Two slim sub-compact 9mm pistols built for concealed carry compared side by side.
| Specification | Ruger MAX-9 CA Approved | Glock 43 USA |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Pistol: Semi-Auto | Pistol: Semi-Auto |
| Caliber | 9mm Luger | 9mm Luger |
| Action | Single Action | Safe Action |
| Capacity | 10+1 | 6+1 |
| Barrel Length | 3.2" | 3.39" |
| Overall Length | 6" | 6.26" |
| Weight | 18.4 oz | 16.19 oz |
| Finish | Black, Black Oxide Slide | Black Matte |
| Stock / Grip | High-Performance Glass-Filled Nylon, Textured | Black Polymer |
| Sights | Front: Tritium Fiber Optic, Rear: Drift Adjustable | Front: White Dot, Rear: White Outline |
| Safety | Magazine Disconnect Safety | Safe Action – 3 Separate Automatic Safeties |
| Receiver | — | Black Polymer |
| Magazines | 2 | 2 (1 Flat Base, 1 with Finger Extension) |
| MSRP | $449 | $538 |
| UPC | 736676035182 | 764503913358 |
| Model Code | 3518 | UI4350201 |
Rows marked with have different values
Reversible Magazine Release, Loaded Chamber, E-Nickel Teflon Coated Mag, Integrated Trig Safety
This matchup is most useful for shoppers who have already narrowed the field to compact or slim 9mm carry pistols and now need a direct side-by-side check instead of another broad category page.
Start with the spec rows that affect carry fit and capacity, then use live pricing and the features section to see whether the differences are meaningful enough to change your shortlist.
If the tradeoffs still feel close after checking specs and price, move back to a broader compact 9mm or concealed-carry page before making this one pair your final decision.
Use these guides, FAQs, and category pages if you want more context before you commit to this matchup as your final shortlist.
Answers to common 9mm shopping questions, including why 9mm is so popular, how to think about size, and how to narrow down the right 9mm handgun.
Answers to common questions about how to compare handguns, what to focus on first, and how to keep side-by-side comparisons useful.
