As a professional shooter, I’ve had the privilege of testing various firearms, including the Glock 26 Vs Glock 43. Both are renowned for their reliability and ease of use, but how do they stack up against each other? Let’s dive in and find out.
| Feature | Glock 26 | Glock 43 |
| Caliber | .40 S&W | 9x19mm |
| Magazine Capacity | Standard 13 rounds | Standard 6 rounds |
| Barrel Length | 4.02 inches | 3.41 inches |
| Weight (without mag) | 21.34 oz | 16.23 oz |
| Overall Length | 7.28 inches | 6.26 inches |
| Overall Width | 1.26 inches | 1.06 inches |
| Height (incl. Mag) | 5.04 inches | 4.25 inches |
Glock 26
The Glock 26, often nicknamed the “baby Glock,” is a subcompact firearm designed for concealed carry without sacrificing firepower.
Specs
- Caliber: .40 S&W
- Magazine Capacity: Standard 13 rounds
- Barrel Length: 4.02 inches
- Weight without magazine: 21.34 oz
- Weight with empty magazine: 23.81 oz
- Weight with loaded magazine: 31.39 oz
- Trigger Pull: Approx. 6.29 lbs
- Overall Length: 7.28 inches
- Slide Length: 6.85 inches
- Overall Width: 1.26 inches
- Slide Width: 1.0 inch
- Height including Magazine: 5.04 inches
Glock 43
The Glock 43 shines as a highly concealable firearm, blending a slim design with the effectiveness of 9x19mm caliber.
Specs
- Caliber: 9x19mm
- Magazine Capacity: Standard 6 rounds
- Barrel Length: 3.41 inches
- Weight without magazine: 16.23 oz
- Weight with empty magazine: 17.99 oz
- Weight with loaded magazine: 20.64 oz
- Trigger Pull: 24 N
- Overall Length: 6.26 inches
- Slide Length: 6.06 inches
- Overall Width: 1.06 inches
- Slide Width: 0.87 inch
- Height including Magazine: 4.25 inches
Features Comparison: Glock 26 VS Glock 43
1. Size and Concealability
Glock 26
The Glock 26, with its slightly thicker frame, measures 1.26 inches in width and has an overall length of 6.5 inches. When I tested it out, I found that its subcompact design still allowed for a good grip and easy handling. It fits snugly in an IWB holster, although it’s a bit chunky for pocket carry. Its size makes it a versatile choice for concealed carry without feeling too bulky.
Glock 43
The Glock 43 is noticeably slimmer and lighter, with a width of just 1.06 inches and an overall length of 6.26 inches. During my field test, it was incredibly easy to conceal, practically disappearing in an IWB holster and feeling light enough for a comfortable all-day carry. Its sleek design makes it ideal for those who prioritize discretion over everything else.
Winner
For sheer concealability, the Glock 43 takes the crown. Its slender frame and lighter weight make it a breeze to carry discreetly. The Glock 26, while compact, can’t match the 43’s ability to blend seamlessly under clothing.
2. Magazine Capacity and Versatility
Glock 26
The Glock 26 stands out with its standard 13-round magazine capacity, and it can also accept larger Glock magazines, offering exceptional versatility. In my testing, I appreciated the ability to increase capacity with extended magazines or even using Glock 19 or 17 magazines, making it adaptable for different situations.
Glock 43
The Glock 43, with its standard 6-round capacity, falls short in a direct comparison. However, it does have aftermarket options for slightly extended magazines. In practice, though, these options don’t bring it close to the Glock 26’s capacity.
Winner
The Glock 26 clearly wins in terms of magazine capacity and versatility. Its ability to accommodate various magazine sizes gives it a significant edge, especially for those who value having more rounds at their disposal.
3. Shooting Comfort and Recoil Management
Glock 26
The Glock 26’s slightly wider frame disperses recoil over a larger area, making it more comfortable to shoot, especially in high-volume scenarios. In my tests, I found that the extra weight helped in managing recoil effectively, making it easier to maintain accuracy over extended shooting sessions.
Glock 43
The lighter Glock 43 can be more challenging to shoot due to its lighter frame and reduced size, leading to a snappier recoil. During testing, I noticed a bit more wrist snap, especially when firing rapidly. It requires a firmer grip and more practice to master its recoil.
Winner
The Glock 26 edges out as the winner for shooting comfort and recoil management. Its design allows for better recoil absorption and a more comfortable shooting experience, which is particularly important during extended use or in high-stress situations.
4. Ergonomics and Handling
Glock 26
The Glock 26’s ergonomics are impressive for a subcompact. Its slightly thicker grip, coupled with the double-stack magazine design, offers a solid and comfortable hold. During my field tests, I found the grip reassuringly steady, which is crucial for accurate shooting. This robust design, however, may not suit those with smaller hands.
Glock 43
The Glock 43, in contrast, boasts a slimmer profile that caters excellently to shooters with smaller hands. Its ergonomic design makes it easy to handle, especially in quick-draw scenarios. During testing, I appreciated its sleek form that didn’t compromise on a secure grip, though it felt less substantial than the Glock 26.
Winner
The winner here depends on personal preference. For those who prefer a more substantial grip, the Glock 26 excels. However, for shooters looking for a slimmer, more agile handling experience, the Glock 43 is a clear choice.
Pros & Cons of Glock 26
Pros
- Higher magazine capacity (standard 13 rounds).
- Accepts larger Glock magazines for increased capacity.
- Wider grip offers better recoil management.
- Robust and durable design.
- More comfortable for high-volume shooting.
Cons
- Bulkier, making it slightly harder to conceal.
- Heavier than the Glock 43, affecting comfort for all-day carry.
Pros & Cons of Glock 43
Pros
- Slim and light, excellent for concealed carry.
- Ideal for shooters with smaller hands.
- Discreet and easily concealable in various clothing.
- More comfortable for long durations of wear.
Cons
- Lower standard magazine capacity (6 rounds).
- Limited aftermarket support for magazine extensions.
Similarities between Glock 26 & Glock 43
- Both are part of Glock’s line of compact firearms.
- Designed for concealed carry and personal defense.
- Feature Glock’s Safe Action® System.
- Renowned for reliability and durability.
- Both have a reputation for ease of use and maintenance.
Differences between Glock 26 & Glock 43
- Glock 26 uses .40 S&W caliber, Glock 43 uses 9x19mm.
- Glock 26 has a higher standard magazine capacity.
- Glock 26 is heavier and thicker than the Glock 43.
- Glock 43 is more slender and lighter, ideal for deeper concealment.
- Glock 26 can accept larger double-stack magazines, increasing versatility.
- Glock 43 is more suitable for shooters with smaller hands.
- Glock 26 offers better recoil control due to its wider frame.
- Glock 43 has a slightly shorter overall length and height.
- The Glock 26 is more suited for high-volume shooting scenarios.
- Glock 43’s sleek design appeals to those prioritizing style and ease of carry.
Final Verdict
After thoroughly testing both the Glock 26 and Glock 43, it’s clear that each gun has its unique strengths, making them both excellent in their respective domains.
Choosing the “winner” isn’t straightforward, as it largely depends on individual preferences and specific needs. If I had to pick one for everyday carry, I’d lean towards the Glock 43 for its superior concealability and comfort.
FAQ’s
Is a Glock 43 better than a Glock 26?
The Glock 43’s thinner profile makes it slightly better for deep-concealment, while the Glock 26 offers a larger magazine capacity.
Glock 26 vs Glock 43 – Better Self Defense or CCW Option?
Both are excellent choices for self-defense or CCW. The G26 offers larger capacity, while the G43 excels in deep-concealment.
Is a Glock 26 a pocket pistol?
The Glock 26 is often considered pocket-sized perfection, offering a balance of compactness and capacity.
Is Glock 43 safe?
Yes, like all Glocks, the G43 has three passive, independent safeties in its Safe Action System, ensuring it fires only when intended.
Is Glock 43 easy to carry?
Yes, the Glock 43’s small size makes it easy to carry, especially in appendix carry, although its short slide length might affect grip accessibility.
What is Glock 26 best for?
The Glock 26 is ideal for concealed carry, offering higher capacity and compatibility with magazines from larger Glock models.
