General consensus on the glock 42

[R.W.Dale]

I've been considering stepping up to a bigger mousegun than my well loved p32 for awhile now. Primarily because 32 ammunition selection and availability stinks these days and is only getting worse

I'm willing to go a little larger overall with the idea that it will mitigate some of the snap small 380's can suffer from. This leads me to the little glock which I've handled and been impressed with it's solid feel (glock feel) and smoothness of operation.

Who has had these for awhile and how do you like it? Ideally I'd like to add a longer magazine for a couple extra rounds and some more finger real estate.

I'm not really interested in the 9mm as it's s heavier thicker gun that I know will be pretty high strung to shoot.

 

[paulsj]

I recomed G43 along with Federal 150gr HST load. The difference between G42 & G43 is 2mm thickness & 3oz in weight. While I would never trade G26 for G43 I concede that smaller gun is better for pocket or ankle carry.

 

[.308 Norma]

I like my wife's G42, and she loves it! It's reliable, accurate enough, and not too snappy. My wife purse carries her G42 everywhere it's allowed, even to church.
On the other hand, I've posted before that after shooting my daughter's Smith M&P9 Shield, I traded my G43 for one of my own. My M&P9 Shield is just as reliable, just as accurate, and unlike the G43 I had, my M&P9 Shield doesn't wrench my 69 year old arthritic wrist and pinch my trigger finger every time it goes off. It took me about 50 rounds through my M&P9 Shield to get over the flinch that G43 had left me with.

 

[FL-NC]

I recomed G43 along with Federal 150gr HST load. The difference between G42 & G43 is 2mm thickness & 3oz in weight. While I would never trade G26 for G43 I concede that smaller gun is better for pocket or ankle carry.

What this guy said.

 

[R.W.Dale]

Let's stay on topic here. I'm not interested in a only slightly larger gun that's only tolerable to shoot with one $2 a shot load and affords no possibility of staying on target or rapidly following up

I have a 9mm lcr that does this just fine.

My experience with guns like this is the smallest gun in the largest caliber is not a good idea

 

[.308 Norma]

Let's stay on topic here.

Okay, fair enough.
As I said, "I like my wife's G42, and she loves it! It's reliable, accurate enough, and not too snappy. My wife purse carries her G42 everywhere it's allowed, even to church."

 

[jmr40]

Because of import requirements the G42 is a lot bigger than a 380 needs to be. I seriously considered one, but am glad I waited for the G43. Virtually the same size, but a much more potent, cheaper, easier to find round. If you already have a LCR in 9mm and like it there isn't much reason to buy a G42 in my opinion. In fairness, while I liked the G43 MUCH better than the G42, I did end up selling mine. I gave the Ruger LC9s a try and found I liked it even better.

 

[R.W.Dale]

The lcr is simply downright hateful to shoot with horrible split times. The lc9 isn't much better as is the case with the original PF9 and the like. <20 oz is just too light for 9x19

A small gun is fine but it needs to be shootable and small 9's aren't. That's why the g42 is appealing to be is exactly like mentioned it's bigger than a 380 absolutely has to be

Dang it listen people. I want a smooth shooter to replace a p32 that ammunition is quickly becoming obsolete for. A gun what in any grip I can pour lead into a target rapidly. Not some one or two shot wonder with terrible recovery times and is painful to shoot to boot.

There a reason I don't keep guns like small 9x19's and it's because I hate them

380 ammunition is handily now the 4th mainstream handgun round. With ammunition costs running only a dollar or two premium over parabellum

Now are we clearly understood that I don't want to hear anymore about the g43

 

[zaitcev]

Who has had these for awhile and how do you like it? Ideally I'd like to add a longer magazine for a couple extra rounds and some more finger real estate.

G42 is one of the softer recoiling .380 guns out there. The only one that may be better is Browning 1911-380. Even Beretta 84 is harsher, despite being much heavier. Reliability is flawless with the 03 magazines: currently on about 800 round string since last burp (a misfire IIRC). On the other question, I have Strike Industries +2 on G42 and I like the feel of them the most among the various extensions. Surprisingly, they work reliably with the stock springs.

 

[Mike .45]

I like my 42. It's really shootable but it's not a pocket gun for me. I'm a pretty big guy (6 ft 3in and 235) and it prints really bad. In a IWB holster it disappears and is quite comfortable.

My wife actually purchased it but despite being an avid shooter it turns into a jam-o-matic in her hands. She doesn't limp wrist any other pistol but this one was her nemesis. It has been flawless for my oldest son and I. We even ran 200 straight rounds as fast as we could load them but She was not convinced and sure enough it jammed on her after during the 2nd mag She ran thru it. She upgraded to Kimber micro 380 and I kept the 42.

I don't carry it much because I prefer a bigger bullet in my carry gun but It does run great for me. I'm hoping my daughter or youngest son will like shooting it because it kind of just sits in the safe.

 

[Rubber_Duck]

Because of import requirements the G42 is a lot bigger than a 380 needs to be. I seriously considered one, but am glad I waited for the G43. Virtually the same size, but a much more potent, cheaper, easier to find round. If you already have a LCR in 9mm and like it there isn't much reason to buy a G42 in my opinion. In fairness, while I liked the G43 MUCH better than the G42, I did end up selling mine. I gave the Ruger LC9s a try and found I liked it even better.

No import requirements on the G42 because they are made in Smyrna, GA, not Austria. I would say the size of the Glock 42 was determined by Glock to produce the most reliable and easily shootable .380 on the market.

I had a G42 and loved it, it was very convenient to drop it in my pocket and go. But I sold it to fund a Glock 19 because when you shoot as much as I do but don't reload, buying factory ammo for .380 ACP gets old fast and I can only build proficiency if I shoot hundreds of rounds at a time. So the entire time I had my G42 I was wishing it was a 9mm. Great gun though and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a .380. I should mention that .380 ammo costs about 3-4 dollars a box more than 9mm around here so that may not be a factor for everybody but it was for me.

On my Glock 42 I used a Ghost Edge trigger connector and Pearce +1 mag extensions, I highly recommend both of those items but there are many magazine extensions made for them that should work fine.

 

[RON in PA]

I've got to ask what type of ammo are you using in your P-32? I only use European ball such as Sellor and Bellet or Focchi. Much better velocity and energy than U.S. stuff. Order it off the web.

As to shootable pocket sized 9mms. Have you tried a Kahr CM9?

 

[rskent]

The Glock 42. I have had mine for a while now. It is one of my favorite handguns. And it is my favorite .380. For a while it was neck and neck with my P238. In the end it beat it out, if only by a small margin.

Mine was an early gun and came with a very heavy trigger. Not a big deal. Tarren tactical connector solved that. I see that Ghost has the connectors that you fit to the gun available now. I may try one.

The magazines seem a little capacity challenged to me. Again, Tarren Tactical to the rescue. I tried out their +1 and +2 mag extensions. I like the +1’s best. I just tuck my pinky under it. Works great for me.

The sights are the same plastic sights (that pull my eye to the rear sight) that Glock sends out with most of their pistols. For the G42’s intended purpose I just went with Glock night sights. I just had them sent me the sights. I believe it is the same price to have them install them on your slide. I just didn’t want to have to ship my slide to Glock. This was the first time I put on a set of sights that I didn’t have to fit them. Easy peasy.

Now for the bad news. After several thousand rounds my little gem started having light primer strikes. At first I thought it was just my reloads. Maybe one in a hundred. After a while it was getting to about four in a hundred. I was starting to question my reloading practices. I tried some factory rounds. Same thing, about four in a hundred. OK, detail stripped the gun. Scratches on the spring cups, never saw that before. So, after replacing the cups and the spring, no joy. Replaced the striker assembly. Seems to have fixed it up. I have had it out twice. No light primer strikes.

 

[rskent]

I recomed G43 along with Federal 150gr HST load. The difference between G42 & G43 is 2mm thickness & 3oz in weight.

Until you shoot them. Then the difference is obvious.

 

[greyling22]

I really like the Glock 42 I have. It requires hot loads to cycle, but despite being half the weight of my buddies Walther ppk it has half the recoil. Brass the ppk tosses 20' away drops about 4' out of the Glock. I like the +2 extensions more than the +1. Same length and more capacity. The trigger is better than the average older Glock triggers I have handled as well.

Mine shoots a little low.

 

[R.W.Dale]

I've got to ask what type of ammo are you using in your P-32? I only use European ball such as Sellor and Bellet or Focchi. Much better velocity and energy than U.S. stuff. Order it off the web.

As to shootable pocket sized 9mms. Have you tried a Kahr CM9?

Euro ball that's getting to the point you have to special order it

Yes. And you couldn't trust it to get through a magazine without it either falling out or jamming

Enough with impossible to shoot tiny 9's

 

[CDW4ME]

The lcr is simply downright hateful to shoot with horrible split times. The lc9 isn't much better as is the case with the original PF9 and the like. <20 oz is just too light for 9x19

A small gun is fine but it needs to be shootable and small 9's aren't. That's why the g42 is appealing to be is exactly like mentioned it's bigger than a 380 absolutely has to be

Dang it listen people. I want a smooth shooter to replace a p32 that ammunition is quickly becoming obsolete for. A gun what in any grip I can pour lead into a target rapidly. Not some one or two shot wonder with terrible recovery times and is painful to shoot to boot.

There a reason I don't keep guns like small 9x19's and it's because I hate them

380 ammunition is handily now the 4th mainstream handgun round. With ammunition costs running only a dollar or two premium over parabellum

Now are we clearly understood that I don't want to hear anymore about the g43

Glock 19 - answer to all items in bold.

 

[cfullgraf]

I have had both a Glock 42 and a Glock 43 for several months now. I actually have yet to put a round through the Glock 42 but I suspect it will shoot just fine based on my experience with the Glock 43.

Disregarding that I do not trust the safety-less Glocks, I find the Glock 42 just a bit on the large size for pants pocket carry. (The Glock 43 is even larger and I'm not suggesting it. It is just the only mini Glock that I have shot a bunch).

I prefer a Colt Mustang or one of its derivatives (Kimber Micro or Sig P238). I've had a Mustang since the mid 1980s as well as a P-238 and a Micro.

I keep trying to like and trust Glocks but still after buying three, it just ain't there yet.

 

[R.W.Dale]

Glock 19 - answer to all items in bold.

I've owned two

Except for sitting in an office environment and remaining completely concealed

I'm sure there are people who can hide a 30 oz wide as a brickbat gun comfortable CONCEALED for 14+ hours at a stretch.

I'm not one of them.

I swear I've not been avidly posting here for the past few years and it seems like now this board is riddled with the Facebook group ADHD now. I have carried every glock from a 20 to a 34 down to 32's 19's 26'es and whatever that single Stack 45 is. Straight up you guys are not going to suggest a gun I haven't tried.

 

[Gary A]

R.W. Dale - I have enjoyed this thread for three reasons. First, I get so amused by threads where someone clearly states what they do NOT want and are inundated by people telling them to buy the very thing they just said they don't want. Secondly, I have enjoyed the patience and restraint you have shown in calmly repeating what you are seeking and what you are not seeking. Thirdly, my .380 needs are well satisfied by my LCPs and Sig P238s, but the little Glock intrigues me and I enjoy reading about them. I'll probably get one one day. I have only passing interest in the 43. I have a couple 19s also and while they are carryable in a pinch, they are hardly concealable on my frame and in my world. By the way, I used to visit Beaver Lake and Eureka Springs most every spring. A beautiful part of a beautiful state.

 

[Mike .45]

I've owned two

Except for sitting in an office environment and remaining completely concealed

I'm sure there are people who can hide a 30 oz wide as a brickbat gun comfortable CONCEALED for 14+ hours at a stretch.

I'm not one of them.

I swear I've not been avidly posting here for the past few years and it seems like now this board is riddled with the Facebook group ADHD now. I have carried every glock from a 20 to a 34 down to 32's 19's 26'es and whatever that single Stack 45 is. Straight up you guys are not going to suggest a gun I haven't tried.

This may be where the 42 can really shine. In a tuckable IWB holster it's really comfortable and easily concealed.

For me personally though it doesn't get that chance as I don't have an office job. Like I wrote in my earlier post it's a good shooter. As good and fun to shoot as any other .380 I have or any of my buddies have. Actually I would say I can shoot it better than any other .380 I have tried including my Mustang, or wife's micro380 and the multitude of others my buddies and family have including the LC 380, p238, PPK, and LCP. As far as shooting the only other 380 I like is much is My sister in law's colt.380 government but the sights on those and the Mustang are both awful. I enjoy shooting it but the 42 is more accurate in my hands due to having usable sights.

It's a soft shooter and it doesn't have the snap of the smaller single stack nines like the p938.

Aside from my wife limp wristing it the thing has been very reliable. ( I still can't figure that out but at this point it doesn't matter)

Unfortunately for me it really falls into a spot that it too large to quickly throw in my pocket and if I'm going to belt carry my regular EDC is just as fast to put on and I don't mind a heavy gun as it is a lot lighter than my tool bags.

The biggest benefit and drawback of the 42 is it's size. But we are all built differently and what works for some won't for others. If i had known I was going to end up with it I probably would have got a p238 or the checked out the poly colt mustang with real sights even though I already have a pocketlite. I just think that a more pocketable gun would work better for me.

 

[MedWheeler]

I have a Bersa Thunder and find it to be an easily-controlled and pleasant gun to shoot, despite it being an aluminum-framed blowback. I think it is in roughly the same size class as the 42. I'm not a Glock guy by any stretch, but I held a 42 when they first came out. If I didn't already have the Bersa, the 42 might well have been the pistol to put the "G" word in my safe.

Incidentally, I do carry one of those "rude-to-shoot" micro-nines. I'd never recommend it to someone who specifically says they don't want one. I'd carry the Bersa (again) with no worries if I didn't have the nine.

 

[R.W.Dale]

Since my last post and thanks to those who contributed to the thread I've gone ahead and purchased the g42 from a well renowned LGS for $388 I traded an old smith 909 in on it and left for very little out of pocket on the glock and a box of federal white box.

On the way home I stopped by the range and put a few rounds through the gun to get it's shooting feel. Not even cleaned or oiled straight out of the box I loaded it up +1 and pulled the trigger and was rewarded by a stovepipe. lol undaunted (it's the first shot) I shot 50 more rounds with no failures.

The pistol is as smooth to shoot as I'd hoped, follow up was easy and fast with no "sting" the commentator above stating a hot load is in order is probably on the right track. For me emptied were popping out and landing a scant foot away at 3 o'clock. For my youngest they were popping out at 6 and just going far enough to hit his head.

I really appreciate the "just a little bit bigger" than my p32 size. In fact it still fits in my cell phone case I have been using for a holster but feels far larger in my hands.

All in all preliminary results are I like the gun. I'm going to purchase an armalaser like I have on my p32 and some +2 mag extensions to get the round count up and get my pinky on the grip and try to get a pancake holster made as well as shoot the gun a bunch more to get the feel for its overall reliability.

 

[Tallball]

I have handled G42's a few times. It doesn't suit my very large hands well and is too big for me personally to use as a pocket pistol.

My easiest-shooting 380 is my Colt Government Model. It's basically a larger version of the Mustang. It is steel and fires from a locked breech. The recoil is nothing.

My Beretta 85 and commercial Makarov and Sig p230 also have pretty easy recoil, but like the Colt they are more belt size than pocket sized.

I have a p32, but have little faith in the round. I carry its big brother, the P3AT sometimes. It's not fun to shoot, but I can empty it into a paper plate at close range pretty fast.

I think the OP is looking for a sort of 'tweener" - lighter recoil like the service pistols, but more concealable.

The G42, LC380, and the Mustang/Sig are the choices I am aware of. They are locked breech and have a little more size/weight so that shooting them isn't unpleasant.

Shoot all three if possible. Handle them if not. The one that feels best is the right one.

 

[jeepnik]

Actually bought mine in protest to changing regulations. But found that it shot well and carried comfortably. While I usually carry a larger caliber there are times it fits the situation best.

I only have one problem. My wife thinks it's hers.