In the realm of concealed carry, selecting the right firearm isn’t just about finding any pistol; it’s about discovering the ideal companion that suits your unique needs and preferences. Among the array of options, the Glock 26 and Glock 43 stand out as popular choices for those seeking a reliable Everyday Carry (EDC) firearm.
As we delve into the comparison between these two Glock models, we’ll explore their differences in size, weight, capacity, and overall suitability for daily concealed carry. By the end of this article, you’ll have a clear answer to the question: Which of these Glocks is the perfect EDC companion for you? So, let’s dive into the details and find out how these compact powerhouses stack up against each other.
Table of Contents
Glock 26 vs 43: Comparison Chart
| Feature | Glock 26 | Glock 43 |
|---|---|---|
| Caliber | 9x19mm | 9x19mm |
| System | Safe Action® | Safe Action® |
| Weight | 730 g | 25.75 oz | 585 g | 20.64 oz |
| Barrel Length | 87 mm | 3.43 inch | 86,5 mm | 3.41 inch |
| Trigger Pull | 28 N | 24 N |
| Length (Overall) | 165 mm | 6.50 inch | 159 mm | 6.26 inch |
| Height incl.Mag. | 106 mm | 4.17 inch | 108 mm | 4.25 inch |
| Trigger Distance | 72 mm | 2.83 inch | 65 mm | 2.56 inch |
| Training Consideration | Slightly more manageable recoil | Recoil management crucial for accuracy |
| Suitable For | Shooters comfortable with compact grips | Shooters prioritizing slimness and grip |
| Aftermarket Support | Wide range of accessories available | Accessory options available |
| Price | Check on Brownells | Check on Brownells |
What’s the Difference Between Glock 26 and Glock 43?
The main difference between the Glock 26 and Glock 43 lies in their magazine design and resulting width. The Glock 26 features a double-stack magazine design, allowing for a staggered arrangement of rounds within the magazine. This design choice enables the Glock 26 to accommodate more rounds, increasing its ammunition capacity.
However, it also contributes to a wider frame, which can impact concealment comfort and printing when carrying concealed.
Conversely, the Glock 43 opts for a single-stack magazine configuration. This design arranges rounds in a single row, resulting in a narrower frame compared to the Glock 26. While this narrower profile enhances concealability and reduces printing, it does come at the cost of a lower ammunition capacity.
So, when deciding between the Glock 26 and Glock 43, it essentially boils down to a choice between higher carrying capacity and a wider profile versus a slimmer design and reduced ammunition capacity. Shooters who prioritize a greater number of rounds without the need for frequent reloads might lean towards the Glock 26.
On the other hand, those who value a sleeker, more easily concealable option may find the Glock 43 to be a more fitting EDC companion. As always, personal preferences, intended use, and comfort play a vital role in making the right choice between these two popular Glock models.
1. Size and Weight Differences Between Glock 43 and 26
When it comes to the size and weight of the Glock 43 and Glock 26, there are notable differences that can impact your choice for an ideal concealed carry companion.
Barrel Length: In terms of barrel length, the variance between the two models is incredibly minor. The Glock 26 boasts a 3.43-inch long barrel, while the G43 features a slightly shorter 3.41-inch long barrel. This negligible difference in barrel length doesn’t significantly affect performance but might influence factors like recoil control and accuracy.
Weight: One of the more discernible differences lies in their weight. The Glock 43 is noticeably lighter than the Glock 26. The G43 weighs in at 16.23 ounces, making it a fair bit lighter compared to the 19.4-ounce Glock 26. This weight differential can contribute to improved carry comfort and ease of use, especially for those who prioritize a lightweight and easily maneuverable firearm for everyday concealed carry.
2. Performance and Accuracy Differences Between Glock 26 and 43
In terms of performance and accuracy, both the Glock 26 and Glock 43 uphold Glock’s renowned reputation for consistent reliability and precision, delivering effective functionality across their compact designs.
however, it’s worth noting that shooters transitioning from larger handguns might need some time to adjust to the shorter grip and overall dimensions of these models, which can potentially influence target engagement speed and effectiveness.
3. Capacity and Magazine Options Differences Between Glock 26 and 43:
When comparing the Glock 26 and Glock 43 in terms of capacity and magazine options, a significant divergence becomes evident, stemming from their distinctive magazine designs.
Glock 26 Capacity and Magazine: The Glock 26 boasts a magazine that accommodates ten rounds, thanks to its double-stack configuration. This design choice, while providing higher ammunition capacity, results in a magazine that is notably thicker when compared to the Glock 43’s magazine. The Glock 26’s double-stack magazine contributes to the pistol’s overall width of 1.26 inches.
Glock 43 Capacity and Magazine: On the other hand, the Glock 43 is equipped with a single-stack 9mm magazine, allowing it to hold six rounds. This single-stack design reduces the width of the magazine, and consequently, the overall width of the firearm. The Glock 43’s magazine creates a slimmer profile, measuring 1.06 inches in thickness.
4. Concealed Carry Differences Between Glock 26 and 43
When it comes to concealed carry considerations, both the Glock 26 and Glock 43 offer advantages, but nuances in their designs can influence the level of comfort and ease during daily carry.
Glock 26 Concealed Carry: The Glock 26 is designed with compactness in mind, making it a popular choice for concealed carry. While it is relatively easy to conceal, its slightly wider profile due to the double-stack magazine may result in a bit more printing or visibility under clothing, especially for those who opt for tighter-fitting attire. The trade-off for the Glock 26’s slightly increased width is its higher ammunition capacity, allowing you to carry more rounds without frequent reloads.
Glock 43 Concealed Carry: On the other hand, the Glock 43 excels in offering an even slimmer profile, which significantly aids in concealment. Its single-stack magazine design contributes to a narrower overall width, reducing the potential for printing and making it easier to carry discreetly, even in more form-fitting clothing. This enhanced concealability can be particularly appealing for those who prioritize inconspicuous carry.
5. Weight and Recoil Differences Between Glock 26 and 43
The weight discrepancy between the Glock 26 and Glock 43 is intricately tied to their respective magazine capacities and has a noticeable impact on recoil management.
With its larger magazine, the Glock 26 naturally holds four more rounds than the Glock 43. Consequently, this additional ammunition capacity contributes to a slightly heavier build. The Glock 26’s weight tips the scales at just over 26 ounces, a mere 6 ounces more than a fully loaded Glock 43. This weight variation, though seemingly modest, plays a pivotal role in mitigating the characteristic snappy recoil that micro-sized pistols are known for.
The extra six ounces in the Glock 26’s weight allows for better recoil absorption during firing. This added mass helps stabilize the firearm and allows shooters to regain target focus more quickly between shots. While both the Glock 26 and Glock 43 remain manageable in terms of recoil, this nuanced weight distinction can translate into enhanced shooting comfort, especially during rapid or consecutive firing scenarios.
Ultimately, the Glock 26’s slightly heavier build and higher capacity magazine provide not only a modest increase in overall weight but also a tangible advantage in recoil control, ensuring a more controlled and accurate shooting experience. This consideration becomes especially significant for those who prioritize ease of shooting and recoil management in a compact, concealed carry firearm.
6. Trigger and Safeties Differences Between Glock 26 and 43
The Glock 26’s trigger reach measures 2.83 inches, while the Glock 43’s is shorter at 2.56 inches. Potential variations across generations, like the Glock 26 Gen 5, could influence trigger design and safety features, affecting trigger pull characteristics. These nuances highlight the importance of hands-on evaluation for a comfortable and preferred shooting experience.
7. Sights Differences Between Glock 26 and 43
Both models share similar sights, but the Glock 43’s slightly shorter 6.26-inch length contrasts with the Glock 26’s 6.5 inches. Barrel lengths are minutely different, with the Glock 26 at 3.43 inches and the G43 at 3.41 inches. Additionally, the Glock 43 weighs less at 16.23 ounces compared to the Glock 26’s 19.4 ounces. These subtleties in dimensions and weight can affect handling and shooting experiences, impacting preferences for concealed carry and target acquisition speed.
8. Magazine Capacity Differences Between Glock 26 and 43:
The Glock 26 holds a notable advantage in magazine capacity over the Glock 43. The compact Glock 43 accommodates 6 rounds in its single-stack magazine, supplemented by one in the chamber.
In contrast, the Glock 26 boasts a 10+1 magazine capacity, providing more rounds readily available. Moreover, the Glock 26’s ability to utilize a double-stack magazine style offers the potential for even higher magazine capacities. This difference in capacity showcases the Glock 26’s edge for those prioritizing extended ammunition availability without frequent reloading.
Glock 26 or Glock 43: Which Should You Choose?
Selecting between the Glock 26 and Glock 43 hinges on your individual priorities and preferences. If you value higher magazine capacity and are willing to accommodate a slightly wider frame, the Glock 26’s 10+1 capacity might be appealing. On the other hand, if utmost concealment is paramount, the Glock 43’s slimmer profile and lighter weight could be ideal. Consider factors like intended use, comfort, and shooting experience. Ultimately, both models offer reliability and performance, so your decision boils down to whether you prioritize extended capacity or enhanced concealability in your everyday carry firearm.
Our #1 Recommendation
Glock 43
Caliber: 9x19mm
Weight: Without magazine 460 g | 16.23 oz
Weight with loaded magazine 585 g | 20.64 oz
Trigger pull 24 n
Height incl.Mag: 108 mm | 4.25 inch
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