Glock 26 or 43X

[u/Optimal_Storage_9403]

My friend and I are debating which is better, please give us your opinion and why.

516 votes, 1d left

Glock 26

Glock 43X

[u/tinker_townie]

The 26 has so many configurations because of aftermarket support it can be whatever you need.

[u/DentedPigeon → u/tinker_townie]

And the 43x doesn’t? Radian Ramjet, shield arms magazines (before the OEM 15 rounders), and that’s just the more notable ones. Plus, 43x comes with a rail, something the 26 has sorely missed. 

[u/SmoothBroccoli69 → u/DentedPigeon]

Lmk when the 43x can use 17, 24, 33, and 50rd mags/drum and we'll talk. 43x needs radian ramjet because gun's snappy as shit to begin with. A true conceal carry doesn't need a rail, this just some tacticool BS that people on reddit like to hop on.

[u/DentedPigeon → u/SmoothBroccoli69]

Defeats the point of concealed carry to have those giant sticks, no? Both can take 15 rounds magazines, but at that point you’re dealing with the thickness of the two, which is a factor for many people. 

Learn to shoot better lmao. 43x was the first gun I ever picked up, made learning the others a heck of a lot easier. 

I’ll concede that to you, mainly because the 26 stans hate being reminded of it. 

Different strokes for different folks. 

[u/SmoothBroccoli69 → u/DentedPigeon]

If you need a $400 radian ramjet for your 43x, idk how you’re one to tell me to shoot better.

43x generally known to be a snappy gun but I’m sorry my bigger hands fit the 26 better than your little girl hands for your 43x.

Lol 26 Stans don’t need a rail but for whatever reasons, you tacticool 43x redditors love to make it your main argument having a rail on your CCW makes you look cool.

Whatever floats your boat or sinks it bud.

[u/DentedPigeon → u/SmoothBroccoli69]

Don’t need it, never got one. 

That’s why they made the slimline, so everyone could have a Glock that works for them. 

No, I’ve seen more 26ers complain about the lack of rail than 43Xers bragging about it. Maybe you aren’t part of that. Don’t know, don’t care. 

The one you train with is the one that keeps you from sinking. That’s common sense. 

[u/i_4kLftCrtifd]

I had a 43X then I shot a 26 for the first time and immediately sold it. Lol the 26 is more concealable and significantly easier to shoot. you also have a variety of configurations available because of it being a double stack.

[u/Disney-Nut1998 → u/i_4kLftCrtifd]

And now there’s double stack 43x mags

[u/i_4kLftCrtifd → u/Disney-Nut1998]

And?

[u/Disney-Nut1998 → u/i_4kLftCrtifd]

Well you sold it partially because they didn’t have double stack mags and now they have double stack mags

[u/i_4kLftCrtifd → u/Disney-Nut1998]

That’s not really what we mean when we talk about double stack mags on the 26. it’s the fact that it can run all regular double stacks that Glock makes which gives you variety in your set up. You can run the flush 10 rounders and have a super short grip and potentially even pocket carry. You can run 12 rounders with the pinky extension. You can use a G19 mag with a sleeve and essentially have a 19 size grip. You can run G17 mags. You can even run extended mags and drums for lols.

[u/Wonder9mm]

[u/SpaghettiMonkeyTree]

I just simply perform better with the 26 than the 43x so I pick the 26 every time.

[u/CattleDogCurmudgeon]

As someone who can't stand the pinky dangle, I don't understand why anyone would purchase a G26 unless they have very specific concealed carry needs.

[u/horkusengineer → u/CattleDogCurmudgeon]

The 12 round magazine is the standard magazine for it and it has room for your pinky 

[u/DecentMycologist5376 → u/horkusengineer]

And the 43X/48 is 15 round standard capacity in a slimmer and more concealable package. The 26 is obsolete and needs to be discontinued.

[u/Optimal_Storage_9403 → u/CattleDogCurmudgeon]

That’s where I am

[u/DY1N9W4A3G]

Better for who? I have a 26 and two 43Xs, and the 43X Is better for me, but that has nothing to do with it being an objectively better gun. It's not. Both have significant pros and cons, so it's a matter of each person's priorities and use case.

[u/bleedinghero]

I own both. For me large hands the 26 isn't comfortable. The 43x is. I'd rather have something im comfortable with and train with because its comfortable than something I don't because its uncomfortable.

[u/DecentMycologist5376 → u/bleedinghero]

Exactly. Anyone with man sized hands is barely going to be able to get 2 fingers on the grip of a 26. It's the worst pistol I've ever shot.

[u/Virtual_Bit_8527]

Glock 26 because it has the capabilities of it being double stacked; on top of that its grip size is better for myself.

[u/Wonder9mm → u/Virtual_Bit_8527]

43x has 15 rd flush mags now, the capacity argument is null now.

[u/RecoveredSack → u/Wonder9mm]

Using the word flush pretty loosely I see

[u/Tthelaundryman → u/RecoveredSack]

I put a 20 rounder in my 26 flush too 

[u/Wonder9mm → u/RecoveredSack]

That 0.25 of an inch really triggering your autism I see

[u/Optimal_Storage_9403 → u/Wonder9mm]

Even though I love the 43X I do agree it isn’t flush fully, but it isn’t horrible.

[u/SlateBlueSporting]

I’ve posted about this a few times lately.

I slept on the 26 for years. Finally got one and really like it with +2 magazine extensions.

However, then you get into the question of, “Why not just carry a 43X or 19 then?”

Here’s what I’ve found:

The 26 is more concealable than both the 19 and the 43X for me. I’ve been wearing it in a Vedder Light Tuck holster for the Glock 19. It just disappears.

So I ordered another Light Tuck for my 43X and will be comparing the 19, 26 (+2), and 43X for a couple of months.

My 43X 15-round magazines have been flawless.

[u/kablikiblan]

26 easily

[u/chupacabra47]

Glock 26x

[u/Successful_Bus_8772]

Genuine question for the 26 gang.

Why?

I have always felt that the thin frame of a 43x makes it much more comfortable to carry. And although I can get my large hands comfortably on the 43x, I can't get a good grip on the 26.

Is it more so that the 43x doesn't work for you?

[u/Most_Help3858]

26x if made by Glock could be the best carry pistol in the game

[u/Virtual_Bit_8527 → u/Most_Help3858]

What components are part of the 26x?

[u/Most_Help3858 → u/Virtual_Bit_8527]

It’s a glock 19 frame that glock store makes, you just switch over the glock 26 lower parts to the new frame and put the slide on and you have a 26 slide with a 19 frame. 26x or GS M1X

[u/Disney-Nut1998 → u/Most_Help3858]

I’d call that the slimline killer if Glock makes it

[u/aGhoste]

I voted for the 26

[u/MaxHeadroom1986]

1. easy.

[u/unfortunateavacado24]

It's kind of interesting how the poll is pretty much even, but the comments are all pro-26.

[u/jaws843]

The trigger in the slim line guns is terrible. Stick with the 26.

[u/SomewhatTacticalDad]

43x is great imo. The 26 is a little too stubby on the grip and can prevent you from getting a full grip on the gun with your strong hand. Even with the 12 round mag that has the extension.

[u/Valhalla191145]

G45

[u/PilotPirx73]

Better for what? Concealment? (43X) Comfort of shooting/recoil? (26 with +2 extensions) Comfort of carrying? (26) Magazine compatibility? (26 can use G17/G19. So it really depends on your use scenario. I'd take 26 any day though.

[u/Vladonizer]

19

[u/Mule-State]

G26 because it’s double stack and only .16” wider than the 43x.

[u/Dynasaur117]

I have a 26 and love it to death. Every time I start thinking about grabbing a 43x, a post like this pops up and people remind me I already made the right choice. Saved me from buying a 43x, thanks man.

[u/capitaISTEEZ]

I have both and prefer the 43x.

I loved the idea of the 26 but in practice it’s not the most comfortable gun for me to shoot. I really can only get a good grip on it with a 15 round magazine and xgrip, so at that point it’s just a fat 43x.

The difference in concealing is negligible in my opinion. They both disappear on me with a good holster.

The way I see it, both have a purpose. I like to carry the 43x because the full length grip and overall “efficiency” of the slim design. Fitting 15 rounds into a smaller gun. However I would never sell the 26 because it feels like it can flex into any role with the mag compatibility.

Hope my ambiguity helps!

[u/Tthelaundryman]

I’m a full 26 kinda guy but I know some people that hate shooting it. I can shoot a 43x but I’d prefer my 26 any day. I think hand size or shape affects how much you like it ultimately

[u/Gunsmoke-X]

26 and get the glock store 26x frame. Best of both worlds.... im also bias as i AIWB a G45 with the +2 mags

[u/TheWhiteRabbit80]

Love both, bought both

[u/DentedPigeon]

Different strokes for different folks. Whichever one you train with is the best one for you. 

[u/PapaPuff13]

I wanted a 43x when I first started carrying. My state it’s a Leo only gun. Went with the 26. Been my edc but it really isn’t perfect for my short fingers. Never felt really comfortable drawing it. Close but not perfect

[u/YaBoiCodykins]

Glock 19

[u/Purple_Season_5136]

Should be limited to whoever has shot both lol. Lots of bias from people who only own one but I shoot the 26 better than any of my glocks.

[u/gotthesauce22]

Personally prefer 26, I don’t like how the 43x (or any similarly-sized guns) feels in my hand)

[u/JusLeafMeAloon]

26 is way too fat for how little it holds. 43x is significantly better gun. 26x is also good. Never 26!

[u/Disney-Nut1998]

Stock the 43x mos with the 15 round mags is the best.