GLOCK 43X v. SIG P365

Sig Sauer P365 Specs
Caliber: 9mm
Action: Semi-Auto
Accessory Rail: SIG Rail
Mag Capacity: 10 rd.
Weight: 17.8 oz. (Unloaded Magazine)
Barrel Length: 3.1 inches
Overall Length: 5.8 inches
Height: 4.3 inches
Width: 1.0 inches
Sights: XRAY3 Day/Night Sights

GLOCK G43X Specs
Caliber: 9mm Luger
Action Type: Semi-Auto
Accessory Rail: N/A
Mag Capacity: 10 rd.
Weight: 18.40 oz (unloaded magazine)
Barrel Length: 3.41
Overall Length: 6.5 inches
Height: 5.04 inches
Width: .87
Sights: GLOCK Night Sights (GNS)/AmeriGlo BOLD/GLOCK Polymer

SHOT Show 2018 saw the release of the Sig Sauer P365. If you aren’t familiar with the P365, get out from under that rock. The P365 is a micro-compact carry pistol developed to hold an unprecedented 12 rounds in the magazine. This gun officially launched a race to produce its competitor.

As expected, GLOCK was quick to the plate to slim down and build up ammo capacity. GLOCK launched the G43X,

and yes there are already haters and instant lovers of the gun, but hold off on labeling this one. I don't believe GLOCK was racing to bring a new gun to answer the P365. By my initial glimpse, it looks like GLOCK improved upon the G43.

Now for the disclaimer. I’ve run the P365 over the course of one year. The G43X has 200 rounds through it.

Sig Sauer P365
I’m going to stop you right there. Yes, the P365 has had its fair share of issues, and I’ve never encountered any of them. I’ve seen the striker drag issue, but mine continues to run strong. This isn’t a gun that you are using during a weeklong Gunsite course. The P365 gets shot often enough, but I use this as an option to carry when I want to deep conceal with more rounds. During winter months, I can carry something larger with more capacity since heavier clothing is acceptable.

The P365 is snappy on the range. It is a micro-compact after all. These guns have a little more pop to them since they’re slimmer and more compact. I’ve been very pleased with the performance of the P365.

I’m a huge fan of the grip texturing of the P365. It’s more aggressive and offers a solid grip in any situation. I shoot the extended magazine because I enjoy two more rounds and the magazines are small enough that carrying a spare mag is easy. That gives me 24 rounds in a small, easily concealed package.

If you don’t like the P365 or have had issues with yours, look at it this way. Sig launched a movement throughout the gun industry to produce smaller guns that have more capacity. That is a huge win for Sig and the firearms community. There’s nothing wrong with a little competition. Enter the G43X.

GLOCK 43X
Why not a G43 v. G43X comparison? Well, the G43X is not the answer to the G43. The G43X is an answer to the P365. I’m hesitant to label this gun a micro-compact gun. When I initially think micro my mind jumps to guns like the

Ruger LCP and the P365. So, to compare these two guns is more apples to oranges than apples to apples.

The G43X and the P365 each come with 10 round magazines. P365 fans can purchase, after the fact, an extended mag that houses 12 rounds. The G43X doesn’t have an extended mag option, but it isn’t needed. Shooters of the G43X can get a full grip on the gun. With the P365, my pinky finger falls off at the bottom if I’m not utilizing the extended mag.

The first thing I did when I shot the G43X was pick up a casing off the ground to check the primer. Maybe it’s a platform issue, but every casing had an ever-so-slight striker drag. After discussing with a few friends, we’ve come up with a thought that this might be a platform feature. We’ve looked around at other casings and not one had a striker drag. Time will tell if this becomes a problem with the G43X.

I was pleasantly pleased to find out there are three options for sights with the G43X. Shooters can select the traditional

GLOCK polymer sights, AmeriGlo BOLD or GLOCK Night Sights for the pistol.

We ran all types of ammo through each of these guns without fail. We went through frangible, ball and defensive ammo. We had some heavy loaded 9mm loads and some lighter rounds, each running through the gun smoothly.

When shooters compare recoil with these two, there won’t be a ton of separation. The G43X doesn’t have the snap that the P365 possesses. I wouldn’t think twice about taking the G43X to a weeklong Gunsite course, especially since I can get a full purchase on the pistol.

Guns like these sacrifice little things. The one that stands out is the rail to mount lights or lasers. Sig bypassed this situation with a proprietary rail that comfortably fits the LIMA365 from Sig Sauer. The G43X doesn’t have a rail for any add-ons. For me, this isn’t a huge deal if I’m running the AmeriGlo BOLD or GLOCK Night Sights.

Here’s my negatives on the G43X. I’m not in love with the bi-tone. Why not just keep it all black? My first thought when I saw the G43X is CERAKOTE needed. IMHO.

The G43X and P365 are similar in size with the G43X coming in slightly larger. We’re splitting hairs on this one. There is a huge benefit for carrying either of these two guns. The competition generated to go smaller with more ammo is great for us all. My best advice if you’re choosing between these two is to shoot each of them and decide. They both have great features, but in the end it’s a matter of personal preference. The P365 and G43X argument, for me, comes down to function and shootability.

The G43X or the P365 aren’t the top of the mountain for these companies, not by a long shot. ~ KJ

Kevin Jarnagin
Kevin Jarnagin (KJ) hails from Oklahoma, but quickly established Louisiana roots after joining the Gun Talk team. KJ grew up as a big game hunter, and knows his way around a bass boat. Whether it’s making his way to British Columbia for elk or training with pistols, Jarnagin always seems to find a gun in his hands and adventure on his mind.

January 3, 2019

Kevin "KJ" Jarnagin

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