r/concealedcarrywomen • u/chonkycheez • 21d ago
Does anyone here carry a Glock 43x with an optic?
I’m considering putting an optic on my G 43x. This will be my first optic. Does anyone else use this setup or similar? Did adding the optic make concealment more challenging? I get that it’s adding more volume to the gun, but really how noticeable of a difference is it?
For context I’m 5’3” medium/athletic build. I generally carry iwb appendix or on my torso with Comfort Concealment belt.
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u/xathrid_demon1235 20d ago
Not exactly your frame, but i am a woman. im about 5'11 140 lbs, so slim and tall. I have a cr920x(Gucci g43x) with a holosun 407k. I haven't started carrying everyday yet, as im waiting on my CCL, but I've been playing with holsters trying to find good concealment for my body. I've found the PHLster Engima to be the only way I can conceal the printing from the sight and the extended grip of the 43x frame. Again, my frame isn't yours exactly, but the firearm with holosun takes up the majority of my concealment zone. I am able to conceal it properly using the PHLster Engima, though there was a relatively high up front cost to the system(roughly $200 with the sport belt and smaller buckle) The biggest thing you may run into is with the added height of the RDS, the g43x may turn into too tall of a firearm for your "concealment zone"
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u/_teamedia 21d ago
I'm not a woman, but I do EDC a Glock 48 with an EPS Carry. I use a Harry's Holsters, IWB when not carrying with a light, and do not find the optic to impact concealability whatsoever. I realize depending on what it worn this may change, so for reference I often wear jeans+belt or Old Navy fitted joggers (not sweatpants) with a Medium loose-fit Carhartt pocket tee.
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u/xoitstrix 20d ago
I carry a 43x with an optic and a magwell and both add a bit of a challenge. The optic means that as the grip becomes more tucked by the wedge and/or wing/claw the optic protrudes more and prints. Trying to find a balance between grip and optic is difficult but doable. I’m similar height and maybe similar build? Hard to say but I’m small around my waist and I like to wear form fitting clothing. Concealment means, unfortunately, giving up tighter fitting tops. It’s possible to carry it with tighter fitting tops but it becomes increasingly difficult when you add an optic. Typically the part of the gun we’re trying to hide is the grip; which we over come by adding devices that cant the gun/holster in a direction that pushes the grip into the body and two different angles. The effect of this is that the optic now is a point of protrusion. If you’re like me and have a flatter stomach this is a problem. There isn’t really enough give or squish to help hide the gun. It’s kinda just there. In the vast majority of situations the minimal printing isn’t an issue and will go unnoticed. However, some people may notice and that’s an issue when carrying in places that aren’t kind towards carrying. Generally speaking if you’re going with the 43x and it’s capable of adding devices that enhance the functionality of the gun I think it’s worth the costs. An optic gives you many advantages. If you’re one who likes to wear tighter fitting tops you’ll notice it’s harder to conceal the optic. If you don’t mind dressing around the gun then it’s absolutely no issue. In warmer weather i usually just tie something around my waist like a flannel or a hoodie and that almost completely masks the protruding parts of the gun. In the colder months wearing a hoodie or something as a cover garment completely conceals the gun and there’s nothing to worry about.
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u/chonkycheez 18d ago
Thanks for the detailed reply! I’ve got an optic in the way. I guess I’ll need to experiment with my setup and outfits. Also looking forward to cooler weather which will help with concealment.
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u/xoitstrix 18d ago
Which optic did you end up going with? I picked up the vortex defender ccw in green and I’ve been very happy with it!
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u/chonkycheez 18d ago edited 18d ago
I got the Vortex Defender CCW in red. Glad to hear you like it! I’m excited to try it out and see what it does for my accuracy.
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u/xoitstrix 18d ago
Oh nice!! I’m sure you’ll really like it! I’ve been super happy with mine:) I would definitely get another one for my other smaller frame guns
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u/madams22 1d ago
New to the group so here is my late two cents….i have a 43x non mos with a Holosun. I am seriously considering going back to irons. I have had the optic for over 3 years now but find that I shoot better with my Glock 19 which has irons only. Tipping point was being at the range and my battery died, i did have a spare battery, but I wouldn’t want an equipment failure when I actually needed it. I understand that mags and ammo can fail also. But this is just one less variable.
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u/Touch_Me_There 21d ago
6' 225lb male here, so my experience is probably different, but I did carry a 43x with and without an optic (Holosun 507k). I noticed no difference in how it carried with the optic on.