Gun Review : Glock 43

The Glock 42 was something between a huge disappointment and cruel joke on expectant gun guys and gals. A .380 single-stack? Been there, done that, bought the Colt Mustang clone, sold it for a larger-caliber everyday carry (EDC) gun. Now that Gaston’s mob has unloaded freight containers of 42s – which they wouldn’t have sold had they started with a proper 9mm single-stack pocket pistol – they’re finally ready to sell train loads of 9mm GLOCK 43s. Should diehard GLOCK jocks and pocket-carrying newbies hold a grudge or buy a 43? Let’s start with a simple comparison . . .

The Glock 42 and Glock 43 are almost identical twins. To accommodate those larger, higher-pressure rounds, the Glock 43 is slightly longer, wider and five ounces heavier than its .380 predecessor. Ergonomically, it’s a distinction without a difference. Hold each gun in one hand (gangster style) and you’d be hard-pressed to tell them apart. They’re both single-stack everyday carry pistols perfectly designed for stealth and comfort. Which is not to say they’re perfectly designed. Glock’s utilitarian aesthetic fails the timelessness test; it’s now about as chic as a Volvo 240D. But shrinking a Glock to near soap bar size certainly increases the cuteness quotient – from none to some. Still, there’s not much, visually speaking, to get exited about.Except the spare magazine!

The G43 ships with both a flush-fit and an extended magazine. The flush-mount mag offers ultimate concealability. The extended mag may play peekaboo in small-pocketed pants, but it gives deep-pocketed owners (in more ways than one) welcome pinky purchase, increasing the 43’s shootability/accuracy by a measurable margin. If only they could fit one more round in the handle … nope. Six is your lot, no matter how you get a grip.I suspect larger-fisted 43 buyers will go with the extended magazine or go home relatively empty-handed. Or hold the GLOCK 43 like the Three Stooges held a cup of tea (pinkies akimbo). Yes, there is that: the GLOCK 43 isn’t for our bear-pawed ballistic brethren – unless they like to practice close-up magic with a gun. In fact, accuracy observations below are void where prohibited by manual dimensions. The GLOCK 43’s biggest advantage over the 42 (other than stopping power): the tiny nine is an ammunition omnivore. There’s no getting around it: the G42 was a picky eater. While the .380 pocket pistol shoots average pressure rounds of various weights all day long, the 42 chokes on loads that fall on the high and low ends of the pressure spectrum. We forgave it this ballistic trespass with the understanding that any armed self-defender who doesn’t test his carry cartridges for reliability, doesn’t get what he deserves. Or maybe he does. I fed the pistol several hundreds of rounds of ammo. The count included Winchester White Box, Federal Premium, Remington UMC and Magtech (both 115 gr and 124 gr weights). I also ran the 43 with Winchester 147 gr Train & Defend , 124 gr Hornady XTPs, and 124 gr Remington Golden Sabers. I didn’t experience a single failure to feed, eject or throw lead downrange in a hurry. Shooting  As you’d expect for a gun that’s smaller than a pack of Wet Wipes, the GLOCK 43 is a snappy SOB, no matter what you feed it. Is this a problem? As RF likes to point out, accuracy is a function of distance. If you’re looking for a self-defense gun that shoots minute-of-bad guy at anything from zero to seven yards, the GLOCK 43 is your new BFF. With its very respectable 5.2″ sight radius, you might even want to aim before pulling the trigger.   Once you get to grips with the 43, literally, slow-firing the gun reveals a firearm capable of 10-ring accuracy at bad breath-and-better distances. The 43’s GLOCK-standard U-shaped sights — love ’em or hate ’em — seem extra-large on such a small gun, and that’s no small advantage. TTAG’s JWT reckons all self-defense guns should have standard night sights and that makes a lot of sense. But again, the 43’s best deployed as a point-shooting point blank self-defense gun. The G43’s trigger is no better or worse than any other GLOCK go-pedal. We’re talking about a 5.5 lbs. pull with a brick wall to bust through and a reset click that’s  hard to miss . That’s supposed to be a selling point . If you can shoot one GLOCK you can shoot them all. The longer, harder trigger pull on snub-nosed revolvers and some small semis (e.g., Ruger LC9) is probably a better bet for newbies who lack trigger discipline (i.e. all of them). But then there’s carry. Carry The G43’s diminutive size is its main selling point. It’s the GLOCK you can holster like a wallet. Not that you should. All guns need to live in a holster that covers the trigger. When carried in an IWB holster, the GLOCK 43 is the very soul of discretion  Slap in the flush-bottomed magazine, rack the gun (being extra-careful not to cover the ejection port), holster-up and tuck your shirt over the gun. Unless a sharp-eyed paranoid OCD gun guy spots the clips (not magazines) you’re as stealthy as a cloaked Klingon warship. Outside-the-waistband types are equally well served. Pop the GLOCK in the slot, untuck your shirt and Bob’s your uncle. Bonus! [ED: Raison d’etre?] The G43 is small and light enough for pocket carry. If you’ve pocket carried a Smith & Wesson hammerless snubbie 642, the GLOCK 43 is an easy choice for EDC. If you haven’t, pocket-carrying the GLOCK 43 is well worth the price of admission. Nothing is as discreet and convenient as pocket carry. As always, you’ve got to practice extraction. But it’s better to have a GLOCK 43 and not need it than to not have a gun because it was too much of a hassle to carry it. So what’s not to love? It’s not so much a matter of “Do you take this GLOCK to have and to hold” as the fact that there are lots of other compact single-stack 9mm fish in the sea, most with lower MSRPs. Some with laser sight options. Think Kahr CM9, Ruger LC9, Springfield XD-S and Smith & Wesson M&P Shield (which offers greater ammo capacity). Not to mention the option of a frame-mounted safety (which the GLOCK 43 won’t ever possess). Or the siren song of some sexy little snub-nosed revolvers. At the end of the proverbial day, the GLOCK 43’s greatest advantage is that it’s a GLOCK. Unlike the finicky 42, the G43 eats all ammo, delivering the “it goes bang every time” reliability that’s the brand’s hallmark. Which creates the confidence that is GLOCK’s advertised attribute. With the added appeal of easy cleaning (clear the gun first) and a predictable (if not prize-winning) trigger. All in a pocket-friendly package. Who can argue with that? Not me. The GLOCK 43 is my new carry gun. Specifications: Length: 6.26” Height: 4.25” Barrel Length: 3.39” Width: 1.02” Weight: 17.95 oz. (unloaded) 22.36 oz. (loaded) Trigger pull: 5.5 lbs. Capacity: 6+1 MSRP: $529 Ratings (out of five stars): Reliability: * * * * * Perfection, to coin a phrase. Unlike its little brother, nothing made the 43 balk. Ergonomics (carry): * * * * * The G43 feels natural in the hand, with a sure grip, particularly while using the pinky extension-equipped mag. Large-pawed shooters who aren’t using the G43 for a back-up gun (probably) need not apply. Ergonomics (shooting): * * * * * Comfortable enough to shoot at the range. You know, for fun. More than accurate enough for its intended use. Customize This: * * ** As a new heater, mods are scarce,but available. A lot of custom options for Glock 43 are available from www.Glockcountry.com .  Overall: * * * * * There are less expensive options and 6+1 capacity isn’t a lot. But the G43 is just the thing for shooters looking for a small, reliable, comfortable, acceptably-powerful every day carry gun. This article is written by Dan Zimmerman

Gun Review : Top 3 Bullpup Shotguns

Bullpup shotguns are quirky and eye-catching. They boast a couple of advantages too. In fact, a bullpup configuration naturally suits the role of a tactical shotgun well. A hypothetical home defense situation might demand the need for tight cornering, for instance, and a bullpup shotgun’s length is typically a little over half that of a traditional full-stock shotgun. Perhaps counter intuitively, a few shotguns on this list boast a high capacity (even higher than most traditional shotguns). As a result of their emerging capabilities, bullpup shotguns as a whole are expanding their market share of tactical shotguns. It’s worth noting they don’t sell well to hunters and skeet shooters (which probably is to be expected).

For some, home defense is a top priority.


In order to try and rank these guns, I’ve decided to use a typical home defense situation where you would need to shoot buckshot about 10-15 yards away as a metric. Other typical civilian situations seem to be better suited for traditional guns (except maybe simply showing off a new toy). Also, a disclaimer: all five of these shotguns were very similar in many categories. The distinctions that separate them are very tiny, and so the rankings had to be more subjective than I would’ve liked.

3: Mossberg 500/590 Bullpup

The Mossberg 500/590 bullpup edition will start the countdown at #3. These Mossbergs are 80’s movie stars, starring in Predator 2, the Running Man, and Robocop probably due to their futuristic appeal. Collectors should be on alert: their value is set to only rise, because there isn’t anything like them currently being manufactured by Mossberg. And, being a Mossberg, they carry a certain degree of intrinsic reliability.

Like reliability, there are more pros that aren’t just superficial…the Mossberg 500/590 bullpups are good shotguns, too. Even though the stock has a lot of gadgetry in it (as with most bullpups), it does really well to mitigate recoil. This attribute is in part due to being heavy, which could be seen as a con. They still boast an 18.5” or 20” tactical-length barrel. They are easy to clean and break down for whatever purpose. The pump action is smooth and makes a great intimidating (for some too loud) sound, and it comes with a nice grip.

There are, of course, some nitpicky cons that prevent it from being higher on the list. The sight is disappointing . Admittedly, you won’t need a good sight if the target is close enough. Admittedly, you can change the sight to any one that you wish if you know your way around a gun. However, I don’t think I’m crazy when I think that a sight doesn’t need to double as a carrying handle. Personally, I don’t value a carrying handle enough to start sacrificing optics. There have been vast improvements in optics since the gun came out in the 80's, so my critique might be a little unfair.

Anyway, moving on, here is a list of other cons:

Annoying and unnecessary grip safety (there’s another safety on the trigger)
Heavy by any standard
Long/heavy trigger pull, although not unreasonable
The Mossberg 500 has a low capacity relative to others on this list (5+1), 

although the Mossberg 590 has a better capacity (8+1).
High cost because they’re pretty hard to find
Ejection port is going to be on the right side next to your face (and literally 

in your face as a lefty, so lefties can’t use it).

The Mossberg conversions are still very good weapons, and there isn't much that separates them from #1 on this list.

2: UTS-15

https://vayserarms.com/firearms-in-stock-shotguns.html#!/UTS-15-Tactical-Shotgun-Desert-Sand/p/48138491/category=12498162
Number two on the countdown is the Turkish UTAS UTS-15. I’m not sure why they didn’t go ahead and just call it the UTAS-15, they were only one letter short. Anyway, it’s a gun that immediately catches the eye (perhaps the word ugly comes to mind, but I prefer the term eye-catching). The UTS-15 has a lot of cool features that makes it and immediate competitor in the bullpup shotgun market. If you haven’t heard of its maker UTAS, you probably aren’t Turkish. I hear UTAS is kind of a big deal over there.
With that being said, it’s not a brand that I would immediately trust simply out of lack of familiarity. As expected, most of the negative comments that I’ve seen have been about reliability. The sources that I trust more seem to agree that it is in fact reliable. Nevertheless, I would recommend trying the gun out as much as possible before buying. Reliability is why I’m timid to rank this gun higher. Well, reliability and these small cons:

Loud when moving. No choice of pump grip. The grip it comes with is frighteningly 

slippery, especially (potentially) when wet.Speaking of that, in my opinion, there 

isn't enough guard to prevent a hand from slipping in front of the muzzle. Like 

the Mossberg and Remington it only ejects to the right side, next to your face 

Expensive in that most go for over $1300, and you’re going to need to add a sight 

Relatively bulky

With all of those cons, does it really deserve a high place on this list? I 

believe so, for two main reasons. For one, it holds 12+1 2 3/4" 12 gauge ammo 

and 14+1 3" ammo. That’s a ton. There aren’t a lot of situations where that 

isn’t enough to get the job done. The second reason compliments the first. 

The UTS-15 feeds from two different barrels, and UTAS designed a selector 

switch that allows you to choose which barrel to feed from. Not only is it nice 

to be able to choose what type of ammo you want, but also you’re given the choice 

to alternate between the barrels. Also, one feeding barrel is selected and then 

emptied, the UTS-15 automatically switches to the other barrel. The selector 

feature is unique and offers quite a bit of versatility in a small package 

allowing you to potentially choose between two different types of ammunition 

on the fly.

There are a few smaller pluses as well. The UTS-15 is incredibly light and 

durable because it is manufactured with state-of-the-art materials. It can 

optionally come with a built-in flashlight, laser, or an attachable extended 

barrel. The extended barrel could be handy if you wish to shoot skeet. It wouldn’t

be anyone’s first choice for a clay gun, but it might be kind of a fun one to

take to the range. It has rails to attach a sight, and like I said before you'll

probably need to do that. Lastly, it's easier to reload than the other pump

shotguns.

And with that, we move to #1...
Numero uno: The Kel-Tech KSG shotgun
https://vayserarms.com/firearms-in-stock-shotguns.html#!/Kel-Tec-KSG-12-Tactical-Shotgun-Titanium/p/48138488/category=12498162

The KSG is Kel-Tech's first shotgun, and it set the a good standard for bullpups. I must admit I get a little swoony over it, so I must ask that you bear with me. The KSG started as a curiosity for most gun owners but it has earned some enthusiasts since it came out in 2011. Unfortunately, demand is high and they have gotten very pricey.
Finally, we come to a bullpup that ejects downward, making it 100% ambidextrous. This wouldn't be such a big deal if the conversion kits and UTAS were more accepting of lefties, but when comparing it to other guns on the list downward ejection seems like a luxury. Also, at the range the KSG is more pleasant simply because there is less heat and smoke in your face.
You want capacity? You have capacity. The KSG can hold 7+7+1 rounds, meaning it has two feeding tubes that hold seven rounds each and of course you can chamber a round. Like the UTS-15, this means that you can have 7+1 rounds of one type of ammo and 7 rounds of another, and quickly choose between each whenever you desire. Also, there's a handy slide release on the trigger.
What really sets the KSG apart for me however is its lightness and compactness. There isn't a shotgun off the top of my head that I would rather have in tight corners or spaces. It doesn't look or feel like it should have 14 round capacity or an 18.5" barrel. Thus it is a true representation of what a bullpup shotgun should be. Plus, it looks pretty sexy. The most similar gun, the UTS-15, is bigger than the KSG but I don't like the feel as much, and you don't get anything (except for a selector switch mode) that the KSG doesn't offer. There are pictures of the KSG everywhere for good reason.
It's also pleasant to have rails. Like any of these bullpup guns, if you're used to shooting traditional shotguns you'll probably have trouble at first. The KSG can be fitted with any optics you desire to fix this problem, and you can add things like a grip guard and other accessories to the bottom.
The overall package is just a fun and reliable shotgun. When the KSG is laid out on a table next to other guns, it's hard not to pick it up first. Hopefully Kel-tech will come out with another model and/or there will be more shotguns like it in the future. For a first gen model, they knocked it out of the park.