Glock 42 Review

The Glock 42 has become a staple for those seeking a reliable, compact firearm that doesn’t compromise on performance. As a leading choice for concealed carry, the Glock 42 offers a unique blend of size, power, and Glock’s renowned engineering. In this comprehensive review, we delve deep into every aspect of the Glock 42, from its design and features to its performance on the range.

Glock 42 Design and Build

Glock 42 Compact Size

The Glock 42 stands out as one of the most compact models in Glock’s extensive lineup, making it an exceptional choice for concealed carry. Its meticulously balanced dimensions are specifically designed to offer a harmonious blend of comfort and effectiveness, ensuring that it sits discreetly without compromising on performance. The compact size of the Glock 42 facilitates ease of handling and maneuverability, making it highly suitable for situations that demand quick and discreet access.

Despite its smaller stature, the Glock 42 does not fall short in reliability and firepower, maintaining the high standards Glock is known for. This blend of small size, comfort, and effective performance makes the Glock 42 a favored choice among those seeking a dependable firearm for personal defense that is both inconspicuous and capable.

Glock 42 Sights

The Glock 42 is equipped with a distinctive sight design that greatly aids in achieving quick and accurate target acquisition. Its sights are configured in a straightforward, intuitive layout, with a front dot and a rear notch that align effortlessly, guiding your eye directly to the target. This simplicity is key for high-pressure situations where time and precision are of the essence. The sights are also engineered to be durable and resistant to wear, ensuring consistent performance over time.

This thoughtful design complements the compact size of the Glock 42, making it an excellent choice for those who prioritize speed, accuracy, and reliability in their firearm’s sighting system.

Glock 42 Ergonomic Grip

The Glock 42 features an ergonomic grip that’s tailored for both comfort and control, especially important for a subcompact firearm. Its design ensures a snug fit in your hand, enhancing stability and accuracy. The grip’s texture strikes a perfect balance, providing sufficient friction for a secure hold without compromising comfort during prolonged use.

This makes the Glock 42 an ideal choice for precision and ease of handling, whether for professional scenarios or personal defense. The ergonomic grip significantly contributes to the pistol’s reliability and user-friendly nature.

Glock 42 Features

.380 ACP Caliber

This firearm stands out for its exceptional design that offers a perfect equilibrium between manageable recoil and substantial defensive power, making it a versatile choice for a wide range of shooters. The manageable recoil ensures that shooters can maintain control and accuracy shot after shot, which is particularly beneficial for those with less experience or smaller stature who might find heavier recoil challenging.

On the other hand, the defensive power it packs is more than sufficient to meet the needs of personal defense scenarios, providing peace of mind and reliability when it matters most. This balance makes the firearm not only accessible to novices and casual shooters but also respected by experienced enthusiasts who appreciate the combination of control and capability in their weapon of choice.

Safe Action System

The Glock 42 comes equipped with Glock’s innovative Safe Action System, which is a big part of what makes this firearm so reliable and safe to use. This system cleverly combines three distinct safety mechanisms that work together seamlessly. First up, there’s the trigger safety, which is a small lever built right into the trigger itself. This lever must be fully depressed before the trigger can move backward. Then there’s the firing pin safety, a mechanism that blocks the firing pin from moving forward until the trigger is pulled.

And lastly, we have the drop safety, which ensures that the gun won’t accidentally discharge if it’s dropped. All these safeties are automatically disengaged when the trigger is pulled, making the gun ready to fire, and they re-engage when the trigger is released, ensuring the firearm is secure at all other times. This system provides an excellent balance of safety and readiness, making the Glock 42 a trustworthy companion for both seasoned shooters and those new to carrying a firearm.

Slide Stock

In my hands-on experience with the Glock 42, one aspect that consistently stands out is the slide. Glock has a reputation for engineering slides that are not just durable but also seamlessly integrated with the overall design of the pistol, and the Glock 42 is no exception. The slide, precision-machined from a solid steel block, embodies the robustness Glock is known for. It operates smoothly and reliably, which is crucial for a concealed carry weapon where dependability is non-negotiable.

Moreover, its sleek design maintains the classic Glock aesthetic—minimalist and functional. This combination of reliability, durability, and design makes the Glock 42’s slide a noteworthy feature for anyone considering this compact pistol for their everyday carry.

Maintenance and Care

Maintaining your Glock 42 is crucial for ensuring its reliability, performance, and longevity. Regular maintenance not only keeps your firearm in top working condition but also ensures your safety and that of those around you. Here are some essential maintenance and care tips for your Glock 42:

• Regular Cleaning: After each use, make sure to clean your Glock 42 to remove any residue, dirt, or debris. This includes disassembling according to the manufacturer’s instructions and cleaning each part with appropriate solvents and tools.
• Proper Lubrication: Apply a small amount of gun oil or lubricant to the moving parts of your Glock 42, especially the slide rails, to ensure smooth operation and prevent wear and tear. Avoid over-lubrication as it can attract dirt and grime.
• Check for Wear and Tear: Regularly inspect your Glock 42 for signs of wear, especially on critical components such as the barrel, slide, and recoil spring. Replace parts as recommended by Glock or a professional gunsmith.
• Use Quality Ammunition: Always use high-quality, factory-made ammunition that is suitable for your Glock 42. Avoid reloaded, remanufactured, or damaged ammunition, as it can affect the firearm’s performance and safety.
• Dry Firing Precautions: While the Glock 42 can withstand dry firing, it’s advisable to use a snap cap or dummy round to protect the firing pin during dry fire practice sessions.
• Storage: Store your Glock 42 in a cool, dry place, away from humidity and extreme temperatures. Use a gun safe or lock box to prevent unauthorized access.
• Professional Servicing: Even with regular personal maintenance, it’s a good idea to have your Glock 42 inspected and serviced by a professional gunsmith periodically, especially if you notice any changes in its performance.

Recommended Accessories

Enhancing your Glock 42 with the right accessories can significantly improve its functionality, comfort, and performance. Whether for self-defense, range shooting, or concealed carry, here are some recommended accessories to consider:

• Holsters: A quality holster is crucial for comfortable and safe carry. Options like IWB (Inside the Waistband), OWB (Outside the Waistband), and ankle holsters are popular. Look for models with good retention and comfortable fit.
• Magazine Extensions: Adding a magazine extension can provide extra rounds and improve grip comfort, especially for shooters with larger hands.
• Night Sights: Upgrading to night sights can enhance your aiming capability in low-light conditions. Tritium night sights are a popular choice among Glock 42 owners.
• Grip Enhancements: Grip sleeves or tape can improve the grip’s feel and control, especially if you find the standard grip too slick or small.
• Trigger Upgrades: Aftermarket triggers can offer a smoother pull and cleaner break, improving accuracy and comfort during shooting.
• Light/Laser Combos: For enhanced target acquisition and visibility, consider adding a light/laser combo that fits the Glock 42. Make sure it’s compact enough to not hinder concealability.
• Extra Magazines: Having additional magazines not only provides more rounds at your disposal but also reduces the need for frequent reloading during practice sessions.
• Cleaning Kit: A dedicated cleaning kit for your Glock 42 will ensure you have all the necessary tools to keep your firearm in top condition.

Pros and Cons

Having spent considerable time with the Glock 42, I’ve gathered some insights that might help you understand this compact powerhouse a bit better. Here’s my take on its strengths and areas where it might fall short for some users:

Pros

• Ease of Carry: The Glock 42’s compact size makes it highly convenient for concealed carry, allowing for various carrying options without significant discomfort or visibility​​.
• Shootability: Despite its small size, the Glock 42 is noted for being controllable and shootable, with a design that makes it easier to handle than many other firearms in its category. This makes it a suitable option for a wide range of shooters, including those who may not frequent the range often​​​​.
• Soft Recoil: The recoil of the Glock 42 is relatively soft, especially compared to other .380 ACP pistols, which can be attributed to its tilt action design. This feature makes it an attractive option for shooters sensitive to recoil​​.
• Aftermarket Support: There is a broad range of aftermarket accessories available for the Glock 42, including sights, magazine extensions, triggers, grips, and holsters, which allows for a high degree of customization​​.
• Accuracy: Users have reported the Glock 42 as being highly accurate for its size, capable of impressive groupings even at extended ranges for a pistol of its class​​.

Cons

• Caliber Concerns: The .380 ACP caliber of the Glock 42 might not be the first choice for all users, especially those looking for more stopping power. While it is a capable self-defense round, it is considered a step down from more powerful options like the 9mm​​.
• Limited Capacity: With a standard magazine capacity of 6+1, some users might find the need for more rounds or frequent reloads, although magazine extensions are available to slightly increase this capacity​​.
• Price Point: The Glock 42 is at the higher end of pricing within its category, which could be a consideration for those on a tight budget. While its quality and brand reliability might justify the cost for many, it is more expensive than some alternatives​​.
• Trigger Concerns: Some users have noted that the trigger of the Glock 42, while consistent with Glock’s design, can be heavier than expected, which might affect shooting experience for some​​.

Performance Evaluation

After spending considerable time with the Glock 42, I’ve put together a comprehensive performance evaluation to provide potential users with a clear understanding of what this compact firearm offers. Known for its lightweight, slim profile, the Glock 42 is a favorite among those seeking a reliable concealed carry option. Below is a detailed table showcasing various aspects of its performance, based on my hands-on experience and rigorous testing.

Criteria	Rating	Comments
Ergonomics	Excellent	Comfortable grip, easy to handle.
Accuracy	Very Good	Consistent accuracy at short to moderate distances.
Recoil Management	Good	Manageable recoil, especially for shooters with smaller hands.
Reliability	Outstanding	Performs reliably with various types of ammunition.
Concealability	Exceptional	Slim profile and lightweight design make it ideal for concealed carry.
Capacity	Adequate	Limited capacity, but typical for its size.

Conclusion

In essence, the Glock 42 showcases Glock’s knack for blending power with compactness in a firearm that appeals to both experienced shooters and those new to carrying concealed. It’s a reliable, user-friendly pistol that doesn’t skimp on performance, making it a standout choice for everyday carry. With its comfortable grip and precise accuracy, the Glock 42 proves that you don’t have to sacrifice quality for size, embodying the best of Glock’s innovative design in a sleek, efficient package.

FAQs

1. Is the Glock 42 suitable for beginners?
   Yes, its manageable size and recoil make it an excellent choice for those new to shooting.
2. Can I use the Glock 42 for home defense?
   While ideal for concealed carry, its caliber and capacity also make it a viable option for home defense.
3. What is the best holster type for the Glock 42?
   This depends on personal preference and carrying style; however, IWB holsters are popular for their concealability.
4. Are there any specific maintenance tips for the Glock 42?
   Regular cleaning and occasional professional checks will keep it in top condition.
5. How does the Glock 42 compare to larger pistols in terms of performance?
   Despite its size, it offers remarkable performance and reliability, making it a worthy contender even against larger models.
6. What makes the Glock 42 a good choice for concealed carry?
   The Glock 42’s compact size and lightweight design make it exceptionally suitable for concealed carry. Its slim profile allows for discreet concealment without compromising on the firearm’s performance or reliability.
7. Can I customize the Glock 42 with aftermarket parts?
   Yes, the Glock 42 is compatible with a wide range of aftermarket parts and accessories, including trigger upgrades, enhanced sights, and custom grips. This allows for personalization to suit individual preferences and needs.
8. How does the .380 ACP caliber of the Glock 42 compare to 9mm handguns?
   The .380 ACP caliber offers a good balance between stopping power and manageable recoil, making it suitable for shooters of all experience levels. While it has less power than the 9mm, it is often preferred for its lower recoil and smaller, more concealable firearms.
9. Is the Glock 42 suitable for left-handed shooters?
   While the Glock 42 is designed with a right-handed user in mind, many left-handed shooters find it comfortable to use. Some may opt for aftermarket ambidextrous controls to enhance usability.
10. How often should I clean my Glock 42 to maintain its performance?
    Regular cleaning is recommended after each use to ensure optimal performance. A more thorough maintenance check, including inspection of parts for wear and tear, is advisable every few months, depending on the frequency of use.

As we conclude our exploration of the Glock 42, the focus shifts to your personal experiences and opinions. Has the Glock 42 captured your interest, met your expectations, or perhaps left you wanting more? The true value of our review emerges from your unique stories, insights, and feedback. Whether you’re an experienced Glock 42 owner or considering it for your first purchase, your input is invaluable in painting a comprehensive picture of the Glock 42. Dive into the conversation below, share your experiences with the Glock 42, and become part of a community that values genuine experiences and honest opinions.