The Glock 43 is a subcompact 9mm Luger pistol with a 3.4-inch cold hammer-forged barrel using polygonal rifling. It weighs 17.95 oz unloaded, measures 6.26 inches overall, and holds 6+1 rounds. The polymer frame keeps the weight down for all-day carry and the matte black finish resists corrosion. 
 
Key Specifications: 

• Caliber: 9mm Luger 
• Model Name: Glock 43 
• Type: Semi-Auto Pistol 
• Action: DAO (Double Action Only) 
• Capacity: 6+1 
• Barrel Length: 3.4 inches 
• Overall Length: 6.26 inches 
• Weight (Unloaded): 1.0 lbs (17.95 oz) 
• Finish: Black Matte 
• Sights: White Dot 
• Grip Material: Polymer 
   
  Detailed Features: 
  Glock's Safe Action system runs three automatic safeties (trigger safety, firing pin safety, and drop safety) with no manual safety lever to engage. Trigger pull is approximately 5.5 lbs. The textured polymer grip improves retention during rapid fire. The thin profile is the defining characteristic: the G43 disappears under a t-shirt in a quality IWB holster.

The Glock 43 Gen 3 is one of the more widely-discussed carry guns, and the community consensus is predictable: it's compact, reliable, and has a massive aftermarket. Those three factors drive most purchase decisions.

Capacity is the most common criticism. Six rounds plus one in the chamber is workable but thin compared to 10-round options from SIG, Springfield, and Mossberg, and this comes up constantly in comparison threads. Some users with larger hands find the grip too short for a confident shooting grip. Holster choice and possible pinky extensions are standard follow-on discussions.

On reliability, the G43 rarely draws complaints. Owners report consistent performance across multiple ammunition types and carry conditions. The Safe Action trigger draws praise for its straightforward operation; there's nothing to learn and nothing to forget under stress.

When I first picked up the Glock 43 Gen 3, I could tell right away it was a solid everyday carry option. That slim, compact frame, the 3.4-inch barrel, and the 6-round single-stack mag make it almost too easy to conceal. Honestly, after a long day I’ve forgotten it was on my hip more times than I can count. It’s a small, lightweight pistol, no doubt, but the pinky extension on the grip gives just enough control, even for a guy with bigger hands like mine. And it's my wife's go-to Glock from the collection; she loves it over the 43X for its smaller size and ease of carry. Now, with that small profile come some trade-offs. Six rounds can feel like you’re running a little light, especially compared to the 10-round 43X, and the lack of front serrations means racking can take a little more effort. But if maximum concealment is your game, the Glock 43's slim build is hard to beat. If you want more rounds and don’t mind a larger grip, go with the 43X. But for me, the Glock 43 Gen 3 is a reliable, discreet carry that works when you need it.