I got to handle both yesterday, from the perspective of how the gun feels in my hand, the 43x/48 are very good, filled the gap between my Kahr CW40 (almost too thin) and G19. However, that's exactly where my Shield fits in. I won't be getting one of the new Glocks, but if I do, it would be the 48, just because it balances in my hand better than 43X