CCW help - g43x vs 48

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Bross4121990

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Hey everyone,
I am a brand new to CCW. I am having trouble comfortably carrying my glock 43x. I run a Trex arms inside the waste band holster at the 1 o'clock position. I have a bit of belly fat (working on fixing that) and that causes the pistol to angle out and dig into my pubic bone. I learned that it is called keeling.

I see some say a g48 is better due to the longer slide. Anyone with experience in both of these pistols have any feedback? Is it worth it to try to sell the 43x and switch to a 48?

Yesterday, I purchased a mastermind tactics carry pillow wedge so hopefully that will help.

Thanks
 
I have a 48 and a 43, and if I swap the 43 slide and barrel onto the 48 frame I then have a 43x. Not sure if you were aware that the frame for a 43x and the 48 are the same.

Anyway, I find carrying at 3:30-4:00 easier, but that’s just me.

Either way, I’d try a 43 before I’d try the 48. Shoots just as well, and easier, more comfortable to conceal.

Edit to add: and the 43 should fit in your 43x holster.
 
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fieldgrade said:
I have a 48 and a 43, and if I swap the 43 slide and barrel onto the 48 frame I then have a 43x. Not sure if you were aware that the frame for a 43x and the 48 are the same.

Anyway, I find carrying at 3:30-4:00 easier, but that’s just me.

Either way, I’d try a 43 before I’d try the 48. Shoots just as well, and easier, more comfortable to conceal.
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I came here to basically say this. 3-4 o'clock carry is a more comfortable position for those of us with a belly. But also I have carried the 43x and the 48 and I prefer the 48 just for the linger sight picture but I haven't noticed any reduction in keeling as there is only a half inch difference in length and the holster is usually the same for both so it's not going to make much difference or any at all. Now perhaps adding or buy a holster with one of those "claws" that are supposed to help keeping more upright might help but if you have a stomach pushing against the grip I can't see how it's going to defeat that. For appendix carry I reserve that strictly for gym shorts weather or if I'm sporting tactical sweat pants and I just pull those up over the gut and ride it high.
 
I carry a 43x MOS. I have a single holster, no mag carrier attached. Mine has the little wing to pull the butt of the pistol closer. I'm not fat but not exactly skinny either. I don't have any issues carrying appendix. I ride a sport bike and it only gets uncomfortable after hours of riding.

My holster is a cheap Fobus w/wing. I don't think a 48 is your answer.
 
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@Bross4121990

a few solutions

1. for AIWB, longer holster is always better. Once it’s bumping your eggs then it’s right length.

2. add a mag carrier for stability. Seems counter intuitive but it helps.

3. Trex holsters are over rated and under developed. JM custom, dark star gear, PHLster and tenicor have AIWB perfected.
 
I have both. I appendix carry the 43x with a recover tactical rail and an olight light. My appendix holster has a wing that pushes it in closer to me. I have lost weight but still have some rolls but not to bad. The holster I carry is made by tuxton tactical. The 48 I didn't carry well with longer slide. Try different holsters. Some companies give you a 30 day test. Also on this forum are some great holster makers. If you are ever near Greensboro let me know and you can look and shoot the 48 .
 
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Thanks everyone for the replies. It looks the general idea is that a longer slide won't help. That's good news because I don't want to buy a gun that won't help. I'll take a look at other holster companies. And hopefully this pillow wedge will help. I see a lot of good reviews on it.
 
The longer slide will not help with your issue.
The wedge does work but for me there was a comfort penalty.
For comfort AIWB look at holsters with a leather or padded back like Crossbreed or N8. For me the Kydex poking me gets irritating after awhile.
 
Pushing against the norm here seemingly.

A longer pistol will 100% help. The longer slide gives you more pelvic contract deeper which counters the natural rotation, like the grip of the pistol spilling out away from the body.

I struggled to carry a shield for a year or two just because of this issue. Nowadays I find it easiest to conceal compact and full size guns with a full size weapon light. A wedge can help, but it's a bit of a bandaid on a larger problem.

Been appendix carrying for 11 years or so and been talking about how longer pistols conceal better for nearly that whole time.
 
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Are you able to carry OWB?
 
Cole_McD said:
Pushing against the norm here seemingly.

A longer pistol will 100% help. The longer slide gives you more pelvic contract deeper which counters the natural rotation, like the grip of the pistol spilling out away from the body.

I struggled to carry a shield for a year or two just because of this issue. Nowadays I find it easiest to conceal compact and full size guns with a full size weapon light. A wedge can help, but it's a bit of a bandaid on a larger problem.

Been appendix carrying for 11 years or so and been talking about how longer pistols conceal better for nearly that whole time.
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It depends very much on how you are built. If the distance from your belt to your hip joint is shorter than your pistol then you can’t sit carrying appendix. Perhaps you are built differently but generally the larger it is the harder to conceal.
 
Cole_McD said:
Pushing against the norm here seemingly.

A longer pistol will 100% help. The longer slide gives you more pelvic contract deeper which counters the natural rotation, like the grip of the pistol spilling out away from the body.

I struggled to carry a shield for a year or two just because of this issue. Nowadays I find it easiest to conceal compact and full size guns with a full size weapon light. A wedge can help, but it's a bit of a bandaid on a larger problem.

Been appendix carrying for 11 years or so and been talking about how longer pistols conceal better for nearly that whole time.
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Holster maker and appendix carrier here.

Your situation is not universal.

I cannot carry appendix anything with a slide longer than a 26 or 43/43x comfortably. At least not while seated in a vehicle.
 
RR said:
Holster maker and appendix carrier here.

Your situation is not universal.

I cannot carry appendix anything with a slide longer than a 26 or 43/43x comfortably. At least not while seated in a vehicle.
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I appendix carry a G43 in one of those trigger guard clips with my Fatboy belt.

20230413_110346.jpg

20230413_110429.jpg

It's fine while standing or lounging, but excruciating while sitting and/or driving.

I decided to try my G48 with this clip and it was way more comfortable than the G43.

I just spent about an hour:20 behind the wheel and it was almost pleasant.
 
I have a whole box full of iwb & owb. Never found any near comfortable. Never could wear any. Just went and got me 642 and a soft pocket holster. Problem solved.
 
Bross4121990 said:
Update: the mastermind tactics pillow wedge solves all the problems and makes aiwb significantly more comfortable and reduces printing. 10/10 recommend
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awesome! I had the same issues as you with my g19, 43x, and a friends shield plus.

Bought the Gunzee pad for the back side of the holster and no more discomfort!

Glad you got it sorted!
 
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