Concealed Carry Comparison: Glock 43X vs. 48

Glock pistols are among the most popular handguns in the United States for nearly any application imaginable. Whether you enjoy target shooting, competition, self-defense, collecting, or simply like to exercise your rights, you’re likely to own or have considered Glocks at least once.

Among the many self-defense handguns on the market, Glock’s offerings are one of the most recommended. Some of the most popular home defense and concealed carrying models include the classic Glock 17, 19, and 26 in 9x19mm. These models have been in continuous production since their introduction in the 1980s and 1990s, receiving periodic updates and technological advancements.

However, the Austrian gun manufacturer has released many other new handguns since. Some of Glock’s newer guns, such as the Glock 43X and Glock 48, offer new frame sizes and combinations of barrel length, capacity, and concealability the classic 9mm Glocks couldn’t.

Discover the characteristics, similarities, and differences of the Glock 43X vs. 48 and why you should consider either model for concealed carry and personal protection.

Background and Predecessor Models

In 2015, Glock released the Glock 43, a subcompact, slim-framed pistol chambered in 9x19mm that was widely viewed as 9mm equivalent to the .380 ACP Glock 42. The G43 achieved success soon after its introduction and became one of the most popular concealed-carry pistols in the United States. It featured similar dimensions to the classic Glock 26 but with a thinner frame and a single-stack 6-round magazine.

The G43 traded the Glock’s advantage of capacity for thinner frame dimensions, resulting in a lighter and easier-to-conceal pistol. However, it also had many of the same disadvantages as the G26, such as a short grip and sight radius. For most shooters, it is impossible or impractical to get a full, five-fingered grip on these handguns.

In 2017, Glock announced Generation 5, a list of technological changes intended to improve current and future models over the previous Gen 3 and Gen 4 models. The official first Gen 5 pistols were updated versions of classics like the G17, G19, G22, or G26. Some of the most significant changes introduced include:

• High-accuracy Glock Marksman Barrel (GMB) with more aggressive polygonal rifling and match-grade crown
• Deletion of the finger grooves, returning Glock frames to a retro, Gen 2-like style
• Addition of front slide serrations
• Flared magazine well, encouraging faster reloading
• Ambidextrous slide stop levers, improving left-handed ergonomics

Not all Gen 5 changes are reflected in every Glock pistol released after 2017, including on models with the Gen 5 designation. However, they reflect the manufacturer’s new overall direction, serving as a baseline for models released afterward.

Glock 43X Specifications and Characteristics

The Glock 43X can be viewed as an extended version of the original Glock 43 with many of the new Generation 5 features and design elements. Glock released the 43X in early 2019, extending the then-new Subcompact Slimline product family.

Like the G43, the Glock 43X features a slim, 1.1” frame designed to accommodate a single-stack magazine. It is 0.2” thinner compared to a Glock 26 Gen 5 and virtually equal in width to the original G43 (1.06”).

The most important differences between the original G43 and the G43X are in the frame. You will find a taller grip and a longer, higher-capacity magazine, 10 rounds instead of the G43’s standard of 6. Other changes include front slide serrations and a Glock Marksman Barrel, similar to those in the Gen 5 pistols.

While the G43X features a taller grip and frame compared to the G43, the barrel and slide length are identical. These dimensions make the G43X a hybrid of a classic Glock subcompact and a larger compact pistol, emphasizing its intended role as a new-generation concealed carry pistol.

The Glock 43X is as easy to conceal and carry in a concealment holster as a G43 while being more comfortable to grip and shoot. If you have a Glock 43 and a compatible holster, the same slide dimensions mean you can also carry your G43X with it.

However, the magazines will not interchange with the original G43, including aftermarket, extended G43 magazines capable of clearing the G43X’s frame. This is because the magazine release cut on the mag bodies are in slightly different positions.

Model Specifications (Glock 43X)

• Product family: Subcompact Slimline
• Caliber: 9x19mm Parabellum
• Overall length: 6.5”
• Barrel length: 3.41”
• Height: 5.04” with standard magazine inserted
• Width: 1.1”
• Standard capacity: 10+1 with OEM magazines, 15+1 with third-party steel magazines
• Weight: 18.70 oz. with an empty magazine inserted
• Trigger pull weight: Approx 5.4 lbs.

Glock 48 Specifications and Characteristics

Launched alongside the Glock 43X, the Glock 48 takes the Glock 43’s design even further. In addition to the G43X’s extended grip height, the G48 features a longer barrel and matching slide, bringing the pistol more in line with classic compact Glocks like the G19, G23, or G32.

Like its G43X counterpart, the G48 also features a Glock Marksman Barrel, extended to 4.17” instead of 3.41”. Although the difference is minimal and may not be felt in everyday shooting, it places the G48’s barrel length in a unique position: Slightly longer than a standard Glock compact (about 4.01”) but shorter than a full-size (4.49”).

Another unique change is the design of the slide compared to the frame. Unlike a traditional compact frame, where the frame length typically matches the slide for a flush fit, the G48 reuses the same frame length as the G43X. Glock designed the slide’s front end with an underside extension to avoid leaving a gap in the slide under the barrel, giving the pistol’s nose and front end a distinctive look.

Generally, the Glock 48 is a G43X with a longer slide, barrel, and sight radius. It features the same design and ergonomics and can accept the same magazines. While this makes the G48 slightly less concealable than its shorter counterpart, you may find it easier to shoot accurately, making it a better general-purpose pistol.

If you are used to shooting the Glock 19 and the Glock 26, you may find the differences between the G43X and G48 are similar to those between the G19 and G26.

Model Specifications (Glock 48)

• Product family: Subcompact Slimline
• Caliber: 9x19mm Parabellum
• Overall length: 7.28”
• Barrel length: 4.17”
• Height: 5.04” with standard magazine inserted
• Width: 1.1”
• Standard capacity: 10+1 with OEM magazines, 15+1 with third-party steel magazines
• Weight: 20.74 oz. with an empty magazine inserted
• Trigger pull weight: Approx. 5.4 lbs.

Glock 43X vs. 48: Variants

The Glock 43X and Glock 48 received a Modular Optic System (MOS) variant, the G43X MOS and G48 MOS, respectively. Glock announced both models in the summer of 2020, further extending the Slimline product family.

The modifications introduced by the MOS variants are identical on both models. Each handgun received an optics-ready MOS slide, allowing shooters to install adaptor plates and appropriate pistol-sized red dot optics. Common optic options for the G43X MOS and G48 MOS include the Trijicon RMRcc, Shield RMSc, Holosun 507K, Leupold DeltaPoint, SIG Sauer RomeoZero, and Burris FastFire 4.

If you are considering a G43X MOS or a G48 MOS with a red dot sight installed for concealed carry, you may need to switch to a new holster. The sights may prevent your handgun from seating completely inside a holster designed for a non-red dot-equipped G43X or G48. Ensure your holster does not block the sight or features an appropriate sight cut.

Glock 43X vs. 48: What to Choose for Concealed Carry?

You may find more similarities than differences when comparing two Glock pistols, especially two models in the same caliber. This is especially true when comparing the G43X and G48, which are effectively identical aside from barrel and slide length.

Here is a breakdown of essential features and characteristics to consider for concealed carrying and the differences between the G43X and the G48:

Reliability of the Glock 43X vs. 48

Glock has a long-standing reputation for crafting highly durable and reliable pistols that will function even under the most adverse conditions or with minimal maintenance. While early production runs of the G43X were plagued by trigger issues, occasionally causing it to fail to reset after each shot, they have since been corrected.

Current-production versions of both models are just as reliable as any other Glock pistol. They will fire and cycle nearly any brand of 9x19mm ammunition, regardless of bullet weight or design.

The only exception is  lead bullets, such as hand-made projectiles produced by reloaders. However, this exception is not unique to the G43X and G48. Glock has long recommended shooters avoid using cast-lead or unjacketed projectiles due to the risk of lead fouling in the polygonal barrel.

Shooting Accuracy

From a purely mechanical point of view, the only major difference between the Glock 43X and the Glock 48 is the barrel length. The G48’s barrel and sight radius are about 0.76” longer than those of the G43X.

These differences are significant enough to make the Glock 48 feel more accurate. Assuming the same ammunition is used in both handguns, the G48 will produce a higher muzzle velocity and may have the mechanical accuracy to hit targets at longer distances than the G43X.

Unless you shoot at extended distances or have exceptional marksmanship, the difference in barrel lengths may not make a significant difference. However, the G48’s longer sight radius will help you see and correct sight alignment errors more efficiently, helping you hit smaller or more distant targets.

Ergonomics and Shooting Comfort

Both handguns feature identical frames, including the same grip texture, height, width, and relative position of controls. If one is comfortable to grip and hold in your hands, you will likely find the other equally as comfortable.

The only point to consider is weight and its effects on shooting comfort. The G48’s longer slide and barrel translate into more weight. While the difference is barely over 2 ounces (20.74 oz. vs. 18.70 oz. empty) and is unlikely to make a difference in your hands or your holster, it can affect your shooting experience.

The extra two ounces of weight are located above and forward of your shooting hand, making the G48 capable of absorbing shooting recoil slightly more efficiently. In practical conditions and with identical ammunition, you may find the G48 generates slightly less muzzle flip than the G43X.

Concealability of the Glock 43X vs. 48

When considering a concealed-carry pistol, you must consider whether to maximize ease of concealment or trade some in exchange for better ergonomics and performance. The differences between the G43X and the G48 represent an extreme example: as they are identical pistols aside from barrel and slide length, their differences are easier to discern.

Here, the choice is simple: the G48’s longer barrel is more accurate but risks printing more. The G43X’s shorter barrel and sight radius make it slightly less accurate but easier to conceal.

While both pistols are relatively easy to conceal compared to all other handguns on the market, consider your concealment priorities and choose accordingly.

Accessory Compatibility

Unlike traditional Glock pistols, which feature an accessory rail, the standard versions of the Glock 43X and Glock 48 are notable for having no rails or universal mounting points. Lights and laser sights designed to fit on a Picatinny rail or a similar attachment point may not fit unmodified G43X and G48 guns.

The G43X and G48 magazines are 100% interchangeable if you need aftermarket magazines. Third-party products compatible with one will fit in the other. A popular choice for both models is the Shield Arms S15 all-steel magazine. It increases the handgun’s capacity to 15+1 rounds while remaining flush with the frame.

This magazine allows you to make the G43X or G48 as capable as the Glock 19 while benefiting from their slimmer, more comfortable frames.

If you want to install accessories such as laser sights or tactical lights, you may need products specifically intended to interface with your handgun’s frame and trigger guard. An example is the CrimsonTrace Laserguard LG-443G, designed to fit the G42, G43, G43X, and G48.

Note that installing such accessories may affect compatibility with existing holsters. Ensure your G43X or G48 holster can accept your combination of handgun and light or laser.

Carry Your Favorite Glock in a Dependable Concealment Holster

When comparing the Glock 43X vs. 48 for concealed carry, it is critical to remember both handguns are dependable. Both are excellent choices for personal protection. Whether you prefer the smaller G43X or the more balanced G48, don’t forget to choose a holster that is as dependable and practical as your gun.

Incognito Concealment carries a wide selection of hand-crafted IWB and OWB holsters. Our products are made right here at our workshop in Michigan and are compatible with the G43X, G48, and hundreds of other handguns.