We are coming up on the two-year anniversary of the Glock 43 debut and I have yet to buy one. Why? Because I may be the only Glock fan that just doesn’t see the point – I’ll stick with my G26/G17 #thankyouverymuch. Unless I’m missing some intangible characteristic, the numbers just aren’t adding up.

Let’s take a look at the specifications for the G43:

And the specifications for the G26:

And a side-to-side comparison of the toddler G43 versus the high school aged G26:

The biggest difference I can see is the weight savings: the G43 sheds about 17% of the unloaded weight compared to its older sibling. Otherwise, the differences in height, length, width and sight radius are in the low single-digit percentages.

And even if the weight savings is big enough to make difference in a shooter’s every day carry gun, are the sacrifices in perceived muzzle flip, lower magazine capacity and magazine interchangeability worth the switch?

As a backup gun, the G43 doesn’t seem to fit the mold – it’s too big for deep concealment and the lack of shared magazines with larger 9mm models will likely mean that the carrier will be left with only 6+1 should the need arise. Let’s be honest, who carries spare mags for their spare gun?

Don’t get me wrong, I’m a huge Glock fan and a proponent of shooters picking the guns and equipment that is right for them. But for the life of me I can’t see where a G43 fits into my routine.

Am I off base here? If I’m missing something about the 43, I’m sure you will all remind me in the comments section below.