GLOCK 42
Posted Jun 15, 2023
handgun
If you’re thinking about buying a handgun, the GLOCK 42 has to be on your shortlist—it’s an ideal choice for novice shooters as well as experienced gun enthusiasts. Manufactured in Austria, the GLOCK 42 has earned a reputation as one of the most reliable, accurate, and user-friendly handguns on the market. A subcompact .380 Auto, the GLOCK 42 offers a wide range of features that make it a great choice for personal protection or recreational shooting.
The G42 consists of a corrosion-resistant, Tenifer-coated steel slide and polymer frame. The frame has a built-in grip angle that fits perfectly in the hand for enhanced control when shooting. The single-stack magazine holds six rounds and the magazine release is reversible for right or left-handed shooters. The slide stop and magazine release are within easy reach and the loaded chamber indicator is visible and easy to see. The trigger is smooth and has a short reset.
The GLOCK 42 also has several user-friendly safety features that offer an extra layer of protection. A trigger safety and firing pin safety are standard features for increased shooter safety. The pistol also features a passive “Safe Action” system that automatically engages when the trigger is pulled. This prevents the trigger from being pulled unless the shooter firmly grasps the gun. Additionally, the pistol has an inertial firing pin that prevents it from firing unless it is properly chambered.
The GLOCK 42 is surprisingly accurate for a subcompact handgun. I’ve been able to achieve consistent groupings at 25 yards using the provided 3.44-inch barrel. Accuracy is further enhanced with the included GLOCK Marksman barrel with polygonal rifling. This barrel provides an even smoother trigger pull and improved accuracy. I was especially surprised by the tight grouping and smooth operation of the extended magazine, which holds 8 rounds. The built-in recoil-reducing design of the pistol helps reduce felt recoil, making it great for beginners.
The GLOCK 42 is light and easy to carry. At 17 ounces unloaded, it is lightweight and easy to carry while providing plenty of firepower. Additionally, the slim profile allows it to be easily concealed. The GLOCK 42 even comes with molded-in belt loop on the back of the grip for attaching to a belt or pocket holster.
In summary, the GLOCK 42 is a reliable firearm that is easy to use and easy to conceal. It is surprisingly accurate for a subcompact handgun and includes a range of user-friendly features that make it a great choice for both novices and skilled shooters. It is lightweight and comfortable to shoot, yet offers plenty of firepower. The GLOCK 42 is an excellent choice for self-defense and recreational shooting.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Compact size: The Glock 42 is a very small and concealable handgun, suitable for discreet carry and for those who want a smaller gun for easier handling.
- Lightweight: The Glock 42 weighs just over 13 ounces, making it comfortable to carry for extended periods of time.
- Reliable: Glocks are renowned for their reliability and the 42 lives up to the reputation, with the ability to fire thousands of rounds with no problems.
- Low-recoil: Thanks to its small size and light weight, the Glock 42 has very manageable recoil, even with the more powerful .380 round.
Cons:
- Poor Sights: The factory sights on the Glock 42 are fairly small and can be difficult to acquire quickly.
- Magazine Capacity: The capacity of the Glock 42 is limited to 6 rounds, making it less suitable for home defense or competitions requiring high capacity.
- Expensive: The Glock 42 is not a cheap gun when compared to many other similar sized handguns.
Who Should Buy
The GLOCK 42 is a .380 ACP single-stack sub-compact pistol. It is primarily designed for concealed carry by those with smaller hands and is easily concealable.
Who Should Buy the Glock 42
The Glock 42 is designed for those who want a carry gun that is small, reliable and highly concealable. That being said, it is well-suited for anyone looking for a small pistol that they can rely on for self-defense. Those who need to conceal a weapon but still need to have shot versatility will find the Glock 42 to be a great choice.
Who Shouldn't Buy the Glock 42
The Glock 42 isn’t for everyone. If you are looking for a larger pistol with more capacity and power, the Glock 42 is not for you. Also, if you need a handgun for competitions that require higher capacity magazines and/or greater accuracy, the Glock 42 will not be a good fit.
Comparisons
| Product | Caliber | Barrel Length | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| GLOCK 42 | .380 Auto | 3.25" | 13.76 oz. |
| SMITH & WESSON PC1911 | .45 ACP | 5" | 43.2 oz. |
| WILSON COMBAT CQB TACTICAL LE | 9mm | 5" | 42.2 oz. |
| HECKLER & KOCH HK 416 | 5.56mm NATO | 14.5" | 7.3 lbs. |
Features / Specs
• Barrel length: 3.25 inches
• Capacity: 6+1
• Overall length: 5.94 inches
• Height: 4.13 inches
• Width: .94 inches
• Weight (unloaded): 13.76 ounces
• Action: Striker-fired
• Slide Material: Tenifer-coated, corrosion-resistant steel
• Silver stainless steel finish
• Polymer frame
• Textured grip
• Fixed sights (not adjustable)
• Magazine release button
• Locking block pin
Popular Accessories
pistols?
- Extended magazine
- Magazine loader
- Factory magazine release
- Trigger job kits
- Aftermarket grips
- Magazine base plates
- Aftermarket triggers
- Tactical lights
- Light/laser combos
- Holsters
Accuracy
The GLOCK 42 is known as one of the most reliable and accurate handguns around. The trigger has a travel length of circa 0.49 in (12 mm) and a trigger pull of approximately 5.5 lbs. (25 N). According to popular gun forums across the web, owners report the GLOCK 42 to be extremely accurate, with most users punching tight groups out of the box. The GLOCK 42 is a great handgun for open or concealed carry, and its reliability makes it a solid option for defensive and recreational use.
