Written by Greg Ellifritz
Last weekend I got the chance to put a few magazines of ammo through a new Glock 42 .380 pistol owned by a friend. The little 42 stirred up quite a storm when it was introduced at this year’s SHOT show. If you are unfamiliar with the gun, here is the link to Glock’s spec page. Hides 5 3 3 download free.
I was actually quite impressed by the gun. It is too big for me to carry as a pocket pistol. The exterior dimensions are almost identical to my 9mm S&W M&P Shield. The Glock is quite a bit thinner and a little more than half the weight. It “feels” smaller than it is, but you would have to have some pretty loose pants or big pockets to actually carry it in a pocket holster.
Glock 42 on top with S&W Shield below for size comparison
Glock 42: Size Comparison. It's less than an inch wide, a hair over 4 inches tall and just under 6 inches long - small enough to hold it entirely in an outstretched hand. Given the polymer frame, it weighs less than 14 ounces unloaded. Loaded with 6 rounds of.380, it still only weighs less than 18 ounces. As a result, it's a small. The Glock 42 is the smallest pistol in the Glock range. Because of its size and light weight concealing the weapon is quite easy and for most ideal. IWB and pocket holsters are preferred, but even some OWB can be great if you get the right one. The Glock 42 isn’t perfect. It could use an even better trigger with a lighter break. Glock could produce an extended magazine and improve capacity. But it is a reliable shooter that remains alone in its class for 380 carry by the safe and competent gun handler. Overall length: 5.94 inches. Slide length: 5.75 inches.
The gun shot well. I only put 26 rounds through it, but my friend says he’s fired more than 400 rounds from all different manufacturers and has yet to experience a malfunction.
It was easy to hit 12″ steel plates with the gun at 25 yards, Recoil was VERY mild. The gun provides enough surface area for a full hand grip and is much more controllable than my Ruger LCP in rapid fire. Overall, I would say the 42 is more comfortable to shoot than the gentle-recoiling 26 in 9mm.
How Safe Is The Glock 42
The trigger feels a little different than the average Glock. To me, it feels more like a slightly lightened version of the NY1 trigger spring that is an option with the other Glock pistols. Considering that the trigger spring is different than the rest of the Glock line, operating by compression rather than extension; I should have probably expected that. I quickly got used to it, but it’s not quite “Glock.”
I think this one will turn out to be quite a popular carry and home defense piece, especially for recoil sensitive folks or people with arthritis who find larger calibers painful to shoot.
Does The Glock 42 Have A Safety
While the gun I shot has functioned flawlessly, I’m still leery about purchasing a gun in its first model year. Every gun has initial bugs and it usually takes a while for the factory to identify and correct them. I’ll let some other folks be the guinea pigs for now, but I’ll definitely be looking to purchase one in a year or so. I think you’ll like it!
One other quick note….
You all know how difficult it’s been to find affordable practice ammo in the last couple years. Supply is improving, but it’s still tough to find good ammo bargains.
I tested a new supplier for my 9mm practice ammo as well this weekend. LAX ammo was selling factory new 115 grain 9mm ball for $239 per thousand with free shipping, so I decided to buy a few thousand rounds and give them a try.
I shot over 500 rounds through my Glock 19 and Shield with no malfunctions. The ammo ran flawlessly. The loads seemed a little bit stouter recoiling than my usual Winchester white box staple, so they weren’t downloaded any. I’m not being paid to endorse their stuff, but the ammo was of good quality at a reasonable price. Give it a try!
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Cleaning The Glock 42
The Striker Control Device (SCD) replaces the slide cover plate on your Glock pistol. When thumb pressure is applied to the SCD it blocks the rearward motion of the striker, which blocks movement of the trigger bar and prevents the trigger from moving.
The SCD is completely passive. It does not lock or otherwise interfere with the normal operation of the pistol unless physical force is being purposely applied by the user. When using any normal firing grip, the SCD is not engaged and your pistol fires as usual with no additional steps needed.
The SCD was inspired by standard procedures for double action hammer fired guns. Users are taught to keep pressure on the hammer while holstering. In doing so, trigger motion is blocked and the gun is prevented from firing in the event that something (finger, shirt, thumb break, jacket drawstring, etc.) finds its way into the trigger guard. The SCD provides this same capability for Glock pistols.
Glock 42 380 Review
The SCD provides an extra layer of safety when holstering. It does NOT replace awareness and safe gun handling. It creates an additional layer of safety to help avoid accidents. ALWAYS follow the four cardinal rules of firearms safety.
The SCD works with all Glock pistols. There are models available for Gen5 (which also includes the 19X, 17M, 19M, and G45), Gen1-4 (models 17–41), Slimline 9mm (43, 43X, 48), and G42. The SCD is designed to work with OEM Glock triggers and aftermarket trigger components that do NOT alter pre-travel compared to the stock trigger. The Striker Control Device should NOT be used with aftermarket triggers that reduce pre-travel.
The SCD is CNC machined from 17-4PH stainless steel, has a black oxide finish, and is proudly made in the United States.
Installation by Certified Armorer ONLY