I’m diving deep into compact firearms to bring you an in-the-field comparison that’s been on my mind for a while: the Taurus G3C Vs Glock 43X.
I aim to sift through the specs, feel, and performance of these popular choices so you can make an informed decision without all the guesswork.
| Feature | Taurus G3C | Glock 43X |
| Type | Striker-fired semi-auto | Safe Action® semi-auto |
| Caliber | 9mm Luger | 9x19mm |
| Capacity | 10+1 or 12+1 | Standard: 10 |
| Barrel Length | 3.2 inches | 3.41 inches |
| Overall Length (OAL) | 6.3 inches | 6.50 inches |
| Height | 5.1 inches | 5.04 inches (including mag.) |
| Width | 1.2 inches | 1.10 inches |
| Weight | 22 oz. | 18.70 oz. (with empty mag.) |
| Trigger Pull | 4.5 lb | ~5.4 lb (24 N converted) |
Overview: Taurus G3C
The Taurus G3C is a robust, striker-fired 9mm that’s been making waves for its affordability and reliability. Compact yet capable, it’s designed for everyday carry with confidence.
Specs
- Type: Striker-fired semi-auto centerfire
- Caliber: 9mm Luger
- Capacity: 10+1 or 12+1
- Barrel Length: 3.2 inches
- Overall Length (OAL): 6.3 inches
- Height: 5.1 inches
- Width: 1.2 inches
- Weight: 22 oz.
- Construction: Tenifer-coated slide, stippled polymer frame
- Trigger Pull: 4.5 lb
- Sights: Steel; serrated rear, white-dot front
- Safety Features: Manual thumb, trigger block
Overview: Glock 43X
The Glock 43X combines the classic Glock reliability with a sleek, slimline design, making it an excellent choice for concealed carry enthusiasts looking for a 9mm pistol.
Specs
- Type: Safe Action® semi-auto centerfire
- Caliber: 9x19mm
- Capacity: Standard: 10
- Barrel Length: 3.41 inches
- Overall Length (OAL): 6.50 inches
- Height: 5.04 inches (including mag.)
- Width: 1.10 inches
- Weight: 18.70 oz. (with an empty mag.)
- Construction: Polymer frame, steel slide
- Trigger Pull: ~5.4 lb (24 N converted)
- Safety Features: Integrated Safe Action® System
Features Comparison: Taurus G3C VS Glock 43X
1. Ergonomics and Comfort
Taurus G3C
The Taurus G3C makes a solid first impression with its ergonomic design tailored for a comfortable and secure shooting experience.
It boasts a stippled grip that enhances grip security, a well-placed thumb rest, and practical front slide serrations for improved operational ease.
However, its marginally wider body might pose a slight inconvenience for users prioritizing ultimate concealability. This design approach ensures that the shooter can maintain control and accuracy even in extended shooting sessions.
Glock 43X
The Glock 43X shines in the ergonomics department thanks to its slimline profile that significantly boosts comfort and concealment.
Its grip length and texture strike a perfect balance, providing a firm hold without being overly aggressive, thus facilitating ease of draw and holstering.
This sleek design contributes to the Glock 43X’s appeal among concealed carry users, who value the blend of ergonomics with the practicality of everyday carry, making it an ideal companion for personal defense.
Winner
In the arena of ergonomics and comfort, especially from the perspective of concealed carry, the Glock 43X emerges as the champion. Its slender frame promotes better concealability and provides a comfortable grip that does not compromise control or functionality.
Compared to the Taurus G3C, the Glock 43X’s design offers a more refined balance of ergonomics and concealability, making it the preferred choice for users seeking comfort without sacrificing performance.
2. Trigger Quality
Taurus G3C
The trigger system on the Taurus G3C deserves praise for its innovative design, featuring a flat-face trigger that delivers a crisp break and a commendably short reset.
This design and the unique double-strike capability provide an added level of reassurance for the shooter. While the trigger pull might feel a tad heavier when directly compared to other models, it nonetheless offers a responsive shooting experience that can be particularly beneficial in stress-induced shooting scenarios.
Glock 43X
Glock’s 43X boasts the renowned Safe Action trigger, celebrated for its consistent and smooth pull followed by a clean break. While not the lightest available, this trigger system emphasizes reliability and predictability.
The smoothness of the pull, combined with a quick reset, facilitates rapid follow-up shots, making the Glock 43X a dependable option for both seasoned shooters and novices. Its predictable nature enhances shooter confidence in varied shooting conditions.
Winner
In the domain of trigger quality, the Glock 43X narrowly surpasses the Taurus G3C. The Glock’s Safe Action trigger system provides a level of smoothness and consistency that is hard to match, offering shooters a predictable and reliable shooting experience.
While the G3C’s trigger is commendable, especially with its double-strike capability, the 43X’s trigger delivers a more refined performance. This makes the Glock 43X the preferred choice for those prioritizing trigger quality.
3. Reliability and Durability
Taurus G3C
The Taurus G3C has proven to be a reliable companion in various shooting environments, adeptly handling different types of ammunition without any significant issues.
Its robust construction, highlighted by a Tenifer-coated slide, underpins its durability, ensuring the G3C is up to frequent use of rigors. Nevertheless, some users might notice visible wear over time, raising questions about its long-term durability. Despite this, the G3C’s performance in field tests underscores its reliability as a self-defense tool.
Glock 43X
The Glock 43X’s reputation for reliability is well-founded, with countless reports of flawless performance over extensive rounds of firing.
Its superior build quality, utilizing high-grade materials, ensures minimal wear even under strenuous conditions, a testament to Glock’s commitment to durability.
This track record of dependability, combined with the minimal maintenance required to keep the 43X in top condition, makes it a standout choice for anyone seeking a firearm that promises longevity and consistent operation.
Winner
The Glock 43X takes the lead in reliability and durability, standing on the formidable legacy of Glock’s engineering excellence.
Its ability to perform consistently over time, with little to no degradation in quality, sets it apart from the Taurus G3C. While the G3C offers reliable performance, the 43X’s proven track record in enduring harsh conditions with minimal wear positions it as the superior option.
This makes the Glock 43X the go-to firearm for users who demand unwavering reliability and durability.
4. Aftermarket Support and Customization Options
Taurus G3C
The Taurus G3C, while increasingly popular, still needs to catch up in the realm of aftermarket support. Finding custom parts, such as upgraded triggers or specialized sights, can be more challenging. However, it accepts Glock sights, which slightly widens its customization options.
Yet, the market for holsters and other accessories tailored to the G3C isn’t as vast as the gun.
Glock 43X
Glock’s massive aftermarket support is unrivaled, and the 43X benefits from this ecosystem. The options are endless, whether you’re looking for triggers, barrels, sights, or holsters.
This extensive support makes customizing the 43X easier and allows for a more personalized shooting experience. The availability of accessories like magazine extensions and custom slides sets it apart.
Winner
The clear winner in aftermarket support and customization options is the Glock 43X.
Its vast array of available accessories and parts easily outpaces what’s available for the G3C, offering owners more flexibility to tailor their firearm to their specific needs compared to the gun.
Pros & Cons of Taurus G3C
Pros
- Affordable price point.
- Good ergonomics and comfortable grip.
- Double-strike capability.
Cons
- Limited aftermarket support.
- Visible wear on finish over time.
- Slightly wider, affecting concealability.
Pros & Cons of Glock 43X
Pros
- Extensive aftermarket support.
- Reliable and durable.
- Slim profile for better concealability.
Cons
- Higher price point compared to the G3C.
- Stock trigger and sights may require upgrades.
Similarities Between Taurus G3C & Glock 43X
- Both are striker-fired 9mm pistols.
- Similar overall length and height dimensions.
- Designed for concealed carry.
- Feature polymer frames and steel slides.
- Offer manual safety options.
Differences Between Taurus G3C & Glock 43X
- G3C has a slightly longer barrel (3.2″ vs. 3.41″).
- Glock 43X is lighter with an empty magazine.
- Taurus G3C offers a double-strike capability.
- Glock 43X has broader aftermarket support.
- G3C has a Tenifer-coated slide; Glock’s finish is known for durability.
- G3C is generally more affordable.
- Glock 43X’s slim profile improves concealability and comfort.
Final Verdict
After thorough testing and comparison of the Taurus G3C and the Glock 43X, it’s clear that choosing a winner involves more than just tallying features; it requires considering what matters most to the individual shooter.
However, based on the criteria of ergonomics, trigger quality, reliability, durability, and aftermarket support, the Glock 43X has emerged as the winner in most comparisons.
While the Taurus G3C presents a compelling value proposition with its affordability and features, the Glock 43X’s consistent performance and customization options set it apart as my top pick.
FAQ’s
What competes with a Glock 43X?
The SIG P365 competes closely with the Glock 43X, offering similar quality, reliability, and market presence.
What Glock is the same size as a Taurus G3c?
The Taurus G3C falls between the size of a Glock 26 and a Glock 19, sharing a similar width but presenting a slightly slimmer feel.
Is a Taurus G3c a good concealed carry gun?
Yes, the Taurus G3c is well-sized for concealed carry, balancing compactness with a capacity that rivals even the Sig P365 and Springfield Hellcat.
Which gun is better, Taurus G2C or G3c?
While the G2C offers great value, the G3C builds upon this with enhancements for a slightly higher price, providing a more refined experience.
