Glock G42 .380 Auto vs Walther PPK/S .380

Both are subcompact .380 Autos with two magazines and no optic cut, and they are close on external size — 0.16" apart in length (5.94" vs 6.1") and 0.02" in width (0.98" vs 1.0"). Weight is where they separate: the Walther PPK/S .380 has a stainless steel frame and slide and runs 19.0 oz, 5.24 oz more than the Glock G42 .380 Auto's polymer-framed 13.76 oz. The PPK/S holds one more round (7 vs 6) and uses a DA/SA action with a manual safety/decocker, a firing pin block and a loaded chamber indicator. The G42 is striker-fired with Safe Action and breaks at 5.4 lb, 0.7 lb under the Walther's 6.1 lb, and lists $479 against $969.

Pick the Glock G42 if:

• You want the light carry gun: 13.76 oz, 5.24 oz under the PPK/S
• You want one consistent 5.4 lb striker pull instead of a DA first shot and SA follow-ups
• The $479 MSRP against $969 is the deciding number

Pick the Walther PPK/S if:

• You want a steel frame and slide and the extra mass that comes with it
• You want 7 rounds rather than 6, and a decocker, firing pin block and loaded chamber indicator
• You want machined fixed sights and a stainless finish on a classic DA/SA design

The G42 is the lighter, simpler, far cheaper pocket .380; the PPK/S is a 19.0 oz steel DA/SA gun that costs $490 more for one extra round. Weight and action type decide it.