Glock 43 initial impressions

[ray1970]

I'm pretty sure Bowers had the sights in stock last time I was there.

Also, if any of you guys prefer the magazine with the little extension on it I'd trade you mine for one with the flat base plate.

[hurley842002]

Aright, so here are my thoughts on the Glock 43 after a range trip, hope you don't mind me piggy backing on this thread Ray, just don't see a need for two separate G43 discussions. I'm still conflicted on the grip, it is a bit small front to back compared to the Shield, but I think some Talons would really help with this, and since Talons have pretty much become a mainstay for all my pistols, i'll be picking a set up ASAP.

I ran 170 rounds through the pistol (in a very short amount of time I might add), ammo consisted of the following (in order of firing sequence):

-50 rounds of Herters (S&B I think), 115 grain FMJ. This ammo really felt a bit snappy to me, and was not giving me a great first impression of the gun. The recoil almost felt 40S&W 'ish. Maybe I was just extra recoil sensitive today, but i'm being as accurate as possible.

-50 rounds of Federal American eagle 124 grain FMJ. This ammo is listed as 40 FPS faster than the Winchester NATO ammo that you can get, so it's not +P, but it's also not watered down either. This ammo was very mild mannered, even compared to the Herters 115 grain, and was by far my favorite load to shoot through the tiny Glock.

-50 rounds of Fiocchi 147 grain JHP. This is what I usually run through all my new 9mm pistols, as it's a pretty weak 147 grain hollow point, so if the pistol is going to struggle, it's likely to struggle with this ammo (in my opinion). The recoil on this ammo was about on par with the 124 grain, which usually isn't my experience with 147 grain, it's usually softer shooting.

-20 rounds Federal 124 grain HST. I wanted to run the HST, as this is what I carry in all my 9mm pistols. This was just a bit hotter than the 124 grain American eagle, but still pleasant to shoot.

All loads were very manageable as you'd expect from a 9mm. The G43 doesn't seem to handle recoil quite as well as the Shield, but in fairness, i've only been shooting the Shield with Talons, and I suspect that could make all the difference in the world (if you recall, I wasn't fond of the Shield sans Talons). To be honest, the "texture" on the G43, leaves a lot to be desired, as it's very mild, not allowing much in the way of grip. I also believe i've been too spoiled with the aluminum Apex trigger on my Shield, and was reminded how much I hate the serrations on the Glock trigger.

I liked the 43 enough, that I think i'll invest in sights, Talon's, and a smooth trigger, but outside of that, it's a pretty sweet little CCW piece. One issue I foresee running into until the G43 craze dies down, is spare mags. I really enjoy having the option to carry light, or stack deep with spare mags should I venture into unsavory locations, oh well. Now to get a holster for this thing.

[hurley842002]

Here is a pic of the 124 grain American Eagle ammo at 15 yards (50 rounds).



A couple stragglers, but I was trying to go as quickly as possible with my COM to head transitions.

[ray1970]

I had the Talon grips for my 43 before I even bought the pistol. The factory texture on the 43 is really not very grippy. The Talons went on as soon as I got home.

Oh, and if I know I am going someplace that makes me nervous, think I'll pass on stacking deep with a bunch of six round mags and saddle up with the 19.

[hurley842002]

Oh, and if I know I am going someplace that makes me nervous, think I'll pass on stacking deep with a bunch of six round mags and saddle up with the 19.

I agree, but it's all about options, I've found its sometimes still easier to conceal a small single stack, and a few mags, than it is a larger pistol.

[lex137]

Hell, I use to never carry a spare mag. Now I carry a spare mag no matter what. If crimes against individuals starts going up I'm going to carry my g17 or get a g19. Thanks for the wright up, still can't wait to get one.

[Rooskibar03]

I'm pretty sure Bowers had the sights in stock last time I was there.

Also, if any of you guys prefer the magazine with the little extension on it I'd trade you mine for one with the flat base plate.

Ill take you up on that.

[ray1970]

Ill take you up on that.

Ok. I'll shoot you a PM tomorrow and we'll see what we can work out.

[sroz]

Gregcotellc.com has mags for these. Just got the email today. $31 for the extended grip mags & $25 for the flat base mags. They also have G42 mags.

[hurley842002]

Gregcotellc.com has mags for these. Just got the email today. $31 for the extended grip mags & $25 for the flat base mags. They also have G42 mags.

All sold out, thanks for the heads up tho, got on the email list.