Best Holsters For Glock 43 & Glock 43x
The Glock 43 and Glock 43x are two of the most popular carry guns that Glock has to offer. Finding a holster for them will be easy, but finding the best holster will take a little work. We are here to help you find that holster, as well as teach you what you need to look for in a quality holster for your carry gun.
The Glock 43x will fit in a holster built for a Glock 43. As should a 43 fit in a holster built for the 43x. So you can shop for these two concealed carry guns among the same holsters. If you are going to add any accessories, you will need to double check if they are compatible. You can skip to our Buyer’s Guide for that info.
Best Glock 43 & 43x Holsters
Our list of holsters for your Glock 43x or 43 includes a diverse array of options. We include many different holster builds and materials, as well as holsters for many different budgets.
If by chance none of the 12 holsters listed below seem to work for you, we have included a guide on what to look for in your holster below the list. By the end of the article you will be well equipped to find your perfect holster.
1. Tulster Profile Holster
- Made in the USA
- Undercut Trigger Guard
- Adjustable Retention
- Adjustable Cant: 0-30 degrees
Save 15% at Tulster.com with Code: CCS
The Tulster Profile holster has made all of our lists for best holsters, mainly because it is versatile and affordable. It will work great for most carry guns right out of the box and give you the option to carry anywhere IWB or AIWB.
This holster comes with adjustable retention and cant, as well as giving a great “snap” when holstering. It is just a great all around kydex holster that I purchase for most of my carry guns.
Now there is one major thing to note if you plan on buying this holster. You can not use a red dot optic on your gun while using the Tulster Profile holster. However, if you are not planning on using an optic, this is a great holster for the price!
2. We The People Holster
- Made in the USA
- Adjustable Retention
- Adjustable Ride and Cant
- Many Designs
Save 15% at WeThePeopleHolsters.com with Code: CCS15
We The People holsters are some of the best “bang for your buck” holsters around. I have many of these holsters and they all provide quality carry options.
There are two things I like most about these holsters:
Options: The selection of options for these holsters are huge. You can choose so many different colors, patterns, and styles. While the colors and patterns are mainly for show, I love that they can add a unique “style” to your carry setup.
Value: The We The People holsters are some of the most affordable on the market. While I have seen a few less expensive, I would never recommend carrying with those “cheaper” brands. These holsters are high quality, while keeping the low price.
Feel free to check out their website and shop around for the other styles of holsters they offer. Our discount code will work on most, if not all of their holsters listed on the site.
3. Independence IWB Leather Holster
- Hand-crafted in the USA for a perfect fit
- 4 Layers of premium leather for maximum durability
- Inner layer offers protection against wear on your firearm
- Tuckable clips
Save 15% at WeThePeopleHolsters.com with Code: CCS15
Colors Available:
- Brown
- Black
The Independence Leather IWB holster is another option from the folks at We The People holsters. While it is not in the same price category as the kydex, you do certainly get what you pay for from this leather option.
These leather holsters offer exactly what some people are looking for that want to avoid kydex. These holsters provide a great retention while also protecting the finish of the firearm.
At We The People Holsters, we love guns, and The Independence was designed with your handgun in mind. No other leather holster can even come close to the quality and features of The Independence. So throw away your crappy old leather holster, and give The Independence a try today!
We The People Holsters
The Independence is hand crafted in the United States from premium full grain leather. The double layered shell really offers rigidity, retention, and protection against holster wear on your firearm.
4. CrossBreed MiniTuck Holster
- Made in the USA
- Inside the Waistband; 3 to 5 O'clock Position
- Black Cowhide Leather Backer
Save 15% at CrossBreedHolsters.com with Code: CCS15
The CrossBreed MiniTuck holster is your classic hybrid holster. Using premium leather for a backing, and a high quality kydex front, CrossBreed brings the best of both worlds together.
This holster is one of the most popular with our readers. It is built to be worn at the 3:30 to 5 o’clock position for a right-hand draw or 7 to 8:30 for a left-hand draw.
Leather Options: Black Cowhide, Horsehide, Founder’s Leather
Kydex Options: Standard Black, FDE, Sniper Grey, OD Green, Tiffany Blue
If you carry behind the hip, you will carry in comfort with this holster. The leather backing seems to form to your body after a while and can be a welcome improvement from the more firm feel from full kydex holsters.
5. Tulster Oath Holster
- Optic Ready
- Ambidextrous
- Tuckable and adjustable
- Multistage retention
Save 15% at Tulster.com with Code: CCS
While the Profile version of this holster is great for basic carry IWB, the Tulster Oath brings more to the table for just a small increase in price.
The Oath allows you to carry with an optic, where the Profile does not. This is huge for many of our readers as more and more people are carrying with optics. But this holster does more than just allow a red dot.
The Oath adds all of the following options to the holster, and tends to be an upgrade to the Profile.
- Ambidextrous: The clip on this holster can be moved to either side to allow for Right or Left handed carry.
- Optic Ready: This holster allows for the carry of a red dot optic on the pistol.
- Tuckable Clip: The clip on this holster allows you to tuck in a shirt while wearing it.
- ModWing: This comes preinstalled (can be removed) and allows for the grip of the gun to ride up closer to the body to prevent printing.
If you love Tulster like we do, and want to carry with an optic, shirt tucked in, or appendix carry, then this is the holster I would choose.
6. Tier 1 Concealed Axis Elite Holster
- Slim profile
- Built In Concealment Ridge On The Magazine
- Optic And Suppressor Height Sight Compatible
- Military grade shock cord and allows the firearm to flex closer in to the body
Tier 1 Concealed’s Axis Elite Holsters are some of the most popular appendix carry holsters on the market today. This is not by accident, they offer top of the line holsters, with all the bells and whistles.
Offered in approximately 36 different colors as well as most of the features that concealed carriers want, it is no surprise that these holsters are top sellers. Some of the carry features that make the Axis Elite so popular are listed below.
- Very slim profile
- Attached magazine holster with concealment ridge
- Optic And Suppressor Height Sight Compatible
- Slightly Canted Magazine Angle For More Ergonomic Access
- Non-Light Bearing Holsters Will Have Concealment Wing
- Light Bearing Holsters Will Have Concealment Claw
One of the features I like best about this holster is the magazine carrier is attached with shock cord that allows the holster to bend with your body allowing for a more comfortable appendix carry, as well as making it more concealed.
The only negative about this holster is the price. It is pretty expensive! However, if you carry appendix this holster is worth the price in my opinion.
7. StealthGearUSA Mini Ventcore Holster
- Hand-built in the USA
- Patented Ventcore® technology for maximum comfort and breathability
- Custom holster shell and platform are designed specific to each firearm to ensure proper fit and draw
The StealthGearUSA Mini Ventcore Holster is like the Cadillac of comfort for holsters. Seriously, this holster is the top choice if your main concern is comfort. While it may not be the most tactical holster on the market, it is a great practical option.
This holster is designed to be carried at the 3:30 to 5 o’clock position for a right-hand draw or 7 to 8:30 for a left-hand draw. This makes it similar to the CrossBreed MiniTuck, but it gives a little more cushion than the CrossBreed.
While I love carrying with the Mini Ventcore, there is one downside that I found. When reholstering, it can be difficult when compared to a fully kydex holster. You need to really pay attention to how you are placing the gun in the holster. As with any holster, be sure to practice your draws and train vigorously.
8. Alien Gear ShapeShift 4.0 Holster
- Made in USA
- Fully adjustable
- Soft neoprene backing
- Adjustable cant
The Alien Gear ShapeShift 4.0 holster is very popular. Alien Gear holsters are seen everywhere. One of the reasons may be the versatility. This holster is great on its own, but it is part of Alien Gear’s ShapeShift Modular Holster line. This makes it one of the most useful holsters on the market.
The ShapShift 4.0 is also very adjustable. You can adjust this holster in many ways that allow it to fit your body. By adjusting three key areas you can be sure to get a holster that fits your body and allows for the perfect draw. No extra tools are required for these adjustments.
While this is not a “budget” holster, it does come in at a much lower price than I would expect for all that you get with this holster. This holster is a great value!
9. Tulster Contour OWB Holster
- Made in USA
- Designed to be discreet
- Optic compatible
- Adjustable ride height
Save 15% at Tulster.com with Code: CCS
If you want to carry OWB and still have the option of keeping it concealed, I would choose the Tulster Contour. I carry with this holster when I carry OWB.
The ability to carry with a red dot also makes this holster a bonus for me, as I often have red dots on my pistols. Tulster just knows how to make great holsters…and the Contour continues this tradition.
The Contour is an innovative, highly concealable, and comfortable Outside-the-Waistband concealed carry holster from Tulster. Thanks to the ingenious “molded-in” concealment, low profile design, and minimal material, the Contour is the ultra-discreet OWB solution you’ve been looking for.
Tulster
As I mentioned before, this is the holster for OWB concealed carry, as well as the option to carry OWB open carry. You can’t go wrong with this holster.
10. Independence OWB Leather Holster
- Handcrafted in the USA
- Made from premium full grain leather
- Perfect fit for strong retention
- Each leather holster is custom-tailored to your specific handgun for perfect fit and strong retention
Save 15% at WeThePeopleHolsters.com with Code: CCS15
If you like leather holsters, you will LOVE the Independence OWB Leather Holster from We The People! It is similar to their IWB leather holster, but made perfect for OWB carry.
Not only does this holster offer top of the line high quality leather, it also fits to your firearm well. Each holster is made for a specific gun and allows it to fit like a glove. This is in line with many other leather holsters that I have experienced.
Some important features:
- 8 oz of premium leather
- Hand-crafted for a perfect fit
- 4 Layers of premium leather for maximum durability
- Inner layer offers protection against wear on your firearm
- 3 retention points for maximum security
- Rear “tail fin” that pulls the gun tight against the body
If you want OWB carry in a leather holster, this is your best option. Don’t forget to use our discount code as it will save you quite a bit of cash.
11. CrossBreed Holsters Modular Belly Band Holster
- Leather Options: Black Cowhide, Natural Horsehide
- Kydex Options: Standard Black, FDE, Sniper Grey, OD Green
- Stretchable band snugs up securely to any body type or shape
- Pocket is made much like our SuperTuck and hand molded to the specific firearm giving you the perfect retention
Save 15% at CrossBreedHolsters.com with Code: CCS15
I know many people who just won’t carry with a kydex or leather holster. I know many more that like to go running and still have protection. The CrossBreed Modular Belly Band Holster is perfect for both of these types of people.
What I like about this belly band over the cheaper ones on the market is the protection of the trigger guard. Most belly bands just have elastic covering the trigger, this option has a small kydex shell.
What is great about this carry option is that it has multi-functionality. You can use the holster that attaches to the belly band with other CrossBreed modular holster options, including the Purse Defender listed below.
12. CrossBreed Purse Defender Holster
- Leather Options: Black Cowhide or Natural
- Kydex Options: Standard Black, FDE, Sniper Grey, OD Green
- Hook & Loop Brand Fastener-lined Kydex panel fits securely in your purse or another bag and keeps the gun and purse stabilized
Save 15% at CrossBreedHolsters.com with Code: CCS15
If you, or someone you know carries in their purse, the CrossBreed Purse Defender holster is a must get. It offers a great draw right out of the purse.
Some of the options for the Purse Defender are:
Leather Options: Black Cowhide or Natural
Kydex Options: Standard Black, FDE, Sniper Grey, OD Green
It also comes with a CrossBreed Handcrafted Modular Holster. These can be used with other products sold by CrossBreed to give some versatility to your purchase. The modular system that CrossBreed has made includes options for bedside storage and the belly band listed above.
Glock 43 & 43x Buyer’s Guide
When the Glock 43x came out it greatly increased the capacity of the 43. Not only that, but Glock made sure to ensure that the 43x would fit into the same holsters as the 43. But if you have never owned one of these great carry guns, then you will need to hunt for a new holster.
Here we will help you find a holster that fits your needs by teaching you what to look for in a quality holster. We have broken this into three basic categories. This guide should help you if you didn’t find a holster to your liking in our above list.
Concealable
The great thing about the Glock 43x and Glock 43 is that they are much more concealable than the Glock 19. I love the 19, but it is much heavier, thicker, and less comfortable than its smaller brothers.
With these smaller micro compact pistols, you want a holster to match the size. A holster for this pistol could include the following features to help with concealment.
- Minimal Material: This really comes into play in kydex holsters. You want as little kydex used as possible as well as well-rounded corners to prevent snags when drawing.
- Wing Attachment: A wing attachment on a holster helps keep the grip of the firearm up against the body and helps prevent printing.
- Carry Angle: It is important that the holster have the correct carry angle for the way you carry. An appendix holster would have almost no cant, and a holster worn at the 4:00-5:00 area should have more of a cant.
Not all carry positions are equal as far as effectiveness and concealment. Find one that works for you, but realize IWB is going to be more concealable than OWB in most cases.
Safe and Functional
You also want to make sure that your holster is safe and functional. Below are a some things to look for concerning these features.
Safety: Glocks are very safe firearms. However, since they do not have manual safeties it is even more important to find a holster that completely covers the trigger guard. While this is extremely important for all holsters, it is even more important for guns without a manual safety.
Functionality: For a holster to function correctly you need to make sure it has good retention, as well as allowing for a good draw. This really is helped by holsters that are adjustable. Many on our list above have this feature.
Carry Position and Accessories
Your carry position is one of the first things you will need to decide on in order to pick a holster. IWB and AIWB are the two most common for concealed carry, but there are others.
You will also need to determine if you are going to carry your firearm with any accessories attached such as lights or optics. Below we will break down some of this information.
Common Carry Positions
- Inside the Waistband (IWB)
- Appendix Inside the Waistband (AIWB)
- Outside the Waistband (OWB)
- Outside the Waistband Open Carry
- Pocket Carry
- Off Body Carry
As we said, IWB and AIWB are the most common carry positions for concealed carry, but all of those listed above are viable to some degree. You will need to determine which way you want to carry before choosing your holster. However, there are some holsters that come able to carry in more than one method. If you are unsure how to carry, maybe choosing one of the holsters that are versatile is the way to go for you.
Common Accessories
- Red Dot Optic
- Flashlight
- Laser
- Suppressor Height Sights
- Threaded Barrel
Out of all of the most common accessories that are listed above, the most common would probably be the Optic or Flashlight. Some people choose many or all of the above accessories. This is a personal preference. Just remember, the more you add, the less concealable your gun will be.
More and more holsters are coming equipped to handle red dot optics, while some you may have to choose that option in a drop down box. There are some that do not allow for optics at all, so be aware.
Read our article Best Concealed Carry Holsters!
Glock 43 & 43x Holster FAQ
Does a Glock 43x fit in a 43 holster?
Yes, a Glock 43x will fit in nearly all Glock 43 holsters. They are nearly identical in size except for the grip.
Can you carry a Glock 43x in your pocket?
While it may be possible to carry a Glock 43x in your pocket, we don’t recommend it. The grip of the pistol is a little too long. However, if you are a large person with large pockets and can reliably draw from the pocket, then it would be possible.
Can a Glock 43x be carried in a purse?
Yes, a Glock 43x can be carried in a purse. However, a holster is still needed when using a purse. We recommend the CrossBreed Purse Defender.
Are there holsters for a Glock 43x with optic?
Yes, there are many companies that offer optic cut holsters for the Glock 43x. We recommend the Tulster Oath for IWB or the Tulster Contour for OWB.
Conclusion
The Glock 43x is a great concealed carry gun. But without a great holster to pair along with it, you won’t be able to use it to its fullest effectiveness. Now you are equipped with the info you need to find the perfect holster for your needs. Be it one from our list, or from your local store.
To go along with the holster you will need a quality concealed carry belt and some self defense ammunition. Be sure to check out our article on The Best Concealed Carry Belts as well as our article on the Best Self Defense Ammo to finish off your concealed carry set up.
Once you have your carry set up (and training) you are ready. Be sure to Carry Safe, Carry Smart, and Carry Daily!
