9mm Slimline Pistol Shootout: New GLOCK 43X and 48

Which is most easily concealed, reliable, accurate, and hard-hitting? We liked one in particular.

The growth of the concealable 9mm Luger handgun market continues to grow apace, with seemingly dozens of new models being introduced every year from makers all over the world. This suggests a vital and interested market because manufacturers wouldn’t be building guns for people who wouldn’t buy them. That includes Gun Tests readers, of course, who are always on the lookout for a better mousetrap. Here, we look at two new models from GLOCK.

The GLOCK 48 isn’t a slim-line version of the GLOCK G19, but is instead a redesigned pistol that is only roughly the same dimensions. In length and height, it is similar to the GLOCK 19 9mm. But the GLOCK G48 is much thinner in both the slide and the grip frame. This results in a package that is considerably easier to conceal than the GLOCK 19.

Next up was the GLOCK 43X, which comes with Ameriglo night sights. A standard Glock-night-sight-equipped pistol. The pistol is similar in concept to the GLOCK 48. The GLOCK 43X is a GLOCK 43 with a longer grip that holds a 10-round magazine. The grip and hand fit area are identical to the GLOCK 48. However, each frame will not accept the other’s slide. Each slide features a nicely beveled edge that makes for easier re-holstering. Each also features the 0.75-inch longer grip compared to the GLOCK 43, and gets the capacity up past revolver-like numbers. The GLOCK 43X is 2 ounces lighter than the GLOCK 48, 0.8 inch shorter and measures out at the same height, trigger span, and other elements. The sight radius is almost 0.8 shorter.

The GLOCK G43X, whose grip and hand fit area are identical to the GLOCK 48. The GLOCK 43X is 2 ounces lighter than the GLOCK 48, 0.8 inch shorter and measures out at the same height, trigger span, and other elements.

The GLOCK 48 has been the subject of some misconception. The pistol isn’t a slim-line version of the GLOCK 19, but is instead a redesigned pistol that is only roughly the same dimensions, in a one-dimensional sense, as the GLOCK 19. In length and height, it is similar to the GLOCK 19 9mm. But the GLOCK 48 is much thinner in both the slide and the grip frame. This results in a package that is considerably easier to conceal than the GLOCK 19. The GLOCK 48 is based on the GLOCK 43 9mm, with the GLOCK 48 featuring a longer slide and higher grip frame.

The GLOCK 45 9mm, top, has more aggressive pebbling compared to the thinner GLOCK 48 on bottom.

We liked the forward cocking serrations on the GLOCKs. The GLOCK 48 field strips as easily as any other GLOCK.

We kept the steel plates ringing with Ameriglo’s orange front dot, which offered a contrast on both white and black surfaces.

The GLOCK 43X, bottom, is much thinner than the GLOCK 45 9mm, top, and holds 10 rounds of ammunition compared to 17 in the G45’s magazine.