Glock 43X Holsters - Precision Fit for Slimline Carry
The Glock 43X redefined concealed carry by merging the compact 43 slide with the 48's full-size grip, creating a 1.10" slimline frame that balances 10+1 capacity with exceptional concealability. This specific geometry—6.5" overall length, 18.7 oz unloaded weight, and extended front strap—requires holsters engineered to its exact dimensions.
Generic "Glock compact" shells molded for the shorter 43 can leave the 43X slide partially exposed or create excess muzzle tension, compromising both retention consistency and draw performance.
Glock 43X Holster Compatibility Overview
This collection supports the Glock 43X in seven distinct configurations:
- Standard Glock 43X (no rail, no optic cut)
- Glock 43X MOS (optic-ready slide with direct-mount cuts)
- Glock 43X Rail (accessory rail for light mounting)
- Glock 43X with Nightstick TSM-11 (standard frame with light)
- Glock 43X with Streamlight TLR-6 (standard frame with light/laser combo)
- Glock 43X MOS with Nightstick TSM-14 (optic-ready slide with light)
- Glock 43X MOS with Nightstick TSM-14G (optic-ready slide with green laser light)
Each holster is laser-scanned to the exact dimensions of its specified configuration. MOS variants accommodate micro red dots like the Holosun 507K, Trijicon RMRcc, and Shield SMSc through full optic clearance channels and suppressor-height sight provisions.
Light-bearing models use precision molds matching exact light body dimensions to maintain audible retention engagement and prevent holster sag from added weight.
Critical fit note: Holsters molded only for the Glock 43 will not properly fit the 43X due to slide length and front strap differences. Similarly, standard 43X holsters will not accommodate MOS optics or weapon lights—configuration-specific shells are required to avoid optic rubbing, incomplete seating, or trigger guard exposure.
How to Choose the Right Alien Gear Holster for Glock 43X
Selection depends on carry environment, body type, and daily movement patterns:
Cloak Tuck 3.5 IWB Holster serves as the primary inside-the-waistband platform for deep concealment. Adjustable cant (0–15°) and ride height allow tuning for different body shapes and clothing choices. The 43X's 18.7 oz weight and slim profile make it well-suited to all-day IWB carry at 3:30–4:30 position, though users with longer torsos may find appendix positioning more comfortable. Full sweat guards prevent slide contact during movement.
Cloak Belt Holster offers a higher ride OWB option for those who prefer waistband carry without insertion between belt and body. The 43X's lightweight profile prevents belt sag during extended wear, making this suitable for range training or situations where deeper concealment is not required.
Cloak OWB Paddle Holster provides tool-free attachment for quick on/off cycles. The paddle design distributes the 43X's weight across a broader contact area than standard belt loops, reducing pressure points during range sessions or temporary carry periods.
Cloak Drop Leg Holster (Swivel) positions the 43X lower on the thigh for tactical applications or situations where belt line carry interferes with gear or seating. The swivel mount allows the holster to move with leg position during movement.
Cloak Chest Holster serves specialized use cases: hiking, biking, or situations where waistline access is obstructed by pack belts or vehicle restraints. This positions the 43X high on the torso for immediate access while maintaining hands-free security.
Cloak Hook & Loop Holster enables mounting to soft armor, plate carriers, or pack straps through hook-and-loop attachment. This addresses scenarios where rigid mounting points are unavailable or where repositioning flexibility is required.
Cloak Shell functions as a modular holster body that pairs with various mounting platforms. This allows users to maintain consistent draw mechanics across different carry methods by swapping attachment systems rather than entire holsters.
Carry Styles Supported by This Collection
This collection covers IWB, OWB, chest, drop leg, and soft-mounted carry methods. All holsters use Boltaron polymer shells for heat resistance above 150°F, preventing warping in vehicle interiors or high-temperature environments.
Adjustable retention screws allow user-controlled tightness calibration—tighter for duty or high-movement activities, looser for training repetitions or competition draws.
Steel-reinforced cores prevent holster sag when using extended magazines like the Shield Arms S15 (15+1 capacity), maintaining the same belt clip footprint and concealment profile as standard 10-round configurations despite added length and weight.
Appendix carry considerations: The 43X's short slide length and slim grip make it popular for appendix positioning, but users frequently report needing to adjust ride height and cant to reduce muzzle and grip pressure when sitting or driving. Shorter torsos may experience more grip "tipping" away from the body—a phenomenon where the pistol's center of gravity rotates the grip outward. Lowering ride height or adding a holster wedge can stabilize positioning.
Strong-side IWB: Carrying at 3:30–4:30 typically provides more comfort for extended wear and reduces sitting pressure compared to appendix, though access while seated is slower. Cant adjustment becomes critical to minimize printing across different clothing types and body shapes.
Common Fit or Selection Mistakes to Avoid
Mismatched configuration: Using a standard 43X holster with an MOS optic or weapon light will result in incomplete seating, optic interference, or loss of retention. Always verify that your specific configuration (MOS, rail, light model) matches the holster's stated compatibility.
Over-tightening retention screws: Excessive retention pressure creates harsh, jerky draws and accelerates slide finish wear. Proper retention should hold the 43X securely during running or bending without requiring altered grip or draw angle to extract the pistol.
Ignoring belt quality: The 43X's lightweight profile makes it more sensitive to belt flex than heavier pistols. Overly flexible belts allow the grip to lean away from the body, increasing printing. Excessively rigid belts can create uncomfortable pressure points and prevent the holster from conforming naturally to body movement.
Skipping position-specific practice: Drawing and reholstering mechanics change significantly between appendix, strong-side IWB, and OWB positions. Training with a different setup than your daily carry creates muscle memory mismatches that slow real-world access and increase fumbling during reholstering.
Assuming universal fit: "One size fits most" soft holsters or generic nylon rigs typically do not provide full trigger guard coverage for the 43X, can collapse during reholstering (forcing you to search for the opening with the muzzle), and often allow the pistol to shift position during normal movement.
When This Collection May Not Be the Right Fit
This collection does not include:
- Active retention holsters with push-button releases for law enforcement duty use
- Holsters for the TLR-7 Sub or other lights beyond the Nightstick TSM series, Streamlight TLR-6, and Nightstick TSM-11
If your Glock 43X uses aftermarket controls (extended slide stop, magazine release, or magwell flares), verify clearance before ordering, as these modifications can interfere with holster insertion or create pressure points. The collection focuses on factory specifications and explicitly listed light configurations.
Users who carry exclusively in appendix and require specialized features like adjustable wing systems or deep concealment wedges may need to evaluate whether the available IWB and belt options provide sufficient adjustment range for their body type and clothing choices.
Safety reminder: All Alien Gear holsters for the 43X use rigid, molded construction that fully covers the trigger guard and prevents trigger contact during insertion or normal wear. Slow, deliberate reholstering with visual confirmation of the holster mouth is recommended for all carry methods, particularly appendix positioning where muzzle orientation requires heightened awareness.
