Glock G42 .380 Auto
Model: UI4250201
Glock G42 .380 Auto
Model: UI4250201
Full Specifications
About This Firearm
Glock's only .380, the G42 was the company's first pocket pistol when it launched in 2014. At 13.76 oz unloaded and 0.98" wide, it brought Glock's Safe Action system to a size that disappears in a pocket holster. The trade-off is capacity: 6+1 rounds, which matches the Ruger LCP II but falls 4 rounds short of the Sig P365-380's 10+1 in a frame that's only slightly larger.
The striker-fired trigger pulls at 5.5 lbs with the familiar Glock take-up-wall-break sequence. Reviewers consistently note the trigger feels identical to larger Glocks, just in a smaller package. The 3.25" barrel and 5.94" overall length split the difference between true pocket guns like the LCP II (5.17") and compact-frame .380s like the S&W Shield EZ (6.7"). Glock's nDLC slide finish resists corrosion well for a gun that spends time against skin.
The G42 does one thing better than any other .380 pocket gun: it feels like a Glock. Anyone who trains on a G19 or G43 can pick up the G42 and find the same controls, the same trigger character, and the same manual of arms. That consistency matters if this is a backup or deep concealment piece alongside a larger Glock.
Best For
Strengths & Limitations
- Identical Safe Action controls to the G17, G19, and G43. Anyone trained on a Glock can pick up the G42 and operate it without thought. No other .380 offers that level of cross-platform muscle memory.
- The nDLC slide finish holds up to sweat and pocket lint better than blued finishes. Reviewers note the G42 resists surface rust even after months of body carry without cleaning.
- Ships with two magazines, which is generous for a subcompact .380. The Kimber Micro and Ruger LCP II each include only one.
- Six-round capacity in 2024 is hard to justify when the Sig P365-380 fits 10 rounds in a frame that is only 5.8" long and 1.1" wide.
- At 13.76 oz, the G42 weighs 3 oz more than the Ruger LCP II and 3.5 oz more than the Taurus TCP, making it noticeably heavier in a pocket without a corresponding capacity advantage.
Category Rankings
How the Glock G42 .380 Auto ranks among subcompact .380 Auto handguns.
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Alternatives to Consider
Similar subcompact .380 Auto handguns ranked by similarity.
| NAME | BEST PRICE |
|---|---|
|
Kimber Micro .380 Auto
Kimber
|
— |
|
Ruger LCP II .380 Auto
Ruger
|
— |
|
Taurus 738 TCP .380 Auto
Taurus
|
— |
|
Sig Sauer P365-380 .380 Auto
Sig Sauer
|
— |
|
Ruger LCP MAX .380 Auto
Ruger
|
— |
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I get the Glock G42 or the Glock G43?
The G43 fires 9mm Luger, weighs 17.99 oz, and carries 6+1 rounds in a 6.26" frame. The G42 fires .380 Auto, weighs 13.76 oz, and carries 6+1 in a 5.94" frame. Same capacity, but the G43 offers significantly more terminal energy. The G42 makes sense only if 9mm recoil is genuinely problematic or if the 4 oz weight savings matters for your carry method.
Does the Glock G42 accept G43 magazines?
No. The G42 and G43 use different magazine bodies despite looking similar. G42 magazines are .380-specific and are not interchangeable with the G43's 9mm magazines. Aftermarket extensions from Pearce and Taran Tactical add 1-2 rounds to the G42's standard 6-round magazine.
How long do Glock G42 magazines last before they need replacing?
Glock magazines use metal-lined polymer bodies with steel springs. Owners who rotate magazines and avoid leaving them fully loaded for months at a time report 5,000+ rounds before spring fatigue affects feeding. Keeping at least one spare magazine in rotation extends the life of both.