Glock 43X vs Glock 48: Which Compact 9mm Fits You

The Glock 43X suits buyers who want the lighter, shorter pistol for concealed carry. The Glock 48 suits buyers who want a longer barrel and slide plus a front rail, and will accept a heavier pistol to get them. Both are listed as 9mm semi-automatic pistols with a 10+1 capacity, two magazines included, standard sights and no optic-ready cut.

All figures on this page are supplier-listed catalog specs for each model. They describe the pistols as the manufacturer lists them. They are not test results.

Spec	Glock 43X	Glock 48
Caliber / Gauge	9mm	9mm
Action	Semi-Automatic	Semi-Automatic
Grip	Polymer	Black Textured Polymer
Finish	Blue/Black	Blue/Black
Weight	18.7 ounces	25.12 ounces
Capacity	10+1	10+1
Barrel Length	3.41 inches	4.17 inches
Overall Length	6.5 inches	7.28 inches
Sights	Standard Sights	Standard Sights
Trigger Safety	Yes	Yes
Grip Safety	No	No
Manual Safety	No	No
Ambidextrous Safety	No	No
Optic Ready	No	No
Threaded Barrel	No	No
Magazines Included	2	2

Size and concealment

The 43X is the smaller of the two. Its listed overall length is 6.5 inches, against 7.28 inches for the 48. It weighs 18.7 ounces, against 25.12 ounces. The listed gap is 0.78 inches in length and about 6.4 ounces in weight. Both numbers affect holster fit and how the pistol sits under a shirt. The 43X listing describes a slim, compact frame with a subcompact-slim slide. The 48 is described as a slimline pistol with a full-length grip. The listings give no grip dimensions, so compare the two in your hand.

A slim frame is narrow from side to side, which tends to reduce printing under light clothing. Overall length is the full measurement from the muzzle to the rear of the pistol. Barrel length is the portion of the pistol the bullet travels through, and it drives most of the difference in length between the two models.

Shooting and control

Both pistols use Glock's Safe Action system and carry a trigger safety. Both listings describe three automatic mechanical safeties and no external manual safety. The 48 listing adds front slide serrations, a textured grip, an integrated beavertail and a GLOCK Marksman Barrel, which the manufacturer says supports consistent shot placement. The 43X listing also includes an integrated beavertail and a matte, corrosion-resistant slide treatment.

Weight and barrel length are the main handling differences. A heavier pistol is often said to soften felt recoil, but the extra weight is also more to carry all day. The 43X is the lighter of the two to carry. The 48 is the heavier, longer pistol.

Capacity and magazines

Both pistols list a capacity of 10+1 and include two magazines. Capacity therefore does not separate the two models. The 43X listing also names a magazine loader, cleaning set, pistol case and gun lock in the package. The supplier text for the 48 does not list those same accessories, so do not assume they come with it.

Optics and sights

Neither pistol is listed as optic ready, and both use standard sights. A red dot is not part of either catalog configuration. The 48 has a front accessory rail that the listing says supports compatible weapon lights and accessories. The 43X listing does not mention a rail. Neither listing shows a threaded barrel.

Which to choose

Choose the 43X if the main job is concealed carry and a smaller, lighter pistol matters most. Choose the 48 if you want a longer barrel and slide and a front rail for a light, and you are comfortable with the extra weight. Both share the same caliber, capacity, safety layout and sight type, so size, weight, barrel length and rail are the real decision points. If you can, handle both before you buy.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Glock 48 bigger than the Glock 43X?

Yes, on the listed figures. The 48 has a 7.28-inch overall length against 6.5 inches for the 43X, a 4.17-inch barrel against 3.41 inches, and a weight of 25.12 ounces against 18.7 ounces.

Do the two pistols hold the same number of rounds?

Yes. Both list a capacity of 10+1 and include two magazines.

Do either of these pistols have a manual safety or an optic cut?

Neither listing shows a manual safety, an ambidextrous safety or a grip safety. Both list the trigger safety as present. Neither is listed as optic ready.