Sharing experiences and recommendations on subcompact pistols, like Glock 43/43x/48, Sig P365 variants, etc.

I recently bought a Glock 43x and 48 MOS.  Got the 43x milled for the Holosun K footprint and put on an EPS Carry.  With the micro/slimline pistols becoming a lot more popular, I wanted to see for myself.  I have shot many in the past, but just a mag or two of friends' guns or other folks who came to various range days. 

For CCW, my primary is Glock 19.  I have tons of rounds with them in training, classes, and some competition.  I have carried it here and there when/where legal.  While I can conceal it just fine, I assumed a smaller pistol would/could be a benefit.  So wanted to try for myself. 

I have about 300 or so rounds with the 43x.  I have a couple of IWB holsters and a OWB holster.  Still getting used to shooting it.  Overall, I enjoy shooting the 43x, but shoot the 19 way better.  I think mostly due to the grip stippling I have on the 19, as well as the width of the 19 allows for a more comfortable or maybe familiar grip.  I plan to get the either the 43x or 48 stippled soon and see if that changes things.  I can get a comfortable grip on the 43x, but seems like my hands are fighting for space.  Results on paper are also way better with the 19, but assume mostly because of familiarity. 

No malfunctions or other issues with the 43x so far.  The only issue I noticed was that when I changed out the mag release to a Vickers, the mags wouldn't drop as well as with the stock release.  I have the Vickers on all of my other Glocks (19, 17, 34) and they work well.  For the 43x, the profile seemed lower than the stock.  So I went back to the stock mag release. 

I've shot the P365 side-by-side with the 43x.  The P365 XL or Macro do interest me a little, but will likely stick with the 43x and see how about 1000 rounds go.  I had hoped to shoot the 43x in a match in carry optics, but that won't happen for a while. . . 

The only gun I CCW'd was a VP9 w/WML.  Then when I got my Shield Plus, there was a noticeable difference in carrying it.  The Shield is lighter, thinner, and shorter.  So overall less bulky.  And this is even with the IWB sidecar for the mag.  I find the Shield IWB set up still less bulky.  So I would assume this goes with all compact/subcompact pistols.

I'm not 1 of those who would not carry a gun due to the humbug (bulkyness) of carrying it.  To me the benefits outweigh the cons.

Shooting wise between the 2, on paper the VP9 should be easier to shoot.  But in practice, eh Indian problems.

The only gun I CCW'd was a VP9 w/WML.  Then when I got my Shield Plus, there was a noticeable difference in carrying it.  The Shield is lighter, thinner, and shorter.  So overall less bulky.  And this is even with the IWB sidecar for the mag.  I find the Shield IWB set up still less bulky.  So I would assume this goes with all compact/subcompact pistols.

I'm not 1 of those who would not carry a gun due to the humbug (bulkyness) of carrying it.  To me the benefits outweigh the cons.

Shooting wise between the 2, on paper the VP9 should be easier to shoot.  But in practice, eh Indian problems.

I used to CCW a 17.  That was all I had.  I did have a HK USP 40 Compact with holsters and stuff, but didn't carry it after getting my 17.  This was when I still lived in WA state. 

It's always the arrow bow, duh. . .

Resurrecting an old thread. 

Qualified with the 43x, along with the 17.5 for the Honolulu CCW course of fire last week. Have been spending more time shooting the 43x overall, and also eventually want to shoot it in an USPSA match.  The setups between the 43x and 17.5 are quite similar, in Overwatch trigger, EPS (carry for 43x and regular for 17.5), and laser stippled grip.  The 17.5 has a Streamlight TLR7A, and the 43x is the no rail version. 

I have maybe 3k rounds on this 17.5 and maybe 200 rounds on the 43x.  I shot the qual clean with the 17.5 and at a decent pace (and cold).  Followed with (3)C with the 43x with also a decent pace.  No surprise there as I have a lot more time with the 17.5 and it fits my hands better.  I do want to spend more time with the 43x moving forward.  The wider grip of the 17.5 makes it easier to have "stronger clamping" support hand grip, in addition to just being more comfortable with shooting the full sized framed Glocks. 

For CCW considerations, while I can conceal the 17.5 just fine, I've found the 43x is easier in many ways and more comfortable.  The shorter barrel length doesn't contribute to trouble with concealment (as noted by many on YT), as well as being more comfortable when sitting.  Also makes it easier with to pee (added that for CMO) without removing the pistol. 

Overall happy with the 43x as I shoot it more and more. 

i think they prefer to be referred to as micronesian...

Sharing experiences and recommendations on subcompact pistols, like Glock 43/43x/48, Sig P365 variants, etc.

I recently bought a Glock 43x and 48 MOS.  Got the 43x milled for the Holosun K footprint and put on an EPS Carry.  With the micro/slimline pistols becoming a lot more popular, I wanted to see for myself.  I have shot many in the past, but just a mag or two of friends' guns or other folks who came to various range days. 

For CCW, my primary is Glock 19.  I have tons of rounds with them in training, classes, and some competition.  I have carried it here and there when/where legal.  While I can conceal it just fine, I assumed a smaller pistol would/could be a benefit.  So wanted to try for myself. 

I have about 300 or so rounds with the 43x.  I have a couple of IWB holsters and a OWB holster.  Still getting used to shooting it.  Overall, I enjoy shooting the 43x, but shoot the 19 way better.  I think mostly due to the grip stippling I have on the 19, as well as the width of the 19 allows for a more comfortable or maybe familiar grip.  I plan to get the either the 43x or 48 stippled soon and see if that changes things.  I can get a comfortable grip on the 43x, but seems like my hands are fighting for space.  Results on paper are also way better with the 19, but assume mostly because of familiarity. 

No malfunctions or other issues with the 43x so far.  The only issue I noticed was that when I changed out the mag release to a Vickers, the mags wouldn't drop as well as with the stock release.  I have the Vickers on all of my other Glocks (19, 17, 34) and they work well.  For the 43x, the profile seemed lower than the stock.  So I went back to the stock mag release. 

I've shot the P365 side-by-side with the 43x.  The P365 XL or Macro do interest me a little, but will likely stick with the 43x and see how about 1000 rounds go.  I had hoped to shoot the 43x in a match in carry optics, but that won't happen for a while. . . 

I shot my Glock 48 w/EPS Carry on my Taccon trip.  It was the first time I used it for training and first event using a red dot.  I was able to make good hits from the draw up to 35 yards.  I'm still a bit slow up close, for acquiring the dot.  I did pickup a couple of bad habits, I tend to shoot slightly left under speed, probably due to the smaller grip.  And I tilt my head to the gun side to acquire the dot I think.  Gun ran flawlessly over 250 rounds.  It's my regular CCW gun.  I brought a Glock 43 as a backup and I use it for deep concealment.  That gun is harder to shoot well and takes a lot of practice.  It's adequate out to 15 yards and difficult at 25 yards. 

I gave up on appendix carry as it can be painful sitting down, I might try it again after I lose weight.  The C&G holster was fine and I CC it around Dallas.

The common guns at Taccon were Glock 43x, Glock 19, and Sig 365s, with 2/3rds using optics and doing appendix carry.  A bunch had Shields and a few people had Glock 43s. 

I shot my Glock 48 w/EPS Carry on my Taccon trip.  It was the first time I used it for training and first event using a red dot.  I was able to make good hits from the draw up to 35 yards.  I'm still a bit slow up close, for acquiring the dot.  I did pickup a couple of bad habits, I tend to shoot slightly left under speed, probably due to the smaller grip.  And I tilt my head to the gun side to acquire the dot I think.  Gun ran flawlessly over 250 rounds.  It's my regular CCW gun.  I brought a Glock 43 as a backup and I use it for deep concealment.  That gun is harder to shoot well and takes a lot of practice.  It's adequate out to 15 yards and difficult at 25 yards. 

I gave up on appendix carry as it can be painful sitting down, I might try it again after I lose weight.  The C&G holster was fine and I CC it around Dallas.

The common guns at Taccon were Glock 43x, Glock 19, and Sig 365s, with 2/3rds using optics and doing appendix carry.  A bunch had Shields and a few people had Glock 43s.

I’ve found that with the 43x, I have to be more conscious of my grip. Tendency is to either not have sufficient clamping or over grip with right hand. Interesting that in the CCW qual I shot recently two of the Charlies were 12 o’clock.

In classes, seeing a lot of Sig micro pistols, with some Glock 43x and occasional 48.

i think they prefer to be referred to as micronesian...

microclips

huh?

I’ve found that with the 43x, I have to be more conscious of my grip. Tendency is to either nobly have sufficient clamping or over grip with right hand. Interesting that in the CCW qual I shot recently two of the Charlies were 12 o’clock.

In classes, seeing a lot of Sig micro pistols, with some Glock 43x and occasional 48.

huh?

if you actually owned guns, I would explain to you

lul

if you actually owned guns, I would explain to you

Adding a 48 MOS into the rotation.  I've had the gun for a while, but was planning on selling it.  Since I'm shooting the 43x more and more, using the 48 MOS for backup as well as testing.  For now, mainly trying/testing the Shield mags with their mag catch.  Going with an EPS Carry to mostly match the EPS Carry on the 43x, but one difference is the 43x is direct milled.  I'm also trying an Apex flat shoe and TTI spring kit based on recommendations.  Eventually, intent (or maybe goal) is to shoot the 48 MOS in pistol matches.  While range opportunities are back, days are limited from previous years prior to shut down.

I have a G19 and a P365 (the regular one) for ccw.
the P365 is much easier to conceal bc its smaller. I'll carry mostly in a fanny pack.
I have 2 slides for it. 1 with holosun 507k green dot, and 1 with just the iron night sights.. if I pocket carry, I'll use the slide with the iron sights bc easier getting it in and out of the pocket. I like the mag with the pinky extension bc easier to grip, my pinky isn't hanging off the grip
I can shoot the G19 better but the Sig is easier to conceal so that's why I prefer the Sig. if we had open carry I would probably go with the Glock or my 3" GP100
I also have Hellcat but I haven't shot it much. but it shoots similarly to the P365

I wonder if there's a huge diff in carrying diff guns. I only carry 1 gun so my press out is the same, mechanics are the same, RDS is the same.  Compare this if someone carrys say 3 diff guns a week.

I noticed a diff when I function check MRs. CMO's 365XL, we have the same RDS, but when pressing out, it's much different from my shield.  Or is it the same for all Glocks due to the angle of the grip?

I wonder if there's a huge diff in carrying diff guns. I only carry 1 gun so my press out is the same, mechanics are the same, RDS is the same.  Compare this if someone carrys say 3 diff guns a week.

I noticed a diff when I function check MRs. CMO's 365XL, we have the same RDS, but when pressing out, it's much different from my shield.  Or is it the same for all Glocks due to the angle of the grip?

Good topic.  Personally, I've come full circle (actually many times around the circle :facepalm:).  From sticking with platform, to trying a range (P320, PPQ/PDP, CZ 75 P-10, etc) and back to one platform.  At least right now, I'm focusing on reduction of platforms, mainly grip angle.  To build and ingrain index, especially important (IMO) concept for RDS.  Experienced that firsthand one training day when I was shooting a lot with my 17.5, then a buddy had me shoot his Sig P320 for a test stage right afterwards.  Yeah, after some dry fire and reps, I could have adjusted.  However, first draws were "different", like I think you experienced.  One buddy that I shoot matches with is the opposite.  Shoots a P320 and won't touch a Glock

For me, the indexing aspect between 17.5 and 43x/48 is the same.  The slight tweaks in the grip between the two I'll say still in process.  Trying to spend more the slimlines, which is one reason I want to shoot them in a match. 

Aside #pressoutandgotowork 

Finally got the 48 MOS setup and zeroed.  I had the wrong CHPWS plate, and I was waiting on some work on the frame to be finished.  Zeroed and shot over the past week and I'm liking it.  Using the 48 MOS to test Shield Arms mags (blocked to 10  ) and no issues in around 200 rounds.  I really like the Shield mags over the OEM for many reasons and will likely used them with the 43x. 

The 43x is direct milled for EPS Carry, and the 48 MOS has CHPWS plate with EPS Carry.  Side by side, the optic heights about about the same.  I installed the same model Dawson iron sights on both and the amount that they stick up in the window seems about the same (very slightly above bottom of window, which I like).  I will have to get a replacement front sight as the POI is about 2.5-3" low at 15 yards.  Minor nuisance for now, but eventually envision the 48 MOS as back up CCW when on the mainland. 

Will continue to spend more time with both the 43x and 48 MOS.  Will eventually shoot the 48 in a pistol match.  When I shot the 48 MOS and in the same range session with my usual 34.4 competition pistol, the 48 MOS is definitely less forgiving in many ways, which is what I expected.  Hopefully more time with the 43x/48 will help.

If anybody on Maui can shoot a LCP or similar halfway decent then I'd love to have you show me. I bought an LCP Max that turns me straight into Barney Fife when I hold it. Straight up menace, I'm seriously starting to think it's defective. I even got the Mantis dryfire training aids, they say my grip is great and the laser always hits where I aim it, but with live ammo I can't even tell where all the bullets go.

If anybody on Maui can shoot a LCP or similar halfway decent then I'd love to have you show me. I bought an LCP Max that turns me straight into Barney Fife when I hold it. Straight up menace, I'm seriously starting to think it's defective. I even got the Mantis dryfire training aids, they say my grip is great and the laser always hits where I aim it, but with live ammo I can't even tell where all the bullets go.

Dry fire (with Mantis) not showing up in live fire results, correct?  Assuming yes, have you tried ball & dummy drill? 

I've found that grip with micros is less forgiving than full size.  But for me, the gap is closing as I spend more time with the 43x/48, both live and dry fire. 

A shooting buddy is big on magwells for the 43x for grip considerations.  I haven't tried, yet. 

Dry fire (with Mantis) not showing up in live fire results, correct?  Assuming yes, have you tried ball & dummy drill? 

I've found that grip with micros is less forgiving than full size.  But for me, the gap is closing as I spend more time with the 43x/48, both live and dry fire. 

A shooting buddy is big on magwells for the 43x for grip considerations.  I haven't tried, yet.

My number one suggestion would be to try live fire with your trigger in different spots on your finger.  As with Glocks, often the shooter's hand is not perfectly sized for the standard grip, and it often causes a right handed person to push the trigger (and the muzzle) down and to the left.

I was able to overcome that mostly by attaching the grip backstrap on my Glocks to make the grip deeper, so the knuckle of my trigger finger is more in line with the rear of the trigger. 

I discovered this by sitting very still and very slowly dry firing the Glocks.  As the trigger fired, i saw the muzzle end of the gun move left.  After trying to compensate with different finger/knuckle positions on the trigger, I finally remembered the backstraps.  Viola!

So, first identify the problem.  If your trigger finger is moving the muzzle, you need to then identify why.  Maybe adjusting your weak hand grip will prevent it?  Or use the isometric grip where you press the hands against the sides of the gun but have a more relaxed grip.  Sometimes holding the grip way too tight creates a situation where you're so focused on grip pressure you miss everything else.

If anybody on Maui can shoot a LCP or similar halfway decent then I'd love to have you show me. I bought an LCP Max that turns me straight into Barney Fife when I hold it. Straight up menace, I'm seriously starting to think it's defective. I even got the Mantis dryfire training aids, they say my grip is great and the laser always hits where I aim it, but with live ammo I can't even tell where all the bullets go.

Let a friend shoot your gun and see what they can do.  I've shot bad and had a much better shooter use the gun and it worked fine.  Indian, not the arrow.

Start at 3 yards. Until u can put all 10rds inside a golf ball, don't increase the distance. Then go to 5 yards and same. Then 7 and tangerine. Then 10 yards and orange.  Or something like this and do slow fire.

Then increase speed if you can constantly get golf ball grouping or orange groupings.