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Two of the most talked-about slim 9mm options in the Glock lineup. Same family. Same general mission. Very different “feel” on the belt.
If you’re shopping for a slim, carry-friendly Glock, the Glock 43X and Glock 48 usually end up on the same shortlist. They share the same “Slimline” DNA and a similar grip length, but the experience can be surprisingly different once you actually carry one all day.
In plain terms: the 43X is the shorter-slide option that tends to feel quicker and slightly easier to tuck away. The 48 is the longer-slide option that often feels steadier, a touch easier to shoot well, and sometimes even more comfortable for certain body types because of how it distributes weight.
This guide breaks down the real-world differences—size, comfort, shootability, holster considerations, and MOS (optic-ready) choices—so you can pick the one that fits your lifestyle, wardrobe, and priorities.
The big picture: both models are built around a slim profile and a 10-round standard magazine capacity in factory configuration. What changes most is slide length (and therefore overall length), which influences concealment, comfort, and how the pistol tracks during recoil.
| Category | Glock 43X (MOS version noted) | Glock 48 (MOS / standard noted) |
|---|---|---|
| Role | Shorter-slide Slimline carry | Longer-slide Slimline carry (more “service-like” feel) |
| Barrel length | 3.41″ (43X MOS) | 4.17″ (48 / 48 MOS) |
| Overall length | Shorter overall package | 7.28″ (48) |
| Magazine capacity (factory) | 10-round standard | 10-round standard |
| Optic-ready option | MOS available | MOS available |
Note: Specs vary slightly by exact variant and region; always verify the exact model you’re buying on the official pages linked above.
The 43X and 48 share a similar grip length, which is a big deal—because for many people, the grip is the part most likely to print. So if the grips are similar, why do they feel so different to carry?
The answer is the slide. The Glock 43X uses a shorter slide, while the Glock 48 stretches out with a longer slide and barrel. That extra length can sound like “harder to conceal,” but it can also mean:
If you’re choosing purely on concealment, many people assume the 43X wins automatically because it’s shorter overall. In practice, it depends on how you carry:
The 43X often feels easier to work with because there’s less slide length to manage—especially when sitting, bending, or driving. If your daily life involves lots of getting in and out of vehicles, shorter can be nicer.
But the 48 can surprise people in AIWB: the longer slide may help the grip “tuck” closer to the body for some builds, which can reduce printing. That’s why you’ll hear experienced carriers say, “The longer one actually hides better for me.”
With strong-side carry, both can work extremely well. The 48 can feel more planted, while the 43X is often the “no drama” option that disappears under casual clothing.
Bottom line: if you can, try both in your preferred carry position with a quality holster. The winner is the one that stays stable, conceals cleanly, and doesn’t make you want to take it off halfway through the day.
Here’s the classic trade-off in compact carry pistols: shorter tends to be a little easier to carry, and longer tends to be a little easier to shoot well—especially at speed.
The longer barrel/slide (4.17″) on the Glock 48 typically gives a steadier feel when you’re shooting strings of fire. Many shooters also like the slightly longer sight radius (with irons) and the way the front end tracks during recoil.
The Glock 43X (3.41″ barrel on the MOS version) is a shorter package. That can translate to a quick presentation and a pistol that feels lively in hand. If you prioritize minimal bulk and you want a slim carry that’s easy to live with, the 43X has a lot going for it.
If you want to run a micro red dot, the MOS versions are the straightforward path. Glock’s MOS variants are designed for specific micro-optics footprints, and the official pages note that adapter plates may not be included—so plan accordingly before you buy.
If you’re staying with iron sights, MOS is still not a bad idea for resale and flexibility, but it’s not mandatory. Choose MOS if you value the option to add an optic later without sending the slide out for milling.
For most people, it’s not about which hosts better—it’s about which you shoot better once an optic is installed. The longer 48 MOS can feel a touch calmer and more stable; the 43X MOS keeps the whole setup shorter. If you’re building a slim optic-ready carry, either can be excellent—just match it to your comfort and concealment needs.
People spend weeks debating 43X vs 48 and then accidentally sabotage the whole experience with a flimsy belt or a low-quality holster. Here’s the truth: your carry system matters as much as the pistol.
If you want to research styles, you can browse these guides (not endorsements—just starting points for understanding options):
Glock’s reputation in this category is a big reason these two models stay popular. Both the 43X and 48 are designed around the same general operating system and share the “Glock feel” that many owners already know.
At a practical level, the reliability difference between the two is usually less important than:
If you want an official starting point for owner education, Glock’s site includes safety and care resources alongside the product pages.
Here’s a simple decision guide. Not perfect—but it matches how most real buyers end up deciding after trying both.
Not always. The 48 is longer, but some people find the longer slide helps the grip tuck closer to the body in certain carry positions. For others, the 43X is the clear winner—especially for comfort while sitting.
They’re in the same Slimline family and the factory standard capacity is 10 rounds, but always confirm compatibility for your exact model and magazines before buying extras.
If you want the option to run a micro red dot now or later, MOS is usually worth the premium. If you know you’ll stay irons forever, non-MOS can be simpler.
The better choice is the one you’ll carry consistently and practice with confidently. If you shoot the 48 better, that matters. If the 43X is the one you actually keep on you every day, that matters too.
The Glock 43X and Glock 48 are both excellent “slim carry” picks, and they’re popular for good reason. They’re not duplicates—think of them as two answers to the same question: “How do I get a Glock that’s easy to carry without feeling tiny in the hand?”
If you want the shortest, easiest-to-live-with Slimline feel, go 43X. If you want a slim carry that leans more toward shootability and stability, go 48.
And if you can only do one thing before buying: try each model in your preferred carry position with a quality holster. That quick test has ended more internet debates than any spec sheet ever will.
