Thoughts on the 43X as a PDW

[PAC]

I haven't carried in a very long time. I recently acquired a Glock 43X and I'm considering carrying again in specific situations. I'm not a huge fan of the appendix holster though.
When I have carried a Glock , I just don't keep one in the chamber, which obviously is another step slowing down bringing the firearm to action.

The S&W shield plus has been recommended as a good alternative. Anyone have experience with that?


A) does anyone have any recommendations for a similar sized firearm with a non Glock style safety (I don't mind toggling something)
B) an alternate carry style
that with practice can give similar draw speed?

Read More

 

[Member 45541]

B) an alternate carry style
that with practice can give similar draw speed?

If you don't want to carry one in the chamber, a good 6 shot revolver with hammer on an empty would be my suggestion. Just pull trigger and get busy.

 

[whutdidyousay]

I love my 43x.... But, one of my favorite secondary ccw's, (non Glock) with a safety is the Ruger EC9s... It has an easy to operate safety & is about 3/4 the size of my Glock 43x. They may not be the most popular, but they are cheap & reliable. There is even a LC9s (same gun) on here for $200.
I carry mine in my pocket, or on my belt with a slide type holster. I forget it's there.

 

[ajmacomber]

I absolutely love my 43X, best carry pistol ever with the shield arms 15rnd mags.

 

[TommyFun]

43xMOS in a holster
19 in the headboard lockbox

Understanding the way a Glock requires a trigger to be pulled to pull back the firing pin should alleviate your concern of one in the chamber. There is no 'cocked and locked' on a Glock.

Not condoning your choice.

Safe Action System

GLOCK’s revolutionary SAFE ACTION® System provides a consistent trigger pull from the first to the last round. The three automatic independently-operating mechanical safeties are built into the fire control system of the pistol.

us.glock.com

 

[ajmacomber]

Also, an Overwatch Precision trigger is transformative on these.. just for data

 

[titsonritz]

Grow a pair.

 

[Koda]

A) does anyone have any recommendations for a similar sized firearm with a non Glock style safety (I don't mind toggling something)
B) an alternate carry style
that with practice can give similar draw speed?

A thin profile OWB holster carried in the 2oclock position offers an alternative to appendix carry but with a fast draw.
Theres a few striker pistols now with external thumb safties to chose from.

 

[po18guy]

Striker guns need sufficient training. We see evidence of that regularly. Especially in winter, you might consider a chest rig. Easily concealable under coat or vest. With a vest, you can draw through the right arm hole.
As well, I have changed my thoughts on carry guns. Now I carry the cheapest gun that is reliable. If shots must be fired in anger, the gun will go into evidence for 2-5 years. When it comes back, it will not be pretty. So, daily carry = utility weapon.

 

[NeoBlackdog]

Grow a pair.

Zach Lee.
My wife carries a 43X.

 

[Member 24198]

Striker guns need sufficient training. We see evidence of that regularly. Especially in winter, you might consider a chest rig. Easily concealable under coat or vest. With a vest, you can draw through the right arm hole.
As well, I have changed my thoughts on carry guns. Now I carry the cheapest gun that is reliable. If shots must be fired in anger, the gun will go into evidence for 2-5 years. When it comes back, it will not be pretty. So, daily carry = utility weapon.

You're going to have bigger problems to worry about than getting your gun back.

 

[ilikegunspdx]

I haven't carried in a very long time. I recently acquired a Glock 43X and I'm considering carrying again in specific situations. I'm not a huge fan of the appendix holster though.
When I have carried a Glock , I just don't keep one in the chamber, which obviously is another step slowing down bringing the firearm to action.

The S&W shield plus has been recommended as a good alternative. Anyone have experience with that?


A) does anyone have any recommendations for a similar sized firearm with a non Glock style safety (I don't mind toggling something)
B) an alternate carry style
that with practice can give similar draw speed?

If you want similar size and striker fired then sig p365x can be had with a safety. Or p365 w/safety if you want a little smaller. They are very easy guns to shoot well. Some models have optic cuts for a red dot if desired.

 

[ZA_Survivalist]

So long as you have a quality kydex holster, (something that will not deform such as leather) your risk of a ND with a chambered 43x is small. I realize it's tempting to carry something with a safety, and that's not a big deal, that can be switched off quickly when needed.. but investing in a brand new firearm is far more costly than simply carrying a currently owned firearm in perhaps a better holster.

If you are heart set on picking up a small footprint firearm WITH a safety, give the Kimber Micro 9's a look.

 

[titsonritz]

So long as you have a quality kydex holster, (something that will not deform such as leather) your risk of a ND with a chambered 43x is small. I realize it's tempting to carry something with a safety, and that's not a big deal, that can be switched off quickly when needed.. but investing in a brand new firearm is far more costly than simply carrying a currently owned firearm in perhaps a better holster.

If you are heart set on picking up a small footprint firearm WITH a safety, give the Kimber Micro 9's a look.

Not all leather holsters are equal, there are several quality leather AIWB available for those who choose to carry that way and they are substantially more comfortable than their Kydex counterparts.

 

[Bolt_308]

If you are uncomfortable carrying appendix, I would recommend trying a P365 or P365X with a Recluse pocket holster. https://recluseholster.com/sig-sauer-p365-recluse-os-front

I carry this way every single day. It works best if you dress for it- i buy Vertx pants because they have front pockets specifically designed for easy access. I can be standing there casually, hands in pockets, very unassuming and non threatening, and no one knows that I have my hand right on a gun ready to go. Yes there are downsides, like if you are sitting, but there are downsides to every version of carry. For me, it works really well, and VERY comfortable, and gun it never aimed at a critical body part of yours. Often I 'New York" carry- carrying two guns, one appendix and one in the pocket. But ALWAYs carry the pocket gun, it is just too easy not to. I have the P365X set up this way, and then also a smaller LCP, so if I am REALLY behind enemy lines and not wanting to print(like wearing dress slacks/suit or something) I carry the LCP. But that is pretty rare, the P365X in the Recluse works 99% of the time, with a reload in the opposite rear pocket, in a NeoMag extra mag carrier. Super fast reloads- 24+1 rounds of 9mm in a very compact and easy to carry package!

NeoMag: The Original Magnetic Pocket Magazine Carrier

The NeoMag is a magnetic pocket magazine holder for concealed carry, securely holding a metal or Glock magazine in easy reach at all times.

theneomag.com

 

[titsonritz]

If you are uncomfortable carrying appendix, I would recommend trying a P365 or P365X with a Recluse pocket holster. https://recluseholster.com/sig-sauer-p365-recluse-os-front

Interesting design.

 

[ajmacomber]

If you want similar size and striker fired then sig p365x can be had with a safety. Or p365 w/safety if you want a little smaller. They are very easy guns to shoot well. Some models have optic cuts for a red dot if desired.

I had a P365 when they first came out. I wouldn't trust that pile of crap for any amount of money. What a POS. In fact, SIG is famous for beta testing their weapons on their consumers. Save for the MPX (which they did the same dam thing with) I will never own another SIG. They're cashing checks their former selves wrote with their reputation. It's no longer deserved.

In summation; fu@k a bunch of the P365.

 

[funbobpdx]

I haven't carried in a very long time. I recently acquired a Glock 43X and I'm considering carrying again in specific situations. I'm not a huge fan of the appendix holster though.
When I have carried a Glock , I just don't keep one in the chamber, which obviously is another step slowing down bringing the firearm to action.

The S&W shield plus has been recommended as a good alternative. Anyone have experience with that?


A) does anyone have any recommendations for a similar sized firearm with a non Glock style safety (I don't mind toggling something)
B) an alternate carry style
that with practice can give similar draw speed?

Capacity is limited on the 43x. (10 rounds). I would suggest something like the FN Reflex. It comes with two mags: 11 and 15 rounds (so you can achieve 11+1 or 15+1) is a VERY small package. A lot of peace of mind in those additional rounds. And yes, people will read this and say "if you can't take care of the issue with 10 rounds or less than it's a training issue." Two things: heat of the moment, training can sometimes go out the window. Also, in a situation where you are facing three, four, five plus attackers…yeah, those rounds may be critical.

 

[ajmacomber]

Capacity is limited on the 43x. (10 rounds). I would suggest something like the FN Reflex. It comes with two mags: 11 and 15 rounds (so you can achieve 11+1 or 15+1) is a VERY small package. A lot of peace of mind in those additional rounds. And yes, people will read this and say "if you can't take care of the issue with 10 rounds or less than it's a training issue." Two things: heat of the moment, training can sometimes go out the window. Also, in a situation where you are facing three, four, five plus attackers…yeah, those rounds may be critical.

Shield arms makes very nice flush fitting 15rnd mags

 

[funbobpdx]

Shield arms makes very nice flush fitting 15rnd mags

They do, but then you're having to buy all new mags AND you have to use the Shield Arms mag release (their mags won't drop using stock Glock release). So a lot more needs to be invested to bring it to the level that other firearms are already at out of the box. But yes, definitely an option.