Shooting Mystery is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more

Kimber Micro 9 vs Glock 43: Comparison for Concealed Carry

Kimber Micro 9 vs Glock 43

I always find it very reassuring to have a handy pistol for self-defense or longer range time.

Yet with many models of popular handguns around, it may be hard to find an appropriate product for your needs.

If you happen to be searching for a concealed carry pistol, maybe I can help you make the right choice.

In this article, I’ll go over the specifications and features of two premium examples right here: the Kimber Micro 9 vs. Glock 43.

Take a look and see if one of them can catch your attention.

Overview of the Pistols

Woman shooting pistol

There isn’t a single pistol that can do well at everything, so making the right choice comes down to your personal preferences.

However, one of these guns may have characteristics that make it look more attractive than the other.

That is why you must crosscheck the gun information with your own needs and requirements.

Don’t make the same mistake I made buying one that just looks nice. Before that happens, I suggest doing your due diligence.

Kimber Micro 9

Kimber Micro 9

BUYING OPTIONS:
» Best Price on Palmetto State Armory «
» Check Price on Impact Guns «

Specifications:

  • Total length: 6 Inches
  • Height: 4 Inches
  • Weight (when loaded): 17.5 Ounces
  • Ammo capacity: 6 + 1
  • Basic sight: Three white dots
  • Caliber: 9mm
  • Field stripping time (approx): 65 seconds

Kimber is a well-known brand thanks to its line of M1911 style products, which are ever-reliable.

When it comes to the pocket pistol, Kimber possesses an excellent design, the Kimber Micro .380 ACP.

However, while the .380 ACP caliber is adequate, I could’ve used extra power for a conceal-carry weapon.

That is where I discovered the Kimber Micro 9 with its 9mm Luger caliber ammunition. It fills the gap between a pocket-size weapon and its full-size cousins. 

I find the recoil to be manageable, which is essential for personal defense weapons. It’s a major plus given the gun’s limited size and 9mm ammo size.

Glock 43

Glock 43

BUYING OPTIONS:
» Best Price on Palmetto State Armory «
» Check Price on Impact Guns «

Specifications:

  • Total length: 6.25 Inches
  • Height: 4.25 Inches
  • Weight (when loaded): 18 Ounces
  • Ammo capacity: 6 + 1
  • Basic sight: White dot at the front and white outline at the rear
  • Caliber: 9mm
  • Field stripping time (approx): 30 seconds

The same story goes for the Austrian-made Glocks. Its Glock 42 pistol also employs the .380 ACP as its choice of ammunition. 

When the need for a high caliber pocket pistol becomes more apparent, I turn to the Glock 43.

Chambered in the 9 x 19mm, the Glock 43 looks not too different from the Glock 42 yet with considerably increased firepower.

It uses the same caliber as the Glock 17, with a fraction of the size.

For shooters that think the 9mm is the lowest caliber acceptable for a personal defense handgun, the Glock 43 is definitely worth a look. I promise.

Kimber Micro 9 vs Glock 43: Comparing the Features

Size and Dimension

From a glance, I saw that both of the guns have a rather humble dimension and are lightweight, making them very suitable for concealed carry.

If I didn’t know any better, I would think that both were toys!

The profile of the Glock 43 is indeed a bit more noticeable and heavier than the Kimber Micro 9, though.

Regarding the general appearance, they look pretty much like the rest of their respective families.

The Kimber Micro 9 design features a 1911-style construction, while the Glock 43 looks just like a slightly enlarged Glock 42.

I believe M1911 loyalists would love the Kimber Micro 9, while those in law-enforcement would find the Glock 43 an easy switch when off-duty.

For ammunition, the Kimber Micro 9 and Glock 43 both choose the 9mm caliber, which is quite substantial for their sizes.

Shooting and Precision

The recoil of the Kimber Micro 9 isn’t too bad in my experience, but it’s not exactly the most pleasant due to the light frame and reduced mass.

The first time I shot them on the field was quite an experience simply because of the recoil.

With little weight and grip area to absorb the 9mm ammunition power, make sure that you have a tight grip on the gun.

Lock your wrist and prepare yourself.

The Kimber Micro 9 precision is fairly excellent, with an average 5 – shot grouping of 3.43 inches at 25 yards, which has also been the case with my shot groups.

Meanwhile, shooting the Glock 43 is not too different compared to the Kimber Micro 9.

Its ergonomic handle and well-balanced body did make it relatively easy to manipulate, though.

Trigger pulls require a small amount of force and the pistol offers smooth magazine operations.

The textured grip allowed me to hold and steady the gun well, helping it sit well in my palm.

For accuracy, the G43 precision is comparable to the single stack G42 but not as high as its double-stack sub compact brothers.

At 25 yards, the G43 can produce a 5 – shot grouping of 3 to 4 inches, depending on the ammunition.

In my experience though, I’ve found it easier to handle than the Kimber Micro 9.

Reliability

Both the Kimber Micro 9 and the G43 are DURABLE and reliable pistols.

I went through hundreds of rounds on both these guns, and hardly experienced jams or malfunctions.

The disassembly procedure and maintenance techniques are straightforward to perform and execute.

However, when you reassemble the Micro 9, do remember to pay attention at ALL times.

If you insert the slide stop pin incorrectly, the entire thing will jam and stick tight. Even I had to find out the hard way.

It took quite some time and effort to pull the pin out, so I advise you to take it slow and steady when putting the gun components back together.

Overall, if you use them properly, the performances of the Micro 9 and the G43 are more or less similar.

Should you prefer the setting of an M1911 – style gun, then go with the Micro 9. Otherwise, you won’t be disappointed by the Glock 43.

Which Is Best for You?

All things considered, both the Kimber Micro 9 and the Glock 43 perform great on the field!

I would recommend the Kimber Micro 9 to someone who wants a small, comfortable, easy-to-conceal pistol in their arsenal.

Meanwhile, the Glock 9 is for anyone who prioritizes firepower and accuracy. My personal pick is the Kimber Micro 9 for its longevity and easy portability.

Conclusion

Barrel of gun

At a quick glance, you may see that both of the guns have humble dimensions and are lightweight, making them suitable for concealed carry.

The profile of the Glock 43 is indeed a bit more noticeable and heavier than the Micro 9, though.

Regarding the general appearance, they look pretty much like the rest of their respective families.

The Kimber Micro 9 design features an M1911 style construction, while the Glock 43 looks just like every other Glock.

For ammunition, Micro 9 and G43 choose the 9mm caliber which allows you to have some stopping power in an emergency without sacrificing portability and discretion.

About the author