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S&W CSX E-Series 3.1 vs Glock 43X

By Cole Harlan, EditorUpdated Nov 5, 2026How we verifyEditorial standards

The biggest cited difference is capacity and action: S&W lists the CSX E-Series 3.1 INCH (SKU 13897) with 12, 15 and 17-round magazines, a single action and a thumb safety, while Glock lists the G43X with a standard capacity of 10 and its Safe Action system. Both are 9mm. Figures are copied from each maker’s page, checked November 5, 2026.

At a glance

Spec (maker label)	S&W CSX E-Series 3.1 INCH (13897)	Glock G43X
Caliber	9MM	9x19 mm
Capacity	12, 15, 17 (3 magazines)	Standard: 10
Action	Single action	Safe Action
Barrel length	3.1	87 mm \| 3.41 inch
Size class	Micro-compact	Not yet verified
Frame / grip	Aluminum frame; polymer grip	Not yet verified
Safety	Thumb	Not yet verified
Optic ready	Yes	Not on this page (this page is not the MOS model)
Weight	19.7 oz (S&W label: WEIGHT; magazine state not stated)	Without magazine: 465 g \| 16.40 oz; with empty magazine: 530 g \| 18.70 oz; with loaded magazine: 654 g \| 23.07 oz
Width	1.12 in (S&W label: WIDTH)	Overall: 28 mm \| 1.10 inch; slide: 22 mm \| 0.87 inch
Height	4.6 in (S&W label: HEIGHT)	Including magazine: 128 mm \| 5.04 inch
Length	S&W catalog “depth” field: 6.1	Overall: 165 mm \| 6.50 inch; slide: 154 mm \| 6.06 inch
Trigger pull	Not yet verified	24 N
Source (checked Nov. 5, 2026)	smith-wesson.com CSX E-Series 3.1 INCH	us.glock.com G43X

Like for like: the weight rows do not line up. S&W prints one WEIGHT of 19.7 oz with no magazine state, while Glock prints three (without, empty-magazine and loaded-magazine), so we do not say which pistol is lighter. Width and height also use different bases: S&W’s 1.12 in WIDTH against Glock’s 1.10 inch overall and 0.87 inch slide width, and S&W’s 4.6 in HEIGHT against Glock’s 5.04 inch height including magazine. The S&W 6.1 figure is a catalog “depth” field, not a label S&W calls overall length, so we do not set it against Glock’s 6.50 inch. Glock notes its technical data is rounded and does not reflect tolerances. The Glock page also describes the G43X Rail, which adds a slim mounting rail.

Which to pick (on paper)

If capacity matters: the CSX lists 12, 15 and 17-round magazines; the G43X lists a standard 10.
If you want a thumb safety and an optic-ready slide as listed: the CSX lists both; the G43X page we read is not the MOS model.
If you prefer Glock’s Safe Action system: the G43X; the CSX is listed as single action.
If a longer barrel on paper matters: the G43X at 3.41 inch against the CSX at 3.1.
If you want weight stated by magazine state: Glock prints three; S&W prints one without a state.

We have not range-tested these; facts above are from the makers.

Not yet verified

A like-for-like weight, width and height for the two pistols (the makers print different bases).
Overall length for the CSX in S&W’s own wording.
Size class, frame material, safety and trigger pull for the G43X and CSX where blank above.

Frequently asked questions

What is the biggest difference between the S&W CSX and the Glock 43X?

S&W lists the CSX E-Series 3.1 INCH with 12, 15 and 17-round magazines, a single action and a thumb safety. Glock lists the G43X with a standard capacity of 10 and Safe Action.

Which is lighter, the CSX or the G43X?

We do not say. S&W prints a single 19.7 oz weight with no magazine state, while Glock prints 16.40 oz without a magazine, 18.70 oz with an empty magazine and 23.07 oz with a loaded magazine.

Are both 9mm?

Yes. S&W lists 9MM and Glock lists 9x19 mm.

S&W CSX E-Series 3.1 vs Glock 43X

At a glance

Which to pick (on paper)

Not yet verified

Frequently asked questions

Sources

Keep exploring

At a glance

Which to pick (on paper)

Not yet verified

Frequently asked questions

Sources

Keep exploring

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