Glock makes incredible handguns for everyday carry. The Glock 48 and 43X are two such pistols that are highly regarded for their accuracy and shooting experience. However, as an EDC weapon, you may like to carry the pistol concealed. While both the guns can be disguised well, you would want to know the best choice. So, in this post, we'll undertake a deep Glock 48 vs 43X comparison. Although the ultimate choice is subjective and according to your specific preference, learning about the features and specifications of the pistols in detail will be helpful.
Glock 48 Vs. 43X Size Differences
The Glock 48 is longer and heavier than the Glock 43X. Most importantly, the slide of the G48 is way longer than the G43x. Its barrel is also 0.76 inches longer than the G 43X. This makes the Glock 43X more concealable than the 48. It is ideal for an IWB holster, and you can use the 3 to 4 o'clock position to carry the gun discreetly.
Other than this, there are no major differences between the sizes of these pistols. Both share the same grip, which is why their width is the same. Keep in mind that although the Glock 43X is concealable, its lesser weight also makes it prone to recoil impulse. Also, the shorter sight radius of the gun affects its accuracy.
Here’s a detailed look at the specifications of both guns.
| Gun | Glock 43X | Glock 48 |
| Caliber | 9 MM Luger | 9 MM Luger |
| Trigger System | Safe Action® | Safe Action® |
| Weight (With Empty Mag) | 18.70 OZ (1.168 Pounds) | 20.74 OZ (1.29 Pounds) |
| Weight (In Inches) | 1.10 | 1.10 |
| Overall Length (In Inches) | 6.50 | 7.28 |
| Barrel Length (In Inches) | 3.41 | 4.17 |
| Magazine | Double Stack | Double Stack |
| Capacity | 10+1 Rounds (Standard Mag) | 10+1 Rounds (Standard Mag) |
| Optics Ready | Yes | Yes |
| After Market Support | Yes | Yes |
| Price | $477.99 | $414.99 |
Glock 48 Vs. 43X - Frame and Slide
Both the Glocks have a Slimline frame with a built-in beavertail design. This design makes it effortless to reholster the gun into the holster. The G43X has a standard grip texturing, ensuring a firm hold on the weapon. However, there is no modularity in the frame, so you cannot customize the grip size.
The slides of the two Glocks are interchangeable and can also fit on a Glock 43 frame. However, the fit of the Glock 43X's slide on the G48 MOS (Modular Optics System) is better. The slides of both the pistols are cut for micro optics and have a slim mounting rail.
Differences in Sights and Optics
The Glock 43X and 48 are optics-ready pistols if you get their MOS versions. The G43X MOS has a mounting system. It is compatible with many red dot sights, such as Shield RMSc, Trijicon RMRcc, and the popular Holosun HS507K-X2.
The G48 MOS has a slim design and Shield Red Dot Sight. This gun does not have adapter plates like the regular MOS pistols. Similar is the case of the Glock 43X. However, this gun has the ability to directly mount red dots like Swampfox Sentinel without you needing to change the adapter plates.
The slides of both the Glock 48 and 43X without the MOS configuration are not cut for optics. You need to get the slide milled for the optics if you choose to carry one of these Glocks without the MOS configuration.
Glock 48 Vs. 43X - Shooting Accuracy
Both the G43X and G48 shoot great, but the G48's longer barrel and sight radius make it more accurate and comfortable. If your aim is to shoot quickly and accurately with your gun, the Glock 48 will be more suitable.
For this reason, the Glock 43X is easier to shoot than the Glock 43, which is smaller. The added weight in the G48 makes it more stable and easier to handle while shooting. Also, the longer sight radius leads to less error when aiming and shooting at longer ranges, such as 20 yards.
This does not mean that the G43X does not hold up well against the G48 when shooting. If you want an everyday carry firearm that you can easily conceal and shoot accurately at close ranges (less than 20 yards), go with the Glock 43X.
The MOS version of the G43X is significantly accurate and much better than most small guns meant for concealed carry. The minimal controls, reversible slide stop designed for a snag-free drawing, and a takedown tab in its frame make it pleasant to shoot.
Glock 48 Vs. 43X - Recoil Comparison
Recoil is significantly more manageable with the Glock 48. Factors like increased weight, longer barrel, and slide reduce recoil. It makes the muzzle flip less prominent. Less muzzle flip affects the gun's accuracy, so you can fire tight groups. Thus, if you want a slimline pistol with better recoil management, the G48 is the right option.
People who are used to short guns will find the Glock 43X a nice option. It is a great pistol for concealed carry whose recoil is easy to get used to once you practice enough. The difference is only felt when you compare the recoil impulse with a bigger pistol like the Glock 48.
Differences in Reliability Between the Glock 48 and 43X
There is not much difference in the reliability of the two Glocks. The Glock 48, being larger than the Glock 43X, serves well as a duty gun. It is as reliable as a Glock 19 and fires over 100 rounds with an assortment of ammo, like Federal American Eagle 124 grain FMJ, Federal 124 grain Syntech, Federal 124 grain HST, Speer 124 grain Gold Dot +P Short Barrel, and Speer 115 grain Gold Dot. There are no failures to feed, eject, chamber, and shoot.
The Glock 43X also works smoothly with a range of ammunition, from 115-grain FMJ to 147-grain subsonic HP. Its heavy, side-mounted extractor is well-designed, leading to reliable feeding. You can easily load and feed magazines.
Keep in mind that a Glock's reliability also depends on how nicely it is maintained. No matter the pistol, if you don't maintain your G48 or 43X properly, you will experience feeding and firing issues.
Glock 48 Vs. 43X - Ease of Concealability
The Glock 48 has a longer barrel but is the same size as the G43X. The longer barrel poses a challenge with concealability as the gun protrudes. It does not mean you cannot conceal-carry the gun.
You can conceal G48 outside the waistband by positioning it high. However, if you have slight extra weight around your midsection, you'll need to position the gun a bit lower on your waistband. This will make it uncomfortable for you to sit.
With a Glock 43X, the discomfort mentioned vanishes. It has a short muzzle, which leads to concealment and comfort. Since there is no difference in the capacity, the Glock 43X becomes ideal for concealed-carry.
Final Verdict
The major difference between between the Glock 48 and 43X is in the length of the slide and barrel. They both have the same grip length, trigger design and safety, and magazine capacity. The difference in the slide and barrel length makes the Glock 48 heavier, which assists with better recoil management. The longer sight radius also facilitates greater accuracy at longer distances than the Glock 43X.
However, if you want a reliable self-defense gun that you can easily carry concealed, the G43X is the best option. You can use either the IWB or OWB holster and be assured of no discomfort while carrying it. If you already own smaller pistols like the Glock 43, transitioning to the 43X will be an upgrade, as you'll notice improvements in accuracy and recoil management. Those who are accustomed to longer pistols like the Glock 19 will find the transition to the G48 for concealed-carry good. Despite being larger than the G43X, the G48 can be concealed with a holster customized for its dimensions.
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