There’s only one problem with the Glock 43 as a concealed carry pistol:
The grip is very short. Most people can only get two fingers on it. And, shooters with huge hands find that even their second finger is right on the end of the grip.
That’s a comfort issue.
The other issue with the grip is that it requires a short magazine. The Glock 43 only holds six rounds.
A grip extension can solve both of these problems. And, the standard grip is so short that adding a little extra length doesn’t really cause any concealment issues.
SPOILER—if you want a dependable magazine extension that addresses both the comfort and capacity issues, get the Pearce Glock 43 Plus 1 Grip Extension. It gives you more grip real estate and improves your magazine capacity.
If you want to have a look at the other options, we’ve got your fix. We’ll check out all the best Glock 43 magazine extensions and help you find the best magazine extension for you.
Best Choice
Pearce Glock 43 Plus 1 Grip Extension
Increases magazine capacity by 1 round.
Only adds length to the front of the magazine to minimize printing.
Grip texturing on the front for pinky finger traction.
Top Glock 43 Magazine Extension in the Market Today
- Increases magazine capacity by 1 round.
- Only adds length to the front of the magazine to minimize printing.
- Grip texturing on the front for pinky finger traction.
- Adds textured grip surface for your pinky finger.
- Keeps backstrap the same length as the stock base plate for maximum concealability.
- Remarkably easy to install—installs almost exactly the same as a factory baseplate.
- Adds 2 rounds to your magazine.
- Provides enough grip surface for a full grip, even with large hands.
- Includes a magazine spring to ensure reliability.
Table of Contents
The Best Glock 43 Magazine Extension Reviews: get a bigger gun (without buying a new gun)
The best Glock 43 magazine extension is up for review first. The remaining magazine extensions will be arranged in order of price, from most affordable to most unaffordable.
Let’s thumb some rounds.
1. Pearce Glock 43 Plus 1 Grip Extension
Pros:
- Increases magazine capacity by 1 round.
- Only adds length to the front of the magazine to minimize printing.
- Grip texturing on the front for pinky finger traction.
Cons:
- Only adds 1 round.
Pearce has been making Glock magazine extensions for over a decade. They’ve had plenty of time to really dial in their grip extensions. The Pearce Glock 43 Plus 1 Grip Extension offers an excellent blend of size and performance enhancement.
As the name suggests, the big deal about this extension is that it increases your magazine capacity by 1. This brings your total magazine capacity to 7, which makes your Glock 43 competitive with most other single stack pistols in terms of round count.
There are magazine extensions out there which add more rounds. But they’re also bigger. The plus 1 offers a good blend of added capacity and size. It only adds ¾ of an inch in overall length.
Also, this extension only makes the front of the magazine longer. The backstrap—where the grip actually prints—stays about the same length. Most people won’t even notice the additional size once they get their gun in the holster.
Additionally, they’ve added grip texturing to the front of this extension. So you get traction for your pinky finger, which helps you get the best grip on your gun.
Overall, this is the best all-purpose magazine extension for those who want more bullets without concealment issues.
2. Pearce Glock 43 Magazine Extension
Pros:
- Adds textured grip surface for your pinky finger.
- Keeps backstrap the same length as the stock base plate for maximum concealability.
- Remarkably easy to install—installs almost exactly the same as a factory baseplate.
Cons:
- Adds no additional rounds.
- Costs the same as many grip extensions that do add magazine capacity.
If your primary reason for adding a magazine extension is to improve your shooting grip, the Pearce Glock 43 Magazine Extension gives you a place for your pinky finger without adding much bulk to your gun.
This magazine extension adds the same ¾ inch length to your grip. But, the backstrap of your grip stays exactly the same length as with the stock base plate. So you get more grip surface with almost zero effect on concealability.
And, just like the other Pearce grip extensions, the front of this extension features grip texture. That way your pinky finger gets enough traction to improve your control.
It’s a good solution for those who want a fuller grip, but have concealment issues because of their clothing or body type.
However, this grip costs the same as many grip extensions that increase your magazine capacity, which seems strange.
Even so, it’s a great grip extension for concealed carriers who want to retain the concealability of the Glock 43 without the stubby grip.
3. TangoDown Magazine Extension for Glock 43
Pros:
- Adds 2 rounds to your magazine.
- Provides enough grip surface for a full grip, even with large hands.
- Includes a magazine spring to ensure reliability.
Cons:
- Adds a lot of length and bulk to the grip.
- No grip texture on the extension.
The TangoDown Magazine Extension for Glock 43 isn’t the only +2 magazine extension on the market. However, it’s easily the most complete magazine extension kit for the money.
Obviously, the big deal with this magazine extension is that it adds 2 rounds to your magazine. That means 8 rounds in the magazine. That’s respectable magazine capacity for a single stack subcompact 9mm gun.
And this extension adds 1.5 inches to the grip. It makes your gun large enough for a full grip. Also, the front of the magazine extension matches the contour of the grip. So it feels like a single piece when you get your firing grip.
Additionally, this grip extension includes a magazine spring. This ensures that your Glock retains its reliability, even with the aftermarket grip.
There are only two downsides to this grip:
First, it adds quite a bit of bulk to your gun. It essentially makes your Glock 43 into a Glock 19, in terms of the grip length. Some people may find this causes concealment issues.
And, there’s no grip texture on the front of the extension. Obviously, it will still improve your shooting grip and control. But some shooters may prefer continuous grip texture.
But, if you want maximum capacity from your Glock 43, this is the most cost efficient option.
4. Strike Industries Enhanced Magazine Plate for Glock 43
Pros:
- Adds 2 rounds of magazine capacity.
- Textured on the front and sides to match the grip texture.
- Lip on the bottom of the extension improves grip consistency and makes it easier to strip magazines for malfunction clearance.
Cons:
- Makes the grip about as long as a Glock 19.
- No magazine spring included.
The Strike Industries Enhanced Magazine Plate for Glock 43 offers all the benefits of a +2 magazine extension, with an added feature or two.
This magazine base plate adds 2 rounds to your magazine capacity, as advertised. However, Strike Industries has gone one step further to maximize the additional grip surface provided by extending your magazine.
First, this magazine extension has grip texture on the front and sides. It feels more like your gun’s actual grip than any other magazine extension. The comfort and control is top notch.
Then there’s a lip at the bottom of the grip to help keep your fingers in place on the gun. And it’s handy for stripping the magazine to clear a malfunction. So this magazine extension adds comfort, capacity, and utility.
However, this magazine extension makes your grip about as long as a Glock 19 grip.
So, make sure that’s not going to be a concealment issue for you.
Also, this magazine extension does not come with a magazine spring. Typically, it’s not a problem. But check to make sure that there are no reliability issues once your magazine extension is installed.
However, if you want a magazine extension that adds capacity and utility, this is easily the best option.
5. Tyrant Designs, CNC LLC Glock 43 Magazine Extension
Pros:
- Comes in plus 1 round and plus 2 round models.
- Overall length is manageable for concealed carry.
- Added weight ensures magazines drop free for easier and faster.
Cons:
- Adding weight can make your gun more noticeable when you carry it on your belt.
- Both the plus 1 and plus 2 models are the same length.
Yes, polymer is plenty durable. However, there are reasons to use an aluminum magazine extension. The Tyrant Designs, CNC LLC Glock 43 Magazine Extension is the best value when it comes to aluminum magazine extensions.
First: capacity. This magazine extension is available in two variants: a plus 1 model and a plus 2 model. So you get options for how many rounds you want.
Unfortunately, both models are the same size. Using the plus 1 extension won’t buy you any additional concealability.
However, it only adds 1.15 inches to the length of your grip. So the overall length is manageable for concealed carry.
Additionally, the aluminum construction adds more weight than a polymer extension. Yes, this makes your gun heavier. It might feel a little bulkier in your holster. But the extra weight ensures your magazine drops free during reloads.
And, this model comes in multiple colors. That’s good news for those who want to add some aesthetic appeal to their boxy Glock.
So, if you’re the sort who prefers metal, this is the magazine extension for you.
It’s certainly not a budget trigger. But the Geissele 2-Stage is probably the best value you can get from a 2-stage trigger.
Filling Magazines
A magazine extension is an easy and affordable way to address the biggest issues with the Glock 43: grip length and magazine capacity. And the Glock 43 is compact enough that adding a bit of length to the grip has minimal impact on the concealability.
Pearce Glock 43 Plus 1 Grip Extension
Pros:
- Increases magazine capacity by 1 round.
- Only adds length to the front of the magazine to minimize printing.
- Grip texturing on the front for pinky finger traction.
If you want a solid Glock 43 magazine extension that’s super affordable, get the Pearce Glock 43 Plus 1 Grip Extension. It adds lots of controllability to your gun and gives a bit more magazine capacity, too.
There you have it. If you need to beef up your concealed carry Glock, it’s time to add a magazine extension and get more performance from your gun.
