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The Walther PPS and Glock 43 are two of the most popular options in the world of concealed carry pistols. Known for their reliability, compact design, and suitability for self-defense, these handguns have become go-to choices for both civilian carriers and professionals. The Walther PPS offers ergonomic customization and versatility, while the Glock 43 is celebrated for its lightweight simplicity and streamlined design.
In this article, we’ll compare the Walther PPS and Glock 43 across key aspects such as size, features, performance, and carry options. Whether you’re looking for a pistol with adjustable ergonomics or a no-frills concealed carry solution, this guide will help you determine which handgun is the best fit for your needs.
Walther PPS: Compact Performance Redefined
The Walther PPS is a slim, lightweight semi-automatic pistol designed with concealed carry in mind. First introduced in 2007 by Walther, the PPS (Police Pistol Slim) quickly became a favorite among everyday carriers and professionals seeking a reliable, compact firearm for personal defense. Its streamlined design and single-stack magazine make it an ideal choice for those prioritizing discretion without sacrificing performance.
With a barrel length of 3.2 inches, the Walther PPS is chambered in 9mm, balancing effective stopping power with manageable recoil for controlled shooting. The pistol measures just 6.3 inches in overall length and has a width of only 1 inch, making it exceptionally easy to conceal. Unloaded, the PPS weighs a mere 19.4 ounces, further emphasizing its role as a practical choice for all-day carry.
One of the standout features of the Walther PPS is its ergonomic design. The pistol incorporates a non-slip grip texture, ensuring a secure hold even in adverse conditions. Its interchangeable backstraps allow users to customize the fit, enhancing comfort and control. The Walther PPS offers a standard magazine capacity of 6 or 7 rounds, with extended options providing up to 8 rounds, delivering versatility in firepower depending on the user’s preferences.
The PPS is equipped with a smooth, consistent trigger pull averaging around 6.1 pounds, providing reliable accuracy for defensive situations. Paired with its low-profile, snag-free sights, the PPS excels in fast target acquisition, making it highly effective in real-world applications.
Constructed from high-strength polymer with a steel slide treated with corrosion-resistant Tenifer coating, the Walther PPS is built for durability and longevity. Its simple takedown process ensures ease of maintenance, further enhancing its reputation as a dependable and user-friendly handgun.
Glock 43: Compact Simplicity for Concealed Carry
The Glock 43 is a single-stack 9mm pistol designed to offer unmatched concealability without compromising Glock’s legendary reliability. Released in 2015, the Glock 43 caters to concealed carry enthusiasts and professionals looking for a lightweight, easy-to-carry firearm with the proven performance Glock pistols are known for. Its compact dimensions and intuitive functionality make it a standout choice for everyday carry.
The Glock 43 features a 3.41-inch barrel, providing sufficient accuracy for close-range defensive situations. The pistol measures 6.26 inches in overall length and has a slim width of 1.02 inches, making it exceptionally comfortable to carry and conceal. Weighing just 17.99 ounces unloaded, the Glock 43 is one of the lightest 9mm pistols on the market, allowing for extended daily wear without added discomfort.
The firearm’s magazine holds 6 rounds of 9mm ammunition, striking a balance between compactness and adequate firepower for self-defense scenarios. Its trigger pull is rated at approximately 5.5 pounds, offering a consistent, clean break that Glock users have come to expect. The Glock 43’s fixed polymer sights are designed for quick target acquisition, complementing its defensive purpose.
Constructed from high-strength polymer and featuring Glock’s proprietary nDLC coating on the slide and barrel, the Glock 43 is built to withstand harsh environments and rigorous use. Its simple design, characterized by Glock’s Safe Action System, provides reliable functionality with three passive safeties for added security.
Walther PPS vs Glock 43 Size Comparison
The Walther PPS and Glock 43 are both compact pistols with short barrels, making them ideal for concealed carry and self-defense. However, their dimensions differ slightly, catering to various preferences for size and concealability. Both pistols excel in compactness, but the Glock 43’s slightly lighter frame gives it a marginal edge for those prioritizing minimal weight in everyday carry scenarios.
| Specification | Walther PPS | Glock 43 |
|---|---|---|
| Caliber | 9mm | 9mm |
| Action | Striker-Fired | Striker-Fired |
| Weight (empty mag) | 19.4 ounces | 17.99 ounces |
| Height (with mag) | 4.4 inches | 4.25 inches |
| Overall Length | 6.3 inches | 6.26 inches |
| Barrel Length | 3.2 inches | 3.41 inches |
| Magazine | Single-Stack | Single-Stack |
| Mag Capacity | 6, 7, or 8 rounds | 6 rounds |
| Trigger Pull | 6.1 pounds | 5.5 pounds |
| Sights | 3-Dot Low Profile | Fixed Polymer |
| Grip Material | Polymer | Polymer |
| Manufacturer | Walther | Glock |
| MSRP | Approximately $469 | Approximately $450 |
Walther PPS vs Glock 43: Enhancements, Accessories & Range Performance
The Walther PPS and Glock 43 are compact pistols designed for concealed carry, but they differ in enhancements and adaptability for accessories. The Walther PPS features interchangeable backstraps, allowing for a customizable grip that enhances comfort and control during extended shooting. In contrast, the Glock 43 has a fixed grip design, which is ergonomically solid but lacks the same adaptability for varying hand sizes.
Both pistols are designed without accessory rails, limiting the ability to attach lights or lasers. However, aftermarket solutions such as trigger guard-mounted lights are available for both models, offering some versatility for low-light scenarios. While the Glock 43 relies on fixed polymer sights, the Walther PPS includes 3-dot low-profile sights that are slightly more intuitive for quick target acquisition. Both pistols support upgrades to night sights or fiber optics for improved performance.
On the range, the Glock 43’s 5.5-pound trigger pull delivers a clean, consistent break that promotes accurate follow-up shots. The Walther PPS offers a slightly heavier 6.1-pound trigger pull, which, while smooth, requires more deliberate effort. At typical defensive distances of 7-15 yards, both pistols demonstrate excellent accuracy and manageable recoil, though the PPS’s slightly heavier frame can provide better control for rapid shooting.
For shooters seeking customizability and a slightly more refined range experience, the Walther PPS offers an edge with its interchangeable grip and more versatile sighting options. However, the Glock 43’s lighter trigger pull and lightweight design make it a straightforward and reliable choice for concealed carry.
Walther PPS vs Glock 43: Carry & Holsters
The Walther PPS and Glock 43 are designed for easy concealment, but their slight differences in size and weight influence their carry comfort and holster options. The Walther PPS, with its 6.3-inch overall length and 19.4-ounce unloaded weight, is slim yet slightly heavier than the Glock 43. The Glock 43, measuring 6.26 inches in length and weighing just 17.99 ounces, is one of the lightest handguns in its class, making it particularly appealing for extended concealed carry.
For the Walther PPS, the best Walther PPS holster options include inside-the-waistband (IWB) holsters made from leather or Kydex, offering a balance of comfort and retention. Slim-profile holsters that accommodate its 1-inch width enhance concealability while ensuring a secure fit. Hybrid IWB holsters are also popular for their ability to distribute weight evenly, reducing pressure during long hours of carry.
The Glock 43 pairs well with ultra-lightweight IWB holsters, often crafted from durable Kydex for enhanced retention and ease of reholstering. The best Glock 43 holster choices include minimalist designs that prioritize concealment while maintaining quick access. Appendix carry holsters are particularly favored by Glock 43 users due to the pistol’s compact frame.
Both pistols perform well in concealed carry roles when paired with a properly fitted holster, ensuring safety, accessibility, and all-day comfort. Selecting the right holster tailored to the handgun’s dimensions and the carrier’s preferences is crucial for an optimal carry experience.
Walther PPS vs Glock 43: Why Were They Made?
The Walther PPS and Glock 43 were created to meet the growing demand for ultra-concealable, reliable handguns tailored for self-defense and everyday carry. Each pistol was developed to address specific market needs while maintaining the design principles that make Walther pistols and Glock pistols trusted choices among shooters.
The Walther PPS, introduced in 2007, was designed as a slim, lightweight handgun for concealed carry, offering the reliability and precision Walther pistols are known for. Its single-stack magazine and ergonomic design catered to civilians and professionals seeking a discreet yet dependable firearm. The PPS marked Walther’s entry into the subcompact market, addressing the need for a concealed carry pistol with customization options like interchangeable backstraps and multiple magazine capacities.
The Glock 43, released in 2015, was Glock’s response to the rising popularity of single-stack 9mm pistols. Known for their rugged simplicity, different types of Glock had long been favored for duty and personal defense, but the Glock 43 introduced a compact, easy-to-carry option that retained Glock’s signature reliability and Safe Action System. Its slim profile and lightweight frame appealed to concealed carriers who wanted a balance of portability and firepower.
Both pistols were designed to fill the gap in the market for discreet, high-performance handguns. The Walther PPS emphasizes ergonomic versatility, while the Glock 43 focuses on simplicity and lightweight design, making them two standout options in the concealed carry landscape.
Walther PPS vs Glock 43: Potential Issues
The Walther PPS and Glock 43 are widely respected for their reliability and performance, but each has potential issues that may impact user experience depending on preferences and scenarios.
The Walther PPS is known for its slim design and ergonomic grip, but some shooters report that its 6.1-pound trigger pull feels heavier than expected, which could affect precision during rapid fire. Additionally, while its low-profile sights are effective, they may not suit shooters who prefer fiber optics or night sights out of the box, requiring upgrades. The PPS’s heavier weight of 19.4 ounces unloaded can also feel less ideal for those prioritizing ultra-light carry options.
The Glock 43, despite its popularity, has a relatively low magazine capacity of six rounds, which may be a limitation for those seeking higher firepower in a defensive situation. Its fixed polymer sights are basic and often replaced by aftermarket options for better accuracy and visibility. Furthermore, some users have noted that the Glock 43’s slim grip, while compact, can feel less comfortable for extended shooting, especially for those with larger hands.
Both pistols are reliable and perform well when maintained and used with quality ammunition. The Walther PPS offers more ergonomic customization, while the Glock 43’s simplicity and lightweight design cater to minimalist preferences. Understanding these potential issues ensures users can address them effectively with training or upgrades tailored to their needs.
Walther PPS vs Glock 43: The Verdict
The choice between the Walther PPS and Glock 43 depends on your priorities for concealed carry and performance. The Walther PPS stands out for its ergonomic adaptability, offering interchangeable backstraps and multiple magazine capacities (6, 7, or 8 rounds). Its slightly heavier 19.4-ounce frame provides improved recoil control, making it ideal for shooters seeking comfort during extended sessions.
The Glock 43, in contrast, excels in lightweight simplicity. Weighing only 17.99 ounces and featuring a fixed 6-round magazine, it’s tailored for those prioritizing minimal weight and ease of concealment. Its straightforward design ensures reliable performance without additional customization.
Choose the Walther PPS if you value ergonomic flexibility and stability, or opt for the Glock 43 for a more streamlined, ultra-light concealed carry solution. Both pistols are dependable choices, offering the reliability and performance expected from Walther and Glock pistols.
