http://www.theoutdoorwire.com/image_archive/2291132.jpg> The Glock 43 is a small gun, nearly disappears in the hands, but it's quite easy to control. http://www.theoutdoorwire.com/image_archive/2291130.jpg> Even before the change in sights, the Glock 43 was capable of shooting a law enforcement retiree qualification clean last spring. http://www.theoutdoorwire.com/image_archive/2291136.jpg> The Ameriglo/Spaulding 'CAP' front sight. http://www.theoutdoorwire.com/image_archive/2291134.jpg> The new rear sight is plain -- no paint -- with serrations.

It was about a year ago, I began an examination of a pair of recent Glock entries -- their 'micro' pistols, the G42 in .380 and the G43 in 9x19mm. Over time, I began to add various pieces and parts – I knew that readers would be accessorizing them and I wanted to see what they'd be getting for their money. So they each got the http://talongungrips.com/>Talon Grip treatment, they both got some http://tangodown.com/>Tango Down/Vickers Tactical parts and both were shot quite a bit. The Glock 43 made a trip to a LEOSA range – for law enforcement retirees – last spring. I'd already shot a revolver qualification and one for semi-autos, but the disturbing tendency to shoot left with the G43 made me want to try to shoot it for record in spite of that handicap.

Both guns still had the factory plastic "ball in the bucket" sights. They are okay, though fragile. The bigger problem is that, optically, the front sight really fills that rear notch. Still, I was able to 'clean' the state qualification course with the little gun. As I'd shot full-size guns – and some rimfires – in the past, causing some laughter from the gallery, it was time to try a service caliber in a very small package.

The G43 was up to the task. I was holding on the right side of the target at 25 yards and had one hit perilously close to leaking out the left side of the FBI 'bottle' silhouette, but 100% was achieved.

I recently received a 'CARE' package from colleague, friend and contributor Dave Spaulding. Inside was a set of the "Combative Application Pistol" sights by http://ameriglo.com/products/glock-spaulding-sets?variant=7576695809>Ameriglo and they were designed for the Glock 43, GL-646. The front sight, .123" wide, has the "LumiGreen" square, a photoluminescent paint that glows after being "charged" in the light. In the center of that is a tritium vial, giving a glowing dot in conditions of darkness.

The rear sight, with a .150" wide notch, is plain except for serrations. It's just a simple, highly visible sight arrangement configured for very small guns. I was quick to appreciate the daylight on either side of the front sight.

Using a Glock branded front sight tool – which is well worth the expense, believe me – and some Loctite 242 medium blue thread locker, both purchased from MidwayUSA, installation was quick and easy.

I took the rig out to the range so I could adjust windage and do some shooting.

As I suspected, I was still tending a bit left when I checked for a hard zero at ten yards. Using non-deadly physical force, I effected a 'factory adjustment' and we were inside for windage. Shooting from fifty yards, my version of the "Michael Bane" drill, I tried three shots on a https://www.birchwoodcasey.com/Targets/Dirty-Bird/Dirty-Bird%C2%AE-16-5-x-24-BC-IPSC-Practice-Target.aspx>Birchwood Casey 16.5" x 24" 'Dirty Bird' IPSC Practice Target. I used a 'neck hold' and found two of the three 50 yard hits went just over the front sight . . . Covering the head box at 25 yards, I was putting hits over the target.

This is why we go to the range to actually check point of aim/point of impact. I found a six o'clock hold would hammer 9mm bullets into the head box all day long at 25 yards. I imagine "cutting the target in two" with the top of the front sight at fifty yards will keep the bullets in in the high chest.

Closer in, simply covering the area you want to hit with the little green box will put the bullets under that box on the target – if you control the trigger.

http://www.theoutdoorwire.com/image_archive/2291138.jpg> Simply Rugged pockt holster, Tango Down/Vickers Tactical magazine extension on second magazine.

You'll note I still have the Streamlight TLR-6 on the Glock 43 – shown in a dedicated pocket holster from http://www.simplyrugged.com/>Simply Rugged Holsters. I have been asked why I'd put a light/laser on such a small gun. The answer is simple – the size of the gun makes it very handy, a near-'everywhere, all-the-time" gun. Having a light available on the gun all the time it's in reach can be handy. I'm not a fan of pistol-mounted lights on every gun, but for defense of the manse and using bounce lighting for threat ID makes it worth the trouble.

The Glock 43 – and the G42, for that matter – is more precise than it has any right to be. They are both more dependable than many small guns on the market.

Dave's sights simply make the guns better, at the same time easier and faster to use.

-- Rich Grassi