Glock 26 vs. Glock 43 – The Ultimate Comparison (from a Glock Enthusiast)

The Glock series of handguns have become renowned for their accuracy, reliability, simplicity, and market dominance. Glock has produced semi-auto handguns for nearly every single handgun purpose. They dominate most markets, including the concealed carry market. Two of their most popular concealed carry options are the Glock 26 and Glock 43. If you’ve always wanted to know the difference between the two, you’ve come to the right place as we intend to go every difference down in today’s Glock 26 vs. Glock 43 breakdown.

Glock 26 Vs. Glock 43 – Why?

Why compare these two guns specifically? Tons of Glocks are used for concealed carry, so why do we get a Glock 26 vs. 43 article instead of a Glock 21 vs. 43 article? I’m comparing the two because of how much these two guns have in common. The Glock 26 and Glock 43 have tons and tons in common, which makes them natural candidates for an in-depth comparison.

As a consumer and potential purchaser, you might start to wonder what the actual difference is between two guns that are both small enough to easily conceal and are both in 9mm. Both feature largely the same overall layout. They are remarkably similar, and in my experience, when we have two guns, their similarities are essential, but what makes them different is what really matters.

Introducing the Candidates

Glock 26 – Since the Glock 26 is the older gun, we’ll cover it first. As the name implies, the Glock 26 was Glock’s 26th patent. Glock has five generations of firearms, and the Glock 26 premiered with the second generation of Glock pistols. The weapon has maintained constant production since and is produced alongside the 5th generation of Glock pistols. The Glock 26 is considered a subcompact pistol and the baby of the Glock 17 and Glock 19 pistols.

Glock 43 – The Glock 43 wasn’t Glock’s first single-stack pistol, but it was Glock’s first single-stack 9mm pistol. It premiered at a time when the single-stack 9mm was the hot ticket, and with Glock’s brand recognition, it became a big hit. Glock does not utilize the generation differences for the Glock 43. Instead, it falls into a bit of a hybrid of generations. Glock classifies the Glock 43 as a slimline pistol.

Size Matters, Right?

The most noticeable difference from a 10,000-foot view of the guns is size. Sure, both are small guns but they are a fair bit different when we whip out a measuring tape. Size matters for several purposes and for concealed carriers the smaller the gun, the easier it is to hide.

Glock 26 Specifications  Barrel Length: 3.43 inches Overall Length: 6.42 inches Height: 4.17 inches Width: 1.30 inches Weight: 21.69 ounces Capacity: 10 Rounds

Glock 43 Specifications Barrel Length: 3.39 inches Overall Length: 6.26 inches Height: 4.25 inches Width: 1.02 inches Weight: 16.19 ounces Capacity: 6 Rounds

The Glock 26 vs Glock 43 spec differences are clear, but it doesn’t seem major, does it? If you look at those specification tables and they don’t speak to you, don’t worry. The differences can seem minor, especially if you’ve never toted a firearm. The Glock 43 is much thinner, and while .28 of an inch doesn’t seem like much, it makes a big difference when the gun is both in your hand and in your waistband.

The extra width can make the gun less comfortable to carry, and that problem is magnified for smaller people. The thinner grip of the G43 can feel super comfy for shooters with smaller hands. The additional weight of the Glock 26 can help and hurt. It’s more weight to carry but creates less recoil.

Height and length will affect concealment. Smaller can be easier to conceal in most cases. For appendix carry some additional length can help conceal the weapon by helping push the grip rearward and reduce printing.

Capacity Matters Too

A big difference in those specs is capacity. If you’re all about capacity, then the Glock 26 vs. 43 argument is over for you. The Glock 26 wins with its 10-round stock capacity. If you do a plus one, it brings you eleven rounds. The Glock 43 maxes out at seven. The Glock 26 uses double-stack magazines, while the Glock 43 sticks to a single-stack design.

The Glock 26 can also use Glock 19, Glock 17, and even Glock 33 round magazines without a problem. With the Xtech Tactical grip extensions and MAG-19 and MAG-17 magazines, we can get not only extra capacity but a longer grip, which turns into more control.

The Glock 43 also has some options for more capacity. A few companies have released extended magazines, but they’ve been a bit lacking in reliability. Xtech produces a plus three baseplate that brings your capacity to nine rounds and extends the length slightly for greater control.

Still, at the end of the day, the Glock 26 will always hold more ammunition.

Accuracy

Accuracy can be tough to gauge with little guns. At the end of the day, we have to divide between practical accuracy and mechanical accuracy. Practical accuracy comes down to the user and their skill. Glock firearms are more than accurate for the average user. Most people will probably find themselves shooting with similar accuracy with either pistol.

The trigger pull, grip length, and sight radius are all very close, if not identical, in some cases. We can see a difference in accessories, specifically with the Glock Gen 5 MOS. The Gen 5 introduced an optics-ready Glock 26. Red dots make handguns easier to shoot.

Red dots eliminate sight radius issues, they eliminate sight alignment issues, and they provide a smaller aiming point that obscures less of the target.

The Glock 26 Gen 5 guns also come with Glock match-grade marksman barrel. This will provide great consistency and mechanical accuracy for the pistol.

Ergonomics

The two guns have nearly identical controls. The Glock 26 Gen 2, Gen 3, and Gen 4 are similar to the Glock 43. However, the Gen 5 features an ambidextrous slide-stop. Both guns feature a similar grip angle and design, but the Glock 26 will be a thicker gun overall.

Petite shooters will likely prefer the thinner grip of the Glock 43. Most folks will be fine with the Glock 26. One of the hidden benefits of the Glock 26 is the extra width. If you want less sharp recoil, go with the 26. The wider grip helps dissipate recoil over a wider area, which creates a smoother recoil impulse.

The Gen 3 and Gen 4 26 models feature finger grooves that can be a love-it or hate-it affair. I tend to side with the latter. The Gen 5 stitches the finger grooves and embraces a smooth grip with the new rough texture frame stippling. This rougher texture keeps the gun locked in your hands and helps with control.

The Glock 26 guns also feature interchangeable backstraps to make the gun better fit your hand. The 43 comes how it is, and that’s that. It’s tough to say one is better than the other overall because ergonomics are very subjective. In our Glock 26 Vs. Glock 43 debate, it’s better to say the Glock 26 offers more ergonomic modularity than the G43.

A Clear Winner?

Is there a clear winner? Well, let’s review the facts we’ve established.

• The Glock 43 is easier to conceal.
• The Glock 26 is easier to shoot.
• The Glock 26 holds more ammo.
• The Glock 26 does have options not offered with the G43.
• Both guns aren’t limited to their stock magazine capacities.
• Folks with small hands will likely prefer the Glock 43.

Both guns have strengths and weaknesses, and ultimately, there isn’t a definitive better option. There are better options for you and for every individual. Weigh the pros and cons of each gun, consider your individual needs, and pull the trigger that feels best.