Glock G43
- Category
- Pistol
- Barrel
- 86 mm
- Weight, empty
- 510 g
- Introduced
- 2015
About
What it is, and why it matters
The Glock G43 is a semi-automatic pistol chambered in 9x19mm Parabellum, produced by Glock Ges.m.b.H. since 2015. This Austrian-manufactured firearm reflects the engineering traditions and quality standards of its country of origin, designed to meet the demands of both civilian and professional users in a competitive global marketplace. Featuring a 6-round magazine capacity, this pistol offers compact firepower for concealed carry applications. The striker-fired action provides a consistent trigger pull for every shot, simplifying training and reducing the manual of arms - a design philosophy that has become the dominant paradigm in modern defensive handguns. With a 3.4-inch barrel, this firearm prioritizes concealability for everyday carry while still delivering adequate ballistic performance at defensive distances. At 510g (18.0 oz) unloaded, this lightweight firearm is optimized for comfortable all-day carry without creating undue fatigue or printing concerns. The polymer frame construction reduces weight while providing a textured, ergonomic grip surface designed for secure handling in all conditions. This firearm represents its manufacturer's commitment to delivering a well-engineered, reliable product that serves the needs of discerning shooters seeking quality, accuracy, and dependable performance from a proven platform.
The Glock 43 was arguably the most anticipated handgun release of the 2010s. For years, the phrase 'Glock single-stack 9mm' was the most requested product in the firearms industry. When Glock finally delivered, the G43 sold out everywhere within days of its release. Despite later being overshadowed by higher-capacity micro-compacts from SIG Sauer and Springfield, the G43 remains a beloved choice for those who prioritize an ultra-slim profile above all else.
The G43 was unveiled at the 2015 NRA Annual Meeting to enormous anticipation. Glock had been the last major manufacturer without a single-stack 9mm, and the G43's announcement was one of the most hyped product reveals in firearms history. The pistol features a dual recoil spring assembly for reduced felt recoil and a reversible magazine catch. While its 6+1 capacity was considered low compared to competitors like the Springfield Hellcat (11+1) and SIG P365 (10+1), the G43 compensated with an incredibly slim profile and simple reliability. Optional +1 and +2 magazine extensions are available from Glock and aftermarket manufacturers.
Specification
Everything measured
IdentityWhat it is, who built it and when.
- Manufacturer
- Glock Ges.m.b.H.
- Category
- Pistol
- Country
- Austria
- Status
- In production
- Produced
- 2015
DimensionsAs issued, without a magazine or an optic.
- Barrel
- 86 mm
- Overall length
- 159 mm
- Height
- 108 mm
- Width
- 27 mm
- Sight radius
- 133 mm
- Weight, empty
- 510 g
- Weight, loaded
- 652 g
ActionHow it cycles, what trips it, and what feeds it.
- Action
- Short recoil
- Firing mechanism
- Striker fired
- Trigger
- Safe action
- Trigger pull
- 24.0 N
- Capacity
- 6
- Magazine
- Detachable box
MaterialsEach swatch is the material itself, not a colour chosen to stand for it.
- Frame
- Polymer
- Slide
- Steel
- Barrel
- Steel
- Finish
- Tenifer
BallisticsFrom the service cartridge, not a handload.
- Muzzle velocity
- 350 m/s
- Muzzle energy
- 456 J
- Effective range
- 25 m
- Maximum range
- 1800 m
Trajectory
What the round does downrange
Solved from the muzzle figures and the bullet. The dashed rule is the effective range on the record, and the crosses are the steps the solver returned.
Features
What it has
What the record lists as fitted, drawn from the catalogue.
Slimline frame
Single stack magazine
Polygonal rifling
Safe action trigger
Reversible mag release
Built in beavertail
Standing
How it compares
Each figure against the firearms of the same type and cartridge that record it, or of the same type where that cartridge has too few. Positions are read to the nearest tenth.
| Measurement | This firearm | Median | Position |
|---|---|---|---|
| Empty weightAmong 560 9x19mm Parabellum pistols | 510 g | 765 g | Lighter than about 90% |
| Overall lengthAmong 559 9x19mm Parabellum pistols | 159 mm | 191 mm | Shorter than about 90% |
| Barrel lengthAmong 569 9x19mm Parabellum pistols | 86 mm | 105 mm | Shorter than about 90% |
| Magazine capacityAmong 571 9x19mm Parabellum pistols | 6 | 15 | Holds fewer rounds than about 90% |
Answers
Questions about the Glock G43
How much does the Glock G43 weigh?
The Glock G43 weighs 510 g (1.12 lb) empty and 652 g (1.44 lb) loaded.
What caliber is the Glock G43?
The Glock G43 is chambered in 9x19mm Parabellum.
How many rounds does the Glock G43 hold?
The Glock G43 holds 6 rounds, fed from a detachable box magazine.
How long is the Glock G43?
The Glock G43 is 159 mm (6.26 in) long overall, with a 86 mm (3.39 in) barrel.
Who makes the Glock G43?
The Glock G43 is made by Glock Ges.m.b.H. (Austria). It was designed by Gaston Glock.
When was the Glock G43 introduced?
The Glock G43 was introduced in 2015.
How does the Glock G43 operate?
The Glock G43 uses a short recoil action, and its firing mechanism is striker fired.
Compatibility
Which parts fit this firearm
Studio
Every part that mounts on this, resolved
Not a list the maker typed out: the answer comes from the mounts this firearm exposes and the interface each part needs, so it stays right when either one changes.
- Every part that mounts on any firearm in the catalogue
- Interface standards, platforms and fit overrides
- The same answers through the API and the MCP server
Requires a signed-in GunSpec account on the Studio plan. The answer is computed per part, so it is not part of the public record.
Provenance
What the record holds
Every figure above was taken from one of these pages. The confidence reflects how much of the record came from a page a claim can be checked against.
In service
- Various U.S. Law Enforcement Agencies
- United States
- Civilian Concealed Carry Market
- 2015
Provenance
Confidence in this record
92%
Stockists
Where to buy
Offers link straight to the shop. GunSpec never takes the order.
No shop has listed this firearm yet
Stock and prices come from the shops themselves. If you sell this firearm, you can list it and it appears here.
List a firearmMCP
Ask an assistant about it
The same record, reached the way a person asks for it rather than the way a program does.
Ask GunSpec
Works with
Point an MCP client at GunSpec and it answers from the catalogue rather than from memory. A free key covers the read tools.
API
The call that returns this record
The same fields, in the same units, from the same endpoint the page reads.
curl --request GET \ --url 'https://api.gunspec.io/v1/firearms/glock-g43' \ --header 'X-API-Key: your_key'{ "id": "glock-g43", "name": "Glock G43", "manufacturer": { "id": "glock", "name": "Glock Ges.m.b.H.", "countryCode": "AT", "foundedYear": 1963, "website": "https://www.glock.com", "logoUrl": null, "description": null, "status": null, "defunctYear": null, "stateOwned": null, "makesFirearms": null, "parentId": null, "predecessorId": null, "createdAt": "2026-02-11 23:44:38", "updatedAt": "2026-02-18 03:43:49", "version": "3082b5f3edc3e54ca4f0993c68dba8c456b4f86e8759e3310ef604da566477d6" }, "category": { "id": "pistol", "name": "Pistol", "description": "Handguns designed to be fired with one or two hands" }, "country_of_origin": "AT", "year_introduced": 2015, "barrel_length_mm": 86, "weight_empty_g": 510, "action_type": "short_recoil"}