Fitting In: Best Holster for Glock 43/43x

Holding It Down

The holster is the pivot point of carrying a pistol. Everything rides on your ability to retain your weapon; otherwise, the individual is forced to carry or shove the weapon into less-than-preferred locations on the body. Even when carrying a compact or subcompact pistol, carrying can reveal an uncomfortable truth: comfort is everything. So, for the sake of this article, we are looking at what I consider the best holster for the Glock 43/43X. This subcompact platform can pack a lot of heat for being so reduced in size, but carrying a weapon that is significantly upgraded can become tricky when lights, optics, and, yes, even a compensator are added.

The tactical pistol is where leather can lose its luster; the Kydex holster or polymer holster starts to take the lead due to providing a more retentive hold on a complex form. Add in the dynamic nature of daily life and good retention becomes as much of a premium as it applies to a tactical holster. A holster that performs should be functional, retentive, and comfortable; if it's a concealed holster, it should also minimize printing. Printing is the form of the pistol that protrudes under clothing, providing that all-too-obvious telltale signature that an individual is concealing a weapon.

I Got Your Six

There are many holsters to choose from; everyone will have their favorites, as do I. This article analyzes what I feel is the best holster for carry of the Glock 43/43X; for that, I chose On Your Six Holsters. On Your Six is a locally and privately owned holster manufacturer in San Antonio, Texas. The manufacturing process is equivalent to the highest quality standards you will find in the industry, with a mastery of design and implementation, knowing what the Kydex material can do and what it cannot. The holsters produced are made from properly manufactured molds made in-house with a complete assortment of accessories to ensure a proper fit for a lifetime of use.

Nick, the owner of On Your Six, oversees every holster for a proper fit and finish — not only proper retention and fit, but he ensures the finishing touches, beveling the edges, and that the subtle details are assured. There are a multitude of mounting solutions ranging from various belt-loop sizes with canted loops for a positive grip, to waistband clips with stability support, and even the ability to run your On Your Six holster using major manufacturer mounting solutions, so the end user can adapt a custom holster to their other carry solutions.

Positioned for Success

On Your Six has made several holsters for me in the past; I have used their holsters in Iraq, Afghanistan, and here at home for years. They have always lasted and carry the support of a company focused on quality over quantity. It is easy to argue outside-the-waistband versus inside, or abdomen vs. hip. I have elected to look at the holster design as opposed to choosing one carry location over another. The holster, after all, is what we are focused on regardless of whether you like it digging into your hip or pelvis. There is a benefit when considering the holster location with a forgiving weapon like a subcompact and slim pistol, such as the Glock 43/43X. The small frame size and slide, combined with a short and compressed grip, make carrying in nearly any configuration fairly forgiving.

The Glock 43/43X are easy to carry in either location, in my humble opinion, but for me, inside-the-waistband while seated has always been an uncomfortable position, regardless of the weapons system. Combine that with a seatbelt and an aggressive seat design, and I find inside-the-waistband abdomen carry uncomfortable while driving, but wonderful when dismounted from my vehicle.

The same can be said for carrying outside the waist on the hip. This too can be uncomfortable, but less so. The other issue arises that any pistol you carry on your hip can and will eventually start to rub and scratch the center console and seat. So, there is no free lunch when you get into a car, outside of removing the holster while driving or sitting in the front seats. That said, On Your Six ensures that placing the pistol back into the preferred position is easy with paddles or clips that allow you to set yourself up for carry before even leaving the vehicle.

On Your Six also has the option to add mounting solutions from other major manufacturers for the best use. On Your Six has designed its system so the end user can choose Safariland, Blade-Tech, or G-Code mounting options. This allows you, the user, to choose your own adventure for the best comfort and advantages. Since I am using Safariland for some of my other needs, it made my On Your Six holsters compatible for other uses if needed.

Locked In

When I carry my Glock 43/43X, I like the option of choosing which method will suit me best. I also use a Glock 43 slide with a SIG closed-emitter mini red dot mounted on a rear-sight mounting plate and run a Tyrant Designs compensator. This elongates the slide to the realm of the Glock 48 but offers a level of reduced recoil on a weapon that is already poised to offer up some kick, given the small size. I have both the factory 43 frame with a Streamlight TLR-6 light/laser combo and, on my PSA Micro Dagger frame, I use a Streamlight TLR-7X sub and a flared magwell for faster reloads. The ability to choose the frame size and magazine capacity is a nice option. At this point, I choose the holster that fits my needs, no pun intended. Retention is felt with that classic click as the frame locks into the formed Kydex. The feel is true and snug. The dehorned edges make the holster comfortable against the skin, even for Kydex, while the less-than-aggressive grips do not add to any discomfort. The extension on the inside-the-waistband abdomen carry provides some added comfort, and the raised edge of the outside-the-waistband provides just enough material to help keep your shirt clear of the inside of the holster. The use of adjustable screws with rubber bushings allows the end user to choose the level of retention needed.

Final Thoughts

On Your Six is one of those companies that chooses to ensure its customers receive the holster they need and want. One point that has little to do with function is the vast array of colors in Kydex and rivets, the ability to choose a look that can impress as much as it provides function. From tactical to practical, On Your Six will ensure you not only have the right carry solution but also look the part based on your style. Every holster is handmade and is custom-built for the client.

Carrying a pistol has been the go-to for personal protection for several hundred years. There will always be a need for a comfortable and reliable way to ensure you have what you need when you need it. Whether you are a swashbuckling sailor, a soldier storming a compound, or a dad out with your family, On Your Six wants to ensure you can carry your pistol reliably and look good doing it. On Your Six has your back.