First Impressions of Shield Sights Glock G43 Low Pofile Slide Mount
The Glock 43 is a fantastic pistol for concealed carry, but its factory sights leave something to be desired. Many owners, myself included, want to upgrade to a red dot optic for faster target acquisition and improved accuracy. The Shield Sights Glock G43 Low Pofile Slide Mount offers a simple, non-permanent solution to this problem, allowing the user to mount a Shield RMSc or similar optic without costly and irreversible slide milling.
I was looking for a way to improve my G43’s accuracy without permanently altering the pistol. Milling the slide was a viable option, but I was hesitant to commit to such a drastic modification. The Shield Sights Glock G43 Low Pofile Slide Mount promised a clean, reversible solution, and that’s what initially drew me in.
Upon unboxing, the mount appeared to be well-machined from quality metal with a matte black finish that matched the Glock’s slide. The low-profile design was immediately apparent, and the weight was negligible. Compared to other dovetail optic mounts I’ve used in the past, this one felt more solid and precisely engineered; I considered other dovetail mounts, and even some universal Picatinny rail adapters, but the Shield Sights mount offered a dedicated fit for the G43 and the RMSc footprint. I was cautiously optimistic, hoping this mount would live up to its promises of ease of installation and reliable performance.
Real-World Testing: Putting Shield Sights Glock G43 Low Pofile Slide Mount to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Shield Sights Glock G43 Low Pofile Slide Mount at my local indoor shooting range. Installation was surprisingly straightforward, requiring only the removal of the factory rear sight and sliding the mount into its place. The provided set screws secured the mount firmly, and within minutes, I had my Shield RMSc optic mounted and ready to go.
The mount held zero surprisingly well, even after several magazines of 9mm ammunition. The low-profile design allowed for a natural cheek weld and quick target acquisition. I did notice a slight shift in point of impact compared to the factory sights, but that was easily corrected with minor adjustments to the RMSc.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of use, including weekly range trips and daily carry, the Shield Sights Glock G43 Low Pofile Slide Mount has held up admirably. There are no signs of loosening or shifting, and the finish remains intact despite regular handling and holster wear. The mount is easy to clean with a simple wipe-down after each range session.
Compared to my experience with other dovetail mounts on different pistols, this one offers superior stability and zero retention. I was initially skeptical of the dovetail mounting system, but the Shield Sights design has proven to be exceptionally robust and reliable. It definitely out performs some of the cheaper universal mounts I’ve experimented with in the past.
Breaking Down the Features of Shield Sights Glock G43 Low Pofile Slide Mount
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Shield Sights
- Red Dot Sights-Footprint: SMS (compatible with RMSc, SMSc, RMS, SMS, SMS2, Jpoint)
- Optic Cut: Not Applicable (replaces rear sight)
- Color: Black
- Gun Model: Glock 43
- Gun Make: Glock
- Gun Type: Pistol
These specifications mean the Shield Sights Glock G43 Low Pofile Slide Mount provides a simple and direct way to attach a miniature red dot sight (MRDS) to a Glock 43. The fact that it doesn’t require milling the slide is a huge advantage for users who want to avoid permanent modifications.
Performance & Functionality
The Shield Sights Glock G43 Low Pofile Slide Mount performs its primary function exceptionally well: securely mounting an MRDS to the Glock 43. Accuracy is maintained through solid mounting and zero retention. The only real weakness is inherent to any dovetail mount; it’s not quite as rock-solid as a direct-milled optic cut. It exceeds expectations for a drop-in solution, providing a stable and repeatable platform for the optic.
Design & Ergonomics
The mount is designed to be low profile, minimizing the added height of the optic and maintaining a comfortable cheek weld. The build quality is excellent, with a durable metal construction and a matte black finish that blends seamlessly with the Glock’s slide. The mount is user-friendly and requires no specialized tools for installation.
Durability & Maintenance
The Shield Sights Glock G43 Low Pofile Slide Mount is built to last, with a robust design that can withstand the rigors of regular use and carry. Maintenance is minimal, requiring only occasional cleaning to remove dirt and debris. The mount’s durable finish resists scratches and corrosion, ensuring long-lasting performance.
Accessories and Customization Options
The mount itself doesn’t require any additional accessories beyond the optic. While it’s designed specifically for the Shield RMSc footprint, it will also fit other sights with similar footprints, such as the SMS, SMS2, and JPoint, though with a slight width overhang in some cases. It’s not directly compatible with other optic mounting systems like Trijicon RMR or Holosun 507k without additional adapter plates.
Pros and Cons of Shield Sights Glock G43 Low Pofile Slide Mount
Pros
- Easy installation: Replaces the rear sight with minimal tools required.
- Low profile design: Maintains a comfortable cheek weld and minimal added bulk.
- Solid zero retention: Holds zero well even after extended use and repeated firing.
- Non-permanent modification: Avoids costly and irreversible slide milling.
- Cost-effective: Significantly cheaper than slide milling or purchasing a new optic-ready slide.
Cons
- Not as robust as direct-milled optic cut: Dovetail mount may not be as rock-solid as a milled slide.
- Limited optic compatibility: Primarily designed for Shield RMSc footprint optics.
Who Should Buy Shield Sights Glock G43 Low Pofile Slide Mount?
Perfect for Glock 43 owners who want to upgrade to a red dot optic without permanently modifying their pistol. Also ideal for those who are hesitant to commit to slide milling or are looking for a cost-effective alternative to purchasing a new optic-ready slide. This is also an excellent choice for concealed carriers who want faster target acquisition and improved accuracy in self-defense situations.
Those who should skip this product are competitive shooters who demand the utmost stability and precision from their optics. Also not recommended for those who prefer optics with footprints other than the Shield RMSc/SMS.
Must-have accessories or modifications include a quality Shield RMSc or compatible optic. Also recommended is a professional gunsmith installation if you are uncomfortable removing and installing pistol sights yourself.
Conclusion on Shield Sights Glock G43 Low Pofile Slide Mount
The Shield Sights Glock G43 Low Pofile Slide Mount is a well-designed and effective solution for adding a red dot optic to your Glock 43. It offers a simple, non-permanent, and cost-effective alternative to slide milling, providing a stable and reliable platform for your optic.
At a price of $55.99, the Shield Sights Glock G43 Low Pofile Slide Mount offers excellent value for the money. It’s significantly cheaper than slide milling and performs admirably for a drop-in solution.
I would personally recommend the Shield Sights Glock G43 Low Pofile Slide Mount to anyone looking to upgrade their Glock 43 with a red dot optic. It’s an easy, affordable, and reliable way to enhance your pistol’s accuracy and performance. Don’t hesitate – upgrade your Glock 43 with the Shield Sights Glock G43 Low Pofile Slide Mount and experience the benefits of red dot accuracy today!