[G-man*]

Been a while since I've posted. But had something worthy a share. I think the 43X a serious contender for best CCW gun of all time.

Most of the time I state Glocks are the 2nd best pistols. I state this most often with my favorite pistol, the Glock 10mm 20 SF. It is what I like in 10mm, there may very well be something better in 10mm. I don't know what the best would be. The fact that everyone tends to compare their pistol to a Glock means something. For the first time ever, I've started to use the wording best when I talk about a Glock.

For years (even a decade) I've been carrying a 5 round S&W .38spl +P. As an EDC, when not in the woods, it is simply a no good reason not to carry firearm. The only thing I found comparable was the Ruger LCP .380 ACP. The LCP is a slightly easier carry. .38spl +P vs .380 LVP are similar calibers when it comes to a needed SD ballistics. I preferred the revolver as there are some ever so rare reliability issues with automatics vs revolvers. Again very (very, very) rare, but revolvers in my experience have the slightest edge. It was worth giving up a round.

I considered them lazy carry options and are better than no carry. But those of us who carry the above-mentioned types of firearms know we are sacrificing convenience for something that spikes our "spiderysense." They just might not be enough gun.

When Glock came out with the 43 and 43x, it caught my eye. The 43x was tempting. Easier shooting. Not as lazy of a carry, but close. Still comfortable to say no good reason not to carry. Significant improvement 9mm +p would offer as a caliber vs the above mentioned (of course 10 rounds vs 5 or 6). I let it remain a temptation. Unlike many of you I like to limit the number of pistols I own. I respect those of you that just can't get enough, but for me, I'm always mindful when a collection I own get to a tipping point of owning me.

Then I started hearing about the reliability people were having with the Shield Arms 15 rd mags. Well, 15 rounds of 9MM +P fits as the definition of likely enough gun in my humble opinion.

I have the 2nd gen mag versions. Loading the 13-14 rounds about as hard as loading the last rounds of any magazine. The 15th round, my fingers and thumbs are happy I was gifted an Uplula magazine loader.

On installing the metal catch release. Easy install, but it was FRUSTRATING getting the Glock one out. I've removed Glock mag springs before, the 43X required a miracle. I need to buy a tool for next time, a screwdriver was not the right tool for the job.

Very easy to carry and even conceals in a pocket carry holster. Maybe easier to carry then a revolver in some ways. The bulge of the cylinder of a revolver is always reminder where the flat 43x is more comfortable. Admittedly a little more weight than the revolver. But a better caliber and 3X the rounds in an easier to shoot platform. I love it.

I have also found it reliable. Range results so far with no failures.

50 rds Rem UMC FMJ 115 GR 9mm
100 rds Win FMJ 115 GR 9mm
10 rds Blazer Brass FMJ 115 GR 9mm
15 rds Win FMJ 124 GR 9mm Nato
5 rds Win Ranger HP 127 GR 9mm +P+
5 rds Fed HST HP 124 GR 9mm

Just really enjoy having this as an option and wanted to share. Happy new year all.

Good write up. Thank you for sharing.

Im surprised the 43x is as good for pocket carry as a j frame, having owned the 43 and finding it lacking for this role.
What is the difference in your draw times between the revolver and the 43x?

 

[G-man*]

The pocketability iss is new and interesting. It's also likely very clothing specific. I own a pair of shortstop would allow me to pocket a 5" barrel 1911, so I see how it could be viable with the right pair of pants. But this is a situation where you'd have to dress around the gun.

As far as the 43X itself, for whatever use you'd have for it, there seems to be a better alternative. If that size gun fits the bill, I'd rather have the Springfield Hellcat Pro. Its as close to exactly the same size gun as two guns that weren't intentional clones of each other are going to be. It comes with factory 15 round mags (and they have a promotion where a buyer can get 5 of them included.) It has better iron sights, and is natively optics ready. And, it's cheaper than the 43X MOS, and much cheaper if you factor in the cost of a few S15 mags and the metal mag catch.

Another alternative if you want a compact 10 round mag 9mm is, of course, the P365. That gun has been done to death, so I don't need to compare features.

Sorry, I just don't see where the 43X had any advantage that makes it worth buying.

Speaking only for myself, but I’d rather have a Glock than a Springfield or 365, regardless of round count.
There may be others that think the same way.

 

[G-man*]

SIG has had some spotty models, but once it got over it's launch bugs, I've heard a lot of good things about the P365.

As far as the Springfield, before this I haven't been a huge fan. But to me the Hellcat Pro (not so much the Hellcat original) hits a real sweet spot size and capacity wise. And I've been watching. I haven't heard much if anything negative about this gun, other than it doesn't have a light target type trigger. For a carry gun, that's not necessarily a bad thing.

Glocks work. I don't question that. But they haven't pushed the envelope in a long time, and are living off their reputation. If a G19 works for you, it will probably never let you down. But I see no reason why a Hellcat pro would let you down either, and it's smaller, lighter, has a better feature set for the money.

I just think the Glock is a more proven product.

But as far as the micro 9mm’s go, they all suck, except for the Walther PPS M2.
The Walther shoots like a bigger gun than it is. I own one and chose it after trying the Shield, 365, Hellcat, and the 43…..the 43 sucks too.

Maybe others are smaller and lighter, but that doesn’t translate to shootability or durability.

As far as capacity, to me, when it takes, what; half a second to drop an empty and insert a fresh magazine?
So for me that makes capacity a non issue.

But that’s my opinion on the matter. Others may want the capacity. I prefer shootability over a few more rounds.

Cuts for RDS’s and threaded barrels are features I don’t need or desire to pay for.

But, if I really wanted high capacity capability and true continuity, I’d just go with the G26; shoots smoother, much more proven track record, and can go from 10 to 33 rounds with a mag change.

 

[G-man*]

Cant speak for the others but the PPS M2 is a fine gun except the weight still makes my Kahr CM9 the winner and it shoots just as soft as the PPS.

Just out of curiosity, what type of drills and training do you run with your Kahr?