affect most buyers’ purchasing choices.
Budget for holsters and additional equipment when making your purchase. These add $100-200 to your total investment.
Pros and Cons:
To help you decide between the Glock 43X vs 19 Gen 5, here’s a quick look at the pros and cons of each model:
Glock 19 Gen 5 Pros:
- Higher ammunition capacity (15+1)
- Better for home defense
- Easier to shoot accurately
- More aftermarket support
Glock 19 Gen 5 Cons:
- Harder to conceal
- Less comfortable for smaller hands
Glock 43X Pros:
- Excellent concealment
- More comfortable for daily carry
- Fits smaller hands better
- Surprisingly shootable for its size
Glock 43X Cons:
- Lower standard capacity (10+1)
- Fewer aftermarket options
Which One Is Right For You?
The Glock 19 becomes your best choice when you need a versatile handgun. The gun performs effectively in home defense and target practice without any performance differences.
Select the 43X if you need a weapon that fits comfortably when concealed. This firearm becomes invisible when you wear thin clothing.
Consider the size of your hand. People with smaller hands usually choose the 43X model, and larger hands prefer the 19.
FAQs:
1. Which is better, Glock 19 or 43X?
It depends on your needs. The Glock 19 offers more capacity and is better for home defense or duty use, while the 43X is slimmer and easier to conceal for daily carry.
2. Should I carry a Glock 19 or 43?
If you want something easier to conceal, go with the Glock 43. If you prefer higher capacity and better control, the Glock 19 is a better choice.
3. How big is the Glock 19 Gen 5 compared to the 43X?
The Glock 19 Gen 5 is slightly larger in both height and length. It’s also thicker, while the 43X is slimmer and more compact, making it easier to conceal.
4. Is the Glock 43X being discontinued?
No, the Glock 43X is not being discontinued. It’s still in production and remains a popular choice for concealed carry.
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