The Glock 42 – GAT Daily (Guns Ammo Tactical)

The .380 ACP Glock 42 first entered the scene a decade in the past, after its reveal at SHOT Present 2014. In addition to being the smallest Glock pistol ever fielded, this tiny pocket rocket is exclusive for 2 fundamental causes. First, as a consequence of  arbitrary gun management and import restrictions arrange round handgun calibers, the Glock 42 is wholly American-made. Second, not like Glock’s different .380 ACPs, the Glock 42 is designed with a normal Browning delayed recoil blowback system. Even the opposite two .380 ACP fashions in Glock’s portfolio make use of a modified model of straight blowback (Glocks 25 and 28). By together with the identical mechanism within the Glock 42 of its bigger siblings, the top result’s a micro-compact handgun that’s surprisingly clean capturing for its measurement.

Glock 42: Overview

As a product of the mid-2010s, the Glock 42 bears all the standard stylistic capabilities of the fourth era fashions save for the finger-grooves. Its grip is roofed within the squared dot texture that first appeared on the fourth era and nonetheless discovered on the fifth era. The muzzle finish of the slide is squared off and hog-nosed, because the chamfering of that half wasn’t commonplace throughout all fashions like it’s for the fifth-generation.

Like already talked about above, the .380 ACP Glock 42 is a wonderfully miniature mannequin of the standard full measurement 9mm variations. It even has the identical twin captured recoil springs and the identical commonplace manufacturing facility Glock rectangle and dot entrance and rear sights. In brief, aside from the body and elements being scaled down for measurement, there’s nothing in any other case outstanding or excellent within the Glock 42. It’s a Glock, like another. Not surprisingly this additionally signifies that the inventory set off isn’t something to brag about. Though the pistol is dependable and makes use of Glock’s more-than-proven motion, I discovered that within the case of this smaller pistol, it’s extra delicate to the weather, carbon and fouling so shooters would do properly to control it a little bit extra usually than they’d for his or her regular Glock.

Till I purchased mine, I used to be at all times beneath the idea that the Glock 42 and the 9mm Glock 43 have been the identical measurement, however the Glock 42 occurs to be barely smaller. Its kind issue is amongst the perfect in its class as a micro-compact defensive pistol. In addition to the again of the slide, there’s not a lot that the Glock 42 can snag on. Sadly, this pistol, like all the opposite “slimline” weapons lacks an ambidextrous slide-stop. As a result of its measurement, total low capability and mission, the dearth of the ambi slide-stop isn’t important because the gun wasn’t designed for speed-reloading both. 

Glock 42’s Area of interest

Due to its small measurement, low capability and marginally viable caliber, this pistol is nothing greater than a back-up gun (BUG) or a minimalistic carry piece. On this sense its best weak point can also be its best energy. In spite of everything, a completely loaded Glock 42 with 7 rounds solely weighs 460 grams (16.2 oz)– only a hair shy of 1 pound. Strictly on this sense, the 42 is similar to a 2” snub-nose revolver. A savvy north Texas street-cop was the primary individual to place the Glock 42 in my radar; he in flip was influenced by legendary lawman Chuck Haggard. I had an opportunity to talk with Haggard straight who disclosed his nice love for this little pocket rocket. Thus far, he’s fired 1000’s of rounds of .380 ACP by way of his Glock 42 and may clear the Kansas regulation enforcement qualification capturing this gun with an ideal rating.

I wouldn’t be the primary or solely individual to marvel how this Glock compares to the standard .38-caliber snub revolver, given their total related measurement and payload capability. Haggard is arguably one of many foremost consultants on the use and employment for each small pocket semis and snub-nosed revolvers. Whether or not one is best than the opposite, he’d most likely let you know that it depends upon every scenario, use-case, method of gown, and so on. Its small kind issue permits for a lot of types of BUG carry: on the waistband, ankle, pockets, police vests and even deep concealment. Carry model and positioning potentialities is the world the place this small and in any other case “marginal” pistol provides its service essentially the most flexibility.  

Sensible Accuracy & The .380 ACP  

Capturing-wise, this little pistol is delicate and nice to shoot. I had no prior expertise with this historical cartridge and my first impression was that it actually did really feel like a “food regimen 9mm.” And virtually talking, it’s 9mm-lite. From a precision standpoint the Glock 42 isn’t onerous to shoot. However it’s additionally not straightforward, particularly with the inventory set off and inventory sights.

That stated, I shot two separate kinds of .380 ACP carry ammo at 10 yards. These cartridges embody Federal Premium’s 99-grain Private Protection HydraShok Deep JHP (P380HSD1) and Sierra’s Sport Grasp 90-grain JHPs. In addition to, the one different rounds I’ve put by way of mine has been primary ball ammo, like CCI Blazer 95-grain FMJs. The HydraShok Deep is loaded to supply 12-inches of penetration. Even from this marginal chambering, so it feels hotter than the Blazer or Sierra rounds. That stated, it’s snappiness is nowhere close to that of a .38-caliber snub revolver. From a pure accuracy perspective, the gun is able to offering loads of mechanical accuracy… However the greatest limiting elements are going to be the inventory set off and inventory sights. Thankfully, discovering upgraded sights isn’t too tough. Is that this simpler to shoot than most snubs? By far!

Glock 42: The Takeaway

In some ways a Glock is a Glock is a Glock. However within the case of the Glock 42, this diminutive .380 ACP single-stack pocket pistol occurs to punch above its weight given its bases on Glock’s confirmed tilting barrel delayed blowback motion. The usual plastic Glock sights (aka “Dovetail Protectors”) can simply be swapped out with another aftermarket items which might be slimline suitable. Whereas the set off isn’t something particular, I really suppose its greatest left alone on this micro-compact defensive firearm. The truth is, I’ve observed that when dealing with it or drawing it, one needs to be cautious to not muzzle their palms, because it’s not onerous for this tiny gun to vanish within the palm. I purchased my gun used and the journal it got here with included an aftermarket finger ledge, and I take full benefit of that function whereas capturing.

Even a decade later, the Glock 42 remains to be be present in gun retailers huge and small or outside big-box shops prominently in addition to all present or latest fashions. Like the traditional cartridge it’s chambered for, this Glock isn’t going wherever any time quickly.