Marketplace

Gun Shows

Shooting Ranges

Gun Stores

Forum

Reviews

Compare

Blog

Glock 26 Gen 5 vs Glock G43X

Glock 26 Gen 5	Glock G43X

Category
Handguns	Handguns
Brand
Glock	Glock
Price
$550 – $700	$499 - $599
Description
The Glock 26 Gen 5 is a subcompact 9mm pistol engineered for discreet carry without compromising reliability or performance. Known as the “Baby Glock,” it is a top choice for concealed carry users who need a compact profile with trusted firepower.	The Glock G43X is a slim, subcompact 9mm pistol from the Slimline series, combining a compact G43-length slide with a G48-sized grip and an integrated accessory rail for lights and lasers — ideal for concealed carry with tactical versatility.
Specifications
Caliber: 9 mm Luger System: Safe Action® System Magazine Capacity: Standard: 10 rounds Optional: 12 / 15 / 17 / 19 / 24 rounds Barrel Length: 87 mm (3.43 in) Trigger Pull: 26 N Weight: Without magazine: 559 g (19.72 oz) With empty magazine: 615 g (21.69 oz) With loaded magazine: 739 g (26.07 oz) Overall Length: 163 mm (6.42 in) Slide Length: 159 mm (6.26 in) Overall Width: 33 mm (1.30 in) Height (incl. magazine): 106 mm (4.17 in) Frame Material: Polymer frame Finish: nDLC hard-surface coating	caliber: 9x19mm (9mm Luger) capacity: 10 rounds barrel_length: 87 mm \| 3.41\" overall_length: 165 mm \| 6.50\" height: 128 mm \| 5.04\" width: 28 mm \| 1.10\" weight_unloaded: 16.4 oz (without magazine) weight_loaded: 23.07 oz (with loaded magazine) action: Safe Action® (Striker-Fired) frame: Polymer with integrated Slim Mounting Rail finish: nPVD coated black slide sights: Fixed white dot front and rear grip: Slimline with built-in beavertail and reversible magazine catch barrel: GLOCK Marksman Barrel (GMB) trigger_pull: ~5.5 lbs
Pros
Highly concealable size ideal for everyday carry Improved accuracy with Glock Marksman Barrel Durable nDLC finish enhances corrosion and scratch resistance Ambidextrous controls for left- and right-handed users Customizable grip with interchangeable backstraps Compatible with larger Glock 9mm magazines Proven Glock reliability and safety system	Slim, lightweight design ideal for all-day concealed carry Integrated accessory rail allows mounting of lights and lasers GLOCK Marksman Barrel (GMB) delivers Gen5-level accuracy Built-in beavertail for a high, secure grip Reversible magazine catch accommodates left- and right-handed shooters Precision-milled front serrations for better slide manipulation Orange magazine follower provides easy round-count visibility Safe Action® System with 3 automatic safeties for safe carry
Cons
Smaller grip may feel short without magazine extensions Lower standard capacity (10 rounds) compared to compact models Shorter sight radius may be less forgiving at longer distances Snappier recoil compared to larger frame pistols	Limited 10-round single-stack capacity compared to double-stack competitors Rail may complicate holster compatibility — requires rail-specific holsters Basic factory sights; many users upgrade to night sights or fiber optics No optics cut (MOS) on standard Rail model Slim frame can feel snappy with hot 9mm loads
Best For
Concealed carry (IWB/appendix carry) Backup duty firearm Personal defense in a compact form factor Shooters wanting a smaller alternative to the Glock 19 Travel or discreet carry situations	Everyday concealed carry (IWB/AIWB) Shooters wanting a rail for attaching compact lights (e.g., Streamlight TLR-7 Sub) Law enforcement and security personnel needing a slim backup gun New and experienced shooters seeking a reliable, low-profile carry pistol
Accessories
Extended magazines (12–24 rounds) Magazine extensions for better grip control Weapon-mounted lights (subcompact compatible) Night sights or steel sight upgrades Concealed carry holsters (IWB, AIWB, OWB) Grip sleeves and backstrap options Speed loaders and spare magazines	Weapon Lights: Streamlight TLR-7 Sub, Olight PL Mini 2 Valkyrie, SureFire XSC — compatible with the integrated Slim Rail. IWB/AIWB Holsters: Rail-specific Kydex holsters from Vedder (LightTuck), Alien Gear, and Falco Holsters designed for the G43X with Rail configuration. OWB Holsters: Leather and Kydex OWB options from Falco and Safariland for open carry or range use. Night Sights & Optics: Trijicon HD XR, AmeriGlo, and other aftermarket sights; G43X MOS variant available for micro red dots (Holosun 507K, Trijicon RMRcc). Magazine Extensions: Shield Arms +5 magazine extensions and 15-round Steel magazines for increased capacity. Grip Enhancements: TALON Grips rubber or granulate grip tape for improved traction.

Similar Handguns Comparison