I’m always amazed at how many folks think I’m a Glock hater. It’s not a huge crowd, but it’s noticeable enough to catch my attention. The thing is, nothing could be further from the truth. When I reflect on it, though, I can see why some might jump to that conclusion. While I often recommend Glocks and acknowledge their well-earned reputation as reliable tools, I’m rarely seen shooting one. That’s simply because I’ve found alternatives I prefer in the categories I’ve explored. But just because I’ve made different choices doesn’t mean I’m not a fan or that Glocks aren’t great tools.

That said, Glock has come out on top a few times when I was in the market for a new pistol. Take the Glock 44 I wrote about last year or the Glock 48 a couple of years before that. But neither was my first Glock. That honor goes to the Glock 43. I mentioned it over five years ago, in the early days of this blog, in a post about my wife’s favorite pistols. I never got around to giving it a proper review. Honestly, it probably wouldn’t be getting one now if I hadn’t stumbled across it while reorganizing my safe the other day.

I’m not even sure I’d call this post a review. The Glock 43 isn’t new to the market or to me. I don’t remember what I paid for it or what came in the box—probably the usual Glock package: a hard plastic case, some reading material only lawyers care about, a cleaning rod and brush, a couple of magazines, and the gun itself.

Truth is, this pistol has been collecting dust in my safe for the better part of a decade, rarely seeing daylight, let alone a range. So why bother writing about it now? That’s a fair question. The answer: it’s a solid little defensive gun that I’ve treated the way most folks treat small defensive guns. It has a place in the defensive toolbox, but it comes with a laundry list of caveats. Let’s take a closer look.

The Glock 43

I think of the Glock 43—G43 for short—as a low-capacity, snub-nosed 9mm Glock. I’m about to say something that probably fuels the “Glock hater” perception, but I mean it as a compliment: if you’ve seen one Glock, you’ve seen them all. That’s a nod to Glock’s winning formula. They’re simple machines that do their job well. Sure, there are differences between models, but the similarities often overshadow them. Most Glocks share “the Glock trigger,” plastic “Glock sights,” and that distinctive “Glock grip angle.” They’re all polymer-framed, striker-fired, semi-automatic pistols with a consistent set of controls (takedown, mag release, slide stop, and safety features).

The G43 stands out due to its size and capacity. It’s a short-barreled (3.41 inches), small-gripped (4.25 inches from heel to slide top), single-stack (1.06 inches wide) semi-auto six-shooter—technically seven with a chambered round and a full magazine. At 16.23 ounces unloaded or 17.99 ounces loaded, it’s also remarkably lightweight.

These traits make it ideal for deep concealment, even pocket carry, which is critical in less permissive environments. The downside? There’s not much to grip, making it challenging—and for some, unpleasant—to shoot well. I don’t find it fun to shoot, which is exactly why it hasn’t seen a range bag since the summer of 2018.

I wish I could vouch for its reliability, but I haven’t shot it enough to confirm it lives up to Glock’s reputation. I’ve maybe run a 50-round box of range ammo through it, and that’s a generous estimate. Still, I assume it’s reliable, like most Glocks. I don’t recall hearing or reading about issues with the G43, which suggests it delivers on the brand’s promise. But it might also mean most folks don’t shoot these pocket blasters in high volume. I can’t remember seeing one at a class or match. Take that as you will.

My Thoughts on the Pocket Pistol

Rereading this, I realize I’m not exactly helping my case as a Glock fan. But my lack of enthusiasm isn’t about the brand or the G43 specifically—it’s about small pistols in general. They’re not fun to shoot, which makes it hard to find motivation to train with them. That’s a problem for a defensive tool, especially since many folks already struggle to practice enough. I’m no exception here; I don’t train with it.

That said, when I set aside my bias against tiny blasters and consider pocket pistols as a category, the G43 shines. It chambers 9mm, a well-established defensive cartridge and arguably the current standard for two-legged threats. While it’s small and tough to shoot well, I can’t think of a semi-auto in this form factor that’s easier to manage. It’s a viable alternative to a J-frame revolver for pocket carry or as a backup gun, with up to two extra rounds on tap.

Would I buy a Glock 43 again if I needed a small defensive pistol today? Yes. But knowing what I know now, I’d carefully consider whether a pistol this small is truly necessary before pulling the trigger on a purchase. I wouldn’t kid myself into thinking I’d practice with it or shoot it for fun in any meaningful way. That might change if it were my only gun or one I carried regularly, but neither applies to me.

Final Musings

In the world of small defensive pistols, I like the G43—a lot. But let’s be real: it’s a small pistol, and it comes with all the caveats of its kind. That’s worth keeping in mind because choosing a defensive tool is a serious decision, not to be taken lightly. If possible, I’d encourage anyone eyeing this pistol to consider something larger, more capable, and more enjoyable to shoot.