Glock 42 A Comprehensive Review of the G42 .380 ACP Sub-Compact 6 Round Pistol
The Glock 42 (G42) is widely recognized as one of the most compact and reliable handguns in the market. Chambered in .380 ACP, this pistol has been designed to meet the demands of concealed carriers, law enforcement officers, and civilians looking for an easy-to-carry, effective defensive weapon. In this comprehensive review, we’ll cover all aspects of the Glock 42, from its design and performance to why it has become a popular choice among firearms enthusiasts.
1. Introduction to the Glock 42
The Glock 42, launched in 2014, represents the company’s effort to produce a truly pocket-sized pistol that retains the legendary Glock durability, reliability, and simplicity. This subcompact handgun is built for ease of use, concealability, and effective self-defense in close quarters. The G42’s small size, lightweight frame, and manageable recoil make it an excellent option for first-time gun owners or those with smaller hands.
While Glock is known for its full-size and compact models chambered in 9mm, .40 S&W, and .45 ACP, the .380 ACP round is a popular choice for concealed carry due to its low recoil and effectiveness at short ranges. The G42 is Glock’s smallest model and the only one currently chambered in .380 ACP.
2. Key Features of the Glock 42
2.1 Size and Dimensions
One of the most prominent aspects of the Glock 42 is its size. It measures just 5.94 inches in overall length, with a height of 4.13 inches and a width of 0.98 inches. Weighing only 13.76 ounces unloaded, the G42 is truly a subcompact pistol that is easy to carry in a purse, pocket, or waistband holster.
This size makes the G42 ideal for deep concealment, where the priority is maintaining discretion. It’s perfect for individuals who want to carry a firearm without it being noticeable.
2.2 .380 ACP Caliber
The Glock 42 is chambered in .380 ACP, a round that has garnered a strong reputation for its low recoil and reasonable stopping power in short-distance engagements. While some may argue that 9mm rounds provide more firepower, the .380 ACP allows for faster follow-up shots, making it a great caliber for those concerned about recoil management.
The 6-round magazine capacity might seem low, especially compared to Glock’s other models, but for a .380 ACP subcompact designed for personal defense, this capacity provides a balance between concealability and firepower.
2.3 Polymer Frame
Glock’s signature polymer frame makes the G42 lightweight, durable, and resistant to corrosion. The polymer also helps in managing recoil, providing a comfortable grip without adding unnecessary weight to the gun. Additionally, the textured grip on the G42 ensures a secure hold, even in wet or slippery conditions.
2.4 Trigger System
Like all Glock pistols, the G42 features the “Safe Action” trigger system, which includes three internal safeties: the trigger safety, firing pin safety, and drop safety. This system ensures that the pistol will not fire unless the trigger is intentionally pulled, providing a level of safety without the need for an external manual safety lever.
The trigger pull on the G42 is around 5.5 pounds, making it relatively easy to operate, especially for users with less experience.
2.5 Sights
The Glock 42 comes equipped with standard Glock sights— a white dot front sight and a white U-notch rear sight. While basic, these sights are effective for close-range target acquisition, which is the primary use case for a pistol like the G42. Users looking for more precision may choose to upgrade the sights to night sights or other aftermarket options.
3. Performance and Shooting Experience
3.1 Recoil Management
One of the standout features of the G42 is its low recoil. The .380 ACP round, combined with Glock’s ergonomic design, results in a soft-shooting pistol that’s easy to control. For those who are recoil-sensitive, or new shooters learning proper grip and trigger control, the G42 offers a forgiving shooting experience.
Due to its small size, subcompact pistols often suffer from harsh recoil, but the G42 mitigates this issue effectively, making it one of the smoothest shooting .380 ACP pistols available.
3.2 Accuracy
The Glock 42 is not built for long-range accuracy, but it excels in short-range encounters, which are typical in self-defense scenarios. At distances of 7-10 yards, the G42 delivers impressive accuracy, and its manageable recoil allows for fast follow-up shots. The barrel length of 3.25 inches might limit accuracy beyond these distances, but for personal defense, the G42 performs admirably.
Users looking to improve their shooting precision might consider upgrading the sights or using laser attachments for enhanced accuracy.
3.3 Reliability
Glock has a stellar reputation for reliability, and the G42 is no exception. The pistol feeds reliably with a wide variety of ammunition brands, including hollow points and FMJ rounds. Malfunctions are rare, even with higher round counts during extended range sessions.
This reliability is one of the reasons the G42 is so popular as a concealed carry gun. You can depend on it to function under various conditions, including dust, dirt, and exposure to the elements.
4. Concealed Carry and Practicality
4.1 Concealability
As a subcompact, the Glock 42 excels in the concealment department. Its small size and thin profile make it virtually disappear when carried inside a waistband holster, pocket holster, or even a small bag. The 6-round capacity is a trade-off, but it allows for an exceptionally slim and light frame.
4.2 Comfort
Many concealed carriers find that larger pistols can be uncomfortable to carry for extended periods. The G42’s lightweight design solves this problem, making it comfortable to carry all day without causing strain or discomfort. Whether you’re wearing it on your hip, ankle, or in a belly band, the G42 remains unobtrusive.
4.3 Holster Options
Given the popularity of the G42, there is no shortage of holster options available on the market. From leather to Kydex, and from appendix carry to ankle carry, users can find a holster that fits their preferred carry style. The availability of custom-fit holsters ensures a snug and secure fit, allowing for quick draws in emergency situations.
5. Pros and Cons of the Glock 42
5.1 Pros
•Compact and Lightweight: Ideal for concealed carry and deep concealment.
•Low Recoil: The .380 ACP round combined with Glock’s design results in manageable recoil, even for new shooters.
•Reliable: Like all Glock pistols, the G42 is highly reliable and functions well with various ammunition types.
•Comfortable Grip: The polymer frame and textured grip provide comfort and control during shooting.
5.2 Cons
•Limited Magazine Capacity: The 6-round capacity may feel limited, especially when compared to larger pistols with greater firepower.
•Short Barrel: The 3.25-inch barrel limits the effective range of the G42, making it less suitable for long-distance engagements.
•.380 ACP Stopping Power: While the .380 ACP round is adequate for self-defense, some shooters may prefer the additional power offered by larger calibers like 9mm.
6. Who Should Consider the Glock 42?
The Glock 42 is an excellent choice for a variety of users, including:
•First-time gun owners: The manageable recoil and ease of use make the G42 a great option for those new to firearms.
•Concealed carriers: Its small size and lightweight design make it one of the most practical options for concealed carry.
•Recoil-sensitive shooters: Those who find larger calibers too difficult to manage will appreciate the G42’s softer recoil.
•Law enforcement backup: Officers looking for a reliable, easy-to-carry backup weapon will find the G42 an effective option.
7. Aftermarket Customization
Like all Glock models, the G42 has a wide range of aftermarket accessories available. These include extended magazines, improved sights, and custom triggers. Some users also opt to add laser sights or tactical lights for increased versatility in low-light scenarios.
7.1 Extended Magazines
Although the stock G42 comes with a 6-round magazine, aftermarket options offer increased capacity, typically in the 7-8 round range. This small increase in capacity can provide extra peace of mind without compromising much on concealability.
7.2 Sights
Upgrading the sights on the Glock 42 is a popular modification. Glock offers factory-installed night sights, but many users opt for fiber-optic or tritium sights to enhance visibility in low-light situations.
7.3 Triggers
While the factory trigger on the G42 is functional, some users prefer a lighter or crisper pull. Aftermarket triggers can improve the shooting experience, especially for those focused on precision shooting.
8. Conclusion on Glock 42
The Glock 42 is a well-rounded, reliable, and user-friendly subcompact pistol. Its combination of compact size, low recoil, and Glock’s reputation for durability makes it an ideal choice for concealed carry and personal defense. While the .380 ACP round may not have the stopping power of larger calibers, it provides more than enough punch for close-range self-defense.
For individuals seeking a small, lightweight, and easy-to-conceal pistol, the Glock 42 offers an outstanding balance of size, performance, and reliability. Whether you’re a new.
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