Glock 26 vs 43: Which Is the Superior Baby Glock?

There is something special about that perfect concealed carry weapon. Firepower, comfort, and concealability come together into a trifecta that makes it easy to carry your self-defense with you everywhere. Not many handguns meet this criteria, but the Glock has long been a frontrunner in the concealed carry world. Compact enough to wear all day, it is also stupidly simple to use and one of the most reliable and accurate workhorses out there. But WHICH Glock do you choose?

When it comes to concealed carry, the choice is really down to the 9 mm Baby Glocks, the Glock 26 and the Glock 43. As some of the smallest and lightest Glocks on the market, they also carry a powerful punch and all of the features that make Glock, well, Glock. Here is a look at the admittedly small differences between the two, and what you might want to weigh when deciding which to add to your EDC lineup.

Glock 26

Size

Obviously, the smaller a handgun, the easier it will be to carry concealed. You have to worry less about printing on clothing, uncomfortable angles jabbing you in the waist or hip, and wearing just the right shirt and pants. When it comes to size, both the Glock 26 and the Glock 43 are subcompact gems that dial in at a low weight and length.

Glock 43

As you can see, the Glock 43 is a little bit smaller in all areas than the Glock 26, making it the more manageable option out of the two. If you think a few ounces or a half an inch doesn't make much difference, then I challenge you to carry a slightly heavier gun all day, every day, and see how it feels. The reality is those small differences can make concealed carry noticeably more comfortable over the course of the day, week, month, and year. And the more comfortable you are, the more often you will carry. Capacity When it comes to size, there is one factor to consider - The capacity of the gun.

The smaller size of the Glock 43 is due in large part to the fact that it is a single stack weapon, while the Glock 26 has a double stack magazine. That gives the Glock 43 40 percent LESS capacity (4 fewer rounds) than the Glock 26. The former can hold 6 rounds, and the latter 10. Capacity is also greater in the Glock 26 because this weapon can take longer magazines for expanded capacity. Depending on the magazine you choose, you could carry up to 12 + 1 rounds in your weapon. That gives you a lot of firepower at your fingertips. Just be aware that the larger the mag you add, the more weight you add to your weapon as well. Balancing the need for capacity with the need for a compact and lightweight weapon is a very personal choice. Just understand the give and take that occurs when making it.

Control

Another factor to consider, that CAN be influenced by even minor differences in otherwise very similar guns, is the ability to comfortably handle the weapon when you need to draw it. A gun that hides perfectly beneath your shirt will not do you much good if it slips out of your hand when drawing or has a trigger that is hard to press. And when the rubber hits the road, you want to be hitting your targets, quickly and accurately.

While both Baby Glocks boast the proven reliability that have made Glocks a preferred law enforcement weapon, you may find one easier to handle than the other based largely on the size of your hand. With a grip thickness that is 18 percent less than the Glock 26, the Glock 43 is easier to hold if you have small hands. However, larger hands should have no trouble grasping the slightly larger thickness of the Glock 26. In addition, recoil is a consideration, particularly if you want to follow up your initial shot quickly during target practice or a real-life self-defense encounter. Both of these weapons will deliver a little more recoil to your wrist, thanks to the thinner slide. And, no matter which weapon you choose, look for a model that comes with finger grooves for more secure handling.

How To Choose?

The good news is that you can't really make a bad choice between the Glock 26 and the Glock 43. Both subcompact gems are reliable, easy to find, and come in several different models so you can find the best combination of features for your EDC. Ultimately, the choice is yours. Do you want a slightly larger gun and more capacity? Do you prefer lightweight and concealable over all? Try out both and see which one gives you better comfort and control when handling. No matter what decision you make, make sure you keep carrying - And training - To stay prepared for whatever comes your way.