The Glock 43 is widely regarded as one of the best pistols for concealed carry. Among other things, it's reliable, compact, and inexpensive.
However, it's difficult (and even dangerous) to carry a pistol without a proper holster.
A good holster should always be the next thing you buy after any CCW purchase. To make your comparison job more manageable, we've listed some of the best ones in this article for you to choose from.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for Best Glock 43 Holsters
- OUR TOP PICK: CYA Supply Co. IWB Holster
- RUNNER-UP: Mission First Tactical OWB Holster
- BEST BUDGET OPTION: Leapers UTG Ambidextrous Pocket Holster
Comparison of the Best Glock 43 Holsters
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What Do I Need To Know Before Buying a Glock 43 Holster?
Before you purchase a holster for your Glock 43, it's important to do your research. The following things can affect how your holster feels and works for you:
- Location
- Material
- Retention
These are the three main points of consideration when buying a holster: where does it sit on your body, what is it made of, and how well does it grip your gun?
Photo credit: heyshooters.com
A holster can be designed to hold a gun in one specific place or several different areas. For example, some hip holsters can be used inside or outside the waistband of your pants. Some can also work at your hip, at the small of your back, or your appendix. When choosing a location, you should consider printing, which we talked about up above, and which place feels most comfortable to you.
The material of your holster is mostly dictated by where it's designed to sit on your body. The retention of your holster tends to vary with the material, too. Cloth and leather holsters tend to give a looser fit (leather starts out tight but loosens over time), while hard-shell holsters tend to hold your gun tightly.
Review of the Best Glock 43 Holsters
The following list covers the best models we've found that exist on the market today. However, don't be afraid just to use it as a starting point for your research, as there are plenty of other quality products available, too.
Best Overall:
CYA Supply Co. IWB Holster
[amazon fields="B084KW5HN2" image="1" value="thumb" image_size="large" image_align="center" image_link="none"]
Pros
Cons
This holster checks all the boxes for us - find out why below.
What Recent Buyers Report
Recent buyers say that this holster is incredibly high-quality - well worth its relatively low price. The adjustable cant and retention are incredibly nice features, meaning you can adjust it to exactly your preferences.
Why it Stands Out to Us
As a high-quality, customizable, adjustable, made-for-Glock-43 holster, this model already stands with ease. However, when you consider that it's affordable and made in the USA by a veteran-owned company, this holster sets itself apart from the rest.
This is an inside-the-waistband (IWB) holster, meaning you can wear it anywhere on the inside of your belt. It's made from Boltaron (Kydex) thermoplastic, which is sturdy and stands up to both hot and cold weather, so you can use this holster in the rain, shine, ice, and snow.
Bottom Line
This holster is deserving of our top spot for many reasons. The bottom line is that it's just a well-made product that does its job exceptionally well. Even if it weren't made in the USA, it would be worth the purchase - that's just a nice bonus.
Runner-up and Best Glock 43 OWB Holster:
Mission First Tactical OWB Holster
Pros
Cons
This model from Mission First Tactical is an excellent option if you're looking for an over-the-waistband holster.
What Recent Buyers Report
Buyers are saying that this holster is a great buy. It sits close to the body for an OWB, holds your Glock nice and snug, and doesn't lose form at all. It does exactly what it's supposed to do as an OWB holster.
Buyers are satisfied with the excellent function and design of this OWB holster. It protects your gun from the outside elements in addition to holstering it securely.
Why it Stands Out to Us
When a product delivers on every promise it makes, it stands out even if it's not flashy. That's the case with this OWB holster. While it doesn't come in any fancy colors or finishes, it keeps your Glock safe and secure at your hip.
This OWB waistband sits very close to the body, so it minimizes printing despite being OWB. The custom canting is a nice feature, and the lifetime warranty is great for peace of mind.
Like we said up above, itโs always great when you can purchase a USA-made product. The veteran ownership of this company is a nice bonus, too. However, the holster itself stands out best because of its design.
While most hard-shell holsters have the same function, the way they sit on your body and the way they hold your gun can differ. This holster excels both with sitting close to your body and holding your Glock securely while still offering a smooth draw. Our only complaint is that any sights that donโt sit flush with the gun can snag.
Bottom Line
It's impossible to go wrong with this holster. Keep in mind that you might have issues with snagging on certain sights, but otherwise, this holster is nearly flawless.
As long as you donโt have special sights on your Glock 43, You probably wonโt notice any issues with this holster, as both the comfort and function are excellent.
Best for the Money:
Leapers UTG Ambidextrous Pocket Holster
Pros
Cons
This ambidextrous pocket holster is an excellent option for both lefties and anyone who likes to pocket carry, and it's a great deal, too.
What Recent Buyers Report
Buyers are saying that this holster is an excellent value for what you get. While it has its flaws, it's cheap enough that you're unlikely to regret your purchase even if you don't end up using it.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This holster stands out to us because of its accessibility. No matter how much cash you have on hand, you can afford this holster. Additionally, the universal design of this holster means it fits many different models of guns. The extra pockets are a great way to carry your extra gear, too.
Essentially, this holster is special because it's a great example of a "no excuses" holster - i.e., no matter which gun model you carry or how much money you have, there's no excuse not to use a holster for safety reasons.
Bottom Line
This holster does what it sets out to do, though it's neither the most secure nor the most subtle of holsters. If anything, it's a great option if you're not sure whether you like pocket holsters and want to try one inexpensively.
Best Glock 43 Pocket Holster:
DeSantis Super Fly Pocket Holsters
Pros
Cons
If you're willing to spend a little more, this model from DeSantis is an excellent example of the advantages a pocket holster can provide.
What Recent Buyers Report
The most significant comment from buyers is how this product made pocket carrying accessible for them. While it's too big for some pockets, it eliminates printing almost entirely, and it stays secure in your pocket.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This holster stands out to us because of its convenience. Most of us wear pants with pockets regularly, so instead of having to add a CCW belt to your outfit, you can use this holster to turn your pocket into precisely what you need.
Keep in mind that, since this is a universal holster, it only reaches retention level one. If your Glock 43 doesn't feel safe and snug in this holster, or if it feels like it might fall out at any point, it's best to try something else. However, we do like that this holster can adapt to a purse or handbag, too, making it great for women who carry.
Bottom Line
This holster is a potential game-changer, but only if it holds your gun snugly and safely. While it's a bit pricey for a pocket holster, its craftsmanship helps balance out the price.
Best Glock 43 Kydex Holster:
DeSantis Slim -Tuk Ambidextrous
Pros
Cons
If you're looking for a secure, minimal holster, this ambidextrous model from DeSantis should be on your list.
What Recent Buyers Report
Buyers say that this Kydex holster changes the game when it comes to low-print holsters. Since it doesn't have a large guard like many IWB holsters, it's smaller, but it can also be less comfortable depending on what you wear.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This holster is everything you need, just compressed into a much smaller package than most other holsters. It's called the Slim-Tuk for a reason - you might even forget that you're wearing it depending on where you put it.
The ambidextrous hardware on this holder is a nice touch, too, since it can be tough to find good holsters when you're left-handed. Since it's adjustable, retention is excellent despite its smaller size.
Bottom Line
This minimalistic holster is great for those who need something that takes up less space, but it may be at the sacrifice of some comfort.
Best Glock 43 Leather Holster:
Dazzling Leather Holster
[amazon fields="B07J2Q91RN" image="1" value="thumb" image_size="large" image_align="center" image_link="none"]
Pros
Cons
If you've been considering a leather holster for your Glock 43, give this model from Dazzling Holsters a look.
What Recent Buyers Report
Buyers say that this leather holster has excellent quality and craftsmanship, though it's only for those who are willing to go through the entire molding process; it's not pre-fitted to your Glock 43.
Why it Stands Out to Us
With the right preparation and care, leather holsters can be great for concealed carry, especially as IWB holsters. There's also a certain appeal to using a leather holster that can't be denied, they're gentler on your gun's finish.
One of the most significant advantages of this holster is its flexibility. It comes with the hardware to be worn IWB, OWB or clipped to something on your belt. It can even work when clipped inside a purse, making it a reliable all-around holster.
Bottom Line
While leather holsters like this one require extra care and a few additional steps to get the right fit, it's very affordable, especially when you account for the lifetime warranty.
Best Glock 43 IWB Holster:
Amberide IWB KYDEX Holster
[amazon fields="B07DYZHGXW" image="1" value="thumb" image_size="large" image_align="center" image_link="none"]
Pros
Cons
As an IWB holster designed explicitly for your Glock 43, this model from Amberide is an excellent alternative choice.
What Recent Buyers Report
Buyers say that this is an excellent Kydex holster for a great price. While it has some rough edges, these can be fixed easily with some at-home sanding or careful heat gun work.
Why it Stands Out to Us
While this isn't exactly a budget option, this IWB holster is very affordable as far as Kydex holsters go. It stood out to us immediately because of that and because it's available in left-hand and right-hand positions.
This is the "black horse" of the holsters on this list. While it doesn't have any game-changing features that make it stand out, it delivers on all the features it needs to be an excellent holster.
Bottom Line
You can't go wrong with this IWB holster, especially for the price, though you may have to work on it a bit for a comfortable fit.
Best Glock 43 Shoulder Holster:
Alien Gear Holsters Shapeshift
Pros
Cons
If you're looking for an unconventional holster, then this Alien Gear over-the-shoulder setup will get you thinking.
What Recent Buyers Report
Buyers say that the unconventional setup of this kit is great when you need it, but Alien Gear's expensive modular system can be off-putting, especially since you'll need to buy a separate shell for each gun you carry.
Why it Stands Out to Us
There's a reason why we only included one over-the-shoulder configuration on this list, and that's because they're usually uncomfortable and challenging to adjust. While this system takes some of the pain out of it, it's not for everyone.
However, if you're looking for the ultimate non-printing carry kit, you won't do better than this one. The extra two mag slots are a nice bonus, too.
Bottom Line
If you can afford it, this shoulder setup is an exciting option, but be prepared to pay much more for shells over the holster's lifetime.
Best Glock 43 Small of Back Holster:
Advanced Performance Shooting Holsters
[amazon fields="B01DYT1V1K" image="1" value="thumb" image_size="large" image_align="center" image_link="none"]
Pros
Cons
If you're looking for print minimization, this model from Advanced Performance Shooting Holsters should be a strong contender.
What Recent Buyers Report
Buyers are impressed with how good this holster is for minimizing printing with a CCW. The SOB position can take some getting used to but quickly feels better than other holster styles.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This holster stands out to us as an excellent option for those who don't want to wear baggy clothes whenever they carry. This holster hides well even under T-shirts and other light clothing, and it comes custom-fit to your gun model. However, it does cost a bit more than your standard Kydex holster.
Bottom Line
This is a custom holster for those who need an alternative carrying position, and it fills that role incredibly well.
Are All Glock 43 Holsters The Same?
Before you can purchase a holster, you'll need to decide which variety of holsters you want most. There are many different kinds of holsters on the market. You can choose between everything from a nylon pocket to a rigid holster to a leather sleeve. Regardless of material, the best holsters protect the trigger from being pulled accidentally, and all of the holsters on this list fulfill that requirement.
IWB Holster Concealment. Photo Credit: OutdoorGearToday.com
Your holster may also be designed to sit in a different place on your body. Many are designed to sit on your belt, but others can go over your shoulder or in your pocket. Make sure you choose the one that suits your lifestyle best and feels safe to use.
Characteristics of Our Favorite Holsters
Regardless of material and location, every gun holster has a few standout features you'll want to keep an eye out for. We've listed the most important ones below.
Trigger Protection
Regardless of type and shape, all holsters are designed to protect your gun's trigger from being pulled unnecessarily. Virtually all holsters are designed to protect your trigger in some way, but some do the job better than others. Your job is to make sure nothing can worm its way inside your holster and catch on your gun, as this could cause injury to yourself or others.
Glock 43 Leather Holster. Photo Credit: ArkansasCarry.com
Universal vs Specific
One of the things you'll need to consider when purchasing a holster for your Glock 43 is whether to buy a universal holster or one designed specifically for your Glock. Many cloth and some leather holsters can fit multiple gun models, but hard plastic holsters are usually molded to fit a specific gun.
Molded holsters tend to provide the most secure hold, but it's essential to choose which variety you feel safest and most comfortable with.
Printing
Printing happens when you carry a gun underneath your clothes and the outline is visible. While your holster's material plays a small role, the main factor at work here is its location. People are used to looking for a gun print at your hip, but some types of clothing can help disguise hip holsters. Back holsters, ankle holsters, or holsters in other unique places may help you even more if minimizing printing is vital to you.
Conclusion
The crucial part of carrying a gun, whether through concealed carry or open carry, is doing so in a way that makes you and others feel safe. As such, there's no right or wrong answer when it comes to choosing a holster. If possible, trying out a few different kinds can be immensely helpful when figuring out what works best for you.
Photo credit: gunholsterreviews.com
People Also Ask
Do you have any questions that we weren't able to answer so far in this article? If so, check out these other questions that people ask.
Will a Glock 43x Fit a Glock 43 Holster?
In most cases, a holster designed to fit a Glock 43x will not hold a Glock 43. Because the 43x has a wider grip, most 43x holsters will be too loose to retain a Glock 43 safely. However, some universal holsters may still fit, and holsters that are specifically designed to fit both - like many of the models on this list - also exist.
Can You Pocket Carry a Glock 43?
While it's very possible to pocket carry a Glock 43, keep in mind that the 43 is too large to sit fully in some pockets. As such, it may not qualify for concealed carry unless you wear baggy clothing to cover it.
