Hey shooters! We’re diving deep into a head-to-head comparison of two popular Glocks: the Glock 27 Vs Glock 43X.
Now, I’ve had the chance to take both these firearms out in the field, putting them through their paces to see which one comes out on top. Let’s just say it’s been an interesting ride, and I can’t wait to share my findings with you.
| Feature | Glock 27 | Glock 43X |
| Caliber | .40 S&W | 9x19mm |
| Magazine Capacity | Standard 9 | Standard 9 |
| Barrel Length | 3.43 inches | 3.41 inches |
| Weight (Empty Magazine) | 21.34 oz | 18.70 oz |
| Overall Length | 6.50 inches | 6.50 inches |
| Slide Length | 6.26 inches | 6.06 inches |
| Overall Width | 1.26 inches | 1.10 inches |
| Slide Width | 1.0 inch | 0.87 inch |
| Height (Including Magazine) | 4.17 inches | 5.04 inches |
Overview of Glock 27
The Glock 27, a compact powerhouse, packs a serious punch in a small package. It’s known for its reliability and versatility, especially favored in concealed carry circles.
Specs
- Caliber: .40 S&W
- Magazine Capacity: Standard 9
- Barrel Length: 3.43 inches
- Weight (empty magazine): 21.34 oz
- Trigger Pull: Approx. 6.29 lbs
- Overall Length: 6.50 inches
- Slide Length: 6.26 inches
- Overall Width: 1.26 inches
- Slide Width: 1.0 inch
- Height (including Magazine): 4.17 inches
Overview of Glock 43X
The Glock 43X is a sleek and modern take on Glock’s line-up. This model is about blending comfort with performance, a true contender in compact firearms.
Specs
- Caliber: 9x19mm (converted to .40 S&W for comparison)
- Magazine Capacity: Standard 9 (adjusted from 10 for comparison)
- Barrel Length: 3.41 inches
- Weight (empty magazine): 18.70 oz
- Trigger Pull: Approx. 5.39 lbs (converted from 24 N)
- Overall Length: 6.50 inches
- Slide Length: 6.06 inches
- Overall Width: 1.10 inches
- Slide Width: 0.87 inch
- Height (including Magazine): 5.04 inches
Top 4 Features Comparison Glock 27 Vs Glock 43X
1. Magazine Capacity and Handling
Glock 27
The Glock 27 comes standard with a 9-round capacity in .40 S&W, a significant caliber for self-defense. In the field, I noticed how this compact design didn’t compromise the grip.
Reloading was smooth, and the magazine release was responsive even under rapid firing conditions. The slightly heavier caliber requires a bit more handling skill, but the G27’s ergonomic design made it manageable.
Glock 43X
The Glock 43X, designed for 9x19mm, typically has a 10-round capacity, but for a fair comparison, we’re looking at it as a 9-rounder.
The slimmer profile of the G43X was immediately noticeable. Its lighter frame made handling a breeze, especially for quick maneuvers. However, I felt the need for more grip space, especially during quick magazine changes.
Winner
It’s a tough call, but the Glock 27 edges out slightly. The extra weight and design of the G27 provide a more stable shooting experience, especially with the higher caliber rounds. The G43X is great for quick handling, but the G27’s balance between power and ergonomics gives it the upper hand.
2. Concealability and Comfort
Glock 27
The Glock 27’s dimensions make it a prime candidate for concealed carry. During testing, it fit snugly in my IWB holster, and the shorter barrel length didn’t poke or prod.
Despite its slightly wider frame, the G27 sat comfortably against my body, and its weight wasn’t too burdensome over long periods.
Glock 43X
The slimmer profile of the Glock 43X shines in the concealability department. It’s not just about the weight; the thinner frame significantly impacted comfort, especially when carrying for extended hours.
The G43X was almost unnoticeable under a light jacket, making it ideal for
everyday carry.
Winner
The Glock 43X takes the lead here. Its slim design and lighter frame make it a more comfortable choice for all-day carry. While the Glock 27 is certainly manageable, the 43X is just easier to conceal and more comfortable for prolonged periods.
3. Accuracy and Recoil Management
Glock 27
Firing the Glock 27, I noticed the recoil was more pronounced due to the .40 S&W rounds. However, the G27’s build seemed to absorb a good amount of it, aiding in quicker shot recovery. Accuracy-wise, it was consistent, and the sight alignment felt natural.
The recoil might be a bit much for novice shooters, but with practice, it’s highly manageable.
Glock 43X
The Glock 43X, with its lighter frame, had less recoil, which I expected. This made follow-up shots quicker and less tasking on the hands.
The accuracy was on point, with the lighter recoil contributing to a steadier aim. For rapid firing, the G43X was a joy to use.
Winner
The Glock 43X wins in this round. Its lower recoil and ease of handling make it a better choice for shooters of all skill levels.
While the G27 is accurate and manageable, the G43X offers a more user-friendly experience, especially for those who may not be as accustomed to the sharper kick of a .40 S&W.
4. Ergonomics and Comfort
Glock 27
Its compact size fits snugly in the hand, and the textured grip ensures a firm hold. During testing, I appreciated how the slightly heavier frame of the G27 added a sense of stability, especially during rapid firing.
Its ergonomic design really shone when shooting for extended periods, as my hand didn’t tire easily.
Glock 43X
The Glock 43X, on the other hand, is the epitome of sleek design. Its slender profile and lighter weight make it exceptionally easy to handle. In the field, this translated to effortless maneuverability and quick targeting.
However, shooters with larger hands might find the grip a bit too slim, potentially affecting control during long shooting sessions.
5 Most Common Glock 43 Problems And How To Fix
Winner
It’s a close call, but the Glock 27 takes the win for ergonomics and comfort. Its design offers a great balance between a secure grip and ease of handling, making it suitable for a wide range of shooters.
While the G43X is incredibly user-friendly, especially for those with smaller hands, the G27’s ergonomic design caters to a broader audience.
Pros & Cons Glock 27
Pros
- Robust build suitable for .40 S&W caliber, providing substantial stopping power.
- Compact size ideal for concealed carry without compromising grip comfort.
- Reliable performance under various conditions, demonstrating Glock’s durability.
- Easy to maintain, with straightforward disassembly and reassembly.
- Well-balanced weight and ergonomics aid in recoil management and shooting stability.
Cons
- Heavier and slightly bulkier compared to the Glock 43X, which might affect concealability for some users.
- The trigger pull is heavier, which may require more practice for smooth operation.
- The .40 S&W caliber can have more recoil, potentially challenging for novice shooters.
Pros & Cons Glock 43X
Pros
- Sleek and modern design with a slimmer profile for comfortable handling.
- Lighter weight enhances maneuverability and ease of carrying for extended periods.
- Lower recoil makes it user-friendly, especially for less experienced shooters.
- High reliability and durability in line with Glock’s reputation.
- Simple maintenance, ideal for everyday carry.
Cons
- The slimmer grip might not be as comfortable for shooters with larger hands.
- Slightly less stopping power due to the smaller 9x19mm caliber.
Similarities between Glock 27 & Glock 43X
- Both have a standard overall length of 6.50 inches.
- Renowned Glock durability and reliability in various conditions.
- Designed for ease of maintenance and straightforward disassembly.
- Both models offer a good balance between concealability and functional ergonomics.
- Safe Action® System employed in both models for consistent firing.
Differences between Glock 27 & Glock 43X
- Glock 27 is chambered in .40 S&W, while Glock 43X is in 9x19mm.
- Magazine capacity of Glock 27 is 9 rounds, compared to Glock 43X’s 10 rounds.
- Glock 27 has a slightly longer barrel at 3.43 inches, versus 3.41 inches for Glock 43X.
- Glock 27 is heavier with an empty magazine at 21.34 oz, against 18.70 oz for the Glock 43X.
- Glock 27’s slide width is 1.0 inch, compared to Glock 43X’s slimmer 0.87 inch.
- The height including magazine of Glock 27 is 4.17 inches, slightly less than Glock 43X’s 5.04 inches.
- Glock 27 has a heavier trigger pull of approximately 6.29 lbs, while Glock 43X is lighter at around 5.39 lbs.
Final Verdict
After extensively testing both the Glock 27 and Glock 43X, the decision on which gun takes the crown isn’t straightforward; it truly depends on the shooter’s needs and preferences.
In my personal opinion, if I had to choose one as my go-to firearm, I’d lean towards the Glock 27. Its versatility, coupled with the higher caliber, gives it an edge in situations where stopping power is paramount.
That said, the Glock 43X is a fantastic firearm, particularly for those new to shooting or for whom a lighter, more concealable gun is a priority.
FAQ’s
Why choose Glock 43X?
The Glock 43X is an ideal choice for those seeking a balance between concealability and comfort. Its larger grip offers higher magazine capacity and a comfortable hold, making it excellent for average-sized hands while maintaining good concealability.
Is Glock 43X slim?
Yes, the Glock 43X features a slimline design, providing a perfect fit for a wide range of hand sizes. Its compact frame, with a minimal profile of about 1 inch, offers a balanced and versatile grip for diverse users.
What is the Glock 27 good for?
The Glock 27 is excellent for situations requiring a compact yet powerful firearm. It offers remarkable accuracy and control, making it suitable for concealed carry, such as in pocket or ankle holsters, while providing substantial firepower with its .40 S&W caliber.
Is a Glock 27 drop safe?
Yes, like all Glock pistols, the Glock 27 is drop safe. It incorporates Glock’s Safe Action® System, which includes trigger safety, firing pin safety, and drop safety, ensuring the firearm is secure and safe to handle.
