Glock 43 - Buy at first chance or wait?

[CNobbe]

Just curious to see what you're thinking on the new G43.. I was reading an interesting article on how Glock builds 5000 handguns a day and still can't meet demand..

There had been a few teething issues and a revision or two on the 42 not long after release (without so much as a peep from Glock about them).

I know some of you I'm sure are chomping at the bit to get a 43, and some who'll avoid be a beta tester..

I'll admit I can't wait to see one to compare with my PM9 and Shield..but whether I buy the first one I see is up in the air.

 

[Girodin]

Given that the P9, PM9, PPS, and Shield have been out for ages its pretty hard to imagine the need to buy the very first glock 43 one can find. Given glocks issues as of late, most notable being initial issues with some gen 4 guns I would go with my general policy of waiting a while. Not only does it help avoid buying problematic guns it typically allows one to get a better price.

I am interested in comparing it with the PPS, Shield, and PM9.

I will not that I generally like glocks but there is nothing about glock being written on the side that makes me think that it per se will be better than every other offering out there.

In sum, I would put my self if a 4th category: Wait and see and then decide if I have any interest in buying one or not.

 

[DevsAdvocate]

Glock hasn't done too well recently with its new releases. From the Gen 4 pistols, to the G42, they all had some early teething issues that needed to be resolved. It's best to wait and see how it is when it comes out. Let the early adopters pay full MSRP anyways.

 

[GBExpat]

Just curious to see what you're thinking on the new G43..

I will be passing on the Glock 43.

I already have a dependable single-stack 9x19 that is smaller, lighter, dependable and accurate that has 7 rounds in the mag rather than 6. I have been carrying it since 2007.

I do, however, like (very much!) my G30S and Gen4 G19.

 

[340PD]

As the owner of a PM9 and a Shield for discrete carry, I doubt I will have a G43 high up on my want list even though I really like my G19.

 

[wrdwrght]

I admire Glocks (have a 19 and 20, the latter made cheaper to feed with a drop-in .40S&W barrel), but nothing compels me to be an early adopter. A Nano and a PPS already meet my small and thin needs.

 

[iblong]

I like my glocks but I'm in no hurry for this one,I have an XDS and shield to cover that niche which are both thinner and more capacity.
If the after market bring out some decent mag extensions I may consider one
down the road.Im not big on pocket carry,if it had been a single stack 19 I would already be on a list.

 

[RustyShackelford]

Glocks, realistic uses .....

As posted in a few other recent topics, the new 9x19mm Glock 43 will be a big seller but I'm going to hold off for now(03/2015).
I already own a decent S&W Shield no thumb safety 9mm. It's a good CCW/defense pistol. My only minor gripes are the right hand shooter only mag release & the annoying extended grip add-on for the 8rd pistol magazine.
The S&W polymer grip can move or slide up if not inserted in the Shield.
I even saw a Youtube video where a holster maker using a S&W Shield had the plastic piece slide down.
Some shooters & CCW holders dislike the Glock 43's limited 6+1 9mm design but I don't see that as a huge disadvantage. Like Glock's older, well liked model 36 slim stack .45acp, the new 43 is a limited use semi auto pistol. It's not meant or marketed as a 3-gun match pistol or duty sidearm.
I personally would be selective with any 9x19mm defense round choices with the 43 size pistol. To only use factory or milspec type ball or FMJ/NATO 9mm rounds isn't a bad idea. Feeding/cycles in these smaller pistols can be harder with some JHPs or "exotic" loads(frangibles).
Some ammunition makers promise the sun & the moon to gun owners/CCW license holders but not all rounds will work perfectly in every model, not even a Glock.

 

[ldlfh7]

Im not sure the world needs another glock model but hay if you want it go for it.

 

[Vodoun da Vinci]

Pre ordered at the LGS last weekend along with over 50 other individuals. It'll be a while before I get mine I'm sure. I have waited this long and shot all the other single stack 9mm offerings so another few months will be easy.

I'm in from the beginning just like we were with the G42.

I don't think there will be a teething period for the G43 like there was with the G42 but that's just an opinion.

VooDoo

 

[HOOfan_1]

From the very little I have heard about it, seems like it is the size of an M&P Shield, and the price of a Walther PPS. That is just going from the MSRP. Hopefully it comes in closer to the price of the M&P Shield.

I would go with the Shield or LC9S before a Glock which was $100+ more.

 

[Big Bad Bob]

As a glock guy, (owned all 9mm models except the 17L) I see no real reason to go for the G43, because I don't really see it doing anything better than my G26gen4 already does.

If I didnt have the G26 and I was in need of a slim single stack 9 I might consider it.

I am however seriously looking at the Glock 30S, anyone have any serious range time with one? How is the recoil impulse?

 

[1KPerDay]

I'm buying, if only for evaluation/review. I'm sure it'll sell quick if I decide to dump it.

LMK if anyone has them in stock.

 

[Vodoun da Vinci]

I'm buying, if only for evaluation/review. I'm sure it'll sell quick if I decide to dump it.

Exactly. If it works for me I'm selling my G26. If it doesn't I want to evaluate it for my needs and will resell it while the demand is still very high. I have to shoot guns to properly evaluate them...looks, "how it feels" marketing, and the opinions of others do not influence me much.

I buy 'em - I shoot 'em. If they work for me, my way, they have a new home. If not they go to a new home that might better appreciate them.

VooDoo

 

[bikerdoc]

Meh, I dont like polymer and dont shoot Glocks very well, so I will pass.
Didnt vote cause you need a category " not for me but best wishes to those that find it appealing."

 

[Zaydok Allen]

Every new gun on the market has potential to have design flaws. That being said, someone has to take the plunge. It might as well be you.

That was my attitude when the XDs came out. Yes, I had to send it in for the recall. No, I never had a problem. Yes, SA fixed it and I got a free magazine out of it. No, I don't regret the purchase. The XDs is the best carry gun (for me) that I've ever seen.

So if you want one, get it. If there's an issue, or a recall, be patient. If you have another carry gun to cover you in the meantime, all the better.

 

[Fiv3r]

It seems like a lot of these slim 9s have some teething issues when either built up from a .380 or scaled down from a .40. Even if the new Glock doesn't have mechanical reliability issues, I would wait to see if a quantifiable list of types of ammo it feeds best or chokes on is compiled so that you don't have to beta test the gun with your money.

Personally, I don't see a great need for one. I appreciate Glocks, but they just aren't for me generally speaking. I am getting along very well with my Nano, and nothing about the Glock really sells me over the Beretta.

I do hope they perform well and people who buy them enjoy them.

 

[leadcounsel]

At some point they become too small to shoot accurately. That extra marginal size makes carry marginally more difficult but shooting infinitely easier.

I have almost zero interest in super sub compact. I'd get one if it were a steal of a price; otherwise current Glock offerings satisfy my needs.

And if not, I have a few smaller guns for ultra deep carry.

 

[Fishbed77]

Given that the P9, PM9, PPS, and Shield have been out for ages its pretty hard to imagine the need to buy the very first glock 43 one can find. Given glocks issues as of late, most notable being initial issues with some gen 4 guns I would go with my general policy of waiting a while.

My thoughts exactly.

 

[jmr40]

I want to handle one first. I generally prefer Glocks, but looking at the listed specs I think it is bigger than I want. I might well buy the G-42 instead. Gonna compare it to the new Ruger LC-9s side by side too.

 

[Chocolate Bayou]

Vodoun da Vinci, you say you have shot all the other single stack 9mm, are you just talking only Poly frame or have you shot A Colt Defender, Or Springfield Range officer, Range Officer Champion, Range Officer compact, or EMP or any of the numerous STI model 9mm? Just wonder how you compare the Poly to the metal? Pro's and cons on each?

 

[Girodin]

From the very little I have heard about it, seems like it is the size of an M&P Shield, and the price of a Walther PPS. That is just going from the MSRP. Hopefully it comes in closer to the price of the M&P Shield.

It appears to be smaller actually.

View attachment 720885

Exactly. If it works for me I'm selling my G26.

As someone that owns other single stack 9x19s I see the 43 as filling a different role than the 26 but to each his own.

That being said, someone has to take the plunge. It might as well be you.

I'd say that it might as well be someone else, but again to each his own.

 

[CNobbe]

Is that a G42 in that pic?

 

[Girodin]

Its purportedly a G43. Source: http://modernserviceweapons.com/?p=14819#more-14819

 

[Vodoun da Vinci]

Vodoun da Vinci, you say you have shot all the other single stack 9mm, are you just talking only Poly frame or have you shot A Colt Defender, Or Springfield Range officer, Range Officer Champion, Range Officer compact, or EMP or any of the numerous STI model 9mm? Just wonder how you compare the Poly to the metal? Pro's and cons on each?

I shot every one I could rent, borrow, or buy including many you mentioned and listed. I rejected the all metal single stack 1911 styles right off the bat as no better shooting than other platforms (like the G17, G19, and G26) right out of the box and in my hands but being heavy for the capacity.

There are a huge number of very fine 9mm pistols out there and many of them are fantastic and I had a hard time narrowing the list down. In the end I opted to carry double stack 9's including a Beretta Px4 SC and a G26. I dropped 30 lbs to be comfortable carrying them Appendix.

Someday when I retire I'll compile and publish a list and the comparisons but that lengthy dissertation would likely be useless to most other people. It is all personal opinion. What shoots best for me and carries best and suits my needs by body size, carry style, SD style etc is not likely to translate to much useful information for another person.

If I learned anything (and I did!) it was that the Internet Experts are not qualified to pick a gun for me. Nor are the Instructors who have never trained with me. We have to *shoot* them and choose - the variables between all of us shooters makes it impossible to narrow the list for another shooter.

Shoot 'em all. Let Fate sort them out.

VooDoo