Hey there! Welcome to my Glock 43 Problems Blog.
I’ve got some insights on the Glock 43. I’ve taken it out to the range and field-tested it extensively.
While using the Glock 43, I encountered some common problems that might catch you off guard. We’re talking about things like issues with the polymer frame, chambering difficulties, slide malfunctions, tricky trigger behaviors, and magazine problems.
I’m going to break down these issues one by one and, more importantly, offer some straightforward solutions to get your Glock 43 working like a charm.
Quick Table: Glock 43 Problems & Solution
Certainly, here’s a simplified table that summarizes the top 5 problems with the Glock 43 and their corresponding solutions:
Problem | Solution |
Issue with the Polymer | Round off and polish the plunger; clean slide rail slots. |
Chambering Problem | Detailed cleaning; switch to non-steel casings. |
Slide Issue | Clean slide rails; apply light gun-specific lubricant. |
Trigger Issues | Adjust the trigger reset bar; replace stock springs and trigger bar. |
Magazine Problem | Apply thin layer of armor all over the magazine to reduce friction. |
This table gives a quick overview, which can be handy for those who are looking for quick fixes to common Glock 43 problems.
Top 5 Glock 43 Problems & Solutions
1. Issue with the Polymer
Alright, let’s get into it. One issue I ran into while using the Glock 43 involved its Polymer 80. Now, you might be thinking, “Polymer 80? That’s supposed to be rock solid!” I thought so, too.
However, I noticed something off when I was letting the slide return while keeping the trigger fully pressed. It just didn’t sit right; the slide was a smidge too low.
What did that mean? The trigger bar’s “shark fin” over-engaged with the firing pin safety. Trust me, you don’t want that happening, especially when you need your firearm the most.
Solution
So, what did I do to fix this? I knew I had to get hands-on. I rounded off and polished the plunger’s profile until it looked like a mirror.
Seriously, it was so shiny. And let’s not forget those slide rail slots; cleaning them was crucial. I made sure to remove any lingering ceramic coating. After these tweaks, I re-tested the Glock 43. Guess what? It functioned smoothly.
The slide went back to its rightful place, and the “shark fin” didn’t over-engage. It felt like a brand-new gun, almost making me forget that there was ever an issue.
2. Chambering Problem
So, I was out in the field, just me and my Glock 43, feeling all good and ready to go. But then, bam! I hit a snag.
Regardless of the type of ammo, be it Tulammo FMP or Corbon + P, the next round wouldn’t fully chamber and the spent cartridge wouldn’t eject all the way.
I noticed the subsequent round would move about a quarter to a third of an inch when I chambered a round and then removed the magazine.
Talk about a showstopper! This really messed up my shooting rhythm, and let me tell you, it’s no fun dealing with a disruption like that.
Solution
Alright, so how did I tackle this? First, I stripped the gun down for a detailed cleaning. I checked specifically for a broken extractor hook and cleared the chamber walls of any debris.
But here’s the real game-changer: I stopped using steel casings. You read that right. Once I cleaned, lubricated, and reassembled the gun, those chambering issues vanished like they were never there.
Tested it again, and it was like night and day. The Glock 43 cycles rounds like a champ, and I’m back to enjoying my time on the range.
3. Slide Issue
Here’s the thing: while out on the field with my Glock 43, I ran into some slide issues that I didn’t see coming. I was going through my regular shooting routine when I noticed the slide wasn’t returning to its original position as it should.
I’ve used Glocks for years, and this was a curveball. The slide was either getting stuck midway or returning super slowly.
This isn’t just an inconvenience; it’s a reliability concern. Imagine being in a situation where you need to react quickly, and your slide decides to take a leisurely stroll back. Not good.
Solution
So, what’s the fix? First off, I stripped the slide from the frame to get a closer look. I inspected the slide rails and the recoil spring assembly.
The culprit? Dirty and grimy slide rails. I cleaned those bad boys thoroughly, making sure to remove any debris or accumulated gunk. Then, I applied a light layer of gun-specific lubricant on the slide rails and the recoil spring.
After reassembling and testing, voila! The slide was back in action, returning to its original position with the kind of speed you’d expect from a Glock. Crisis averted, and I’m back to confident shooting.
4. Trigger Issues
Okay, here’s another issue that needs attention: the trigger on the Glock 43. During my field testing, I spotted something off.
The trigger wasn’t consistently returning to its original position after racking the slide. Now, this was more pronounced during live fire scenarios.
During dry fires, the trigger seemed to behave just fine, resetting every single time. But that consistency went out the window when it came to live fire.
That’s a significant issue; you can’t have a trigger misbehaving when you’re actually using live ammunition.
Solution
So, what did I do? First, I zeroed in on the trigger springs, as they seemed to be the weak link. I went ahead and adjusted the trigger reset bar to make sure it was seated correctly.
Then, I swapped out the stock springs and trigger bar for ghost springs and a new trigger bar. The difference was like night and day.
The trigger reset flawlessly after making these changes and taking it out for another test. The issue was resolved just like that, and my Glock 43 was back to its reliable self.
5. Magazine Problem
Here’s something you won’t want to overlook: the magazine issues with the Glock 43. Now, I was out on the field doing some training exercises, and I noticed the magazine kept getting stuck halfway into the magazine well.
Seriously frustrating, right? But wait, there’s more. During reloading, the magazine wouldn’t always drop out as it was supposed to.
It messed with my reloading rhythm, and trust me; you don’t want anything messing with your reloading when you’re in a situation that requires quick action.
Solution
So, how did I resolve this? I applied a thin layer of armor all over the magazine. That’s right, just a thin layer to decrease the friction between the magazine and the well.
It may seem like a small step, but this simple tweak made a world of difference. After this adjustment, the magazine slid in and out smoothly, just like you’d expect.
No more hang-ups and my reloading rhythm was back on track. It’s the little things that count, and this tiny change made my Glock 43 experience a whole lot better.
Also See The Best Red Dots For Glock 43
Top 4 Alternatives to the Glock 43
1. Sig P365
The Sig P365 stands out for its higher standard round capacity of 10, offering more firepower right out of the box. It’s also equipped with night sights as standard, making it a strong competitor to the Glock 43 for those who want extra features without additional costs.
2. Springfield Hellcat
The Springfield Hellcat comes with an 11+1 standard capacity and offers an optics-ready version. Its front night sight and high-contrast rear sight make it a versatile option for various lighting conditions, edging out the Glock 43 in terms of features.
3. Glock 26
Also known as the “Baby Glock,” the Glock 26 provides a 10-round, double-stack magazine. It’s slightly bulkier than the Glock 43 but offers the flexibility of using magazines from larger Glock models, making it a versatile choice for those loyal to the brand.
4. Glock 43X
The Glock 43X offers a longer grip than the Glock 43 but maintains a slim profile. It comes with a 10-round magazine and features a smoother trigger mechanism. For those looking for a middle-ground option between the Glock 43 and larger models, the 43X fits the bill.
Final Thoughts
So, there you have it, folks! The Glock 43 is a solid compact pistol, no doubt about it. I’ve put it through its paces, and let me tell you, it’s reliable for the most part.
But hey, even the best of us have our off days, and the Glock 43 is no exception. From magazine hiccups to slide mishaps, this firearm has shown me it’s got room for improvement.
But the good news? Each problem I encountered came with a feasible, effective solution. There is a bit of tweaking here and some hands-on adjustments there, and voila! The gun went from being just another compact pistol to a trustworthy firearm that performs consistently well.
Now, would I say it’s perfect? No, but after applying these fixes, I can confidently say the Glock 43 is as reliable as they come.
FAQs
Should you carry Glock 19 or 43?
If you prioritize higher ammo capacity, go for the Glock 19. If you’re focusing on easier concealment, then the Glock 43 is your best bet.
Do cops carry Glock 43?
Yes, some law enforcement officers do carry the Glock 43 as a backup or off-duty weapon.
Which Glocks are the best for concealed carry?
The Glock 43 and Glock 26 are popular choices for concealed carry due to their compact size and reliability.
Which is better Glock 43 or 26?
Both are reliable and easy to conceal, but the Glock 26 has a higher magazine capacity, while the Glock 43’s thinner profile may make it more suitable for deep concealment.
Which is better Glock 43 or Springfield Hellcat?
The Springfield Hellcat offers more features like front night sights and an optics-ready option. However, the Glock 43 has a reputation for durability and reliability.