The Glock 43 is a single-stack 9mm subcompact featuring a 3.39" barrel, 6-round capacity, and Glock's Safe Action striker-fired system engineered specifically for ultra-concealable everyday carry.
Weighing just 16-18 ounces unloaded with overall dimensions of 6.26" length and 4.25" height, the G43 delivers reliable 9mm performance in a package small enough for pocket or deep IWB concealment.
Its mature accessory ecosystem centers on concealment-oriented holsters, improved sights and optics, magazine extensions, micro lights designed for rail-less frames, and extensive small parts allowing incremental customization while preserving Glock's proven reliability.
1. Holsters for the Glock 43
Glock 43 Holster selection proves critical for its defensive role, as the pistol's slim profile and light weight demand proper retention and trigger guard coverage regardless of carry position.
Alien Gear Holsters manufactures dedicated systems for the Glock 43 addressing the unique challenges of single-stack subcompact carry across multiple positions and retention levels.
IWB Holsters
Inside-the-waistband holsters position the G43 between clothing and body, offering excellent concealment beneath untucked shirts or light jackets. The pistol's narrow 0.95" slide width and light weight make IWB carry comfortable for extended periods without the sagging or discomfort associated with heavier firearms.
Appendix Holsters
Appendix carry at the 12-2 o'clock position provides rapid access while seated and minimizes printing through thinner cover garments. The G43's compact dimensions work particularly well for appendix carry, though holsters featuring concealment claws or wedges further improve concealment by pushing the grip into the body.
OWB Paddle Holsters
Paddle holsters attach via wide backing sliding inside the waistband without belt threading, providing convenient attachment and removal for range sessions or transitioning between armed and unarmed status.
Belt Holsters
Outside-the-waistband belt holsters distribute weight along the belt line rather than pulling at the waistband, creating all-day comfort for open carry or beneath cover garments.
Chest Holsters
Chest holsters position the G43 high on the torso via shoulder harness systems, benefiting outdoor activities or vehicle operators where belt carry interferes with equipment.
Belly Band Holsters
Belly band elastic wraps accommodate the pistol regardless of clothing choices, while hook and loop backing enables attachment to loop-compatible surfaces for vehicle mounting.
Drop Leg Holsters
Drop leg holsters serve tactical training scenarios when belt-mounted gear prevents traditional positions.
Level 2 Retention Holsters
Level 2 retention holsters incorporate active mechanisms like thumb breaks beyond passive friction, providing security during physical activity or open carry.
2. Sights and Optics for the Glock 43
Factory Glock polymer sights prove serviceable but represent the most commonly upgraded component on the G43 platform.
Steel night sights, high-visibility fiber-optic sights, and micro red dots dramatically improve target acquisition speed and low-light performance critical for defensive scenarios where split-second decisions matter.
Iron Sight Upgrades
Aftermarket sight manufacturers produce dedicated G43 sight sets addressing the factory polymer sights' limitations.
Night sights from AmeriGlo, Trijicon, and similar manufacturers feature tritium inserts providing illumination for 10-12 years without batteries or external light sources. TruGlo TFX sights combine fiber-optic light gathering for daylight use with tritium for darkness, creating 24-hour visibility across all lighting conditions.
High-visibility front sights paired with blacked-out rear sights draw the eye to the front sight naturally, improving target acquisition speed during defensive encounters.
Installation typically requires sight pushers or professional gunsmith work for the front sight, while the rear sight uses a dovetail allowing easier replacement with proper techniques and tools.
Micro Red Dot Optics
The G43 lacks factory optics cuts, but aftermarket slides with RMSc-pattern cuts accommodate micro red dots from Shield, Holosun, Crimson Trace, Swampfox, and others.
Optics-ready slides feature milling behind the ejection port maintaining slide integrity while providing secure optic mounting. Popular options include the Holosun 507K/407K with side-loading batteries and shake-awake technology, Shield RMSc offering compact dimensions and clear glass, and Crimson Trace RAD Micro providing affordable red dot capability.
Installation requires complete slide replacement or professional slide milling services cutting the factory slide for optic mounting.
Suppressor-height front sights prove essential when mounting optics, allowing co-witnessing where iron sights remain visible through the optic window providing backup aiming capability if the red dot fails or batteries die.
After installation, proper zeroing at defensive distances confirms point of impact matches point of aim with chosen defensive ammunition.
Holster Compatibility with Optics
Not all holsters accommodate optic-equipped pistols. Many manufacturers produce "G43/43X RDS-compatible" holsters featuring open tops with adequate clearance for various optic heights and models.
Verify specific compatibility before purchase, as some holsters mold tightly around slide profiles requiring exact optic specification.
3. Lights and Lasers for the Glock 43
The G43 lacks a Picatinny rail, limiting light and laser options to models specifically designed for G43/48 trigger guard geometry.
These purpose-built units clamp to the trigger guard rather than attaching to rails, maintaining the pistol's slim profile while adding illumination or aiming capability.
Trigger Guard Mounted Lights
Streamlight produces the TLR-6 specifically for G43/48 frames in light-only and light/laser combinations.
The TLR-6 delivers 100 lumens in a package adding minimal bulk to the slim G43 profile, while the laser version includes a red laser for point-and-shoot capability. SureFire manufactures the XSC series providing higher lumen output in compact dimensions designed for single-stack Glocks.
Nightstick's TCM-5B represents another popular option delivering tactical illumination without excessive size or weight.
Battery life, activation method, and output brightness all factor into selection—momentary-on switches allow brief illumination bursts, while constant-on modes support sustained use during building searches or defensive scenarios requiring continuous illumination.
Light-Bearing Holster Requirements
Weapon lights dramatically change holster fit requirements. Holsters molded for bare G43s won't safely retain light-equipped pistols—the light body changes retention points and trigger guard geometry demanding dedicated light-bearing molds.
Many manufacturers specify exact light compatibility, producing "G43 with TLR-6" or "G43 with XSC" holsters molded around specific light models.
Some light-bearing holsters use the light itself for retention rather than the trigger guard, creating situations where removing the light compromises holster safety.
Always verify the holster manufacturer's specific compatibility and retention method before trusting a light-bearing setup for defensive carry.
4. Magazines and Magazine Extensions for the Glock 43
The G43 ships with two 6-round magazines—one flush-fit and one with a finger extension baseplate.
These single-stack magazines represent the G43's primary capacity limitation compared to double-stack subcompacts, though the narrow magazine width enables the pistol's exceptional concealability and comfortable grip for smaller hands.
Magazine Extension Options
Aftermarket extensions add 1-2 rounds while increasing grip length, improving recoil control and allowing fuller hand purchase. +1 extensions typically add 0.5-0.75 inches of grip length, providing pinky rest without dramatically affecting concealment. +2 extensions reach 8-round capacity but add sufficient length potentially compromising the G43's concealment advantages.
Quality extension manufacturers like NDZ Performance and others produce baseplates maintaining reliable feeding while adding capacity.
Some extensions require modified magazine springs maintaining proper follower tension with the extended body, while others work with factory springs depending on design.
Cross-Compatibility Considerations
The G43X uses completely different magazines—wider 10-round double-stack designs incompatible with G43 frames despite similar slide dimensions. G43 magazines won't lock properly in G43X frames, and G43X magazines won't fit G43 magazine wells. Always verify magazine compatibility when purchasing accessories or replacement magazines.
Factory Glock magazines consistently outperform aftermarket alternatives in reliability testing.
Budget-oriented buyers tempted by cheaper magazines should recognize that defensive reliability depends heavily on magazine quality—the few dollars saved rarely justify the risk of feeding failures during critical defensive encounters.
5. Grips and Frame Enhancements for the Glock 43
The G43's polymer frame provides adequate texture for most shooters, but the small grip circumference and light weight create recoil management challenges during rapid fire.
Grip enhancements range from adhesive overlays to grip sleeves improving traction and recoil absorption without permanent frame modification.
Adhesive Grip Enhancements
Talon Grips manufactures precision-cut adhesive overlays for the G43 frame in rubber and granulated textures.
Rubber texture provides moderate grip enhancement feeling softer against skin and clothing, while granulated texture offers maximum traction with aggressive skateboard-tape-like surfaces. Installation involves cleaning the frame, positioning the overlay, and applying firm pressure for secure bonding.
Grip Sleeves
Hogue produces HandALL grip sleeves for the G43 providing circumferential coverage increasing grip diameter while adding textured rubber surface area.
These sleeves install via stretching over the frame requiring no permanent modification, though removal leaves the frame unaltered. Increased grip diameter improves recoil control for shooters with larger hands finding the slim G43 frame difficult to control during recoil.
Frame Modifications
Stippling permanently modifies polymer texture using heated tools creating custom patterns.
Quality stippling enhances grip without compromising frame integrity, while poor execution weakens the frame structure or creates uncomfortable hot spots. Professional stippling services understand proper technique and depth, while DIY attempts frequently result in uneven texture or frame damage.
Additional modifications include trigger guard undercuts creating space for higher grip positioning and grip reductions slimming the frame for smaller hands.
These modifications prove irreversible and affect resale value—consider carefully before permanently altering a budget-friendly pistol like the G43.
6. Triggers and Performance Parts for the Glock 43
The G43's factory trigger breaks cleanly around 5.5 pounds with moderate take-up and positive reset typical of Glock Safe Action systems.
Aftermarket triggers focus on improving pull weight, reducing creep, and creating more positive reset while maintaining safe pull weights appropriate for defensive carry.
Trigger Upgrades
Apex Tactical manufactures Action Enhancement Kits for the G43/43X featuring reduced pull weights in the 4.5-5.5 pound range, shorter reset distances, and improved break quality.
Ghost Inc. produces connectors and trigger components allowing incremental customization of trigger characteristics. These upgrades maintain defensive reliability while improving subjective trigger feel during range sessions and defensive scenarios.
Installation complexity varies from simple drop-in components to parts requiring fitting and adjustment.
Complex installations benefit from professional gunsmith work ensuring proper function and safety, while simpler upgrades like connectors typically install with basic tools and careful attention to instructions.
Springs and Small Parts
Upgraded recoil spring assemblies featuring stainless guide rods replace factory polymer rods with metal construction.
Variable spring weights allow tuning for specific ammunition—heavier springs for +P loads, factory weights for standard pressure defensive rounds. ISMI manufactures premium springs in various weights supporting customization for different ammunition types and recoil preferences.
Additional small parts include extended slide stops, magazine releases, and firing pin components.
Each modification should address specific deficiencies rather than changing parts simply because aftermarket options exist—unnecessary modifications introduce potential failure points without corresponding benefits.
7. Slides and Barrels for the Glock 43
Aftermarket slides provide optics cuts, enhanced serrations, and aesthetic customization options unavailable on factory G43 slides.
Complete slide assemblies include barrel, firing pin, extractor, and all internal components allowing drop-in installation, while stripped slides require component transfer from factory slides.
Optics-Ready Slides
Slides with RMSc-pattern cuts accept micro red dots without professional slide milling. Popular patterns include Shield RMSc, Holosun K-series, and Crimson Trace footprints—verify specific optic compatibility before purchase as mounting patterns vary between manufacturers.
Some slides include suppressor-height sights, while others ship without sights requiring separate purchase and installation.
Premium slide manufacturers like NDZ Performance produce slides in various finishes including black nitride, stainless, burnt bronze Cerakote, and PVD coatings.
Finish selection affects corrosion resistance and aesthetics—black nitride provides excellent durability at reasonable cost, while exotic finishes command premium pricing.
Threaded Barrels
Threaded barrels feature 1/2x28 TPI threading accepting suppressors or compensators. Suppressor use requires NFA compliance including $200 tax stamps and registration, though threaded barrels also accept thread-on compensators usable without NFA restrictions.
Some barrels include thread protectors preventing damage when muzzle devices aren't installed.
Match-grade barrels from manufacturers like True Precision and others provide tighter tolerances potentially improving accuracy over factory barrels.
Practical accuracy improvements remain modest in a 3.39" barrel designed for defensive rather than precision shooting, though barrel upgrades prove popular for those building custom G43 configurations.
8. Maintenance and Cleaning for the Glock 43
Regular maintenance preserves reliability in the G43's defensive role. Standard 9mm cleaning supplies work well—bronze bore brushes, cleaning patches, quality solvent, and gun oil represent the core cleaning kit supporting routine maintenance after range sessions.
The G43 field strips identically to larger Glocks through a simple process requiring no tools. Remove the magazine, verify empty chamber, lock slide back, rotate takedown lever tabs, release slide while pulling trigger, then remove slide assembly from frame.
Further disassembly removes recoil spring assembly and barrel for cleaning access to all major components.
Critical cleaning points include the barrel bore and chamber where powder residue accumulates, the breech face and firing pin channel where primer residue collects, and the feed ramp where bullet lubricant affects feeding reliability.
Light lubrication on frame rails, barrel hood, and trigger bar contact points maintains smooth operation without excess oil attracting dust and lint during carry.
9. Storage and Transport for the Glock 43
Secure storage balances defensive accessibility against preventing unauthorized access. Quick-access safes using biometric or keypad entry provide 1-2 second retrieval while restricting access to authorized users. Interior dimensions must accommodate the G43 with any mounted accessories—verify light-equipped or optic-mounted pistols fit before purchase.
Vehicle storage presents temperature challenges degrading ammunition and damaging electronics in weapon lights.
Quality cable-lock systems or bolt-mounted safes secure the G43 during restricted location visits, though many jurisdictions prohibit vehicle firearms without proper storage meeting specific legal requirements.
Range bags and cases organize the G43 with spare magazines, ammunition, and cleaning supplies during transport. Hard cases meeting TSA requirements allow airline travel with proper declaration, while soft-sided bags provide convenient organization for local range visits.
10. Building Your Glock 43 Setup
The G43 succeeds as a dedicated concealed carry pistol when paired with appropriate accessories enhancing defensive capability without excessive cost or complexity.
Start with a quality holster matching your carry method—this single purchase affects daily comfort and safety more than any other accessory.
For budget-conscious setups, prioritize factory magazines, quality defensive ammunition, and basic sight upgrades before pursuing aesthetic modifications.
Night sights or a TLR-6 light provide genuine defensive benefits, while custom slide plates and colored pins offer personalization without functional improvements.
Advanced setups incorporate micro red dots via optics-ready slides, weapon lights with dedicated holsters, and magazine extensions improving capacity and grip. Test defensive configurations extensively—fire 200+ rounds of carry ammunition confirming reliable function before trusting modified setups for personal protection.
The G43's affordability and mature accessory ecosystem support experimentation, but defensive reliability must precede customization. Focus on proven upgrades addressing specific needs rather than accumulating parts because they exist. The pistol's role demands absolute reliability—modifications should enhance rather than compromise this fundamental requirement.
Explore Alien Gear Holsters' complete line of Glock 43 holsters to find proven carry solutions supporting safe, comfortable concealed carry in your preferred position.