The G48 and G43x are the beginning of a new line of Glock single stack pistols under the SlimLine Series. If you are thinking “But Glock already has a single stack subcompact”, you’re right. But that’s never really stopped anyone in the industry from pumping out new products. So let’s get to business and take a closer look at the new Glock pistols.

Glock 48 and Glock 43x Specs

New Glock Designs

Glock has a history of making reliable handguns without any fancy bells or whistles. Over the years, they have taken their tried-and-true platform and expanded it to over 50 different models, always delivering a safe and reliable product that is simple to operate. The G48 and G43x are certainly not exceptions to this commitment to quality firearms. Expanding on their already extensive collection and variety of 9mm handguns, Glock now gives you the option of a slimmer single stack compact and subcompact better suited for daily carry. In comparison, the Glock 19 has a width of 1.26” while the G48 and G43x measure in at just 1.10” wide.

It’s important to note that previous single stacked 9mm mags used in the G43 do not fit in the new G48 and G43x. These new pistols have identical full-size grips, though the G48 has a slightly longer barrel then the G43x. Although Glocks are already popular among CCW owners, the powerhouse gunmaker wanted to up the ante.

If you live in a state with a 10-round magazine capacity limit and you still want a full frame grip, the G48 or G43x may be your best Glock options. I think these new models offer more instead of putting a 10 round mag into a Glock 19 or Glock 17. In addition to their redesigned frame and mags, the G48 and G43x also threw in the SlimLine standard reversible mag release, short trigger distance, and a built-in beavertail. Furthermore, these new models will be offered in three sight configurations, including the always popular Glock Night Sights. I also liked the new aesthetic approach of the G48 and G43x with their two-toned finishes (the silver nPVD finish is a nice touch). Besides for these few alterations, everything else is standard to the Glock brand.

Glock 43 vs Glock 43x

The G43 is slightly smaller than the G43x in height, width, and (loaded and unloaded) weight. However, they are nearly identical in barrel and slide length. In fact, the G43 barrel is just half a millimeter shorter than the G43x barrel. As an added bonus, the G43x is capable of holding 4 more rounds than the G43, which is good news for people who carry. Keep in mind that the G43x is seemingly meant to be a slimmer version of the G48, not to compete with the original G43. Many even argue that the G43 is still a more concealable weapon than either the G48 or G43x. If the G43 grip is too short for you, but you still want a slimmer profile for concealed carry, the G43x is certainly a viable option.

Glock 48 vs Glock 43x

Many people are wondering why Glock would release two single stack 9mm pistols at once, especially when they are so similar. Nevertheless, it’s their subtle differences which drive shooters to one model versus the other. You’ll notice that their lower receivers are identical while their most obvious difference is in their slides. The G48 has a .76” longer barrel and a .79” longer slide compared to the G43x. With that slightly longer slide comes a little bit more weight, with the G48 weighing in a staggering 2.08 oz heavier than the G43x. Other than this small difference on the front end, these two Glocks are basically the same.

You may also enjoy our Gen 5 Glock 17 Vs. 19 Review

Glock 48 Price

There is a ton of debate within the gun community about Glocks, especially when it comes to their overall value. In the case of the G48, I think the price is pretty reasonable being that it’s under $500. It’s worth mentioning that the G48 will be more widely available than some of their other models since the new mag only holds 10 rounds and is less restricted by state gun laws. In other words, you can expect to see a bunch of these in the Left-run states like California, New York, and New Jersey.

Glock 43x Price

The G43x is on par with other Glocks in that it’s reasonably priced for what you are getting. It’ll run you around $450, which isn’t so bad for a quality handgun with a reputation to back it. Like the other new model, it will be available and popular in all states since it doesn’t violate any state legislation on capacity restrictions.

Conclusion

The G48 and G43x are new additions to the growing family of Glock products. There is sure to be plenty of haters out there, especially considering the fact there is no need for more 9mm single stack pistols. Nevertheless, they are thinner than the G19 and any double stacked Glocks on the market today. However, they are NOT thinner than the G43, which is somewhat strange to me. To be honest, I’m left thinking, wow great another variant of Glock that no one asked for that doesn’t really do anything great. A jack of a few trades and a master of none, the new G48 and G43 are really only helpful if you live in a liberal state with magazine capacity limits.

The post Glock 48 and Glock 43x Review: Glock Birthing a New Variant appeared first on Gunivore.

Table of Contents

• Specs
• Build
• Performance
• Mags
• Holsters
• Accessories
• Conclusion

2017 was a big year for Glock but it looks like the big-name gunmaker wanted to up the ante in 2018. While 2017 saw the addition of the Gen 5 G17 and G19 plus a slew of new factory options for their other popular handguns, 2018 has already proven to be huge for Glock. After announcing the addition of the G26 and G34 to the Gen 5 family, Glock released the 19X, a hybrid between the G17 and G19.

This crossover 9mm promises to be huge for Glock as sales are expected to go through the roof. Furthermore, because they developed their new polymer pistol with law enforcement, military, and civilians all in mind, you can expect to see the 19X just about everywhere and anywhere. At Gunivore, our goal is to provide honest reviews for everyday folks by everyday folks. So let’s get to it and take a closer look at the new and exciting Glock 19X.

But first, don’t miss out on our picks for the top G19 Accessories, Holsters, & Finishes. 

Specs

• Model: Glock 19X 
• Caliber: 9mm
• Capacity: 17/19 Rounds
• Barrel Length: 4.02”
• Overall Length: 7.44”
• Height: 5.47”
• Width: 1.3”
• Weight: 24.83 oz. (Unloaded)
• Finish: nPVD Polymer
• Sights: Glock Night Sights
• MSRP: $749.00

Glock 19X Build

This is where the novelty of the Glock 19X lies. The entire purpose of developing this new semi-auto was to combine the comfort and handling of the full-size G17 frame with the concealability and effectiveness of the G19 slide. By uniting their two most popular models, Glock hoped to create the ultimate pistol. Even more than that, the Austrian firearms producer made a bold move by ignoring the constantly expanding CCW community. Because the grip is the hardest to conceal, most people care more about frame size, not slide size. In other words, the 19X isn’t an ideal EDC gun.

Besides for its unique shape and size, the 19X has a few other standout features. In addition to the fresh coyote finish, the new Glock was also outfitted with ambidextrous slide stop levers, a lanyard loop, and the renowned Glock Marksman Barrel (GMB). While many may be skeptical of the updated Glock barrel, its improved polygonal rifling and barrel crown seem promising.  

Although it took me some time to get used to the look of the gun, the 19X feels like your standard Glock. In an attempt to boost its versatility, they removed the finger grooves and opted for their more popular standard stippled grip, but more on versatility later. In all honesty, I can’t say that I love Glock’s grips. Although it’s hard for me to pinpoint exactly what I dislike about them, I think I just expect more from a gun of this level. Similarly, while Glock likes to rave about their nPVD corrosion-resistant finish, it is nothing more than average. That’s not to say that there’s anything wrong with that, but in today’s market, most polymer pistols have excellent finishes. 

If you’re a fan of the G17, don’t miss out on our picks for the top G17 Holsters, Upgrades, & Talon Grips.

Glock 19X Performance

The Glock 19X performs exactly how you’d expect; there were no real surprises here. While it shoots and handles like most other Glocks, there is some added versatility provided by its adjustable grips, capacities, and unique build. Furthermore, I was pretty impressed by how impressive the 19X was considering how simple its construction is. By utilizing less components, the new Glock is more reliable and significantly easier to clean and maintain. 

It’s worth knowing that the 19X was not built out of any necessity or with any huge innovations. Glock initially built their new semi-auto 9mm to compete in the legendary U.S. Military’s XM17 Modular Handgun System Competition (MHS). Although the competition was stiff, the Glock was favored to beat out some other great firearms including the redesigned Beretta M92A1 and Smith and Wesson M&P. At the end of the day, Glock was beat out by the insanely fantastic Sig Sauer P320. Nonetheless, the 19X prove itself to be quite dependable, durable, efficient, and accurate.

Magazines for the 19X

The standard Gen 5 mags unfortunately aren’t compatible with the 19X but previous G17 magazines will. Nevertheless, the new Glock ships with three magazines, one standard 17-rounder and two 17+2 extended mags. Lastly, Glock decided to revert from the flared mag wells of the Gen 5 and go with their classic style.  

Glock 19X Holsters

It’s still too early to tell if anyone will market holster specifically for the 19X, but nearly all G19 holsters should work fine, with few exceptions. Because of the 19X’s unusual build, it’s crucial to find a comfortable holster with the right cant that offers a smooth pull. While I can always recommend AlienGear, you can’t go wrong with a dependable and affordable Kydex IWB or OWB holster and magazine pouch.  

The Glock 19X in the Coming Soon Sidecar Holster @hiddenhybridholsters #glock19x @glockinc #appendixcarry #sobcarry #everydaycarry #ccw #protectyourself #pewpew #iwbholster #iwb #sparemag #survival 📷: @hiddenhybridholsters pic.twitter.com/vcW6FOgPpi

— HiddenHybridHolsters (@HiddenHolsters) January 24, 2018

Aftermarket Options for the 19X

The new Glock 19X does feature a shortened accessory rail forward of the trigger guard, but that doesn’t mean you need to add any attachments. The 9mm is pretty solid as is so I’d really only opt for accessories if you’re relying on the 19X for home-defense. In that case, you can’t go wrong with the Crimson Trace Rail Master Pro Laser/Tactical Light combo, but it’ll cost you. 

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Conclusion

As solid as the Glock 19X is, I wouldn’t recommend it to people who already own a Gen 4 or 5 model. There are so few advantages to the new Glock when compared to the Gen 5 guns that I just don’t see the point in owning both. All things considered, after such an outrageous January, I’m excited to see what else Glock has in store for 2018. For now, I guess we’ll have to wait and see.

You might also like our Top shooting records, Most influential firearms, & Most controversial guns. 

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