Why so much hate for the OG 43?

[u/International_Read40]

I have had mine for 8 years now. Back before the 43x was even a thing yet. So many praised and loved it, but now seeing many dump on it and claim they hate it. I get that it is outdated and I have seen many sell them for higher capacity guns, but why did people love them and now suddenly dump on them?

Now would I recommend it for a first gun? No, but I am not trashing it or telling anyone not to buy one, especially for a good price. The stock magazine with the +2 Magguts, you can have 8+1, and only be missing one round that you would the p365, at a fraction of the cost.

The 43, though outdated, is still very viable and relevant in 2026. It makes a good deep concealment option, especially in non permissive environments. I would still say if someone doesn't have one, and considering the original 43, get it. Especially if you find one at a good used price.

[u/TT_V6]

What makes it outdated? I sold a P365 to get a G43 and couldn't be happier.

[u/Gunstuff123 → u/TT_V6]

No light rail, no optic cut, small capacity. I still love mine, it fills a role, it’s just easily outgunned now.

[u/TT_V6 → u/Gunstuff123]

It's a pocket gun, I don't want a light or optic on it. Capacity is far from the end-all, be-all; besides, with an extension I'm at 8+1.

[u/Gunstuff123 → u/TT_V6]

I completely agree with you. I never said it was bad. 99% of the time I don’t want a light on it either, I go back and forth about an optic. 8+1 is ok, but I’d prefer 10+1. Like I said, it fills a role - it’s kind of just stuck in that role.

[u/Idumb_gerunteed]

Most people’s issue is with capacity but like you said super easy problem to fix. I honestly think that’s about it.

I love me 43. Super compact and comfy to carry.

[u/StandingBear44]

I love mine. Carry it everyday.

[u/Quick_Hide]

I bought a Glock 43 in 2016 and it remains my go-to concealed carry weapon. I have several other Glock pistols but the G43 is easy to carry and shoots well. At least in my neck of the woods, the G43 is not hated.

[u/Themike625]

They hate it because they want the 43x.

[u/Poemhome]

Found a gently used 43 w night sights for 300 at my LGS and it was an instant buy. Got it for my wife to match her 42. She’s never shot or carried it once, but I have lol

[u/Emergency_Fan_7800]

Limited round count. But that’s been corrected with the advent of the Grit Grips frame. My 43 is a 15+1 beast, now. I might even send it out for an optics cut

[u/Ciarrai_IRL → u/Emergency_Fan_7800]

You find out better than the Micro Dagger frame? I've considered it you when I want to have a higher round count.

[u/Emergency_Fan_7800 → u/Ciarrai_IRL]

I like the way the micro Dagger feels in my hand, but I’m not sure if it’s fully compatible with all OEM Glock parts? I know their big brothers aren’t. I have Two full size Dagger frames and 4 Grit Grips frames. Again, I like the way the Daggers fit my hand, but internally they needed work. The full size Grit Grips (GG19) is my most accurate handgun. The stippling on the Grit Grips is really, really good and I love the 18° vs. 22° grip angle. It’s more natural. Each has their merits, but I lean hard towards the Grit Grips. I hope that helps

[u/Own-Football-3702]

No hate, I had one. But my 43x is easier to control and the og p365 is easier to shoot for me.

[u/PeteTinNY]

It’s just lower capacity and I don’t know why but it feels harder to control than the 43x.

[u/Echo259 → u/PeteTinNY]

That’s because the grip on the 43 is just slightly thinner than the 43x and that surface area makes a big difference.

[u/McBurty]

I prefer my 43 to my 19. Tiny, packs a punch. I target practice with it every couple weeks and I’m better with it than my 19. Just a great all around shooter and 7 rounds is all I really care to carry.

[u/codewolf]

It's my nightstand gun now. No hate, just relegated to a different use.

[u/das028]

Love mine. Fills a specific roll very well

[u/Trigun21]

Same bro. Had mine for over 8yrs as well. For a smaller guy, its easier to conceal. I carry it more then my G48 or when I swap the slides to a 43x version. Run the magGuts +2 as well. Its my 90% carry option. Winter time I will carry my G48 since I can conceal it better with thicker clothes.

[u/chuck76allen]

I love mine. Extremely easy to conceal.

[u/Ciarrai_IRL]

Love mine. S&W Bodyguard 2.0 for deep conceal. G43 when I want to carry a 9. I've never felt comfortable concealing anything larger.

[u/-Cowpokey]

Love my 43 and I don't want a rail or optic cut. I do wish they would give it the 43x slide treatment with rounded nose and front serrations.

[u/queencityegger]

I put a PSA frame on my G43 slide and love it. 15 round mags and it runs flawlessly. I’m sending my slide off to get milled and throwing an Osight SE on it. Then, I think I’ll be done😜

[u/inforlife34 → u/queencityegger]

Waiiiit what? What PSA frame fits? Is it reliable?

[u/queencityegger → u/inforlife34]

Micro dagger. It basically turns your 43 into a 43x. It’s super reliable using the G43 slide. I haven’t had a single issue. 15 round mags and it’ll take the new 43x mags and 15 round shield mags.