For those who carry babyguns (sub compact)G26 vs 43?

[GOPerfect]

Not Glock, but when I am wearing cargo shorts, my main carry gun is the XDS chambered in 45acp. It is everything that I need in a self preservation gun. I do carry a second magazine as well. I like the way the gun feels and I love the way it shoots. I have double stack guns as well like the Glock 27 (40), I can conceal all my guns just fine.

For me, I just like the XDS.

 

[Doc8404]

I know I know. I don't shoot outside once it snows LOL. Fucking Marine Corps infantry at Fort Devens ruined me.
Cold? No thanks.
Cleaning? No thanks.

 

[Saltwater60]

I know what the difference is (reading) I don't see why someone would give up the 4 rounds for essentially the same size gun

I agree. I went to a double stack. It actually carries better for me. It stays up on my ass better than a single stack.

 

[Defilade]

I agree. I went to a double stack. It actually carries better for me. It stays up on my ass better than a single stack.

Go appendix..much better than Ass carry.

 

[ECU Pirates]

I know I know. I don't shoot outside once it snows LOL. Fucking Marine Corps infantry at Fort Devens ruined me.
Cold? No thanks.
Cleaning? No thanks.

Embarrassing....

 

[NYGuns]

I have them both and carry the 43 everyday now. I used to carry thr 26 but it's very fat compared to the 26. It's 100% comfort for me.

 

[Podmonkey]

Also not a Glock but the Shield is a G 43 equivalent. One thing I can say about the single stack subcompacts is that I don't need to go a size larger pant for IWB carry. Even with an IWB mag carrier. Its also good for carry with light summer clothing like shorts. The Shield (and by extension the 43) is just so easy and comfy to carry I have no excuse not to. I just leave it on all day in the house too.

 

[Edwardteach72]

Also not a Glock but the Shield is a G 43 equivalent. One thing I can say about the single stack subcompacts is that I don't need to go a size larger pant for IWB carry. Even with an IWB mag carrier. Its also good for carry with light summer clothing like shorts. The Shield (and by extension the 43) is just so easy and comfy to carry I have no excuse not to. I just leave it on all day in the house too.

See and the part about the shorts is the only time I can see me even thinking of grabbing one of these mouse guns (43 or shield) or if I was in sweats which neither is very often for me other than running down the street to get something at the gas station or what ever and by shorts I mean gym shorts

 

[spat]

The 43 offers nothing in my opinion over the 26. I never had a 43 but I had a an XDS 9mm which is about the same size as the 43.

In a holster at 2 o'clock, there was no difference in concealability. I found that grip length is what affects printing rather than width. The difference in width is less than a 1/4 inch in thickness.

I even carry the 26 in an ankle.

The only benefit I see is weight. A single stack is definitely lighter which equals more comfort.

I have a G26 I carry, my wife has a G42. She has small hands and the double stack grip is just too wide for her. She can shoot the 26 just fine, but the mag release is a stretch for her.

Lately I've been carrying an LCP II over the 26 when concealability is an issue. No comparison there, the LCP II is downright tiny and makes the 26 feel almost "full sized" by comparison.

 

[libertysnake]

I have them both and carry the 43 everyday now. I used to carry thr 26 but it's very fat compared to the 26. It's 100% comfort for me.

I also own and carry a 43. My two carry guns are a shield and the 43, and soon to be the P938.

At the end of the day, what matters to me is:

1) Can I shoot it? If I can't shoot it well, then fuck it. Who cares. I prefer to run with 9mm pistols for this reason, since my ability to get follow up shots quickly is better with 9mm. Rounds on target is what matters.

2) Can I conceal it easily, giving me more clothing options?

3) Comfort once the first few are taken care of.

4) How easy is it to deal with the manufacturer? This is why I won't buy another Smith and Wesson any time soon, because they won't sell you barrels or replacement parts that are clearly drop in.

 

[libertysnake]

Also not a Glock but the Shield is a G 43 equivalent. One thing I can say about the single stack subcompacts is that I don't need to go a size larger pant for IWB carry. Even with an IWB mag carrier. Its also good for carry with light summer clothing like shorts. The Shield (and by extension the 43) is just so easy and comfy to carry I have no excuse not to. I just leave it on all day in the house too.

I also have a shield, but as a company I'm moving away from Smith and Wesson due to their policy of not selling barrels as spare parts among other reasons. They're too restrictive in my book.

By contrast, when I spoke to glock, their stance was, to paraphrase: "If you don't drop it in salt water, we'll replace it."

Glock's stance was:

* Replace the sights? No problem. We'll still warranty the slide.
* The trigger group and frame is lifetime warranty, as is the slide.
* Drop in a new barrel? No problem. They'll even sell you one / other drop in parts.

That's why I'm sticking with glock going forward. Even compared to Sig, which is a close second policy wise, they're definitely on top in my book.

That being said, they're both close in my opinion. Both reliable. But the G43 seems a little more comfortable for me.

 

[Edwardteach72]

I also have a shield, but as a company I'm moving away from Smith and Wesson due to their policy of not selling barrels as spare parts among other reasons. They're too restrictive in my book.

By contrast, when I spoke to glock, their stance was, to paraphrase: "If you don't drop it in salt water, we'll replace it."

Glock's stance was:

* Replace the sights? No problem. We'll still warranty the slide.
* The trigger group and frame is lifetime warranty, as is the slide.
* Drop in a new barrel? No problem. They'll even sell you one / other drop in parts.

That's why I'm sticking with glock going forward. Even compared to Sig, which is a close second policy wise, they're definitely on top in my book.

That being said, they're both close in my opinion. Both reliable. But the G43 seems a little more comfortable for me.

As for the smith not selling drop in parts. I believe the reason for this could be (based on what I've read from some in the industry, ie gabe suarez) M&P have a lot of variations over the years. Yes they just came out with the 2.0 but smith likes to make a lot of small but significant changes which makes comparability an issue

 

[libertysnake]

As for the smith not selling drop in parts. I believe the reason for this could be (based on what I've read from some in the industry, ie gabe suarez) M&P have a lot of variations over the years. Yes they just came out with the 2.0 but smith likes to make a lot of small but significant changes which makes comparability an issue

Well, they have the serial number. As long as I'm using stock parts, they should be able to sell me replacements based off that information. Unless they're having quality control issues or can't keep track of their changes -- which is a problem on their part.

 

[Truebeliever]

I carried a baby Glock for years before the 43. Sorry but it is much more comfortable to carry iwb. I can conceal both just fine but the 43 is more comfortable.

 

[Marine Cpl]

@Edwardteach72 , I just bought this El Cheapo version of a smartcarry from Amazon. It works great for my Glock 26 for when wearing gym shorts or sweat pants with no belt. It's hard to pull the trigger while in it from the outside but I cut out a piece of plastic from an old folder that holds papers and sandwiched it between the gun and holster for piece of mind.

It's well made and it serves the purpose for those occasions.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00ZD2UTJW?psc=1&ref=yo_pop_mb_pd

 

[misunderestimated]

So as some folks know ,I am a fan of the blocks, I have the 42,43,and 26. the 42 is tiny

That being said.YES the 26 is fat, and the 43 is skinny ,but put both of them in a holster,ANY holster and they feel the same . Like a moron I keep purchasing holsters thinking I don't have the correct holster to hide the 43 better because its a smaller gun. But at the end of the day the difference between the 2 in a holster attached to my body are not notable to me. I love the gun, Great shooter,reliable,affordable, but if you already have a 26 and holsters to carry the 26 in I would not suggest getting one. I carry a 26 with small 10 rounder with pinky exstention in gun and then 2 full size mags as reloads. A 26 with full size mags gives you a better purchase on the firearm.

I compete in Glock matches with a 42 in pocket pistol class, they have a class called the match miester , its a match between all the guys who got the best scores over the year. the match mister has been won several time by a guy shooting a 26 . The 26 is a great firearm

 

[NYGuns]

I also own and carry a 43. My two carry guns are a shield and the 43, and soon to be the P938.

At the end of the day, what matters to me is:

1) Can I shoot it? If I can't shoot it well, then fuck it. Who cares. I prefer to run with 9mm pistols for this reason, since my ability to get follow up shots quickly is better with 9mm. Rounds on target is what matters.

2) Can I conceal it easily, giving me more clothing options?

3) Comfort once the first few are taken care of.

4) How easy is it to deal with the manufacturer? This is why I won't buy another Smith and Wesson any time soon, because they won't sell you barrels or replacement parts that are clearly drop in.

Very good points. I should clarify that I am very comfortable and accurate when shooting my 26 and 43, I carry both with the magazine extension which helps, but even without i am comfortable shooting. I shoot my carry guns very often for practice and wouldn't carry anything that I wasn't accurate and comfortable with.

 

[Defilade]

I have to admit I am blaming my Holster. I bought a Dara appendix holster with mag extension a while back and after months of use it was a poor decision. I have to modify it somehow to have the pistol ride higher up than my belt line to get a good grip when trying to draw fast. Being that it is a 2 finger grip( HK P30sk) I may also try a pinky extension but to me that seems to defeat the purpose of a sub-compact while extending the grip. Adjustable clips are essential when trying best not to print but function of the draw is king to me.

 

[Saltwater60]

Go appendix..much better than Ass carry.

I'm going to. I just need to loos a bit of my gut. I lost 12 lbs and about 2" so I'm ready what holster do you have. I'm hoping for one for Christmas for any santas we might have in the crowd here.

 

[Defilade]

I'm going to. I just need to loos a bit of my gut. I lost 12 lbs and about 2" so I'm ready what holster do you have. I'm hoping for one for Christmas for any santas we might have in the crowd here.

For my P229 I run a Tier 1 Concealed AGIS which is nice because it adjusts nicely up and down it is a 2 clip design, I tried running a Dara appendix rig with a 1 clip design on my P30sk and made a mistake with buying a holster with no adjustments with the clip. I wonder is anyone has any experience with running a Tuctite rig. Annex Appendix Holster ? If I can't modify my DARA to ride higher than I shall go with tier 1 again. Good luck!

 

[Catskillkid]

Owner of both the Glock 43. Of all my "carry" guns (and yes I firmly believe any gun, even full sized ones can be carry guns) I like it the most. I just like the way it feels and conceals and the weight is barely noticeable. That and my Sig P320 has been retired until it gets fixed (still waiting on Sig to send me my labels for return by the way).

 

[C3D]

I carry both. Glock 26 for when I am wearing pants and my weight is holding OK in an alien holster. Glock 43 in pocket holster in the summer.

 

[682SuperSport]

I carry both. Glock 26 for when I am wearing pants and my weight is holding OK in an alien holster. Glock 43 in pocket holster in the summer.

I wear a lot of gym shorts because of my job and clothing requirements for my schooling. How do you think a G 43 carries in those? I almost always carry a Ruger LCP in the pocket when wearing gym shorts and I don't know how I'd feel going any bigger.

 

[kgun12]

I carry the 43, yes I give up rounds but I do carry an extra magazine, Here's the way I look at it, if I haven't eliminated the threat with 7 rounds, I'm probably dead anyway!

Yes 7 rounds, one in the chamber six in the mag.

 

[C3D]

I wear a lot of gym shorts because of my job and clothing requirements for my schooling. How do you think a G 43 carries in those? I almost always carry a Ruger LCP in the pocket when wearing gym shorts and I don't know how I'd feel going any bigger.

LCP is definitely a smaller package. I stick with the Glock as I can carry a 43, 26, 19 or 17 while using the same manual of arms to operate each. You can shave a couple of millimeters with a G42 which I tend to carry in Florida where the weather is warmest.

 

[682SuperSport]

LCP is definitely a smaller package. I stick with the Glock as I can carry a 43, 26, 19 or 17 while using the same manual of arms to operate each. You can shave a couple of millimeters with a G42 which I tend to carry in Florida where the weather is warmest.

I consider manual of arms to all be the same for any striker fired gun that doesn't have a manual safety. Makes no difference what brand it is to me and I prefer no safeties. I meant more weight wise, is it that much more significant weight in your opinion?

 

[C3D]

No weight difference that I notice. I say that because the 42 or 43 is so light I don't notice it in my pocket.

 

[Criticalt]

The 2 guns I carry most often are Shield 9mm and glock 20(10mm).
Like mentined by a couple in this thread, they both conceal fine, but the Shield disappears from sight and feel. The g20 hides well but I know its there and can be annoying at times.
I shoot both very well.
I love shooting the 10mm but I know the Shield 9mm is faster to draw any easier with follow up shots.
The Shield holds 9, the glock holds 11, not much different.

 

[misunderestimated]

I carry the 43, yes I give up rounds but I do carry an extra magazine, Here's the way I look at it, if I haven't eliminated the threat with 7 rounds, I'm probably dead anyway!

Yes 7 rounds, one in the chamber six in the mag.

there is no reason not to carry an extra magazine with all of the tiny clip on magazine pouches

 

[Marine Cpl]

Red is 43. The 43 is a 1/4 inch thinner in the grip. Slides are about the same.