If you love your Glock 43 but wish it held a few more rounds or fit your hand just right, you’re not alone. Many Glock owners want a little extra capacity or comfort without swapping out their reliable pistol for something bigger.
Adding a magazine extender is a popular, affordable upgrade. In this article, we’ll walk you through exactly how to install a magazine extender, share key tips, and help you pick the right option—so your Glock 43 can suit your needs perfectly.
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How to Add a Magazine Extender to Your Glock 43
If you own a Glock 43, you know it’s favored for its slim design and concealability. While these are fantastic features, many Glock 43 owners wish for a bit more magazine capacity. That’s where magazine extenders come in—simple upgrades that increase how many rounds your G43 can hold without sacrificing its sleek profile. In this article, we’ll explore what magazine extenders are, why you might want one, and give you a thorough step-by-step guide to installing one, along with helpful tips and answers to your most common questions.
What Is a Magazine Extender for Glock 43?
A magazine extender, sometimes called a base plate extension, is an accessory that attaches to the bottom of your Glock 43’s magazine. Its main purpose is to:
- Expand your magazine’s capacity, allowing you to carry more rounds.
- Sometimes add additional grip area for improved handling and comfort.
Many popular brands—like Taran Tactical, Strike Industries, Hyve Technologies, Vickers Tactical, Tyrant CNC, and FAB Defense—offer dependable options suited to various needs and budgets.
Why Should You Add a Magazine Extender?
The Main Benefits
Adding a magazine extender to your Glock 43 delivers several practical advantages:
- Increased Capacity: Standard magazines hold 6 rounds. With extenders, you can boost that by 2 to 4 extra rounds.
- More Secure Grip: Some extenders give you more surface area, improving your control and comfort, especially if you have larger hands.
- Versatility: You can switch between compact and extended modes easily, adapting to different carry or shooting scenarios.
- Faster Reloads: Extended mags are easier to grab and reload, which can make a difference in high-pressure situations.
Types of Magazine Extensions
Magazine extenders for the Glock 43 come in various designs and capacities. Here are the most popular types you’ll find on the market:
- +1 or +2 Extensions: Add one or two extra rounds. Brands like Vickers Tactical and Strike Industries offer these versions, which also provide a slightly longer grip.
- +3 or +4 Extensions: Give the biggest boost to your round count, often used for range shooting or home defense. FAB Defense and Tyrant CNC are well-known for these larger capacity extenders.
- Finger Extension Only: These don’t add rounds but offer a pinky rest for a more comfortable grip.
- Competition Style Extensions: Designed for faster reloading and higher capacity with robust construction for heavy use.
As you shop, consider your primary use: concealed carry, home defense, or competition shooting.
How to Install a Magazine Extender: Step-by-Step Guide
Installing a magazine extender on your Glock 43 is straightforward. You don’t need gunsmithing skills or specialized tools—just patience and attention to detail. Here’s how to do it:
1. Gather Your Tools and Materials
You might need:
– The magazine extension kit (usually includes the base plate and sometimes a longer spring).
– Your Glock 43 magazine.
– A punch tool or small screwdriver (to help remove the original base plate).
– Eye protection (springs can jump out unexpectedly).
2. Unload and Inspect Your Magazine
- Ensure the magazine is completely empty.
- Double-check your firearm, making sure it’s unloaded and safe.
3. Remove the Old Magazine Base Plate
- Look for a small retaining pin or dimple on the magazine’s base plate.
- Use the punch or screwdriver to depress this pin fully.
- While holding the pin down, slide the base plate forward. This requires firm pressure—be patient and keep control, as the spring is under tension.
- Carefully remove the base plate and set aside the locking plate and spring.
4. Install the Extension
- If your new extender kit includes a longer spring, replace the factory spring with the new one.
- Compress the spring and slide the new magazine extender onto the body of the magazine.
- Make sure everything clicks and locks securely in place.
5. Function Test
- Insert a few dummy rounds to ensure the magazine feeds smoothly.
- Check for any looseness or odd movement in the extender.
- If possible, test at the range before relying on the extended mag for self-defense.
Practical Tips & Best Practices
- Stay Legal: In some states or localities, magazine capacity is restricted. Before you buy, check your area’s laws.
- Choose Quality Brands: Reliable performance matters. Well-known manufacturers invest in sturdy materials—aluminum, steel, or reinforced polymer—to ensure your mag extender lasts.
- Install Safely: Springs are under pressure, so wear eye protection and work carefully to avoid injuries or lost parts.
- Rotate Your Mags: High-capacity extended mags are great for the range or as backup. For concealed carry, ensure reliability after testing with your chosen extension.
- Maintenance: Clean your magazine and extender regularly, especially after using your pistol at the range or in adverse conditions.
- Buy Extra Springs: Some magazine extenders work best with slightly stronger or longer springs. Many reputable brands include upgraded springs, but always double-check for reliability.
Popular Magazine Extender Brands & Features
Many shooters ask, “Which brand should I choose?” Here’s a quick overview of some top picks and their features:
- Taran Tactical Innovations: Famous for robust, competition-born mag extensions; often come with enhanced springs and sleek designs.
- Strike Industries: Known for ergonomic, affordable extensions that add +2 rounds and improve grip contour.
- Vickers Tactical: Offers practical +2 round extensions with reliable construction; simple and effective design.
- Hyve Technologies: Blends aesthetics with function, available in many colors, with both +1 and +2 extensions.
- FAB Defense: Focuses on maximum capacity; their +4 extension is popular among those wanting the largest possible round count.
- Tyrant CNC: Known for CNC-machined aluminum extenders, offering a mix of toughness and modern looks.
All these brands make extenders specifically tailored for the Glock 43’s single-stack magazine. Pick one that fits your needs and budget.
Cost Considerations When Upgrading
- Pricing Range: Most Glock 43 magazine extenders cost between $20 and $50, depending on brand, material, and capacity increase. CNC-machined aluminum options are typically more expensive than polymer.
- Shipping Costs: Some manufacturers offer free shipping on orders over a certain amount. When buying from a specialty shop, group purchases to save on shipping.
- Extra Magazines: Consider buying spare factory magazines for installation. This lets you rotate between standard and extended mags as needed.
- Spring Upgrades: When included, upgraded springs ensure reliability; they can also add minimal extra cost if sold separately.
Possible Challenges & How to Overcome Them
Every upgrade comes with its challenges. Here are common issues and tips to avoid them:
- Tough Base Plate Removal: Glock base plates can be difficult to slide off the first time. Use controlled, even pressure. Sometimes gently squeezing the magazine’s sides helps loosen the grip.
- Spring Jumping Out: Always keep your hand covering the top of the magazine when sliding off the base plate—this prevents parts from flying across the room.
- Feeding Issues: In rare cases, an extender may cause feeding problems. A stronger spring often fixes this. Use only compatible extensions designed for the Glock 43.
- Fit and Finish: Low-quality extenders may wiggle or fail to lock in place. That’s why it pays to choose reputable manufacturers.
Keeping Your Glock 43 Reliable With Magazine Extensions
Remember, any time you modify your carry firearm, reliability must come first. Always:
- Test extended magazines with several hundred rounds before relying on them for defensive use.
- Clean and inspect your magazines after heavy use, as grime buildup can affect feeding.
- Periodically check extenders for tightness—firm up any that become loose.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use a Glock 43X or 48 magazine extender on my Glock 43?
No. The Glock 43X and 48 use a wider, double-stack magazine, while the Glock 43 uses a single-stack. Extensions are not interchangeable between these models.
2. Will adding a magazine extender affect my gun’s concealability?
Slightly, yes. The magazine will stick out more from the grip, which may print under tight clothing. Many users find a +1 or +2 extension adds minimal extra bulk, but higher-capacity extenders are less discreet.
3. Do I need any special tools to install a magazine extender on my Glock 43?
No special tools are required. A small punch or flathead screwdriver is helpful to depress the locking pin on the base plate. Always work carefully to avoid damaging the magazine or extender.
4. Will my factory magazine spring work with a new extension?
A +1 or +2 extender usually works with the stock spring, but higher-capacity extenders (like +3 or +4) may require a longer or stronger spring. High-quality kits often include the proper spring for reliable feeding.
5. Are magazine extensions legal everywhere?
No. Magazine capacity restrictions vary by state and locality. Always research and follow your local laws before installing and using magazine extenders, especially for concealed carry.
In Summary
Upgrading your Glock 43 with a magazine extender is a practical and rewarding project for anyone looking to boost capacity and improve grip comfort. With a range of reputable brands and styles available—plus simple installation steps—any shooter can enhance their Glock 43 in just a few minutes. Remember to prioritize reliability and legal compliance, and always test your new setup thoroughly before carrying. A mag extension is one of the most effective ways to get even more functionality out of your trusted Glock 43. Happy shooting!