Glock 43x Holster

The Glock 43X has become a top choice for concealed carry, but finding the right holster can make or break your carrying experience.

We at Cloudster Pillow know that the wrong holster leads to discomfort, printing issues, and inconsistent draws. The right one disappears on your body while keeping your firearm secure and accessible.

Your holster choice affects everything from daily comfort to emergency response times.

Which Holster Type Works Best for the Glock 43X

Inside the Waistband Dominates Concealed Carry

IWB holsters are superior for Glock 43X concealment. The slim 1.1-inch width of the 43X makes it ideal for IWB carry, where the holster sits between your waistband and body. This position reduces print significantly compared to OWB options. Strong-side hip carry at 3-4 o’clock works well for most body types, while the 16.4-ounce weight distributes comfortably when you pair it with a quality gun belt. IWB holsters also provide better retention during physical activity since the waistband adds security.

Appendix Carry Offers Superior Access and Concealment

Appendix carry positions the Glock 43X at 12-1 o’clock for excellent concealment. The 6.5-inch overall length of the 43X fits well in this position without excessive print under most clothes. This carry method works exceptionally well for people who spend significant time seated (the firearm stays accessible and comfortable). However, appendix carry requires proper holster selection with full trigger guard coverage and often benefits from accessories that improve the angle and comfort of the setup.

Outside the Waistband Serves Specific Purposes

OWB holsters work best for open carry situations or when concealment requirements are minimal. The Glock 43X in an OWB holster provides excellent accessibility and comfort for extended periods. This method works well under jackets or loose-fit shirts but requires careful selection of clothes to maintain concealment. OWB carry also allows for faster reholster compared to IWB options (popular for training scenarios and competitive shooting).

Each carry style presents unique advantages, but your choice depends heavily on the specific features your holster provides.

What Holster Features Matter Most for the Glock 43X

Retention Must Balance Security and Speed

Your holster needs passive retention that secures the Glock 43X without manual disengagement. The weight of the 43X demands consistent friction fit that prevents movement during daily activities while it allows smooth draws. Test retention by turning the holster upside down – your firearm should stay put. Active retention systems add complexity that slows your draw stroke and creates failure points. Adjustable retention screws let you fine-tune the grip on your specific firearm (accounting for wear patterns and environmental changes). The trigger guard must be completely covered with zero gaps that could allow foreign objects to enter.

Comfort Determines Carry Consistency

All-day comfort requires two-point contact distribution across your body rather than concentrated pressure from single clips. Hybrid designs with leather backing spread the 43X weight more effectively than full Kydex options. Adjustable cant between 0-15 degrees forward lets you match your natural draw angle while it reduces printing. Ride height adjustment moves the grip closer to your belt line for better concealment under fitted clothing. Sharp edges and hardware that protrudes create hot spots that make consistent carry impossible. The holster should disappear against your body within the first week of regular wear.

Material Selection Affects Long-Term Performance

Kydex provides superior durability and maintains shape through temperature extremes compared to leather alternatives. Quality Kydex holsters retain their form through extensive use while leather stretches and loses retention over time. The material thickness should measure 0.080 inches minimum for structural integrity without bulk addition. Smooth interior finishes protect your firearm finish while textured exteriors improve grip during reholstering. Hardware quality matters – stainless steel clips and screws resist corrosion better than standard steel components that fail after extended carry periods (particularly in humid climates).

Even the best holster features won’t solve every carry challenge you’ll face with your Glock 43X.

How to Fix Common Carry Problems

Printing Issues Come From Poor Holster Position and Angle

The Glock 43X prints most when your holster cant and ride height work against your body shape. A forward cant reduces grip visibility under fitted shirts compared to straight vertical carry positions. Move the holster higher on your belt line to push the grip closer to your body while the barrel angle follows your natural hip curve. Loose clothes mask minor print, but proper holster adjustment eliminates it entirely. The 43X grip length of 4.17 inches creates the most visible outline, so focus adjustments on this area first.

Appendix carriers see better results with slight forward cant that angles the grip toward their centerline rather than away from their body.

Hot Spots Develop From Concentrated Pressure Points

Single-clip holsters concentrate the 16.4-ounce weight of your loaded 43X into pressure points that create soreness within hours. Two-clip systems distribute weight across a larger surface area and eliminate hot spots for most carriers. The holster material makes the biggest difference – leather conforms to your body over time while hard Kydex creates persistent pressure points. Adjust ride height to prevent the holster from sitting on your hip bone (which causes the most common discomfort complaints). Sharp holster edges dig into your side during movement, so rounded edges and smooth transitions are non-negotiable features. A quality gun belt that maintains stiffness prevents the holster from shifting and creates new pressure points throughout the day. Holster wedges can eliminate pressure points and improve comfort for appendix carry positions.

Draw Consistency Requires Identical Holster Position Every Time

Your draw speed depends on muscle memory that expects the Glock 43X in the exact same position each carry session. Holster clips that flex or shift during the day destroy this consistency and slow your draw stroke. The holster mouth must maintain its shape through repeated draws – cheap materials collapse and grab your front sight during reholster. Practice your draw stroke 50 times minimum with any new holster to identify position problems before you carry. Clothes interference accounts for most slow draws, so test your setup with the actual clothes you plan to wear while you carry (especially fitted shirts and jackets).

Final Thoughts

Your Glock 43X holster choice determines whether you carry consistently or leave your firearm at home. Focus on retention that secures your pistol without slowing your draw, comfort that supports all-day wear, and materials that maintain performance through daily use. The 43X excels in IWB and appendix positions when you pair it with proper holster features.

Fit matters more than brand names when you select your carry system. A holster that works perfectly for someone else might create pressure points or print issues on your body type. Test different cant angles, ride heights, and clip positions until your setup disappears against your body. Training with your chosen holster builds the muscle memory that emergency situations demand (practice with the clothes you actually wear while you carry).

Small comfort accessories can transform an adequate holster into an exceptional carry system. The Cloudster Pillow holster wedge addresses pressure points and improves concealment for IWB and appendix setups. Minor adjustments often solve major carry problems without requiring complete holster replacement.