Testing the new G43x and G48 on the range (VIDEO)

The new Glock 43x and 48 made an unexpected entrance into the handgun market at the very tail end of 2018. Both of these guns are single stack 9mm that build off the original Glock 43 line of pistols. The G43x and G48 have slightly wider and longer grips than the G43 which gives them a greater capacity at 10+1. I had the opportunity to put in a solid range session with these two new handguns to see how they handled.

I removed these Glocks straight from their Tupperware containers and took them straight to the range without lubrication. I loaded up the 10 round mags with an assortment of ammo and began to get the guns hot. The first thing I did notice was how far these guns kicked out the spent brass. That always seems to be a good sign when a gun can spit out the casings with authority. Glock is also known for their boring reliability so having a total of zero malfunctions out of 300 rounds was not a surprise.

The G43x and G48 have slightly wider and longer grips than the G43 which gives them a greater capacity at 10+1. (Photo: Ben Brown/Guns.com)

If you were not a fan of the standard G43’s grip with a flush fit mag then these new Glocks will definitely be much more appreciated with their longer grips. The “snappiness” from the small profile is a bit more manageable due to the increased grip size. I would not equate the ergonomics to a full size or compact Glock but definitely an improvement over the standard G43.

Aftermarket accessories for the Glock 43x and 48 should be plentiful because of the capability with its predecessor the Glock 43. There is one big exception to this though and that is the magazines. I find it extremely unfortunate that the mags from the G43 will not work in the G43x/G48. I am not totally sure why Glock did this but for the most part all other accessories like sights, mag releases, and holsters from the G43 should work. I would double check your holster fitment with the G43x/G48 but every G43 holster I have tried with these new models has worked.

The G43x and 48 are thinner and are not a total compromise on capacity. These guns are definitely a comfortable way to carry 10 +1 rounds and concealing them should not be that much more difficult than the original G43. (Photo: Ben Brown/Guns.com)

For some odd reason every Glock 43x and 48 I have seen out in the publics hands has had two tone look. The slides are a silver and the frames are the traditional black polymer. I am not sure if this will be the norm for all future versions or this is an early run type of thing. Of course if silver is not your preferred color there is no shortage of places to send your slide for cerakote.

These new offerings from Glock are obviously designed around the needs of the concealed carrier and they do solve a couple issues that some of you maybe had carrying a G19, G26, or G43. The G43x and 48 are thinner and are not a total compromise on capacity. These guns are definitely a comfortable way to carry 10 +1 rounds and concealing them should not be that much more difficult than the original G43.

They both shot equally well but I can NOT say that the longer G48 sight radius made it any easier to connect with targets. Recoil felt about the same with both units. (Photo: Ben Brown/Guns.com)

If I had to pick my favorite between the two I would say the G43x gets my vote. With the G48’s slide being the same length as a Glock 19, the G43x makes more sense to me. They both shot equally well but I can NOT say that the longer G48 sight radius made it any easier to connect with targets. Recoil felt about the same with both units. So why not go with the smallest possible package? If I am need of more ergonomics or sight radius I would probably just step up to a double stack offering from Glock. Either way I am sure Glock will sell quite a few of both.

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