What is the Shield Arms Custom Glock 43?
The Shield Arms Custom Glock 43 is a factory Glock 43 pistol professionally upgraded with premium components for enhanced everyday carry performance. Each pistol comes equipped with AmeriGlo I-Dot night sights, an optimized Z-Series steel mag catch, one Z8 magazine, and one Z9 magazine—delivering superior reliability, accuracy, and capacity right out of the box.
Included with your Custom Glock 43:
Glock 43 Perfection, Enhanced by Shield Arms
The Glock 43 has earned its reputation as one of the most popular concealed carry pistols on the market, combining Glock's legendary reliability with a slim, single-stack profile perfect for everyday carry. The Shield Arms Custom Glock 43 takes this proven platform and elevates it with carefully selected upgrades that address the most common enhancement requests from serious CCW practitioners.
Every Custom Glock 43 begins as a factory-fresh Glock pistol and is then professionally upgraded in-house at Shield Arms. The AmeriGlo I-Dot night sights provide fast target acquisition in low-light defensive scenarios with a bright front tritium dot and blacked-out rear. The optimized Z-Series steel mag catch is precision-engineered to work flawlessly with our Z8 and Z9 magazines while maintaining compatibility with factory Glock magazines. Each pistol is function-tested before shipping to ensure reliable performance when it matters most.
For shooters who value individuality alongside performance, custom Cerakote finishing options are available. Choose from tactical colors including Fallout, Montana Mud, and Pineland—each finish applied in-house by our experienced technicians. These durable ceramic-based coatings not only provide a unique aesthetic but also offer enhanced corrosion resistance and surface protection for your everyday carry pistol.
Key Features of the Custom Glock 43
- Factory Glock 43 Platform: Built on Glock's proven single-stack 9mm design with legendary reliability and a slim profile ideal for concealed carry
- AmeriGlo I-Dot Night Sights: Factory-installed tritium night sights with a bright green front dot and blacked-out rear for fast sight acquisition in any lighting condition
- Z-Series Steel Mag Catch: Black nitride-finished steel mag catch optimized for Shield Arms Z8 and Z9 magazines with positive retention and smooth magazine changes
- Increased Capacity: Ships with both a Z8 magazine (8 rounds) and Z9 magazine (9 rounds), giving you 8+1 or 9+1 capacity versus the factory 6+1
- Custom Cerakote Options: Available in Black (standard) or custom finishes including Fallout, Montana Mud, and Pineland—each unique and applied in-house
- Professional Assembly: Each pistol is professionally assembled, inspected, and function-tested by Shield Arms before shipping
- Made in USA: Upgraded and finished at Shield Arms facility with premium American-made components
- Complete Package: Ready for immediate carry with upgraded sights, magazines, and mag catch installed—no additional modifications needed
Important Notes
Please Note: Custom Cerakote finishes make each pistol unique. Due to the hand-applied nature of Cerakote finishing, colors and patterns may vary slightly from images shown. Each custom finish is one-of-a-kind.
Magazine Compatibility: The included Z-Series steel mag catch is optimized for Shield Arms Z8 and Z9 magazines but remains compatible with factory Glock 43 magazines.
Additional Accessories: Consider adding the Z9 +1 Magazine Extension to increase your Z9 magazine capacity to 10 rounds.
Why Upgrade to a Custom Glock 43?
The Shield Arms Custom Glock 43 represents the most cost-effective way to obtain a fully-upgraded carry pistol without the hassle of sourcing individual components, finding a qualified gunsmith, and coordinating installation. Purchasing these upgrades separately—AmeriGlo sights, Z-Series mag catch, Z8 and Z9 magazines—plus paying for professional installation would exceed the cost of our complete custom pistol. More importantly, you receive a factory-tested, professionally assembled firearm backed by both Glock's and Shield Arms' warranties.
Technical Specifications
| Specification |
Details |
| Base Platform |
Factory Glock 43 |
| Caliber |
9mm Luger |
| Capacity |
8+1 (Z8 magazine) or 9+1 (Z9 magazine) |
| Barrel Length |
3.39 inches |
| Overall Length |
6.26 inches |
| Width |
1.02 inches (slide) |
| Height |
4.25 inches (with standard sights) |
| Weight (Unloaded) |
Approximately 17.95 oz |
| Sights |
AmeriGlo I-Dot Tritium Night Sights |
| Magazine Catch |
Shield Arms Z-Series Steel (Black Nitride) |
| Included Magazines |
One Z8 (8-round), One Z9 (9-round) |
| Finish Options |
Black (standard), Fallout, Montana Mud, Pineland (custom Cerakote) |
| Made In |
USA (upgrades and finishing) |
| Warranty |
100% Lifetime Warranty on Shield Arms components |
Capacity Comparison
| Configuration |
Capacity |
Advantage |
| Factory Glock 43 |
6+1 rounds |
Standard capacity |
| Custom G43 with Z8 Magazine |
8+1 rounds |
+33% capacity increase |
| Custom G43 with Z9 Magazine |
9+1 rounds |
+50% capacity increase |
| Z9 with +1 Extension |
10+1 rounds |
+67% capacity increase |
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the Shield Arms Custom Glock 43 different from a factory Glock 43?
The Shield Arms Custom Glock 43 starts as a factory Glock pistol and receives professional upgrades including AmeriGlo I-Dot tritium night sights, an optimized Z-Series steel mag catch, and includes both Z8 (8-round) and Z9 (9-round) magazines. Optional custom Cerakote finishes are also available. These upgrades would cost significantly more if purchased and installed separately.
Can I use factory Glock 43 magazines with the Custom Glock 43?
Yes, absolutely. The Z-Series steel mag catch is optimized for Shield Arms Z8 and Z9 magazines but maintains full compatibility with factory Glock 43 magazines. You can use any Glock 43 magazine with this pistol.
How much additional capacity do the Z8 and Z9 magazines provide?
The Z8 magazine holds 8 rounds (versus 6 in the factory magazine) for a 33% capacity increase. The Z9 magazine holds 9 rounds for a 50% capacity increase. With the optional Z9 +1 extension, you can achieve 10-round capacity—a 67% increase over factory capacity.
Are the custom Cerakote finishes durable enough for everyday carry?
Yes. Cerakote is a ceramic-based coating that provides excellent durability, corrosion resistance, and abrasion resistance. It's widely used in the firearms industry for duty and carry pistols. Each finish is professionally applied in-house at Shield Arms and cured properly for maximum durability.
What is the difference between the Fallout, Montana Mud, and Pineland finishes?
These are tactical Cerakote color options. Fallout is a grey-tan camouflage pattern, Montana Mud is an earth-tone tan, and Pineland is a dark olive green. Each finish is hand-applied, making every pistol unique. Colors may vary slightly from images due to the custom application process.
Does the Custom Glock 43 come with a Glock warranty?
Yes. As a factory Glock pistol, it is covered by Glock's manufacturer warranty. Additionally, all Shield Arms components (magazines, mag catch, and Cerakote finish) are covered by our 100% lifetime warranty. The Z8 and Z9 magazines also include our "Spring for Life" guarantee.
Can I add more Z9 magazines later?
Absolutely. You can purchase additional Z9 magazines or Z8 magazines at any time. Many customers carry multiple magazines for concealed carry or training purposes.
How do AmeriGlo I-Dot sights work?
AmeriGlo I-Dot sights feature a single bright green tritium dot on the front sight and a blacked-out rear sight. This configuration allows your eye to focus on the single illuminated dot for fast target acquisition, especially in low-light defensive situations. The tritium is self-illuminating and requires no batteries.
Is the Custom Glock 43 suitable for new shooters?
The Glock 43 is a popular choice for new shooters due to its simple operation, manageable recoil, and proven reliability. However, as a compact single-stack pistol, it's smaller than full-size pistols and may be slightly more challenging for beginners to shoot accurately. The upgraded sights on the Custom G43 do make it easier to aim than a factory pistol with standard sights.
What holsters fit the Custom Glock 43?
The Custom Glock 43 maintains factory Glock 43 dimensions and will fit in any holster designed for the Glock 43. Custom Cerakote finishes do not affect holster fitment. Ensure your holster is compatible with the AmeriGlo I-Dot sight profile if using an optics-ready or suppressor-height sight holster.
Can I install optics on the Custom Glock 43?
The Custom Glock 43 is based on the standard Glock 43 platform, which is not optics-ready from the factory. If you want to add a red dot optic, the slide would need to be milled by a qualified gunsmith. Alternatively, Glock offers the G43X MOS (Modular Optic System) for those seeking factory optics compatibility.
How long does custom Cerakote finishing take?
Custom Cerakote finishes typically add 1 week to processing time as each pistol is hand-finished, cured, and inspected before shipping. Standard black finish pistols generally ship within our normal processing timeframe.
Who Should Buy the Shield Arms Custom Glock 43?
- Concealed Carry Practitioners: Those seeking a proven, slim carry pistol with enhanced capacity and professional-grade night sights for defensive use
- Glock 43 Owners: Current G43 owners looking to upgrade to a higher-capacity system without modifying their existing pistol
- First-Time Buyers: New gun owners who want a complete, upgraded carry pistol without the complexity of sourcing and installing aftermarket parts
- Off-Duty Professionals: Law enforcement and military personnel seeking a reliable backup or off-duty carry option with increased capacity
- Minimalist Carriers: Those who prefer a single-stack, slim profile pistol but want more capacity than factory magazines provide
- Custom Enthusiasts: Shooters who appreciate unique aesthetics and want a custom Cerakote finish applied by professionals
- Training-Focused Shooters: Those who train regularly and value the improved sight picture provided by tritium night sights
- Value Seekers: Buyers who recognize that purchasing a complete upgraded pistol costs less than buying components and paying for installation separately
Backed by Shield Arms Quality
Every Shield Arms Custom Glock 43 is assembled, inspected, and function-tested at our facility. We stand behind our work with a 100% lifetime warranty on all Shield Arms components. The included Z8 and Z9 magazines are covered by our exclusive "Spring for Life" guarantee, ensuring your magazines will perform reliably for years to come.
Related Products & Accessories
Maximize the potential of your Custom Glock 43 with these complementary products:
Looking for installation guides or support? Visit our Installation Guides section for detailed instructions and videos.
