Thoughts on the 43X as a PDW

[ZA_Survivalist]

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.

Very true. and I fully agree, WAY more comfortable than Kydex. My revolver holster is a leather holster for AIWB. Tried kydex.. could not do it.
Was just noting any material that can deform and get into the trigger guard area causing an ND is a risk, and that kydex may be what the OP was after.

 

[titsonritz]

Very true. and I fully agree, WAY more comfortable than Kydex. My revolver holster is a leather holster for AIWB. Tried kydex.. could not do it.
Was just noting any material that can deform and get into the trigger guard area causing an ND is a risk, and that kydex may be what the OP was after.

What are you using for a wheel gun AIWB? I'm thinking of getting a Kramer #5 for my Alaskan.

 

[ajmacomber]

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.

Fair point, but most everyone wants an aftermarket mag release anyways, and you do not have to use theirs, you just have to use a metal one. Who only has two magazines for any pistol they own anyways?

 

[po18guy]

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

I "race match" so no problem. Also why I seldom leave the house.

 

[ZA_Survivalist]

What are you using for a wheel gun AIWB? I'm thinking of getting a Kramer #5 for my Alaskan.

Those are slick! No experience with carrying one of theirs AIWB, I'm curious about that belt anchor and it binding a little bit? But that still looks great!
I purposely went with a belt clip so I could yank the whole holster out if I had to while driving or crawling under a house for work.

I had a leather holster maker on Etsy make mine. Going to do the same and have a few with a shoulder holsters (92fs, 1911 officer, CZ75) made when the money is there for it, low priority right now. Lots of other gun projects need those funds.

I've had mine for more than a few years. It's held up great, BUT I can tell after years of carrying that it's warping a bit and loosening up. But for a comfortable AIWB holster, it's been outstanding! I think if I had something with a sensitive trigger and no safety, I would have probably retired it by now.. but for the revolver it's been great.

 

[ArmaLiteRifleB]

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?

H&k vp9 sk

 

[PAC]

Grow a pair.

They're fully functional thank you When I carried I had a few instances where guns were drawn on me and handled those situation in a way where I didn't need to draw mine. And I've had it happen without a gun on me as well. Same result. So the pair I'm working with are sufficient.

 

[titsonritz]

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.

Have you considered a SCD?

Glock Striker Control Device (SCD)

It's our mission to provide the skills, knowledge and equipment to have confidence under duress. Custom gun work for Beretta, Glock, HK, Hellcat, & more.

langdontactical.com

 

[peteNW503]

Um I don't think anybody here has suggested carrying in a 945 industry bag? I love my 945 industry bag! I got the large with both straps it's an awesome carry system arguably my favorite. Obviously there are going to be places that you're going to get away with AIWB carry easier than carrying a small bag but I have ran over 100 miles with this bag in various terrains this bag has held up wonderfully I got it on sale for $150 that includes the bag with the 2 straps and a light bearing holster attached that's pretty damn good! Specially considering a quality holster alone is $100+

 

[HA556]

I don't think anybody here has suggested carrying in a 945 industry bag?

Interesting, I just looked at these and the small one for a G43 is tempting. Right now, I've been using a Galco Fastrax and really like it.

 

[ilikegunspdx]

 

[ajmacomber]

View attachment 2000493
View attachment 2000494
View attachment 2000495

Who makes these? Interesting concept

 

[SCARed]

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.

Their mags will release using a stock glock release. The problem is the polymer getting worn down and the mag drops during every shot. But now they've worked that out so its not an issue.
I don't consider buying extra mags an "investment". I always have extras cause stuff happens and mags are a consumable. SO I'll buy the better gun regardless of what mags it has or what else I need to buy to make it what I want. Yes, I own a 43X, two actually, and have a plethora of shield mags for it as well as mag extenders for some of them.

 

[duldej]

Your 43x is a great carry piece. Put one in the chamber though.

Carry it around without if need be just to get used to being nice to people while carrying.

Then make it a high priority to put one in the chamber.

Defensive situation you don't want to get accused of going out of your way to aggress sonebody. Also you'll be more effective in stopping the threat.

Personally use a glock/sig interchangeably. Loaded. For about 9 mos with one in the chamber. No issues. Carry it everywhere everyday where it's not prohibited by law.

Probably was a dick at first but I got used to carrying it. Sometimes others that can tell
one way or another that I am carrying seem even to appreciate it.

I'm nice to them so they fit themselves in on my side, which of course works for everybody.

 

[Saladfarmer]

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.

I really like the PSA micro dagger mags, 15rd and no need to change the mag release. Get the micro slick ones. Been super reliable. I have had no problems with them and I have lent them to other people at comps who forgot their mags to try out that have 43x and 48's and they all have had reliable use. not one problem feeding. At first, getting that last round in the mag, now that's a little tough, but they do eventually loosen up.

 

[gmerkt]

Um I don't think anybody here has suggested carrying in a 945 industry bag? I love my 945 industry bag! I got the large with both straps it's an awesome carry system arguably my favorite. Obviously there are going to be places that you're going to get away with AIWB carry easier than carrying a small bag but I have ran over 100 miles with this bag in various terrains this bag has held up wonderfully I got it on sale for $150 that includes the bag with the 2 straps and a light bearing holster attached that's pretty damn good! Specially considering a quality holster alone is $100+

This is a new thing to me. Looks like an acceptable idea, in that everyone, even little kids, are carrying backpacks around everywhere they go. Except people my age, that is. Point being, such a bag isn't going to look out of place anywhere.

I looked at their website. But on the way there, I saw that Amazon et al are selling knockoff things like the 945 Industries. For lots less money. Don't know if they are any good.

Re. the OP, I understand the hesitation about not carrying a chambered round in a Glock. I've already mentioned the age thing, but when you get there, you have to be really mindful of what you're doing. I have one crooked first finger joint on my right hand, and arthritis in several knuckles. Not fun, and a sure cause for mindfulness and caution. I try to avoid anywhere I might need a gun on my beat when I leave my place, so I don't carry often. When I do, I have a Glock to do it with. For a long time, it was the 19 but lately I bought a 43X. So lately that I haven't fired it yet, much less carried it. Previously, the carry gun was a Ruger SP101. In fact, I had three, .32 H&R Mag, 9mm and .38 Special. I never worried about chambered rounds when carrying those. If I get paranoid about going out of the house (like at night), I always have a Browning 9mm handy, which I just stick in my pocket (suspenders, no belt).

 

[joeygriffith]

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?

I would suggest educating and familiarizing yourself on the safety mechanisms of the Glock and overcoming your fear of carrying one with one in the chamber. I've carried Glocks both concealed in the appendix and 3 o'clock positions and in duty-style holsters for thousands and thousands of hours now. I've ever had an ND with one.

If you are dead-set on carrying something else with an external safety then so be it. I'd follow a few other suggestions I read here; 6-shot DA revolver, or maybe a S&W M&P with a manual safety. Either way, you need to overcome your fear of carrying with a loaded chamber; I promise you, you are safe with a loaded chamber.

 

[FourTeeFive]

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.

I wonder if they've changed the design much. I have three variants and they're all good running guns. Don't seem to like 115 gr as much as 124 gr or heavier.

I did find with one of the brand new ones (which is my oldest one) that I had to run a few hundred rounds through it before it didn't have any issues. Now its fine. And the brand new magazine springs were incredibly tight.

That said, I do have some older "classic" Sigs and agree they're a whole different and superior animal. Basically like two different companies; the old classic German Sig, and the Sig USA-made models.

 

[tunapackets]

Um I don't think anybody here has suggested carrying in a 945 industry bag? I love my 945 industry bag! I got the large with both straps it's an awesome carry system arguably my favorite. Obviously there are going to be places that you're going to get away with AIWB carry easier than carrying a small bag but I have ran over 100 miles with this bag in various terrains this bag has held up wonderfully I got it on sale for $150 that includes the bag with the 2 straps and a light bearing holster attached that's pretty damn good! Specially considering a quality holster alone is $100+

View attachment 2000479

You can DIY something like this by getting a kydex trigger guard cover like people use for Hill People Gear kitbags, then sewing a sturdy loop for it at the bottom of a casual fanny pack/crossbody in a common brand. Replace the zipper pulls with something quicker if needed

 

[coreymet]

Shield arms makes very nice flush fitting 15rnd mags

So does Palmetto State. Theirs is a metal/polymer blend so you can use the original Glock mag release. 15 rounds.