Springfield XDS Vs. Glock 43
Recently Andrew from GY6VIDS posted a head to head comparison of the #Springfield XDS vs Glock 43 video. Are these handguns vastly different or are they just the same gun packaged in a different way?
Reliability
In the beginning of the video he emphasizes how reliable both the #Glock 43 and the #Springfield XDS are compared to one another.
Because #Glock and Springfield have both proven themselves to produce quality and reliable #firearms Andrew states that there should be no difference when it comes to the reliability. Whether that?s true or not ultimately lies in field testing.
Photo by ray1970 @ XDtalk
Size and Weight
He also emphasizes how similar they are in size. He states that most people compare the Glock 43 to the Smith & Wesson M&P Shield but he says that that?s not a fair comparison because of the size difference.
The biggest difference between the Glock 43 and the Springfield XDS is the weight. The XDS weighs approximately 4.5 ounces more than the Glock 43. To put that in perspective the XDS weighs a quarter of a pound more than the Glock.
Photo by ray1970 @ XDtalk
Sights
The Glock 43 comes with the standard plastic Glock sights whereas the Springfield XDS comes with a red or green fiber optic front sight and a white two dot rear sight.
However, very few people ever keep the stock Glock sights. Most concealed carriers upgrade to the Trijicon HD night sights.
The Grips
The Springfield XDS has a more textured grip than the Glock 43 along with an interchangable backstrap. But Andrew notes that it would be a lot of work to sand the grip down if you wanted to custom stipple the grip.
The grip of the Glock 43 is lacking in the texture department. This can be very cumbersome when your hands are wet or oily. However, there are a few options to remedy this problem. Number 1 is that you can easily sand and stipple the grip for added texture. Or you?re like me and like a less permanent solution you can always add some Talon Grips
Magazines
Although the Glock 43 and the Springfield XDS are nearly identical in size there is a little bit of a difference when it comes to the magazines.
The Glock 43 has the typical polymer magazine which holds 6 rounds of #9mm. Glock offers two different magazines with the Glock 43 one is a flush mount magazine and the other has a pinky extension however the magazine with the pinky extension doesn?t offer any more magazine capacity. There is however aftermarket components such as the Strike Industries Plus 2 Round Extension in which you can increase the magazine capacity of the Glock 43 from 6+1 to 8+1.
The Springfield XDS comes with two magazines as well one being a flush mount and the other having a pinky extension. However the Springfield magazines are little bit different than the Glock?s. The magazines that come with the Springfield XDS are made of metal and the magazine with the pinky extension holds an extra round of 9mm.
However I feel the biggest difference between the Glock 43 and the Springfield XDS has to do with the Springfield?s controversial back strap safety. Some people hate it and some people love it, but the only way to really know which is better is to shoot both guns for yourself.
Photo by ray1970 @ XDtalk
Trigger
Andrew noted that the Glock 43 has a shorter reset than the Springfield XDS but it has a more abrupt trigger break coming in at 6.5 lbs. However, the trigger?s pull weight and abrubtness can be easily fixed with the Ghost Edge Trigger Connector for a very low price.
The Springfield XDS however has a much more clean and precise trigger break at 6.1 lbs. but a little bit longer reset.
Testing
In the video he runs few tests comparing the group size that comes from each gun. Andrew says he has the same amount of experience behind both guns that way neither one is favored due to more shooting time on one gun vs. the other.
During his testing he was able to achieve consistent and almost identical groupings with both the Glock 43 and the Springfield XDS.
Conclusion
Because the Springfield XDS offers a better trigger pull, better sights, reversible back straps, and heavier magazines that eject easier, Andrew says that he would prefer the Springfield XDS out of the box. Now that?s not to say that the Glock 43 wouldn?t be better with some upgrades. But According to Andrew at GV6VIDS when in comes between theSpringfield XDS vs Glock 43 , the Springfield XDS is the winner.
So which would you prefer Glock 43 or the Springfield XDS? Let us know in the comments below.
Stay Safe and God Bless
Jonathan Springfield XDS vs Glock 43 Springfield XDS vs Glock 43
Originally published at Tactical Toolbox.
