I can confirm this is the softest recoiling 380 I've ever shot. I've owned several with the Ruger LCP being the most uncomfortable after a few mags and the Bodyguard 380 being the best. That was until the Glock 42, you can shoot this pistol all afternoon or until you run out of ammunition. I'm not a Glock guy but this one I like.
Glock 42 : hang onto your shield
- Thread starter shield122
- Start date
I had the chance to handle the G42 the other day.
Smallish. Not quite as large as a Shield 9. Larger than the Bodyguard .380 & LCP.
The demo model I handled had obviously been passed around for examination & dry-fire, but the trigger was surprisingly heavier than I'd expected.
Here's the thing, though. Glock's not been able to import their other (original) .380 into the US for commercial sales, and believe it or not, the .380 market has been the largest growing commercial market in the US in recent years. So, Glock engineers designed an even smaller .380 to be built in the US plant, so it could be sold in the US.
They're selling crates of these things as fast as they can ship them out, and the waiting list at the local Glock LE distributor is still a long one. The LE price is $319, BTW.
Granted, this gun (and the G41) won't be appear on CA's approved handgun roster, but it looks like it'll do some robust sales to LE, at least for a while.
The G42 isn't listed in the armorer manual (not even in the new 2014 revision), and it's not been speculated when the armorer info will appear (or whether it will be in a supplement or another manual revision, since the new 2014 manual was just released). There are some changes and different parts. Interestingly, the G42 is a 2-pin model (no locking block pin), which we were told is because the engineers felt the older 2-pin 9mm design was acceptable for the recoil forces of the .380 ACP.
Will a 9mm version appear? Glock isn't saying ... yet.
We were told that since Glock generally likes to release new models at SHOT, that if they were working on a single stack 9, that it would be reasonable to speculate that it might be released at the next SHOT ... and that it would probably be a bit larger than the G42.
If so, that would put it on a similar footing with the Shield 9. If it's produced in 2-pin frame format, though, it would probably be limited to 9mm. If it's a 3-pin frame? Then, it would be reasonable to presume the Shield 40 might have some more competition. Maybe. Nobody's saying.
In the meantime?
The G42 will probably make a noticeable impact in the commercial .380 market, especially among those folks with hands too large to comfortably hold a LCP or Bodyguard .380 ... and those folks who are recoil sensitive ... and those folks who have a physical need for a lesser recoiling pistol of .380 caliber ... and those folks who may simply dislike the recoil in the itty bitty .380's (or blowback models), and there's certainly nothing wrong with that sort of preference ... and those folks who simply don't want a larger pistol ... and women who want something to fit in a purse holster, but don't want a 9mm-size pistol.
Pretty big market, it seems.
And yes, the Glock 'loyalists' will probably line up and even pay inflated prices, just to own the newest Glock.
Smallish. Not quite as large as a Shield 9. Larger than the Bodyguard .380 & LCP.
The demo model I handled had obviously been passed around for examination & dry-fire, but the trigger was surprisingly heavier than I'd expected.
Here's the thing, though. Glock's not been able to import their other (original) .380 into the US for commercial sales, and believe it or not, the .380 market has been the largest growing commercial market in the US in recent years. So, Glock engineers designed an even smaller .380 to be built in the US plant, so it could be sold in the US.
They're selling crates of these things as fast as they can ship them out, and the waiting list at the local Glock LE distributor is still a long one. The LE price is $319, BTW.
Granted, this gun (and the G41) won't be appear on CA's approved handgun roster, but it looks like it'll do some robust sales to LE, at least for a while.
The G42 isn't listed in the armorer manual (not even in the new 2014 revision), and it's not been speculated when the armorer info will appear (or whether it will be in a supplement or another manual revision, since the new 2014 manual was just released). There are some changes and different parts. Interestingly, the G42 is a 2-pin model (no locking block pin), which we were told is because the engineers felt the older 2-pin 9mm design was acceptable for the recoil forces of the .380 ACP.
Will a 9mm version appear? Glock isn't saying ... yet.
We were told that since Glock generally likes to release new models at SHOT, that if they were working on a single stack 9, that it would be reasonable to speculate that it might be released at the next SHOT ... and that it would probably be a bit larger than the G42.
If so, that would put it on a similar footing with the Shield 9. If it's produced in 2-pin frame format, though, it would probably be limited to 9mm. If it's a 3-pin frame? Then, it would be reasonable to presume the Shield 40 might have some more competition. Maybe. Nobody's saying.
In the meantime?
The G42 will probably make a noticeable impact in the commercial .380 market, especially among those folks with hands too large to comfortably hold a LCP or Bodyguard .380 ... and those folks who are recoil sensitive ... and those folks who have a physical need for a lesser recoiling pistol of .380 caliber ... and those folks who may simply dislike the recoil in the itty bitty .380's (or blowback models), and there's certainly nothing wrong with that sort of preference ... and those folks who simply don't want a larger pistol ... and women who want something to fit in a purse holster, but don't want a 9mm-size pistol.
Pretty big market, it seems.
And yes, the Glock 'loyalists' will probably line up and even pay inflated prices, just to own the newest Glock.
Last edited:
681ismyfavorite
Member
actually I am a glock fan, but I wont be buying on of these. in fact the only reason why I have a couple of kahrs is because glock doesn't make their version of a PM9 or PM45.
skip4309
Member
S&W should always be looking over their shoulder as long is Glock is making firearms....research the SDVE9...its a Glock clone......own both and love both...I like quality firearms no matter who makes them!
Freeway
US Veteran
Someone at the range the other day let me try a Gen 3 Glock 17 (I have a Gen 1 G17). I made it through 2 shots before things started hurting too much. Everything I have read about the pocket 9mm & .380 pistols indicates that they have more recoil than a G17, that's not going to work yet! That's why the G42 interests me.
I am a huge Glock fan, but I like the S&W Shield in .40 so much, I would never replace it, even if a Glock came out with something comparable. The S&W Shield in .40 with the APEX Duty/Carry trigger is the perfect carry weapon IMO.
Smitty357
Member
Me and the ole lady had the chance to try these out when they came into the store. I thought they were cute, but just not my style. After my ole lady put a mag through the G42. She reached and pulled out her .40 Shield and started letting lead fly.
I guess that means i've taught her well.
I guess that means i've taught her well.
MrTrolleyguy
US Veteran
Must be using your magic ball doakster. Indeed he has the grip tape on it and had a video out two weeks ago and putting those .380s on the 80 yard gong. For him it pilled a bit left b/c of the slim frame. He'll adjust. I don't recall if he offered an opinion on it tho?
I have one and see the uses and benefits. Not snappy at all like a 9mm slim s/s glock would likely be. It is so easy to put multiple rounds where you want them. And that is what counts. Much better trigger & sights than an LCP (by a mile). I am using it as a bug. They will sell millions and have millions of fans. Bet the house on that one.
Last edited:
I would love to pick up one of these 42's. Especially if its going to be something you want as a BUG. GLOCK made the
.380 first because they are a company who likes to make money and this was the best way to achieve making more money.
Apple does the exact same thing (Iphone 5 and 5s)
.380 first because they are a company who likes to make money and this was the best way to achieve making more money.
Apple does the exact same thing (Iphone 5 and 5s)
skip4309
Member
Wanted GLOCK to make a single stack 9mm...very disappointed...but the Remington R51 has got my attention now...I love my Shield9 and Glock 26...I just love all handguns...too bad my budget won't allow for all....
Last edited:
How does it compare size and capacity-wise with the SW Bodyguard? I wouldn't ever be interested in a .380 that's basically the same size as my Shield 9 with LESS capacity in an underpowered round. I can definitely understand the niche they are going after, however, I can't see passing on a cheaper, more powerful gun in the Shield.
Venenoindy
Member
- Joined
- Sep 21, 2013
- Messages
- 209
- Reaction score
- 44
As far as I know there is no magical round that stops bad guys death on their tracks like a lot of people think and unfortunately I have real life experience. I seen rounds extracted from body's that fully expanded (most all major calibers) and the person still took a while to go down.
Badkarma 1
US Veteran
I always liked pocket autos, and my personal favorite is a Makarov with honorable mention going to the Walther PP, and Beretta Jetfire, the former in .32ACP, the latter in .25ACP.
Never had much use for a .380 so the G42 is safe from me, but it does answer a lot of questions for those who want a pistol to fight with and not fight against recoil.
The "baby .380s" have kicked the. .25 to the curb, pieces the size if the G42 put the various mid-sized .32s out to pasture. But the big .380s are outclassed by similar sized 9mm.
@Freeway, if you ever get the chance try a Colt Gov't Model .380! The all steel one kicks like a .22!
As for me, I'll be usin my 3913.
Dale
Never had much use for a .380 so the G42 is safe from me, but it does answer a lot of questions for those who want a pistol to fight with and not fight against recoil.
The "baby .380s" have kicked the. .25 to the curb, pieces the size if the G42 put the various mid-sized .32s out to pasture. But the big .380s are outclassed by similar sized 9mm.
@Freeway, if you ever get the chance try a Colt Gov't Model .380! The all steel one kicks like a .22!
As for me, I'll be usin my 3913.
Dale
bigl1911
Member
I have a G27 and just hate firing it with the 40... It is a decent round but the kick sucks with such a small gun. I changed it out to a 9mm barrel in it is great fun and easy to deal with... Is the 42 really that much smaller and is it worth it over a G27?
Venenoindy
Member
- Joined
- Sep 21, 2013
- Messages
- 209
- Reaction score
- 44
I had extensive surgery on my right wrist and had to find the softest recoiling handgun in order for me to be able to practice more, after the initial reports about the G42 I decided to pick one up and first range trip I confirm that is very soft shooter.
I waited and waited for the new Glock hoping for 9mm. Huh, so much for that. I bought a shield 9mm last wknd. No more waiting on Glock in single stack 9. The shield does all I was looking for in a summer carry gun. I'll still carry my Glocks but this one has a spot in the roster for now on.
Glock will come out with the 9mm next, you watch. They lost my hope in their silly market strategy.
Glock will come out with the 9mm next, you watch. They lost my hope in their silly market strategy.
TheMystro
Member
- Joined
- Nov 20, 2012
- Messages
- 416
- Reaction score
- 441
The way Glock designs guns, if they ever do come out with a slim 9mm, it will be way too big. I am convinced they can't design a new gun out of their comfort zone which keeps their stuff very stagnant.
Smitty357
Member
This explains why u have never seen a wheel gun or a 1911 from them.
They are a good manufacturer, but they arent any where near as great as others who can build all different types of weapons.
