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Why you need a holster?
First of all, we would like to emphasize that no "top carry gun" list is complete without adding the Glock 43.
A carry handgun should be the best gun you will "actually carry". Of course, you can stick in pants your firearm to go to the corner store, or to go running or whatever, but in our humble opinion, it is reckless and dangerous to carry a pocket rocket in such a way, and we strongly discouraged it. For that job, you'll need the best holster for Glock 43 that allows you to wear your ordinary pants and one that also will work with your lifestyle and budget.
By some researches, handguns are rarely used successfully in self-defense with the main reasons for that being an insufficient practice and inadequate holster. Assuming that you belong to an army of Glock fans, and you have already added to your carry gun list a subcompact Glock 43, the next step would be to take a class for concealed carry and find a good holster.
But let me first introduce you with one of the best carry guns on the planet - Glock 43.
Ever since the handgun was invented, gun experts mostly agreed that revolver is the finest defense weapon while the semi-automatic pistol is the best for offensive work. However, modern technologies, developments and particularly quality self-defense ammunition pushed the trusty, reliable revolver into an inferior position, set up in the first place small, a compact pistol for self-defense, and designed to fit every lifestyle.
Although the eternal debate revolver vs pistol isn’t over, currently it seems that a subcompact polymers for concealed carry often comes down as a number one choice. Without doubt, the leader of this herd is a famous Austrian handgun, the Glock. Since Herr Gaston Glock has engineered his high capacity pistols primary for the military trials, these reputable guns are considered “duty grade“, and theirs bulky and boxy form doesn’t much contribute to the more discreet requirements of the civilian market.
Due to the fact, that Glock Company operates on the principle of caring for their customers, Austrian gun manufacturer soon released compact, lightweight striker-fired pistol line bestowed with the moniker "Baby Glock" that became an instant success in the 1990s. Fortunately, Glock didn't stop along with this lineup but influenced by multiple factors such as the altered guns legislation in many U.S. States and demands for smaller, ultra-concealable pistols; they expended their family in 2015 with a new string of more compact models intended for a deep concealment role.
When it comes to a subcompact Glock, a single stack, slimline Glock 43 chambered in powerful 9mm Luger (9x19mm Para) is a company flagship model. One of the most popular handguns among concealed carriers in the U.S., the Glock 43 ticks every one of those boxes in a long and often conflicting list of required specs.
While the G43 was built with the CCW crowd on the mind, it also has a few downsides, such as the limited capacity of 6+1 round and non-interchangeable magazines with other Glocks. On the other hand, this tiny gun is the best suited to deep concealment, and it will literary disappear in a good IWB or a pocket holster.
What Need To Consider Before Purchase Holster
The Glock 43 is probably the top-selling pocket gun in America right now with one of the biggest holster markets. That said, the holster offerings are enormous, and before purchasing one, you should consider a few aspects.
First, you should avoid universal-style holsters, because they are mainly made of cheap nylon with a poor form and short life expectancy. These types of holster don't offer proper retention though; for a concealed-carry gun such as Glock 43, the passive retention is more than enough.
Second, you need to decide on how you want to carry your Glock 43. The “Outside the Waistband” (OWB) or “Inside the Waistband” (IWB) positions are two most common methods of choice for the G43, but there are also several related ways of carrying your Glock subcompact.
Another more popular carrying method is the appendix carry (AIWB). Still, since your Glock 43 is a very thin gun and small enough, it will also fit into a pocket or ankle holster as well as in the best open carry holster for Glock 43.
Obviously, Glock 43 is very easy to conceal, but to make your G 43 nearly invisible, you need the comfortable holster that you'll actually use without any interference or irritation every day, over an extended period.
Besides comfort, your holster is also responsible for protecting your Glock against scratches and impacts. Today, the most prevalent materials are leather, ballistic nylon and Kydex. Using these materials, the dedicated holster is molded for your Glock 43 and it will be able to be held tighter to the body. It will also improve retention, ensuring the handgun will not just come up out of the holster, even when the holster is held upside down. More adaptable holsters feature an adjustable cant (carry angle) which makes them more comfortable for the wearer.
And of course, it goes without saying that you should consider only the holster which securely covers your gun's trigger, preventing accidental discharge. The quality handgun carry platforms also have to provide a positive grip, meaning you should be able to draw your gun, one-handed.
After you have checked these few factors, the next step would be using some of the buying guides like this one, so you can make choosing a good holster less tricky and tedious. Finally, before buying we hardly recommend trying holster you prefer, to check whether it will work with your body type or your style of dress.
Best IWB Holster For Glock 43
1 Alien Gear Cloak Tuck 3.5 IWB Holster
Mnf. Number:FNH - FN 509
The Glock 43 is an excellent choice as an everyday carry (EDC) weapon and most of the shooters are looking for extremely comfortable IWB holster such as Alien Gear Cloak Tuck 3.5 holster. This hard-use holster is built using several materials like a spring steel flex-plate, a thin layer of woven ballistic nylon and an ultra-soft neoprene fabric called CoolVent. Combining these materials, the Alien Gear holster offers excellent comfort, very good concealment and adjustability to fit the holster to the wearer.
This hybrid holster is built to be modular and it comes with shell specifically molded to Glock 43 profile ensuring retention, concealment and an easy draw. While the retention is passive, it can be easily adjusted as well as ride height and cant of the holster.
The new Cloak Tuck 3.5 IWB holster features improved belt clips and perforated neoprene backing for breathability. Similar to other Alien Gear gun carry systems, these holsters sports proprietary thermoelastic polymer cover with a raised texture giving the recognizable "alien skin" surface.
However, with all stated benefits, you cannot expect minimalist design and humble price, so this unique holster is somewhat bulky compared to its IWB counterparts and quite expensive. Though the strong-side is the most popular place to carry an IWB holster, some users dislike the inability to carry the holster in other location on their body.
Like all Cloak Tuck holsters, the 3.5 version is backed by manufacturers Iron-Clad Triple Guarantee including a 30-day test drive.
The Cloak Tuck 3.5 is an upgraded version intend for people who prefer to carry a gun strong-side and for those who really appreciate comfort over anything else.
Glock 43 Appendix Holster
2 Concealment Express IWB KYDEX Holster
Mnf. Number:GLK-G43-BK-RH-VAR
Another holster made for concealed carry use comes from the renowned U.S. manufacturer Concealment Express. While this C.E. offering is advertised as an Inside the Waistband (IWB) holster type, it can also be used in other ways such as 3 o'clock position- appendix carry and 6 o’clock position- small of back carry.
These affordable holsters are made from .08” Kydex, which is thick enough for needed rigidity, but still thin enough to give the holster a slim profile.
As one of the best all-round holsters for your Glock 43, Concealment Express IWB Kydex holster boasts all expected features such as belt clip, adjustable retention and adaptable cant (carry angle), that can be altered from 0 to 15 degrees.
As a reasonably standard design, C.E. holster sports an Integrated Full-Length Sweat Guard and Posi "Click" Audible Retention Lock System. In simple words, it comes with a high rise on the skin side, to keep your Glock 43 slide from corrosion. The passive retention provides you with an audible 'click' when the pistol is correctly holstered.
On the flip side, this holster has some cons also:
It’s not ambidextrous and its interior doesn’t have any soft lining, so the rigid kydex may easily mar or scratch your Glock 43. Though the standard 1.5" belt clip is built from fiber-reinforced stealth ABS material, some customers complained ton its plastic design.
That is a decent IWB holster offering the features you should expect in a premium holster and some features typically only found on much larger holsters such as very fast draw speed.
These minimalistic Kydex holsters for the G43 don’t leave printing and they are particularly suitable for the first-time carriers of such a weapon, as they can easily learn to adjust the tension and the carry angles.
Similar to other thermoplastic holsters from reputable manufacturers, this one by Concealment Express is sold withUnconditional Lifetime Warranty
3 CYA Supply Co IWB Holster
Mnf. Number:IWB0003
The CYA Supply Company holster is a typical “Inside the waistband” or IWB holster for the Glock 43 built from thermoplastic similar to Kydex but this particular material is called Boltaron. Though the kydexis known for its high resistance to chemicals and elements, the Boltaron has an even higher threshold of endurance, giving the CYA's holsters higher temperature and impact resistance.
Amazingly for a budget holster, this thin profile IWB holster features an adjustable cant (carry angle) from 0 to 15 degrees, so-called "FBI cant”. Utilizing 0.08-inch thick Boltaron material, the slightly thinner holster is admirably lightweight, but it incorporates all safety features into its design, including an audible click retention lock system.
That said, this holster completely covers the trigger mechanism on your Glock 43, and lets you adjust the retention pressure using an Allen key. Compared to some other designs, a smartly designed interior of the CYA holster provides fewer friction points to avoid causing wear to your gun. Additionally, the holster protects the entire length of the slide integrating the Sweat Guard that covers the full length of the slide. It comes with a nylon belt clip and stainless-steel hardware and will fit any 1.5" wide belt.
However, this affordable holster has a couple of disadvantages: since this holster is molded to specific firearms, in our case, it will hold the Glock 43 but without any light or laser attachments. Moreover, it is not ambidextrous, so ensure you get the right item when ordering.
While the locking system is not as SERPA system of the Blackhawk holsters, it’s nice to see that even budget holsters like CYA Supply Co IWB Holster can come with pretty advanced locking mechanisms.
With “No questions asked” return policy, the veteran-owned CYA Supply Co offers Lifetime guaranty and a satisfaction guaranteed warranty on this holster.
Best Belly Band Holster For Glock 43
4 ComfortTac Ultimate Belly Band Holster for Concealed Carry
Mnf. Number:BUBBH2
Most people, who carry a handgun, need to wear their regular dress pants with a belt, but there are also CCW (Carrying a Concealed Weapon) holders who want a carry system that doesn’t require wearing a belt. Whether you are in demand for deep, undetectable concealment or you are just a jogger, you will need a belly band holster which will allow you to carry your Glock 43 even when you are on the beach in just shorts. That type of holster is worn around your hips inside the pants or as an OWB holster, with two ends of the band secured by a strong piece of Velcro.
There are many options, but the ComforTac Belly Band outshines the others. The ComforTac Ultimate Belly Band Holster is made from elastic neoprene band similar find in the material knee braces.
Although the neoprene material is thick enough to hold the weight of the gun in a stable position, it deflects sweat very well making it very comfortable at the same time.
The ComforTac holster is available in four sizes up to 54" and its elastic holster besides subcompact Glock 43 can hold even full-size pistols and revolvers. Additionally, their belly band has the extra pocket for a spare magazine or your personal items.
The ComfortTac belly band holster is ambidextrous, and it will allow you to hold your G43 in a variety of positions such as 3 o'clock, cross draw, small of the back etc. However, the belly band owners usually have worn their gun around the three o'clock to four o'clock position.
Since the elastic band fits tightly around the body, it is not ideal for warmer climateswhile the re-holstering of your Glock 43 with one hand will be almost impossible.
However, the biggest disadvantage of this holster type is the inability to quickly draw the gun as you will need to take extra steps to get to your gun. But, with sufficient dry practice, you will be able to lift a tucked-in shirt and draw your handgun almost as fast as from regular IWB holster.
Best Ankle Holster For Glock 43
5 Galco Glove/Ankle Holster for Glock 43
Mnf. Number:AG800
Along with standard body positions for holsters, many CCW gun owners need holsters for other ways of inconspicuousness carrying of their subcompact or backup gun. One of the most popular types of the “second-weapon” holster is an ankle holster since many serious gun carriers from law enforcement agencies and civilians alike prefer the ankle holster style.
One of the best ankle holsters for Glock 43 is the Galco Ankle Glove holster made by using leather, neoprene and sheepskin. Their model AG800 is custom-molded to fit a Glock 43, one of the best a backup, or deep concealment pistols today.
The holster itself is made of premium saddle leather and stitched to a thick neoprene band. The wide neoprene strap accommodates ankles up to 13" in circumference and it is secured with a very robust Velcro-style closure. The part of soft neoprene opposite to the holster is covered with padding made of a sheepskin-like material for additional comfort. Your G43 is secured with the retention strap and for extra stability, you can buy a calf strap as an additional accessory.
While the custom-formed leather requires a short “break-in” period, it is recommended to combine the Galco Ankle Glove holster with jeans or dress pants that are pretty lose fitting.
The biggest drawback of this style holsters can be challenging to access and a slow drawing compared to the regular holsters, but with practice, this can be done in a couple of seconds.
Though the ankle holsters tend to be uncomfortable, they are the best carrying systems for diminutive size backup weapons like Glock 43.
Conclusion
For a vast number of CCW license owners, a pistol of choice is a Glock 43 and their carry system will depend on many factors. If you belong to this group, you should know that correct holster choice rely on your life and clothing style and your preferences. You will need different holster styles if you plan to wear your Glock 43 on a daily basis or just occasionally or whether you'll carry it for primary or back up protection.
Although compromises are possible, there are small chances that a single holster can adequately do all that so you'll need at least two types of holsters for every one of your activities.