So today I finally caved and bought a Glock 43. This choice came after hours of research over several days. The main reason I chose Glock over the competition is how the gun feels in my hand (which further reinforces that you should never buy a gun online without handling it).
The competition was the P-64, Bersa Thunder .380, and the S&W Shield. These are all outstanding firearms and I'm sure that they would have served me admirably. The P-64 was considered for its size but was thrown out due to lack of aftermarket support. Ther Bersa was considered because I love DA/SA pistols but was thrown out because I didn't like how thick it was. The Shield was only considered because it was cheaper and had higher capacity, but I've never liked the ergonomics on S&W M&P's.
So here it is. I got this really cool Dou-tone FDE frame. It's a small thing but I think it dresses up the Glock a little more.
Overall the gun shoots very well for its size. When shooting +P loads the gun definitely snaps, but with Blazer brass 115grs the recoil is very tame. I'd describe the recoil as reserved, almost like a spring under tension trying to uncoil but never doing so. Whatever Glock has done to limit the recoil in this gun is working. There is quite a bit of muzzle flip but nothing compared to the similar sized XDS that I used to own. I had no stoppages in the two-hundred rounds I shot this morning. Currently, the gun is loaded with Hornady Critical Duty and had no problem running through 50 of those while at the range.
The trigger is definitely heavier and has a noticeably spongy take-up. The break is clean every time and the reset is short. This allows the gun to function very well after the first shot is fired. My groups were OK and at combat distances this pistol has absolutely no issues holding solid groups.
Here's a group from 7 yards. Mind my tendency to pull low left.
For now, the pistol is riding in a cheapo Uncle Mikes nylon holster. It conceals better than my S&W J-Frame under a T-Shirt and gives me two extra rounds. The pinky grip allows me a better hold on the gun, but the standard base plate still allows about half my pinky on the gun.
If you have any questions please ask away. I figured I would do a write up for anyone considering one.
The competition was the P-64, Bersa Thunder .380, and the S&W Shield. These are all outstanding firearms and I'm sure that they would have served me admirably. The P-64 was considered for its size but was thrown out due to lack of aftermarket support. Ther Bersa was considered because I love DA/SA pistols but was thrown out because I didn't like how thick it was. The Shield was only considered because it was cheaper and had higher capacity, but I've never liked the ergonomics on S&W M&P's.
So here it is. I got this really cool Dou-tone FDE frame. It's a small thing but I think it dresses up the Glock a little more.
Overall the gun shoots very well for its size. When shooting +P loads the gun definitely snaps, but with Blazer brass 115grs the recoil is very tame. I'd describe the recoil as reserved, almost like a spring under tension trying to uncoil but never doing so. Whatever Glock has done to limit the recoil in this gun is working. There is quite a bit of muzzle flip but nothing compared to the similar sized XDS that I used to own. I had no stoppages in the two-hundred rounds I shot this morning. Currently, the gun is loaded with Hornady Critical Duty and had no problem running through 50 of those while at the range.
The trigger is definitely heavier and has a noticeably spongy take-up. The break is clean every time and the reset is short. This allows the gun to function very well after the first shot is fired. My groups were OK and at combat distances this pistol has absolutely no issues holding solid groups.
Here's a group from 7 yards. Mind my tendency to pull low left.
For now, the pistol is riding in a cheapo Uncle Mikes nylon holster. It conceals better than my S&W J-Frame under a T-Shirt and gives me two extra rounds. The pinky grip allows me a better hold on the gun, but the standard base plate still allows about half my pinky on the gun.
If you have any questions please ask away. I figured I would do a write up for anyone considering one.