Glock 42 vs. Ruger LCP vs. Colt Gov. .380

Dump1567 · Feb 16, 2014

Instead of adding to my last thread, I figured I'd start a new one on size comparsion.

First, this is how my LCP is currently configured. +1 base plate and Hogue grip. This really helps if you have large hands. The +1 is available from Impact Guns.
Impact Ruger LCP +1 Grip Extension - Impact Guns

Rest of the pics are size comparison.

Dump1567 · Feb 16, 2014

Now some comparisons of one of my favorite guns in .380. I know the Mustang is back from Colt and Sig, but for me, the Gov. .380 is the perfect sized .380 for concealability and shootability. Especially if you have bigger hands. I think it compares similarly to the new 42.

ChattanoogaPhil · Feb 16, 2014

I think I'll keep my LCP for pocket carry.

Dump1567 · Feb 16, 2014

ChattanoogaPhil said:
I think I'll keep my LCP for pocket carry.

Good choice.
Mine will also be relegated to that role. Or a back-up to the 42 (two is one, one is none).

venomballistics · Feb 16, 2014

I'd lean toward the pony myself.
Looks to be enough steel to keep you reminded its there, slick enough to draw from concealment and enough of a handful to enjoy at the range ... an underrated key to proficiency

681ismyfavorite · Feb 16, 2014

the G42 six round magazine puzzles me.... like why isn't it a seven rounder?

venomballistics · Feb 16, 2014

681ismyfavorite said:
the G42 six round magazine puzzles me.... like why isn't it a seven rounder?

look to NY

LouisianaJoe · Feb 16, 2014

I had the LCP for a while. I decided that I wanted a 9mm and I bought a Kahr CM9.

iouri · Feb 16, 2014

Maybe it's me but I just fail to see any appeal in G42 - way too big for my pockets and for belt there are much better options. To each his own, I guess.

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

traderdell · Feb 16, 2014

venomballistics said:
look to NY

And why is that?

alwslate · Feb 17, 2014

Ok the 42 is slightly bigger than the other two 380s which are pretty
compact compared to average sized 380s. But if the 42 is built to the
same standards of reliability and durability as the bigger Glocks then
Glock probably has a winner in their lineup.

Kilibreaux · Feb 17, 2014

And where is the KAHR P380 in that comparison?
Actually there is NO comparison between the P380 and anything Glock or even Ruger - certainly not the "new" Ruger LC-380 which is a virtual behemouth compared to the LCP.
The Kahr P380 is smaller by far than either of the guns depicted by the OP...not as light as an LCP but only by a slight margin, and it does have the best DAO trigger ever devised by the mind of man.
The new Glock .380 is a MONSTER in comparison...and too pricey to compete outside the world of people who buy new guns just to have something different.

M3Stuart · Feb 17, 2014

Nice selection there. Of the three, IMHO; the Colt pockelite would be my choice. I wouldn't own that LCP - with it's atrocious trigger. No opinion on the new Glock though I'm glad you like it. The Colt, with it's exposed hammer provides a second strike capability and can be carried 'cocked and locked' - which I am a fan of. If I could only have one .380 it would be the Beretta 85 single stack because it's like your Colt but....better.

I saw a 42 at the LGS last weekend and everybody was oohing and ahing over it.

I find it interesting that both S&W and Glock released a new single stack .380 at about the same time. I think the S&W is significantly less expensive: $379 vs. $500+. Oh, and its a S&W.

Product: Model M&P BODYGUARD® 380

Glock 42 | G42 | 380 Pistol | GLOCK USA

Dump1567 · Feb 17, 2014

There's a lot of good choices in .380. I don't see the 42 so much as a pocket gun, but more of a traditional SD gun. With its sights, size, and lack of recoil (least i've felt in a small .380), it's more shootable than some of the smaller choices (if that makes sense).

As I said in my other G42 thread, it comes down to what you're looking for. If I wanted something small to drop into my pocket (shoot and get away from the threat), I'd choose the LCP, Kahr, Mustang, etc.

If I wanted a more traditional SD carry gun, I'd choose the G42, Colt Gov. .380, PPK, 232, Kahr 9, LC9, etc..

And with it's extremely light recoil & smaller grip, these may be a big hit with those with smaller hands (women) or those that are recoil sensitive.

My goal with this gun was to use it to replace my LCP as a weakside, OWB back-up to my Glock 23.

And the price point I've seen is $420ish and $320ish for LEO.

fat tom · Feb 17, 2014

No comparison to the other two.

f.t.

Gunslinger808 · Feb 17, 2014

For that much of a size disparity I'll carry an LC9 which is 7+1 of 9mm instead of .380.

Hodgin · Feb 17, 2014

Hickok45 has a review of the Glock 42 and compares it to a couple of other 380s including the LCP. He's a big Glock fan but seems to have a problem finding a market niche for the 42.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LskihWv3ALw

Rule3 · Feb 17, 2014

Out of the 3 they only TRUE pocket gun is the LCP

Which one with fit in a front regular cut jean pocket with a thin pocket holster.?

If you need to wear it on the belt or ITWB then you might as well carry a bigger gun.

Dump1567 · Feb 18, 2014

I don't think this is suppose to be a pocket pistol anymore than a PPK or Sig 232 is. That's the category I place the 42 in.

USAF385 · Feb 18, 2014

Eh, the Glock is too big for my liking. If I still used .380, I'd stick with an LCP.

But for now, my Sig P938 is keeping me happy.

Glock 42 vs. Ruger LCP vs. Colt Gov. .380

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