The Glock 43x is still riding a wave of popularity since it was released in early 2019, and it’s easy to see why. Compact, up to 15 rounds without resorting to extended mags, and the usual level of reliability Glocks are known for.
Rumor has it that adding a small compensator utterly transforms this handgun in particular, so I sent out a request ASAP. I needed a threaded barrel to make this happen, and following the recommendation of a few friends who swear by SilencerCo, I picked one up.
Let’s check the tech specs before we get to install and range time.
Tech Specs:
- 9MM
- 1:10 RH Twist
- 1/2×28 Thread Pitch
- 416 R Stainless Steel
- Black Nitride Finish
- Drop-in Fit
- Includes Thread Protector
- 3.7″ Long
It’s a simple part, so I won’t belabor the point. It’s a barrel, with threads. SilencerCo doesn’t use the same polygonal rifling Glock does, so shooting cast reloads aren’t going to be a problem.
Install is simple of course. Hopefully you know how to field strip your gun, but if not… Clear the gun, point in a safe direction, dry fire. Retract the slide slightly, pull down the takedown tabs, run the slide forward to remove it. Pull the recoil spring assembly from the slide, pull the OEM barrel out. Reinstall in reverse (with Ace Ventura reverse sound effects).
What is there to test with a threaded barrel? Well, not a lot, but they’re pretty key details. Accuracy, reliability, and the quality of the threads are on the table.
Range Days:
With a glorious abundance of Magtech 115gr FMJ on hand, I hit the range with nothing (yet) threaded onto the barrel except the included thread protector.
Reliability? 100% so far, nearly 500 rounds in. Nearly all of this was either using an AAC TiRant .45 suppressor (with thread adapter piston), or the Tyrant CNC compensator.
I don’t spend much time shooting groups with a handgun, preferring more “real world” draw/shoot drills, shoot/reload drills, and movement drills. That being said, I do still spend time doing the old “stand still and shoot” on steel targets to warm up for a long range day.
Usually starting at the 10 yard line on the range at “Hobbit Ranch”, I work over a series of steel targets starting with a mini e-type silhouette, Shooting Targets USA “Triple Threat Torso” (which features a couple smaller swinging targets built into the torso), then continuing on down a series of steel plates diminishing in size.
My OEM Glock 43x barrel was pretty close to “zeroed”, requiring just a little holdover to the right at 25 yards. I was pretty happy to see that once I swapped in the Silencerco barrel, it was even more centered left-to-right, so no need to dig out the rear sight pusher for me.
The Silencerco barrel fared just as well in my hands as the OEM Glock tube, accuracy wise. I worked through 300 rounds in my first range day alone, and I’ll definitely argue that this is at least as accurate as the Glock barrel. Forget the torso sized targets, if I can pop a little 4″ square at 25 yards with routine ease, this barrel easily holds up to whatever “defensive accuracy” standard you want to apply.
When it came time to use those threads, I checked them visually for burrs or an obvious lack of concentricity. With no reason doubt Silencerco’s machinists, I went for a Tyrant CNC Compensator first. While the details of that review will be covered elsewhere, I’m happy to say that the Silencerco barrel had no issues.
Moving onto an AAC TiRant suppressor, I’m doubly happy to report no issues, since baffle strikes can get expensive, fast.
Bottom Line:
All told, the Silencerco Threaded Barrel for the Glock 43x did everything you’d expect. Shoots straight, eats ammo, and holds threaded accessories. The barrel runs $169, and is available for a wide variety of hanguns.
-Jens “Rex Nanorum” Hammer
@Rexnanorum
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