Glock 43 vs J frame
- Thread starter Collin642
- Start date
Not exactly the same and I have not shot the G43 yet. In my case, for pocket carry I went back to a 5 shot (first LCR now PC 642) from a subcompact pocket carry semi auto phase. I had a Kahr CM9 and still have a couple of Shields. The Kahr and Shield were both easier to shoot, carried more ammo, easier to reload, had better sights. But both were heavier, the Kahr was only borderline reliable and the Shield was pushing it size wise in the pocket.
When I IWB carry, I do prefer the Shield or a larger auto.
When I IWB carry, I do prefer the Shield or a larger auto.
Not the same either, but I have a G26 and LCP and was considering the G43 and J-frame to slot between them. Got an M638 and couldn't be happier. After getting over the capacity/reload issue, it does everything better.... for me. Now have my sights on a M649 
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Erich
Well-known member
I use them for different purposes.
153
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Carried the Model 37 for years, prefer the auto-loaders these days. The S&W - while nice and light is a bit bulky. I replaced the 37 with an LCP, which was very handy and shot pretty well. When the Glock 42 came out I picked up one of those and it replaced the LCP. The 42 had real sights, a big enough handle and is a dream to shoot.
I have a 43, but for me it's just enough larger to require a belt holster. I have not really put it to the test yet, but doubt it will replace the 42.
I would be concerned now going back to the Airweight, that it might not hold up ... read too many threads on here about frame cracking.
I have a 43, but for me it's just enough larger to require a belt holster. I have not really put it to the test yet, but doubt it will replace the 42.
I would be concerned now going back to the Airweight, that it might not hold up ... read too many threads on here about frame cracking.
Goblin
Well-known member
Is this a Glock or compact auto question? I alternate a model 37 and a Kahr CW9, both IWB. The 37 conceals a little better in the summer, but I'm back to the auto for winter. I suspect I'd feel the same with a Shield or G43 as long as they were 100% reliable like my Kahr has been. On occasions for pocket carry, it's the 37, I never pocket carry an auto, just my preference due to my body and wardrobe.
shottist
Absent Comrade
Tried a 43 but since I pocket carry couldn't get over having one in the chamber and that Glock trigger in my pocket. Quickly went back to my Model 38 got rid of the Glock and feel much more comfortable.
transit
Well-known member
I carried a G43 in the pocket (DeSantis Nemesis in 5.11 tactical pants) for a week.
Didn't work.
It fit fine, as does my G26. Carry is no problem at all with either.
The problem is drawing the pistol. For me, even in those very generous pockets, I just couldn't get a smooth, clean, reliable draw.
The G43 is just slightly taller (top of rear sight to bottom of magazine) than the G26. That measurement is the important one in pocket carry. That measurement is the one that determines how the gun will come out of the pocket. Thinner is fine, lighter is good, but you need "shorter" top to bottom in order to speed a pocket draw.
I love Glock, but J frames draw smooth as frog fur, and remain my preference for the pocket.
Didn't work.
It fit fine, as does my G26. Carry is no problem at all with either.
The problem is drawing the pistol. For me, even in those very generous pockets, I just couldn't get a smooth, clean, reliable draw.
The G43 is just slightly taller (top of rear sight to bottom of magazine) than the G26. That measurement is the important one in pocket carry. That measurement is the one that determines how the gun will come out of the pocket. Thinner is fine, lighter is good, but you need "shorter" top to bottom in order to speed a pocket draw.
I love Glock, but J frames draw smooth as frog fur, and remain my preference for the pocket.
Despite the convenience and reliability of my M&P .380 my level of comfort is still greater with my little J frame. Makes no sense but that's just how it is. I'll probably keep the M&P for pocket carry in dress slacks or trips to the gym and go back to the little .38 for EDC.
I replaced my J frames with a G43. It's much more pleasant to shoot, as easy to carry, holds 2+ more rounds, has much cheaper practice ammo, and is generally much easier to deliver on target rounds with than the J frames (and I'm pretty good with a J frame...).
I'll snag another airweight when I find a cheap beater for a winter drop in the pocket liquor store trip gun, but for the moment the Glock 43 is fantastic. Revolvers are much cooler, but performance talks and I can't go back at the moment.
I'll snag another airweight when I find a cheap beater for a winter drop in the pocket liquor store trip gun, but for the moment the Glock 43 is fantastic. Revolvers are much cooler, but performance talks and I can't go back at the moment.
I carried a 37 in my jeans pocket for years and then I bought a G43.
Then I bought a G42. I now have one or the other of the Glocks in my
pocket although I'm looking for that just right belt slide holster that
will hold either one. No gun bigger than a .25 auto is really fast to
draw from a pocket but the Glocks will come out as fast as the 37
and are more comfortable. I'm keeping my 37 but I don't see it ever
replacing one of the Glocks for carry in a pocket.
Then I bought a G42. I now have one or the other of the Glocks in my
pocket although I'm looking for that just right belt slide holster that
will hold either one. No gun bigger than a .25 auto is really fast to
draw from a pocket but the Glocks will come out as fast as the 37
and are more comfortable. I'm keeping my 37 but I don't see it ever
replacing one of the Glocks for carry in a pocket.
gbran
Member
My 638 fits in my front Levi pocket easily.
Biggfoot44
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Welllllllll, Glock no longer outnumbers all others combined. They can still make a creditable argument for single most popular, but depends on the exact criteria used.
The most recent info that I have seen says that Glock has
around 65% of the US police department market share. That
leaves 35% of the US police department market share to all
the other brands they use combined.
Shooter Mike
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I replaced my J frames with a G43. It's much more pleasant to shoot, as easy to carry, holds 2+ more rounds, has much cheaper practice ammo, and is generally much easier to deliver on target rounds with than the J frames (and I'm pretty good with a J frame...).
I'll snag another airweight when I find a cheap beater for a winter drop in the pocket liquor store trip gun, but for the moment the Glock 43 is fantastic. Revolvers are much cooler, but performance talks and I can't go back at the moment.
That is exactly how I would describe my impression of the
G43. I also shoot my J frame and the LCR pretty well but not as well as the 43. I am not one to tell a bunch of shooters what to carry but the G43 is worth checking out.
I'll snag another airweight when I find a cheap beater for a winter drop in the pocket liquor store trip gun, but for the moment the Glock 43 is fantastic. Revolvers are much cooler, but performance talks and I can't go back at the moment.
That is exactly how I would describe my impression of the
G43. I also shoot my J frame and the LCR pretty well but not as well as the 43. I am not one to tell a bunch of shooters what to carry but the G43 is worth checking out.
mgriffin
Well-known member
I switch back and forth between 442 and Glock 43. 442 rides nice in packet with an Uncle Mikes holster and the Glock 43 in a Remora with the clip. A no tuck shirt with either. The 43 with the Remora is very stable, don't shift around and I feel like a fast draw.
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If I were a LEO I would more than likely carry a Hi -capacity Glock of some sort - today you just need the firepower when in the L/E business!
As a civilian I am comfortable with a 5 shot J Frame. If I do not feel comfortable with 5 shots I usually opt not to go there in the first place. If I still feel uncomfortable and MUST go anyway, a second J or K will accompany me but I try and stay out of harms way if I have choices. To me having to shoot it out would be a last resort scenario but I would not hesitate to save the life of my family or myself.
As a civilian I am comfortable with a 5 shot J Frame. If I do not feel comfortable with 5 shots I usually opt not to go there in the first place. If I still feel uncomfortable and MUST go anyway, a second J or K will accompany me but I try and stay out of harms way if I have choices. To me having to shoot it out would be a last resort scenario but I would not hesitate to save the life of my family or myself.
Bulldawg Dad
Active member
I am an LEO and have been for 35 years now. For about the first 20 years we could carry whatever we could qualify with. That was followed up by mandatory (issued) carry of SW 5906 (loved them but they were heavy) In 2001 our department transitioned to the Glock 22 and 23 (after ten years we transitioned to Gen 4 G-22's and 23's). I have shot in GSSF competition so long that my member number is #166. I have probably shot more rounds out of Glock handguns than any other person in North Georgia and have seen countless rounds shot from Glocks by others. I regurgitate all of this to say that I feel that Glock Handguns are one of, if not the most reliable handgun made.
To the subject at hand, since 2003 my daily off duty carry and on duty backup has been my SW M-340SC with a couple of speed strips in my pockets. In ankle carry mode, nothing beats a scandium J-Frame. I must admit that my G-43 is almost as easy to carry and spare magazines takes up little more pocket room than speed strips.
However, in light of recent events here and abroad I feel grossly under-gunned with a 5-shot revolver, my Glock 43 or any brand of .380 and I tend to carry nothing less than a Glock M-26. With all of that being said, the best handgun is one that you will always carry with you not matter what name of caliber it has engraved on it.
To the subject at hand, since 2003 my daily off duty carry and on duty backup has been my SW M-340SC with a couple of speed strips in my pockets. In ankle carry mode, nothing beats a scandium J-Frame. I must admit that my G-43 is almost as easy to carry and spare magazines takes up little more pocket room than speed strips.
However, in light of recent events here and abroad I feel grossly under-gunned with a 5-shot revolver, my Glock 43 or any brand of .380 and I tend to carry nothing less than a Glock M-26. With all of that being said, the best handgun is one that you will always carry with you not matter what name of caliber it has engraved on it.
