By: Teresa Mull

Gunpowder Magazine stopped by the Glock booth at the SHOT (Shooting, Hunting, Outdoor Trade) Show 2019. Here’s what they had to tell us about this year’s newest items:

The newest products for us are going to be the G48, the single stack 9mm. It’s like a model 19, as far as the slide length goes and the height. We also have the G43X, which is basically a 43 slide, but on the model 48 frame. It’s going to hold 10 plus one. So four more rounds than the model 43.

Another difference, these pistols have the Glock Marksman Barrel. You still get the same beavertail grip that you have on the model 43, but we did add front serrations, you don’t have front serrations on the basic 43.

Our Ge 5 MOS line has expanded a little bit. We have the 19 Gen5 MOS with front serrations. We have the 17 in the same configuration and the 34.

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GPM: How does Glock decide what number to give its guns?

It does seem random, but it’s actually very simple. It’s just the next pistol. So for example, 17 was the first one, then 18, which is a full-auto, which you don’t see sold, the model 19, then the 20, then the 22, 3, 4. It gets a little funny, getting up to the end here, because we’ve skipped numbers. For example, there’s no 44. There is a 45. There’s a 46, technically, but it’s over in Germany. No 47 right now. It’s a 48. It doesn’t mean we haven’t messed around with something or applied for a patent, but there is a method to the madness, but it doesn’t always add up.

More about these guns, from Glock’s website:

G43X and G48

A Perfect Fit
With an extensive history of reliability and durability, GLOCK has expanded the product line by introducing two compact slimline pistols; ideal for everyday carry. Chambered in 9X19, both pistols feature a compact, slimline frame with silver nPVD finish and a 10-round magazine capacity. While the two pistols share the same size frame, they each have different slide lengths. The slide for the G43X is the same sub-compact length as the G43 (6.06 in) while the G48 has a compact length (6.85 in).

Designed for Comfort
Carrying on with the design of the slimline series, the G43X and G48 create a perfect slim fit for a wide variety of hand sizes. The compact slimline frame combines a fuller size grip length with a minimal profile of approximately 1” for a comfortably balanced, versatile grip that’s perfect for a variety of users. While the width is similar to the G43, it is slightly wider to allow for increased round capacity therefore, the G43X and G48 magazines are not interchangeable with the G43.

Maximum Value
Both pistols are priced the same as the G43 and are available in three sight configurations; standard, GLOCK Night Sights (GNS), and Ameriglo BOLD.

These pistols will also be included in the GLOCK Blue label program for qualified military personnel and first responders.

Unique Features
The G43X and G48 feature the silver nPVD finish on the slide. This durable finish is a variation of what is found on the G19X, which has withstood rigorous military testing. The pistols feature a similar height as the G19 with a slimline width for increased concealability. Additionally, they feature front serrations, a comfortable built-in beavertail, reversible magazine catch and a match-grade GLOCK Marksman Barrel. Both models also come with 10-round capacity magazines featuring high-visibility orange followers.

Teresa Mull is editor of Gunpowder Magazine. Contact her at [email protected].

Photo Courtesy of Glock.com