Best Adapter Plate for Glock 43x MOS: Essential Guide
For your Glock 43x MOS, the best adapter plate is one that securely mounts your chosen red dot optic, fits precisely without modification, and maintains a low profile for comfortable concealed carry. Look for durable materials like machined aluminum or polymer, and consider the screw types and thread locker recommendations for a reliable, long-lasting setup.
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So, you’ve got the versatile Glock 43x MOS and you’re looking to add a red dot sight. That’s a fantastic upgrade for faster target acquisition and improved accuracy! But if you’ve started shopping around, you might have noticed that not many red dot sights screw directly onto the MOS (Modular Optic System) slide. This is where an adapter plate, sometimes called a mounting plate or optic plate, comes into play. It’s the bridge between your slide and your optic. Without the right one, your aiming setup just won’t work. It can be a bit confusing trying to figure out which plate is the right fit, especially when you just want to get your pistol ready for the range. Don’t worry, we’ll walk through what makes a good adapter plate and help you find the perfect match for your Glock 43x MOS, making this an easy, step-by-step process. We’ll cover everything you need to know to get your optic mounted securely and reliably.
Why You Need an Adapter Plate for Your Glock 43x MOS
The Glock 43x MOS is designed with flexibility in mind, featuring a slide cut that can accept different optic footprints. However, this modularity means that the mounting surface on the slide isn’t a universal, one-size-fits-all solution for every red dot sight out there. Think of it like trying to plug different types of chargers into a single outlet – you often need an adapter! Most red dot manufacturers use their own specific mounting patterns, and the Glock MOS system, while adaptable, isn’t always drilled and tapped to perfectly match every single one out of the box. This is why adapter plates are essential. They are custom-made pieces that are designed with a specific optic footprint on one side and a compatible pattern or mounting system for the Glock 43x MOS slide on the other. They fill the gap, ensuring a secure and stable connection between your firearm and your aiming device.
Without the correct adapter plate, you might face issues like:
- Loose Mount: The optic could shift or wobble, leading to inconsistent zero and potentially falling off.
- Improper Fit: There might be gaps or misalignment, stressing the optic or the slide.
- Damage: Forcing an optic without the right plate could strip screws or damage the slide.
- Undesired Height: Some plates can raise the optic too high, making it difficult to co-witness with iron sights or acquire a usable sight picture.
Choosing the right adapter plate is crucial for the performance and longevity of your red dot sight and pistol setup. It ensures your optic sits flush, stays put under recoil, and functions as intended.
Understanding Optic Footprints and Adapter Plates
Before we dive into specific plates, it’s important to understand what an “optic footprint” is. This term refers to the specific pattern of screw holes and the dimensions of the general mounting area on the bottom of a red dot sight. Different red dot manufacturers, and even different models within the same brand, often use unique footprints. For example, you’ll see common ones like:
- RMR: This is a very popular footprint used by Trijicon (RMR) and many other manufacturers who make RMR-compatible sights (like Holosun, Swampfox, and others).
- DPP (DeltaPoint Pro): Leupold’s footprint, also adopted by some other brands.
- RMSc: A smaller, slimline footprint often found on micro-compact pistols, used by SIG Sauer (RomeoZero), Holosun (various models), and Shield.
- Aimpoint Acro: A unique design for Aimpoint’s enclosed red dots.
The Glock 43x MOS slide itself has a standard MOS cut, which is designed to accept specific adapter plates that then match these various optic footprints. Glock typically includes a set of plates with the MOS pistol, often covering common footprints like RMR and DPP, but these can sometimes be polymer and may not offer the most robust or lowest profile solution for all users. This is where aftermarket plates shine. Aftermarket options are often made from stronger materials, are precision-machined for a tighter fit, and can offer better ergonomics or lower mounting heights.
When selecting an adapter plate, your first step is to identify the footprint of the red dot sight you intend to mount. Then, you’ll look for a plate specifically designed for the Glock 43x MOS that has a matching footprint on its top surface. For instance, if you have a Holosun 507C (which uses an RMR footprint), you’ll need an adapter plate for your Glock 43x MOS that has an RMR footprint interface.
Top Contenders for Best Adapter Plate for Glock 43x MOS
When it comes to aftermarket adapter plates for the Glock 43x MOS, several manufacturers stand out for their quality, precision, and reliability. These companies understand the importance of a solid optic mount, especially for a concealed carry pistol where durability and low profile are key.
1. CHPWS (C&H Precision Weapons)
CHPWS is a highly respected name in the optics mounting industry. They are known for their precision machining and quality materials. Their plates are often made from durable aluminum and are designed to offer a secure, tight-fitting solution. They typically come with the necessary hardware and often include thread locker recommendations, which is a big plus for ensuring a lasting mount.
Key Features:
- Precision-machined aluminum
- Designed for specific optic footprints
- Often coated for durability
- Excellent fit and finish
CHPWS plates are a favorite among many users, including law enforcement and military personnel, for their uncompromising quality. They may come with a slightly higher price tag, but the reliability is often seen as worth the investment.
2. Calculated Kinetics
Calculated Kinetics offers a range of adapter plates, including options for the Glock MOS system. They focus on creating robust and well-fitting components. Their plates are often machined from aluminum and are engineered to provide a stable platform for your optic, aiming to eliminate the common issues associated with less precise mounting solutions.
Key Features:
- Machined aluminum
- Strong and durable construction
- Designed for specific optic footprints
- Aims for a low-profile, secure mount
These plates are a solid choice for those looking for a balance of quality and performance without necessarily breaking the bank.
3. Forward Controls Design (FCD)
Forward Controls Design is another brand that is highly regarded for its meticulous attention to detail and quality. While they might have a more limited offering compared to some larger companies, their products are exceptionally well-made and designed for modern firearms. Their plates are typically made from anodized aluminum and are known for their precise fit.
Key Features:
- High-quality anodized aluminum
- Exceptional precision and fit
- Designed to integrate seamlessly with firearm components
- Often features functional design elements
If you appreciate well-engineered components and a premium feel, FCD is definitely worth considering. Their offerings are often sought after and can sometimes be in high demand.
4. Springer Precision
Springer Precision is well-known in the competition shooting world for producing high-quality parts for various firearms, including adapter plates for optics. They offer a variety of plates for different optic footprints and are praised for their durability and precise fit. Their plates are usually made from anodized aluminum.
Key Features:
- Durable, anodized aluminum construction
- Precision-machined for a tight fit
- Wide range of optic footprint options
- Often designed with competition use in mind, meaning they are robust
Springer Precision offers a reliable option that is tested and proven in demanding environments.
When choosing between these, consider the specific optic you have or plan to buy, your budget, and what type of finish or weight considerations you might have. Always check the product descriptions carefully to ensure the plate is listed as compatible with the Glock 43x MOS and has the correct footprint for your optic.
Glock’s Standard MOS Plates vs. Aftermarket
Let’s talk about the plates that come with your Glock 43x MOS, often referred to as the “factory” or “standard” MOS plates. Glock includes a few different plates with their MOS pistols, usually covering common footprints like the Trijicon RMR and the Leupold DeltaPoint Pro. These are typically made from a strong polymer material.
Pros of Standard Glock MOS Plates:
- Included with Purchase: You get them right out of the box, which is great for initial setup without extra cost.
- Designed for Glock: They are engineered to fit the MOS cut, so you generally get a correct interface with the slide.
- Functional: For many users, they work perfectly well to mount their optic.
Cons of Standard Glock MOS Plates:
- Material: Being polymer, they might not be as durable or rigid as machined aluminum plates. Over time, or under heavy recoil, they could potentially wear or deform slightly.
- Height: Some users find that the polymer plates can set the optic a bit higher than necessary, which can affect the ability to co-witness with iron sights or provide a lower, more natural shooting position.
- Fit: While functional, the fit might not always be as “glass smooth” or precise as a high-quality aftermarket plate, which can sometimes lead to minor stress points or slight differences in how the optic seats.
- Limited Options: Glock’s standard plates cover common footprints, but if you have a less common optic or want a very specific fit, you’ll need aftermarket.
Pros of Aftermarket Adapter Plates:
- Superior Materials: Most are made from CNC-machined aluminum (like 6061-T6), which is much stronger, more rigid, and more durable than polymer.
- Precision Fit: They are often machined to incredibly tight tolerances for a nearly seamless fit between the slide, plate, and optic. This ensures maximum stability and helps prevent optic movement.
- Lower Profile Options: Many aftermarket plates are designed to minimize height, allowing for a lower optic mount, which can be crucial for co-witnessing with irons or achieving a comfortable sight picture.
- Wider Footprint Compatibility: Aftermarket manufacturers offer plates for almost every popular red dot footprint, giving you far more options.
- Enhanced Durability: They are built to withstand the rigors of consistent recoil and use without deforming or loosening.
Cons of Aftermarket Adapter Plates:
- Cost: High-quality aftermarket plates are an additional purchase and can range from $30 to $70 or more, depending on the brand and materials.
- Availability: Popular brands or specific footprint plates can sometimes be out of stock due to high demand.
- Requires Research: You need to be sure you’re buying the correct plate for your specific optic footprint and your Glock 43x MOS.
For most users who plan to run their red dot sight regularly, especially for concealed carry where reliability is paramount, investing in a quality aftermarket adapter plate is highly recommended. It’s a small upgrade that can make a significant difference in the stability and performance of your optic setup. For those who are just starting or want to test a red dot without extra expense, the standard plates are a perfectly functional starting point.
How to Choose the Right Adapter Plate: A Step-by-Step Guide
Selecting the best adapter plate for your Glock 43x MOS doesn’t have to be complicated. Follow these steps to make sure you get a plate that fits both your pistol and your chosen red dot sight perfectly.
Step 1: Identify Your Red Dot Sight’s Footprint
This is the absolute most critical step. Look at the bottom of your red dot sight. You’ll see a pattern of screw holes. You need to know what this pattern is called. Check the optic’s manual, the manufacturer’s website, or even search online for “[Your Optic Model] footprint.”
Common footprints include:
- RMR (Trijicon RMR, compatible with many Holosun, Swampfox, etc.)
- DPP (Leupold DeltaPoint Pro)
- RMSc (Slimline, e.g., SIG RomeoZero, Holosun 507K, Shield)
- JPoint/Vector Optics
- SRO (Trijicon SRO – note: an RMR plate might work, but an SRO specific plate is often better for clearance)
Important: Sometimes multiple optics share a footprint, but there can be slight variations. Always double-check compatibility, especially if the optic isn’t from the original designer of the footprint (e.g., Holosun often makes RMR-footprint sights but sometimes with minor differences).
Step 2: Confirm Your Glock Model is MOS
This guide is specifically for the Glock 43x MOS. The “MOS” stands for Modular Optic System. If your Glock 43x slide doesn’t have a factory-milled cut-out on top, covered by a polymer or metal plate with screws, then you don’t have an MOS model and will need a different mounting solution (like a slide-mounted optic cut or a mount that attaches to the rear sight dovetail).
Step 3: Find Adapter Plates Compatible with Glock 43x MOS and Your Optic Footprint
Once you know your optic’s footprint, start searching for adapter plates. Use search terms like:
- “Glock 43x MOS RMR plate”
- “Glock 43x MOS [Your Optic Footprint] adapter”
Look for plates from reputable manufacturers like CHPWS, Calculated Kinetics, Forward Controls Design, Springer Precision, and others mentioned earlier. Check their product pages carefully.
Step 4: Consider Material and Construction
For most users, especially for concealed carry, machined aluminum (often 7075-T6 or 6061-T6) is the preferred material. It’s strong, durable, and provides a rigid platform for your optic. High-quality polymer is an option, but aluminum generally offers superior longevity and stability under recoil.
Step 5: Check for Included Hardware and Recommendations
Good adapter plate manufacturers will include the necessary screws to mount the plate to the slide, and often the screws to mount the optic to the plate. They will also typically provide guidance on installing the plate and optic, including recommended torque values and the use of thread locker (like Loctite Blue 242 or 3M™ Scotch-Weld™ Threadlocker). Using the correct thread locker is vital for preventing screws from backing out due to vibration and recoil.
Step 6: Read Reviews and Seek Recommendations
Before making a final decision, read reviews from other gun owners who have used the plate on a Glock 43x MOS. Look for comments about fit, finish, ease of installation, and long-term durability. Online forums and communities dedicated to firearms and optics can be great resources.
By following these steps, you can confidently select an adapter plate that ensures your red dot sight is securely mounted, performs reliably, and is ready for whatever you equip your Glock 43x MOS for.
Installation: Mounting Your Adapter Plate and Optic
Proper installation is key to ensuring your red dot sight stays zeroed and functions reliably. While specific steps can vary slightly depending on the plate and optic, here’s a general overview you can follow. Always refer to the manuals for your specific Glock 43x MOS, adapter plate, and red dot sight for precise instructions and torque values.
Tools You’ll Likely Need:
- Your Glock 43x MOS pistol
- Your chosen red dot sight
- Your new adapter plate
- Small torque wrench capable of low in-lbs (inch-pounds)
- Correct size hex bits (often 1/16″, 3/32″, or 3mm for plate screws; specific sizes for optic screws)
- Thread locker (e.g., Loctite Blue 242 or Vibra-Tite VC-3)
- Pry tool or small flathead screwdriver (for removing the original MOS plate)
- Safety