Glock 26 vs Glock 43: What is the Difference?

What is the difference between the Glock 43 vs 26? The Glock 26 is a double-stack 9mm with a 10+1 capacity, making it thicker and better for higher capacity. The Glock 43 is a slimmer, single-stack 9mm with a 6+1 capacity, optimized for deep concealment and lighter carry.

Each, the Glock 26 and Glock 43, are a very popular CCW pistol, and each has a lot to offer the person who carries it which has led to both becoming a very popular CCW gun.

The Glock 26, the original Baby Glock, has been a concealed carry and backup gun mainstay since its introduction in the 1990s. It's compact and concealable, but still has good carrying capacity.

The Glock 43 is Glock's single-stack subcompact, eminently convenient to carry. The only real strike anyone has against it is the carrying capacity...but you aren't going to find an easier gun to keep on you at all times.

But which is better? That's a bit harder to nail down. The differences between the two are rather slight on paper, but in the real world can add up to some fairly significant differences.

Brief Comparison Table between Glock 26 vs 43 (and G43X)

Feature	Glock 26	Glock 43	Glock 43X
Capacity	10+1 (double stack)	6+1 (single stack)	10+1
Weight (Unloaded)	21.7 oz	18 oz	16.4 oz
Weight (Spec Sheet)	19.4 oz	16.23 oz	16.4 oz
Width	1.18 in	1.06 in	1.1 in
Barrel Length	3.42 in	3.39 in	3.39 in
Overall Length	6.41 in	6.26 in	6.26 in
Height	4.17 in	4.25 in	5.04 in
Magazine Flexibility	Yes (G19, G17, 33-rd)	No	Limited (slim-frame mags)
Recoil Feel	More manageable	Snappier	Mild
Concealability	Moderate for subcompact	Excellent for deep carry	Great blend of comfort & capacity
Market Performance	Used demand ↑ 20 units YoY	$1M+ sales in first 3 years	Strong seller among slimline Glock fans
Average Price (New)	$543.14	~$450–$500	~$500
MSRP	~$500	~$550	~$500

What's the Point of Comparing the Glock 43 vs Glock 26?

When shooters compare the Glock 43 vs Glock 26, they’re making a decision that affects daily carry, comfort, concealability, and real-world readiness. The core dilemma boils down to a psychological and practical trade-off: slim, discreet carry versus greater firepower and magazine compatibility.

Comparing the Glock 43 vs Glock 26 helps shooters choose the right concealed carry pistol based on size, capacity, and comfort. The G43 is slimmer and lighter—ideal for deep concealment. The G26 offers more capacity and faster reloads with double-stack mags, and can even use larger Glock mags (like G19 or G17). So it's really about balancing concealability vs firepower and flexibility.

Understanding this comparison helps both new and experienced gun owners clarify their concealed carry priorities. Whether the goal is deep concealment for EDC, capacity for defensive readiness, or adaptability with magazine systems, this head-to-head comparison represents a critical crossroad in Glock’s concealed carry lineup.

Slim Profile vs Capacity: Concealment Trade-offs

Glock 43: Built for Minimalist Concealed Carry

The Glock 43 is a single-stack 9mm pistol designed for those who prioritize slimness and comfort above all else. Measuring just 1.06 inches in width and weighing only 18 oz unloaded, it virtually disappears under light clothing, making it ideal for appendix carry, ankle carry, or summer carry with minimal printing.

Its 6+1 capacity may seem limiting, but its design speaks to deep concealment needs—especially for those with smaller frames or who dress in business or activewear. The G43 excels in situations where discretion is non-negotiable.

According to Pew Pew Media, the G43 reached $1 million in sales within 3 years of launch, a testament to its market popularity—especially among first-time buyers and concealed carry permit holders seeking a dependable, no-frills handgun.

Glock 26: Concealability With Firepower Flexibility

The Glock 26, often dubbed the "baby Glock," offers a double-stack configuration with 10+1 capacity—nearly double that of the G43. Slightly thicker and heavier (1.18 inches wide, 21.7 oz unloaded), the G26 still qualifies as a subcompact, but edges into “chunky” territory for some carriers.

Where the G26 shines is in magazine flexibility. It can accept larger Glock mags like the G19 (15 rounds) or G17 (17 rounds), making it ideal for those who want to carry a spare mag with serious backup capacity. Reloads are also faster and more intuitive, thanks to a wider magwell and shorter grip-to-mag transition.

Its demand hasn’t gone unnoticed—True Gun Value lists the average new price at $543.14 and $358.60 used, with demand for used G26s increasing by 20 units over the past 12 months. That signals continued interest among CCW carriers and professionals seeking a modular subcompact that bridges the gap between micro and full-size handguns.

Carry Comfort vs Firepower: What Really Matters?

This comparison is about daily use and real-world performance. Here’s how the Glock 43 vs Glock 26 typically breaks down in user psychology:

• Comfort-first users lean toward the Glock 43. They value ease of concealment, especially in lightweight clothing or environments where discretion is key (urban professionals, runners, summer carry).

• Capacity-conscious carriers favor the Glock 26. They’re willing to accept more bulk in exchange for magazine flexibility, better grip ergonomics, and less frequent reloads—especially in a defensive scenario.

What often tips the scale?

Body type, holster system, and carry position. A smaller-framed person may find the G26 harder to conceal without printing, while a G43 might feel underpowered for someone used to double-stack firepower.

Magazine Compatibility and Reloading Speed

This is where the Glock 26 really stands out. Its compatibility with larger-capacity Glock magazines makes it a go-to option for carriers who want a low-profile primary gun with the option for high-capacity reloads.

• Glock 26: Accepts G19 (15 rounds), G17 (17 rounds), and even 33-round extended mags

• Glock 43: Limited to proprietary 6-round mags, with aftermarket options pushing it to 8–9 rounds

For those who train regularly and incorporate reload drills into their routine, the G26 is a clear winner. The faster mag changes, improved indexing, and fuller grip make a tangible difference.

Recoil Management and Shootability

While both pistols are chambered in 9mm, the Glock 26 handles recoil more comfortably thanks to its heavier frame and double-stack grip. This results in:

• Less muzzle flip

• Faster follow-up shots

• Better control during high-stress shooting

The Glock 43, being lighter and slimmer, tends to have snappier recoil—not unmanageable, but noticeable during rapid fire. For shooters with larger hands, the grip may feel cramped, affecting accuracy and comfort over extended range sessions.

Holster Compatibility and Daily Carry Systems

Both the Glock 43 and Glock 26 enjoy widespread support among holster makers. However, due to its popularity for deep concealment, the G43 is often featured in minimalist IWB holsters, belly bands, and appendix rigs tailored for comfort and low visibility.

The G26, being slightly bulkier, is often paired with more structured IWB systems or hybrid rigs that offer extra retention and comfort—particularly for all-day wear.

If you're exploring versatile CCW holster systems, Alien Gear Holsters offers adaptable platforms for both the G43 and G26, with options for inside-the-waistband (IWB), appendix carry, and multi-position carry rigs designed for stability and concealment.

BUT WAIT...THERE'S A Glock 43X!

Just when we thought it was settled...the Glock 43X comes along. The Glock 43X throws a further monkey wrench in the works because it's a Glock 43 with more capacity. In fact, it has the same capacity as the Glock 26, at 10+1 with Glock's new Slim 01 magazine.

Getting those 4 more rounds on board does come at a cost, though not too much in the grand scheme of things. The frame is widened by about 1 cm, just under 1.2 inches. The grip is also extended, to 5.04 inches, though it's the same shape and palmswell as the 43. Unloaded weight, however, is almost unchanged, as the 43X weighs isn't even 0.2 ounces heavier than the 43.

The slide and barrel length is unchanged, as it is actually a standard Glock 43 slide that rides on the frame though it gets a silver NVD finish. It is not, as Glock told me at SHOT Show, stainless.

So, the grip is about the same size as a Glock 19, but is thinner than the Glock 26, though capacity is the same as the latter. Does that mean it's less concealable? On the right person...maybe. But having handled and shot the 43X...frankly, if you can't conceal it, chances are pretty good that you're the problem not the gun.

If anything, the 43X is actually an improvement. It's more comfortable in the hand and you get a better grip on it than the 43. As we know, a good tight grip leads to better shooting, which we noted in our.

Shooting the Glock 26 vs Glock 43...And the Glock 43X

The on-paper measurements will also come into play when shooting the Glock 26 vs Glock 43. However, both of these guns are noted for shooting far easier than the compact size would suggest is the case. A truth of shooting of course is that the smaller the gun, the nastier it generally gets to shoot; smaller pistols, after all, lack the mass required to soak up recoil and get back on target faster.

Felt recoil is totally subjective though. Some shooters can find a tiny gun to be perfectly acceptable to shoot and others will swear it's the worst gun they've ever shot. Some shooters have found the 26 to be balanced enough between shootability and compact dimensions and others think the 43 is the better-shooting tiny Glock due to the slightly longer grip.

The 43X, on the other hand, is darn near perfect. You get a full grip in width, length and depth, but it's narrower than that of the 26, which is actually quite pleasant. Dare one say it...it's almost 1911-esque. The palmswell of the 43X fills the lower palm a bit better than the 43 does.

That said, the shorter grip has also led to a thriving aftermarket, including grip extensions for both these models. Some shooters eschew this and adapt to shooting with only two or three fingers on the grip in lieu of extending the grip at all. Whether that's acceptable to you is your decision. One advantage the 26 has here is that it can accept Glock 19 and Glock 17 magazines, should you prefer a full-size or compact magazine as a backup (helps at the range!) or if you'd prefer to carry with a G19 magazine with a grip sleeve, which is a popular practice with the Glock 26.

In the end, which is best? All are solid choices. The best bet is to get to a gun range that lets you rent one or both of them. Whichever you shoot best is the. 

As to the concealment issue, there are some people for whom even the 26 would be large enough to print on. If you wonder if you are such a person, hold a 26. If you think "I would have a hard time concealing this" then you're probably right.

About The Author Born in southeastern Washington State, Sam Hoober graduated in 2011 from Eastern Washington University. He resides in the great Inland Northwest, with his wife and child. His varied interests and hobbies include camping, fishing, hunting, and spending time at the gun range as often as possible.