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Rental Report: GLOCK G43X/G48

Bristlecone Blog: October 2019

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rental Report: GLOCK G43X/G48

Written by: Joe Kriz

 

Despite manufacturing more than 50 different handguns in seven different calibers, GLOCK felt its lineup of “perfection” was missing something. Enter the G43X and G48, introduced in 2018 to fill gaps between existing models and satisfy the demands of a growing concealed carry market.

 

MEASURABLES

Chambered in 9mm, the G43X and G48 are both slimline, striker-fire semi-auto handguns with all the aesthetics and features expected of a GLOCK. Sharing the same 1.1-inch wide and 5.04-inch tall polymer frame, the compact-size grip is best thought of as a single-stack G19. While it’s noticeably thinner than the widely popular double stack, it is also wider than the G43.

 

Dimensionally, the G48 shares the same overall length and height as the G19. The G43X, however, was designed to be the bigger brother of the sub-compact G43, increasing capacity by four rounds while keeping its short slide and barrel. As such, the slide of the G43X is flush with the front of the frame while the G48 sticks out beyond it.

 

Dimensions (G43X / G48)

Length: 6.5” / 7.28”

Height: 5.04”

Width: 1.1”

Barrel: 3.41” / 4.17”

Weight: 16.4 oz / 18.48 oz

Capacity: 10+1 (9mm)

 

While originally released as silver slide-black frame models, both the G43X and G48 are now available in the more recognizable black-on-black look and feature front slide serrations, GLOCK sights and GLOCK Marksman Barrels—as found in all GLOCK Gen5 models.

 

RANGE TIME

For those accustomed to shooting larger handguns, shooting the G43X and G48 is a different kind of experience.

 

The first thing you’ll notice is the fit. It should come as no surprise that the slimmer guns feel noticeably smaller in the hand. If you struggle to reach the controls of most double-stack handguns, you should find the magazine and slide stop/catch/releases closer within reach, aided by the marginally shorter trigger distance (measured from the back of the grip to the trigger).

Down range, accuracy is as good as the shooter. Those familiar with 9mm should find recoil manageable and controllable, but, as with all short-slide guns like the G43 and G43X, the shorter sight radius (5.24”, versus 5.98” of the G48) can lead to larger groups, especially when shooting at longer distances. However, at practical self-defense distances within 10 yards, accuracy between the two models is virtually unnoticeable.

 

FINAL THOUGHTS

Whether you’re looking for your first handgun, are making the switch from double-stack carry, have small hands, or simply love GLOCKs, the G43X and G48 are great options worth considering. And as with all GLOCKs, aftermarket components, holsters and gear are readily available to support those wishing to carry and customize these new handguns.

 

Interested in the G43X, G48 or both? Find them in our rental handguns cabinet, available to shoot for just $15 (50% off for members), or available to purchase in-store or online for $469 (prices may vary). Rent and buy on the same day and we’ll take your rental fee off the price of the gun!

 

Ask our range or retail employees about the GLOCK G43X and G48 on your next visit to Bristlecone Shooting, Training & Retail Center. And save big during GLOCK Days at Bristlecone this GLOCKtober, October 19-26, 2019.

 

Rental Report is a blog series highlighting rental firearms at Bristlecone Shooting, Training & Retail Center. Stay tuned for future firearm reports!

Glocktober at Bristlecone Shooting, Training & Retail Center in Lakewood, Colorado

Glocktober is finally here!  All year, we wait for October to roll around so we can celebrate our #1 selling handgun manufacturer.  This October at Bristlecone, we’ve got different promotions and sales to make sure we make a Glock fan out of you too!  Check out what’s going on below:

Membership

This is the one area that’s an exception.  We’ve got a Membership deal for you this month, even if you’re not a Glock fan.  If you buy or renew (eligible renewals are any Membership that expires during the month of October) this month, you’ll get 6 extra guest passes!  All of our Memberships come standard with 6, so that means you’ll get a total of 12!  That’s 12 times you can bring someone with you for free to enjoy the range and Bristlecone facility!  What a great deal for Glock lovers and non-Glock lovers alike.

We are also hosting 2 “Free for Members” events this month:

Oct. 5th 1PM-3PM Red Flag E.R.P.O seminar presented by U.S. Law Shield.  Come learn about this new legislation that goes in to affect January 1st.

Oct. 26th 10AM-12PM Glock Educational Seminar presented by Glock.  Our Glock rep will be at Bristlecone to teach you all about the different models and what makes Glock pistols unique.

Find out more and register here.

 

Gunsmith

Any custom Gunsmith work for your Glock in October – get 25% off of the labor charge (parts not included)!  Custom work includes cerakote, stippling, grip reductions, etc.  Come on in and talk to our Gunsmiths about how they can make your Glock truly one of a kind.

 

Training and the Range

Did we tell you that it’s Glocktober?! This October, get $30 off a class (valued at $75 or more) at Bristlecone when you buy a new Glock from Bristlecone! (Proof of purchase required, in store or phone registration only).  

 

Retail

The biggest event of the month is our annual Glock Days Sale!  Lowest prices of the year on all new Glock models starting Saturday October 19th at 9AM through Saturday October 26th, or while supplies last.  We have a specific number of Glocks that we’ve brought in for this sale at special prices from the manufacturer.  So when they’re gone, they’re gone.  No special orders at the sale prices and no other discounts apply.  PLUS, we’ll be giving away a free Glock to a lucky customer from the 19th through the 26th, so be sure to mark your calendars!  Glock reps will be at Bristlecone Saturday 10/19 and Saturday 10/26.  Free sight installations with proof of purchase.  This is a sale that you don’t want to miss!