What Caliber is the Glock 43?
The Glock 43 is a popular choice among concealed carriers and shooters alike, but one question that often comes up is: what caliber is the Glock 43? In this article, we’ll delve into the details of this compact handgun and explore the answer to this question.
Background
The Glock 43 is a single-stack, 9mm, subcompact pistol that was introduced in 2015. It was designed to be a lightweight, reliable, and accurate handgun that could fit comfortably in a variety of holsters. The G43 quickly gained popularity due to its compact size, easy to use, and low maintenance requirements.
What Caliber is the Glock 43?
The short answer is that the Glock 43 is a 9mm handgun. It is chambered in the 9×19 Parabellum cartridge, which is a common and popular caliber among pistol enthusiasts. The 9mm is known for its moderate recoil, high magazine capacity, and effectiveness at self-defense ranges.
Why 9mm?
There are several reasons why Glock chose to chamber the G43 in 9mm:
• Reliability: The 9mm cartridge is well-suited for use in a variety of pistols and is known for its reliability.
• Ammunition availability: 9mm ammunition is widely available and relatively affordable compared to other calibers.
• Power: The 9mm cartridge provides a good balance of power and recoil, making it suitable for both self-defense and recreational shooting.
• Ease of use: The 9mm caliber is generally easy to use, with a relatively soft recoil that is comfortable for most shooters.
Advantages of 9mm
There are several advantages to choosing a 9mm handgun like the G43:
• Cost-effective: 9mm ammunition is relatively affordable, making it a cost-effective choice for those who practice regularly.
• Ease of use: The 9mm cartridge is easy to shoot, making it a great choice for new shooters or those who are less experienced with handguns.
• Effective self-defense: The 9mm cartridge is effective for self-defense, with the ability to penetrate deeply and cause significant damage.
• Competition shooting: The 9mm caliber is commonly used in competition shooting, making it a great choice for those who enjoy competition shooting.
Disadvantages of 9mm
While the 9mm caliber has many advantages, there are also some disadvantages to consider:
• Less penetrating power: Compared to other calibers like the.40 S&W or.45 ACP, the 9mm cartridge may have less penetrating power.
• More felt recoil: Some shooters may find that the 9mm cartridge has more felt recoil compared to other calibers.
• Less versatile: The 9mm cartridge may not be suitable for all situations, particularly those where penetration is crucial.
Specifications
Here are the specifications for the Glock 43:
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Caliber | 9×19 Parabellum |
| Barrel length | 3.39 inches (85.7 mm) |
| Overall length | 6.13 inches (155.8 mm) |
| Width | 1.04 inches (26.3 mm) |
| Height | 4.58 inches (116.3 mm) |
| Magazine capacity | 6-7 rounds |
| Trigger pull | 5.5 pounds (2.5 kg) |
| Sight radius | 5.39 inches (137 mm) |
| Material | Polymer, steel |
| Weight (empty) | 23.7 ounces (671 grams) |
Conclusion
The Glock 43 is a popular choice among concealed carriers and shooters due to its compact size, reliability, and ease of use. While some may debate the advantages and disadvantages of the 9mm caliber, the fact remains that it is a reliable and effective caliber for self-defense and recreational shooting.
