Best G43 Holsters [All Carry Positions]

We love the Glock 43. But, like any firearm, you also need a holster to carry it in.

Fortunately, the Glock 43 is very popular, so there’s a wide variety of holsters available for it.

Unfortunately, all those options can make choosing a good holster tricky and overwhelming.

So thank the deity of your choice that you have me because I’m going to walk you through everything you need to know to pick out a quality holster for your Glock 43 that also works with your lifestyle and budget.

I’ll start by talking about what qualities your holster needs, then I’ll move on to the different holster types that are available, and finally, I’ll wrap up with some recommendations for holsters of each type.

So keep reading!

THE QUICK LIST

1. Best Hybrid

   Hidden Hybrid Holsters

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2. Best No-Frills Option

   Rounded Gear IWB Kydex Holster

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3. Best Shoulder Holster

   Galco Shoulder Holsters

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4. Best OWB Holster

   Blackhawk T-Series L2C

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5. Best AIWB Holster

   Dark Star Gear Hitchhiker

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6. Most versatile

   Tenicor Certum3

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7. Best Minimalist Design

   PHLster Skeleton Gen 2

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8. Best Sidecar

   CrossBreed Holsters Rogue System

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9. Best Holster for Skirts/Dresses

   Can Can Concealment Garter Holster

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PPT Contributor Megan Kriss contributed to this story.

How to Choose a Good Glock 43 Holster

Obviously, a holster’s job is to hold your firearm when you aren’t using it, but that doesn’t mean just any holster will do.

Your holster is also responsible for protecting your gun when you’re not using it, preventing accidental discharge, and making sure you can quickly pull your gun when needed, whether that’s in competition or a defensive situation.

To make sure that a holster can adequately do all that, there are a few factors that you should check before you get it.

We’re going to look at those now.

Comfort

Comfort may seem secondary to some of the things we’ll talk about next, but don’t underestimate how much it matters.

If a holster isn’t comfortable, you probably won’t actually wear it, so you’ll still need to buy a holster that you’ll actually use for your Glock 43 and you’ll have a useless holster just sitting around your home.

Try on any potential holster before you buy.

Make sure it doesn’t rub as you go through normal motions. Even minor rubbing over an extended period can end up causing irritation or even bruises or blisters, so just avoid it.

This is especially important with holsters made of hard materials like Kydex. You could probably get away with a bit of rubbing from a softer material like leather, especially if you’ll have a layer, like an undershirt, between your skin and the holster.

Also, check that the holster both is secure and feels secure. A holster is kind of like a strapless dress–it doesn’t matter if you know that it won’t actually slip; if it feels like it will, you’ll still be tempted to tug on it all night.

Of course, pulling up a dress doesn’t (usually) give away where a firearm is concealed, so this is even more important with holsters.

Sorry, guys, I don’t have a comparable metaphor for you.

Protection

Your holster should be made out of a durable, protective material that can defend your Glock against impacts and scratches. Popular options are leather, nylon, and a variety of polymers such as Kydex.

Just be aware that hard materials can scuff your gun as your holster and draw it. If that’s a concern for you, go with a soft holster or make sure that your hard holster has a soft lining.

Retention

Retention just means that your gun won’t fall out of your holster, even if you turn it totally upside down.

Holsters use either active or passive retention systems, or sometimes both at once.

An active retention system requires the user to engage and disengage the retention system. This could be a thumb break or strap that keeps the gun in the holster and needs to be released for you to draw the weapon.

Passive retention holsters are made of hard material that is molded to the shape of the gun and use friction to keep it securely in place. These holsters usually have screws that can be tightened and loosened to change the amount of friction and therefore the level of retention.

However, while your gun should definitely stay firmly in your holster when not in use, you should also be able to quickly draw it when you need it.

Concealment

Concealability depends on the holster type, shape, and material, as well as your build and the clothing you wear.

I’ll mention how easy the different types of holsters generally are to conceal when I talk about them below, but you’ll really have to try out a bunch of options to see what works for you.

Now if you don’t plan on ever concealing your weapon, this isn’t necessarily a factor that you need to consider, but if you do, then you’ll have a concealable holster already.

Then again, maybe you want the excuse to buy another holster. I’m not here to judge.

Trigger Coverage

Pretty much exactly what it sounds like.

Your holster should securely cover your Glock 43’s trigger to prevent accidental discharge.

There are lots of holsters out there that don’t offer adequate trigger coverage, but I genuinely don’t understand why anyone would risk themselves and those around them by using them.

Just don’t do it.

Positive Grip

Positive grip just means that you should be able to draw your gun, one-handed, ready to shoot with a combat grip in place.

It may take some practicing to do this reliably in all positions and in close quarters, but it should at least be possible with your holster.

Holster Types

Alright now that you know what to look for in a holster, let’s talk about some of the categories that you can choose from.

Outside the Waistband

This is exactly what it says on the tin.

Outside the waistband, or OWB, holsters attach to your belt and rest outside of your waistband. Duh.

This style is particularly common in tv shows and movies because it’s easily filmed, but in real life, it’s not so popular.

While OWB holsters are one of the more comfortable holster types and keep your firearm in an easy-to-access position, they print (make a visible bulge in your clothing) easily, so they’re difficult to conceal.

With a subcompact pistol like the Glock 43, this isn’t as significant as it is with bigger guns, but it definitely still happens.

Inside the Waistband

You can probably guess what these holsters are like.

These holsters attach to your waistband and fit inside your pants or skirt or whatever other visible apparel you choose to cover your bottom half.

IWB holsters are probably the most popular choice for concealed carry because they don’t print as much as other holsters.

On the other hand, it takes more practice to get a positive grip each time you go to draw your pistol and they can be uncomfortable, especially if worn without an undershirt.

Shoulder

If you’ve ever watched a spy flick or police procedural then you’ve seen a shoulder holster.

They look badass and are actually popular among plainclothes law enforcement officers, but they’re a bit of a mixed bag for most of us civilians.

They conceal well when worn over a shirt and under a jacket, but obviously only as long as you keep your jacket on.

You can also wear them under a loose shirt and it conceals well enough, but since the holster itself sits against your ribs, it can be difficult to get to your weapon quickly, especially with a tucked in shirt.

Muzzling is also an issue while wearing most shoulder holsters, which position the gun so that it’s pointing directly behind you, and it’s difficult to draw from a shoulder holster without accidentally muzzling bystanders.

Ankle

Ankle holsters aren’t a popular first choice for a primary weapon, but many people who carry a backup gun carry theirs in an ankle holster.

Ankle holsters tend to be uncomfortable, especially if you have hairy legs, and guns in ankle holsters can be difficult to access.

Women-Specific Holsters

While women can absolutely carry any of the holster types above, there are also holster types that are particularly designed for women, like thigh holsters, purses with holsters built-in, and holsters designed to be switched between bags.

There are also holsters in each of the categories above that are designed particularly for women.

Sometimes this can be an advantage since holsters are typically designed with men’s bodies in mind and therefore may not be as comfortable and functional on women.

For more on women’s concealed carry, check out our category dedicated to it!

Best Glock 43 Holsters

Now, the part you’re really here for…our top recommendations on holsters for your Glock 43!

You’ve been patient enough, so let’s get down to it.

1. Hidden Hybrid Holsters

It’s Hidden, It’s Hybrid! This became our catchphrase around the office while we were testing the HH holsters because it’s true. They are also comfy, but we couldn’t think of a fun way to add that to the catchphrase.

Amish leather backing with a Kydex shell for your weapon, these holsters deliver on everything you need.

Great retention, comfy, long-lasting. We’ve been very happy with every kind we’ve tried and we’ve tried… a LOT.

For the Glock G43 this is one of the perfect holsters. If you want to go even further with your hybrid load out — you can also grab some magazine holders!

2. Rounded Gear (Concealment Express) IWB Kydex Holster

You’ll see this holster recommended across the Pew Pew Tactical website because we pretty much all agree that it’s one of the better no-frills holsters out there.

The holster keeps your Glock 43 well protected and securely in place with durable Kydex construction, but it’s also very comfortable, has a low profile, and is super lightweight.

What’s your take on the Rounded Gear? Rate them below.

3. Galco Gunleather Classic Lite Shoulder Holster

If you want to feel like a character from an action movie, this is the holster to go with. The quality leather just oozes classic appeal.

It’s available in configurations for both right- and left-handed shooters, and the holster stays well-balanced thanks to a mag holster and gear loop on the side across from the gun.

4. Blackhawk T-Series L2C

OWB and concealment often don’t go together, but sometimes, you need a good OWB holster for concealment. The Blackhawk T Series L2C is the one for the Glock 43.

This OWB, all Kydex holster features an active retention device to ensure your G43 stays put.

The T-Series holster uses a simple thumb release placed behind the gun that’s both safe and easy to defeat with a natural draw.

This is a great rig for outdoor activities — perfect for hiking, hunting, fishing, ATV riding, and other tasks where a concealed firearm is needed. These activities often call for extra retention and make IWB a real pain.

The T-Series L2C features excellent belt attachment options, including a Tek-Lok style clip and a standard belt loop.

On top of that, the L2C also accommodates optics of various optics. It’s not an everyday holster unless every day is an adventure.

5. Dark Star Gear Hitchhiker

The Glock 43 works perfectly for appendix rigs. It’s so small that it disappears with ease and conceals almost effortlessly.

In that situation, the Dark Star Gear Hitchhiker gives you a simple, ergonomic, and very well-made appendix rig for the Glock 43.

I know what you’re thinking. It looks long, but that extra length is on purpose.

It helps improve comfort and balance when concealed. Additionally, it’s cut to allow a full grip for a clean draw and presentation.

The big metal clip in the center keeps things secure, and the claw keeps things concealed. It’s lightweight, low profile, and fairly comfortable.

Just make sure you know how to carry appendix comfortably from the get-go.

6. Tenicor Certum3

The Tenicor Certum3 isn’t cheap, but it’s a holster you can rely on and trust for years of use.

Much like the Glock 43, the holster appears simple but offers plenty of options for customization. This is an IWB or AIWB rig that can work in various positions as needed.

Shooters can adjust ride height by almost an inch total and adjust cant by 30 degrees. This makes it easily tailored for all shooters and body types.

With the Tenicor Cetrum3, you’ll have no excuse not to carry.

Shooters can keep their suppressor height sights and red dots with the Certum3. The holster is built for the modern concealed carrier, including modern firearm accessories.

If you don’t mind the price, the Certum3 offers superior comfort and design.

7. PHLster Skeleton Gen 2

PHLster is probably my favorite holster company, and the Skeleton style rig is easily my default choice for the Glock 43.

The Glock 43 is a minimalist gun, and the Skeleton holster is a minimalist holster…like minimalist to the extreme.

PHLster’s Skeleton Gen 2 makes deep concealment of the little pistol possible and comfortable. It’s completely tuckable, and you can adjust the rig for height, cant, and left or right-handed shooters.

This holster company makes a simple but effective holster system that disappears a Glock 43 without much complaint.

While it might not be the option for all concealed carriers, it’s perfect if you need a deep concealment mode of carry.

8. Crossbreed Holsters Rogue

The new Crossbreed Rogue is more than just a holster…it’s a system. You can tag along an optional magazine pouch to make it a sidecar style rig.

By itself, the Rogue can be used for either IWB or AIWB carry.

The Rogue isn’t the smallest setup, but it is super comfy with a set of metal clips to keep the holster secure on your belt. A full-length sweat guard protects you and protects the gun. This also makes it easy to get a clean grip and solid draw.

The Rogue offers plenty of customization options with the ability to use different clips, loops, or whatever else you could want – including the ability to adjust cant and height as well.

On top of that, the Rogue is one of the easiest-wearing holsters out there.

9. Can Can Concealment Classic Garter Holster

Garter holsters get a bad rap for slipping, but you don’t have to worry about that with this one.

The Can Can Concealment Classic Garter Holster is made from military-grade compression elastic, with hypoallergenic non-slip Tacti-Grip further making sure it stays firmly in place.

And if you still want more assurance, you can use the built-in garter belt attachment loops to attach the holster to the Can Can Concealment Garter Belt.

You can fit two firearms and a spare mag in this garter, so your backups are just as accessible as your primary weapon. Rare earth metal magnets keep everything in place.

And the holster comes in four different sizes, each with three rows of hook and eye closures, and Can Can Concealment sells extensions for the holster, so you’re sure to be able to get a fit that works for you.

Final Thoughts

I usually like to end these kinds of articles with recommendations about which thing is best for what purpose, but with so many different holsters and each person’s unique life, I can’t really do that here.

So instead, I’m going to give you some advice.

Don’t rush buying your holster. Try out several so that you know what you like and what you don’t and are able to choose a holster that really fits your wants and needs.

Then, before relying on your holster of choice for EDC, make sure that you spend plenty of time drilling with it. Learn all the little tricks to it and establish muscle memory so that you know that you can quickly and easily get to your weapon when you really need to.

Do you have any advice that you’d like to add? Share your thoughts in the comments. Thinking about concealed carry? Don’t miss our reviews on the best concealed carry holsters!