Glock 43X

Glock 43X MOS 9mm Pistol: The Perfect Blend of Concealability and Optics-Ready Innovation

Glock 43X. The Glock 43X MOS 9mm pistol is a standout in Glock’s lineup, combining the slim, easy-to-carry design of the 43X with the modern optics-ready slide system (MOS). Designed for concealed carry enthusiasts who demand both concealability and the option to mount a red dot sight, the Glock 43X MOS delivers outstanding reliability, accuracy, and versatility in a compact package.

This comprehensive guide explores everything you need to know about the Glock 43X MOS, including its specifications, design, performance, applications, and maintenance, helping you understand why this model has rapidly gained popularity among concealed carry permit holders and tactical shooters alike.

Overview of the Glock 43X MOS

The Glock 43X MOS is an evolution of the popular Glock 43X, a slim single-stack 9mm pistol praised for its balance of concealability and shootability. The MOS (Modular Optic System) variant introduces a slide designed to accept a variety of popular red dot sights, allowing shooters to enhance target acquisition speed and precision.

With its 10-round magazine capacity, slim profile, and optics-ready capabilities, the Glock 43X MOS is ideal for those who want to upgrade their concealed carry pistol with modern optics without compromising on Glock’s renowned reliability.

Key Specifications Glock 43X

Specification	Details
Caliber	9x19mm Luger (9mm)
Overall Length	6.5 inches (165 mm)
Barrel Length	3.41 inches (86.5 mm)
Height	5.04 inches (128 mm)
Width	1.10 inches (28 mm)
Weight (unloaded)	18.7 ounces (530 grams)
Magazine Capacity	10 rounds
Trigger Pull Weight	Approximately 5.5 pounds
Sights	Glock polymer sights; optics-ready slide
Frame Material	Polymer
Slide Finish	nDLC (black corrosion-resistant coating)

Design and Ergonomics

Slim Single-Stack Frame

The Glock 43X MOS features a single-stack magazine design that keeps the grip slim and manageable, measuring just 1.10 inches wide. This slim frame offers excellent concealability while maintaining a comfortable and secure grip for most hand sizes.

Optics-Ready MOS Slide

One of the most significant upgrades in the Glock 43X MOS is the optics-ready slide. The slide comes with a removable plate system compatible with a variety of red dot sights from manufacturers such as Trijicon, Leupold, Holosun, and more. This allows for rapid customization without permanent modifications.

Enhanced Frame and Grip

The frame incorporates Glock’s Gen 5 improvements, including an improved grip texture and no finger grooves, accommodating a wider range of hand sizes. The grip length strikes a balance between concealability and control, suitable for daily carry and quick draw.

Slide and Finish

The slide is coated with Glock’s nDLC finish, an advanced version of the original Tenifer treatment. This coating provides superior corrosion resistance, hardness, and wear resistance, ensuring durability under heavy use.

Sights

The pistol comes equipped with Glock’s standard polymer sights, designed to co-witness with mounted red dot optics if desired. Many users upgrade these sights to fiber optic or night sights for improved visibility.

Performance and Shooting Experience

Accuracy and Sight Radius

With a 3.41-inch barrel and an optics-ready slide, the Glock 43X MOS offers improved sight radius and the ability to mount a red dot for enhanced aiming precision. Shooters report excellent accuracy at typical self-defense distances, aided by the ergonomic grip and manageable recoil.

Trigger and Controls

The Glock Safe Action® trigger system provides a consistent trigger pull of around 5.5 pounds, balancing safety and shootability. The absence of finger grooves in the Gen 5 frame enhances grip comfort and control during rapid fire.

Recoil and Handling

Thanks to its polymer frame and compact size, recoil is snappy but manageable. The grip design and weight distribution help reduce muzzle flip, allowing for faster follow-up shots and better shot placement.

Reliability

True to Glock’s reputation, the 43X MOS runs flawlessly with various 9mm ammunition types. Its robust design has been tested in countless scenarios, making it a reliable choice for concealed carry and duty use.

Magazine and Ammunition Capacity

The Glock 43X MOS uses a 10-round single-stack magazine, striking an excellent balance between capacity and concealability. The extended capacity compared to the original Glock 43’s 6-round magazines offers more firepower without a significant increase in grip thickness.

Aftermarket magazines with increased capacity and extended base plates are available for users seeking extra rounds or a longer grip.

Ideal Applications for Glock 43X MOS

Concealed Carry and Everyday Use

The slim profile, light weight, and optics-ready capability make the Glock 43X MOS an excellent choice for concealed carry users who want to carry a modern, versatile firearm every day.

Personal and Home Defense

With its 9mm caliber, solid magazine capacity, and the ability to add a red dot sight, this pistol is well-suited for personal defense and home protection scenarios, offering quick target acquisition in stressful situations.

Law Enforcement and Backup Weapon

The 43X MOS is ideal as an off-duty or backup pistol for law enforcement officers and tactical professionals who require a discreet, reliable firearm that can also be equipped with optics.

Competitive and Training Use

The optics-ready slide enables shooters to train with red dot sights, improving skills transferable to other competition or duty pistols. Its manageable recoil and accurate performance make it a versatile training pistol.

Customization and Accessories

The Glock 43X MOS is highly customizable:

Optics Options

• Compatible with a wide range of popular red dot sights, including Trijicon RMR, Leupold DeltaPoint Pro, Holosun, and more.
• Allows shooters to select optics based on preference, enhancing versatility.

Sights

• Aftermarket fiber optic or night sights improve sight visibility and speed.
• Suppressor-height sights can co-witness with mounted optics.

Triggers

• Enhanced aftermarket triggers offer lighter pull weights and crisper breaks.
• Drop-in trigger kits simplify upgrades without gunsmithing.

Magazines

• Extended and higher-capacity magazines available for increased firepower.
• Magazine base plate options improve grip length and aesthetics.

Holsters

• A broad selection of holsters tailored for optics-ready pistols.
• IWB, OWB, pocket, and appendix carry holsters designed for comfort and retention.

Other Accessories

• Slide enhancements, such as serrations or coatings.
• Grip stippling or sleeves to improve handling.

Maintenance and Care Glock 43X

Proper maintenance keeps the Glock 43X MOS functioning reliably:

• Cleaning: Regular cleaning of the barrel, slide, and frame after shooting sessions prevents carbon buildup.
• Lubrication: Apply lubricant to moving parts, focusing on slide rails and the barrel lug.
• Magazine Care: Inspect and clean magazines to avoid feeding issues.
• Optics Maintenance: Ensure the mounted optic is secure and clean for optimal performance.
• Storage: Store in a dry, secure place to prevent rust and damage.

Pros and Cons of Glock 43X MOS 9mm

Pros

• Slim and lightweight for excellent concealability
• Optics-ready slide allows easy mounting of red dot sights
• Increased 10-round magazine capacity in a single-stack frame
• Gen 5 improvements for enhanced ergonomics and grip texture
• Durable nDLC slide finish for corrosion resistance
• Reliable and accurate performance typical of Glock pistols

Cons

• Slightly wider grip than the original Glock 43, which may affect concealment for some
• Snappier recoil compared to larger double-stack pistols
• Requires investment in optics and compatible holsters for full benefit
• Fixed sights may need upgrading for better co-witness with optics

Glock 43X MOS Compared to Related Models

Feature	Glock 43X MOS	Glock 43X Gen 5	Glock 43 Gen 2 MOS
Barrel Length	3.41 inches	3.41 inches	3.39 inches
Overall Width	1.10 inches	1.10 inches	1.02 inches
Magazine Capacity	10 rounds	10 rounds	6 rounds
Optics Ready	Yes	No	Yes
Grip Features	No finger grooves	No finger