GLOCK 42 Semi-Auto Pistol

The GLOCK® 42 Semi-Auto Pistol is a slim, subcompact semi-auto pistol designed specifically for concealed carry. Made with the same materials and quality control as all GLOCK semi-automatic pistols, the G42 is a carry gun you can count on at the moment of truth. Internally, the GLOCK 42 employs the same striker, short-recoil operated, and locked-breech barrel as the larger framed GLOCK pistols, and uses a dual recoil spring assembly as the Gen4 pistols. The Safe-Action trigger system makes shooting in stressed situations infallible. The rough textured polymer grip provides a solid hold, and while quite concealable, it offers shooters enough surface area for ultimate control. The white-dot front sight and the white-bracket rear sight provide rapid acquisition in dim lighting situations. The length, shape, finger rest, and size of the trigger opening are the same as the larger pistols, and the trigger is the same size and shape as the smooth-faced triggers used on the Gen4 pistols, making them all familiar to those who already use GLOCK pistols. The GLOCK 42 Semi-Auto Pistol is a reliable, easy-to-maintain firearm that’s perfect for everyday carry. The G42 comes with 2 ultra-reliable single-stack 6-round magazines.

Slim, subcompact for concealed carry
The same internal mechanism as a larger GLOCK
A dual recoil spring assembly
Safe-Action trigger system
Rough grip texturing
Drift adjustable rear sight
Comes with 2 magazines

Glock 42 — Ultra-Compact Confidence in .380 ACP

GLOCK 42

The Glock 42 is Glock’s smallest pistol, purpose-built for discreet carry while retaining the brand’s hallmark reliability and simplicity. Chambered in .380 ACP, this ultra-compact, single-stack, striker-fired handgun is engineered for shooters who prioritize concealability, comfort, and ease of control in a truly small frame.

If you’re researching whether the Glock 42 is reliable, how it compares in size to the Glock 43, whether it’s discontinued, what “generation” it is, and where it fits for lawful ownership, this comprehensive guide covers it clearly while presenting a refined, SEO-optimized product overview.

What Is the Glock 42?

Ultra-compact polymer-frame pistol
Chambered in .380 ACP
Striker-fired, semi-automatic action
Single-stack magazine design
Designed specifically for deep concealment and soft recoil control

The Glock 42 is not a downsized 9mm. It was engineered from the ground up around the .380 ACP cartridge to deliver manageable recoil in the smallest Glock footprint ever produced.

Are Glock 42 Reliable?

Yes. The Glock 42 is widely regarded as highly reliable when fed quality .380 ACP ammunition and maintained properly. Despite its small size, it retains:

Glock’s Safe Action system
Durable polymer frame construction
Corrosion-resistant slide finish
Consistent feeding from a single-stack magazine

Its reliability reputation is one of the primary reasons it remains popular for concealed carry.

What Gen Are Glock 42?

The Glock 42 does not follow the traditional Gen3/Gen4/Gen5 naming pattern. It was introduced after Gen4 models were already on the market and incorporates many modern Glock design elements, but it is simply referred to as the Glock 42, not assigned a formal generation label.

Are Glock 42 and 43 the Same Size?

No. The Glock 42 and Glock 43 are close in concept but different in size and caliber.

Key differences:

Glock 42 is slightly smaller and lighter
Glock 42 is chambered in .380 ACP
Glock 43 is chambered in 9mm
Glock 42 has softer recoil due to caliber and design

Shooters with smaller hands or recoil sensitivity often prefer the Glock 42.

Shooting Characteristics: Why the Glock 42 Feels Different

GLOCK 42

Because it was engineered around .380 ACP rather than adapting a 9mm frame, the Glock 42 offers:

Noticeably softer recoil impulse
Less muzzle snap than many micro-9mm pistols
Comfortable shooting experience in a very small gun
Improved control for follow-up shots

This makes it particularly appealing to new shooters and those wanting a very small pistol that is still pleasant to practice with.

Are Glock 42 Good?

“Good” depends on intended use. For its purpose—deep concealment with manageable recoil—the Glock 42 is excellent.

It is especially well-suited for:

Pocket carry
Ankle carry
Backup gun (BUG) roles
Shooters sensitive to recoil
Situations requiring maximum concealability

Are Glock 42 Discontinued?

No. The Glock 42 remains in production and widely available due to steady demand in the concealed carry market.

Are Glock 42 Legal in California?

Firearm legality varies by state roster and regulations. California maintains a specific handgun roster that determines which models are approved for sale through dealers. Availability can change, so buyers should always verify current status through official state resources or licensed dealers.

Ergonomics and Grip Design

Despite its size, the Glock 42 offers:

Comfortable grip texture
Natural Glock grip angle
Optional magazine baseplates for added pinky support
Easy trigger reach for small hands

This is a major advantage over many ultra-compact pistols that feel cramped.

Safe Action System (No External Safety)

Like all Glock pistols, the Glock 42 uses the Safe Action system:

Trigger safety
Firing pin safety
Drop safety

There is no manual thumb safety. Safeties disengage only when the trigger is deliberately pressed.

Magazine Design and Capacity

The single-stack magazine contributes to:

Extremely slim profile
Reliable feeding
Lightweight carry
Easy concealment

Maintenance and Field Stripping

Glock pistols are known for simple maintenance, and the Glock 42 is no exception:

Tool-less field stripping
Minimal lubrication points
Durable internal components
Quick cleaning routine

Accuracy in a Micro Pistol

While very small pistols can be difficult to shoot accurately, the Glock 42’s:

Soft recoil
Usable sights
Comfortable grip

Make it surprisingly easy to shoot well at defensive distances.

Ideal Use Cases for the Glock 42

The Glock 42 excels when:

Clothing limits larger firearm concealment
Comfort during all-day carry is critical
A lightweight backup firearm is needed
Recoil sensitivity is a concern

Pocket Carry Capability

GLOCK 42

Few pistols in the Glock lineup are truly pocket-sized. The Glock 42 is one of them, making it unique within the brand.

Comparing Glock 42 vs Glock 43

Feature	Glock 42	Glock 43
Caliber	.380 ACP	9mm
Recoil	Softer	Snappier
Size	Slightly smaller	Slightly larger
Weight	Lighter	Heavier
Concealment	Excellent	Excellent

Durability and Longevity

Despite its size, the Glock 42 maintains Glock’s reputation for long service life with proper care and quality ammunition.

Who Should Choose the Glock 42?

New shooters wanting low recoil
Experienced carriers needing deep concealment
Users with smaller hands
Anyone wanting a dependable ultra-compact Glock

Practical Shooting Experience

Owners frequently report that the Glock 42 is:

Comfortable to practice with
Easy to rack compared to many small pistols
Predictable and controllable under recoil

Why the Glock 42 Remains Popular

GLOCK 42

Its continued popularity comes from:

True pocket size
Glock reliability
Soft shooting characteristics
Ease of concealment

Basic Operation Overview

Load .380 ACP into the magazine
Insert magazine firmly
Rack slide to chamber a round
Aim and press trigger to fire
Remove magazine and clear chamber to unload

Always follow proper firearms safety and training.

Final Thoughts on the Glock 42

GLOCK 42

SEO Summary Highlights for the Glock 42:

Ultra-compact .380 ACP Glock pistol
Exceptionally easy to conceal and carry
Known for reliability and soft recoil
Smaller than the Glock 43
Not discontinued and widely available
Ideal for pocket carry, backup roles, and recoil-sensitive shooters
Uses Glock’s Safe Action internal safeties

The Glock 42 stands apart in the Glock lineup as the brand’s smallest, softest-shooting pistol—engineered specifically for those who need maximum concealability without sacrificing reliability.

are glock 42 and 43 the same size

GLOCK 42