Throughout the history of the pistols, there is one brand that everyone knows the name and reputation more than many others. GLOCK is perhaps the most popular manufacturer of any firearms. Whether you are a fan or not, most gun enthusiasts respect what GLOCK has done for the pistol industry over the last four decades. Today, GLOCK offers over 50 different pistols in various sizes, calibers, and styles that dominate the holsters of many gun owners. One of the hot debates among GLOCK owners is the difference between GLOCK 43 vs 19 and which one is better. 

How it All Started

The history of GLOCK is a rather short one but full of excitement as the fairly new company, founded in 1979, quickly rose to firearm stardom. The Austrian-based company produces the polymer-framed, semi-automatic pistols that are designed by Gaston Glock. He had no prior experience in firearm design when the first prototype of the 17 was being worked on, but he had vast experience working with synthetic polymers. As the polymer frame gained legitimate traction as a dependable material for a pistol frame, the first service models entered the Austrian military and police forces in 1982 after their pistols surpassed the competition in safety standards and reliability testing. 

When GLOCK first entered the civilian market, the initial response was that it was viewed as a “plastic gun” that was not durable or reliable. However, those thoughts were quickly debunked as the popularity exploded among law enforcement agencies, security services and militaries in over 45 countries. Civilians embraced the modern, simplistic design of the GLOCKs as exceptional self-defense weapons in the home or carrying as well as an exceptional competition firearm. 

Continued innovation is what has kept GLOCK at the top of the game with its original designs at the heart of all pistols. Over the years, they released new “generation” models of all their pistols with improved design features and updates to improve on an already great line of firearms. In 2017, GLOCK presented its Gen5 line that was focused on ergonomics and reliability. GLOCK makes models that fire the following calibers:

  • 9mm Parabellum
  • 10mm Auto
  • .45 ACP
  • .40 S&W
  • .380 ACP
  • .357 SIG 
  • .45 GAP
  • 22 long rifle

One of the most appealing aspects of GLOCKs, aside from the durability and reliability, is their modification ability. The accessories and mechanism parts available is astounding and allows owners to customize nearly every aspect to their liking. Owners love the ability to feel completely comfortable with the gun in their hands helps with confidence and usability. Another aspect that makes GLOCKs appealing is the lack of an external safety lever on their pistols. While some gun owners feel uncomfortable with this, GLOCK markets this design feature as an advantage, especially with law enforcement and military forces. However, it is not to be mistaken that the GLOCK is unsafe because there are three separate safety mechanisms referred to as the “Safe Action” system that includes a trigger safety out of the box. Overall, the features and designs of the GLOCKs make it very obvious as to why they are top in the pistol domain in an exceptionally competitive market.

Now that we’re on the same page as to how GLOCK got started and some of the reasons why they’re phenomenal firearms, let’s get back to the topic at hand: what’s the difference between the GLOCK 19 vs 43.  

GLOCK 19

As mentioned above, the GLOCK 17 was the first model produced by the Austrian gunmaker and the 19 is a smaller version that was first produced in 1988 that is available in the 9mm caliber. GLOCK markets the 19 as the “compact” version of the 17 and many of the components are interchangeable with the 17. While it may not seem like much, the 19’s barrel and the pistol grip is ½ inch smaller than the 17 and the GLOCK 19 capacity is standard at 15 rounds. However, the magazines from the 17 and 18 models are interchangeable, making several capacity options available. 

Some of the measurables for the GLOCK 19 include:

  • Trigger Pull- 5.5lbs
  • Barrel Length- 4 inches
  • Overall Length- 6.85 inches
  • Width- 1.18 inches
  • Weight- 20.99 ounces 
  • Fixed Sights
  • Accessory Rail
  • Models: GLOCK 19 and 19x

The 19 is not only an exceptionally designed pistol but it is one of GLOCKs best selling guns. 

GLOCK 43

This is the smallest GLOCK that the company has ever produced and falls into the “subcompact” category. Released in the 1990s, GLOCK fans began to rave because of the size and the same standards of performance like every other pistol in their lineup and it even earned the nickname “Baby GLOCK.” The advantage of this concept is that it allows the overall gun profile to be much thinner for easier and more comfortable concealed carrying. 

More and more individuals are looking for everyday carry (EDC) options that are comfortable yet extremely functional. The 43 is a great choice for those looking to carry inside the waistband (IWB) or even pocket carry, although it is not recommended as the trigger pull on this GLOCK is relatively light. However, utilizing a pocket holster, some choose to pocket carry and many women like carrying them in their purse. 

GLOCK 43

Unlike the 19, which is a double stack 9mm magazine, the GLOCK 43’s capacity is dependent on a single stack magazine. The 43 is the answer that many have been looking for. While the downside is the smaller, single-stack stock magazine that comes with the gun that only holds 6 rounds (plus one in the chamber), there are ways to make this work. 

Being an exceptional company that truly cares about their customers’ happiness and satisfaction, GLOCK released the 43x in response to the smaller magazine capacity of the “Baby GLOCK.” By adding only 1cm more to the width of the gun, the new design allows for 10 rounds to be carried. 

Some of the measurables for the GLOCK 43 include:

  • Trigger Pull 
  • Barrel Length- 3.39 inches
  • Overall Length- 6.26 inches
  • Width- 1 inch
  • Weight- 16.23 ounces 
  • Fixed Sights
  • No Accessory Rail
  • Models: GLOCK 43 and 43x

On the comparison between the two excellent models, there are a few things to look at and they include:

  • Capacity– we discussed this above already when going over each model, but it is worth reiterating because it is often the dealbreaker for the 43 for some people. While there are alternative solutions to carry more rounds (hopefully, you’ll never need them), the GLOCK 19 comes ready to ease the nerves of carrying enough rounds with added magazines. 
  • Accuracy– accuracy is all dependent on the user but because the GLOCK 19 has a longer sight radius between the front and back posts. This aspect helps shooters be much more precise than a shorter sight radius. However, if trained well, both guns are exceptionally accurate. 
  • Recoil– much of the recoil can be felt in the difference between the loads in the rounds that you’re shooting, the weight of the gun and length of the barrel can impact it as well. So, since the 43 is lighter and has a shorter barrel, shooters can feel a bit more recoil. 

Comparison between Glock 43 and Glock 19

Hopefully, this breakdown of the 19 vs 43 GLOCK comparison helps answer any unresolved questions. Whichever one you end up choosing for your next pistol purchase, you’re going to need some high-quality ammunition to load up. At AmmoForSale.com, we carry the best brands with the best prices. Here are some of the best 9mm options on the market right now that we carry:

Whether you are looking to carry the best self-defense rounds on the market or quality bulk range ammunition at affordable prices, we have everything you need. Come check out our 9mm selection and fill up your ammo cabinet today!