ST911
01-25-14, 16:44
Manufacturer: Glock, Inc
Model: G42
Serial Number: AAPG###
Production (Test Fire) Date: 12/20/2013
On the web: http://g42.glock.us
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j18/Skintop911/Glock42/b8875205-3ab9-4a49-8f1e-b865c5a4d9ac.jpg
Source
This G42 was obtained from a Glock LE distributor at LE pricing of ~$320.00. All costs associated with this review were paid by me.
Unboxing
The Glock 42 ships in the same hard plastic Glock branded box other models ship in. Included in the case are the gun itself, two magazines, promotional and safety literature, a trigger lock, and fired casing(s). The overall appearance of the gun is like its other Glock siblings. Its diminutive size is its greatest distinction from the rest of the line and there is little else noteworthy about it externally. Unloaded, the G42 with empty magazine inserted weighs 13.9oz on my postal scale. Field stripping is accomplished in the same manner as other Glocks.
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j18/Skintop911/Glock42/IMG_0320e.jpg
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j18/Skintop911/Glock42/IMG_0323e.jpg
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j18/Skintop911/Glock42/IMG_0336.jpg
Comparison to a Glock gen4 Glock 17
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j18/Skintop911/Glock42/IMG_0333e.jpg
Comparison to a S&W M&P Shield
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j18/Skintop911/Glock42/IMG_0330e.jpg
The upper is detail stripped in the same manner as other Glocks. The serrations on the slide are shallower and have less bite when grasping. The sights are a downsized version of the plastic ball-and-bucket type most Glocks ship with. The rear sight is 6.1mm in height, and the front is the standard OEM front. The firing pin safety and corresponding machining in the slide is unique to the G42. The balance of the slide internals are mostly just miniaturizations of larger Glocks.
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j18/Skintop911/Glock42/IMG_0344.jpg
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j18/Skintop911/Glock42/IMG_0338.jpg
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j18/Skintop911/Glock42/IMG_0345.jpg
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j18/Skintop911/Glock42/IMG_0347.jpg
Detail stripping the G42 lower shows some noteworthy differences from other Glocks. There is only the single trigger pin (“first pin”) to remove above the trigger, along with the trigger mechanism housing pin at the rear. The locking block must be removed to remove the slide stop lever. The slide stop lever has a captured coil spring attached to it. The slide lock lever receives its tension from a coil spring beneath it, rather than the leaf spring of the larger Glocks. The trigger spring is a combination of a captured coil spring and leaf bar on top. A small pin/rod runs through both, and then attaches to the interior of the trigger mechanism housing. Disassembly of the trigger mechanism housing is unique to the G42. The grip texture of the lower receiver is the same raised polygonal surface as found on other gen4 models, but less pronounced. It’s not particularly grabby, but there is palpable resistance to slip. The magazine catch is the standard gen4 size and type, and is reversible. The trigger face is smooth.
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j18/Skintop911/Glock42/IMG_0352.jpg
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j18/Skintop911/Glock42/IMG_0355.jpg
The barrel is marked for caliber, and has the Georgia and other Glock proof marks. The RSA is the same type of captive dual spring assembly found on other gen4 Glocks.
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j18/Skintop911/Glock42/IMG_0357e.jpg
The magazine is a single stack. It does appear that there is at least a slight stagger of the cartridges in the magazine. The capacity is six rounds, and seven can’t be inserted even with deliberate effort. The witness holes are correct to the number remaining. The spring has 11 coils.
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j18/Skintop911/Glock42/IMG_0371.jpg
Only .380 Auto cartridges can be loaded into the magazine. Each of more than two dozen 9mm Luger/Parabellum/NATO length cartridges extend beyond the front wall of the magazine. The 9mm cartridges that came closest to full insertion on the magazine were several Corbon loads, particularly the 95 and 115gr FMJ, 115gr JHP, and 100gr Pow’RBall. Further, the internal dimensions of the magazine well do not allow sufficient clearance for a typical 9mm cartridge to be placed within it, while allowing for a magazine body around it. Photos are of the 115gr Corbon, Federal 147gr HST, and Black Hills Ammunition 115gr Barnes TAC-XP.
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j18/Skintop911/Glock42/IMG_0377e.jpg
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j18/Skintop911/Glock42/IMG_0379e.jpg
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j18/Skintop911/Glock42/IMG_0380e.jpg
Dry Fire
Initial take up of the trigger is very similar in weight and quality to Glocks equipped with NY1 trigger springs. The break is distinct but travel through it is smooth and improved with work through the session. Over-travel is typical of other Glocks. Trigger reset was distinct, palpable, and audible. The trigger reset felt like something between the reset of a NY1 and NY2 trigger spring.
I conducted a number of different dry-fire handling drills to familiarize myself with the gun. The biggest hurdle in the process was finding an optimal hand placement that was not wholly divergent from my aggressive, high, thumbs-forward grip. I often found my middle finger over the magazine release, ejecting the magazine when squeezing with the support hand. My thumbs tended to rest against the slide, and blocked movement of the slide stop. While gripping the gun, it sat low, disappeared in the hand, and felt like I was holding a gun shaped cell phone instead of a handgun. Dry reloading drills were difficult. The bottom of my hand prevented the magazine from dropping free unless I completely broke my firing grip. Inserting a replacement magazine required the same repositioning. A failure to keep that reposition during insertion painfully pinched my hand between the magwell and magazine floor plate, failed to seat the magazine, and created significant time delays.
When running the slide at speed I found that my hands sometimes slipped on the slide. The thin slide didn't have enough surface area for my hand, and the shallow serrations just didn’t have the bite I needed.
The balance of other dry exercises were quite satisfactory. Once I found a good firing grip I was able to press the trigger through without disrupting the sights, and work the reset. My existing familiarity and proficiency with Glocks and the NY1 trigger was undoubtedly helpful.
Live Fire
The G42 was fired through a series of drills and standards that I commonly use with other guns. As I had no holsters or support equipment, all were fired from a compressed high ready position. Most shooting was not quantified, but I did capture several scores and times. Those are listed here.
10rds @ 25yds, B8 target, standing unsupported
77-0X, ~5” group, close for windage, low for elevation. Fired with a center-hold.
A second group fired holding at the top of the 9-ring held all within the 8-ring, most within the 9-ring.
One 12:00 ejection hit the slide on its way back down.
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j18/Skintop911/Glock42/IMG_0361e.jpg
F2 to 3x5 index card, 7yds
Low clean, 1.54
High clean, 1.80
Average (all), 1.69
F5 to A-zone
3yd, 2.27 C, 1.59 C
5yd, 2.04 C
7yd, 1.99 -1, 2.00 C
10yd, 2.71 C
After several more repetitions, times for this drill from the ready stayed at or below ~2sec regardless of distance (3-10).
50rd LE POST qual course
50/50
47/50 (run at 3sec par)
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j18/Skintop911/Glock42/IMG_0364e.jpg
Summary
Ammunition run-down
107rds PMC 90gr FMJ (380A)
50rds Federal RTP 95gr FMJ (RT38095)
30rds Winchester FMJ
24rds misc u/k
12rds CCI Blazer FMJ
8rds Hornady JHP-XTP
7rds Federal Hydra-Shok
6rds Hornady Critical Defense
6rds Winchester Silvertips
6rds Remington Golden Sabre
6rds Winchester Ranger
This G42 had the best fighting potential of any compact or subcompact .380 I’ve fired. It demonstrated as much potential for accurate hits at speed or in slow fire as larger Glocks in the line, and much more flexibility than the .380 competitors of its type. The G42 shot flat, and stayed on target with little perceptible muzzle rise or recoil. I was able to maintain low-splits (~.25), consistent six to seven round cadences, and stay on -0 or A-zone sized targets after some familiarization. Farther above, I noted that the grip texturing on the G42 was less pronounced than on other gen4 guns. It was more than sufficient for the amount of recoil control needed for this gun.
Reloading and stoppage clearance procedures may be more difficult for those with large hands or other unique grip issues.
The bulk of shooting was done with Federal and PMC training ammunition. At least one magazine load of several commonly available carry loads were also fired. Most consumers will buy a quantity of ammunition to practice with, but only a single 20rd box or two of a carry load. Often content to shoot one magazine of that carry ammunition, the remaining rounds are loaded in to the gun and the gun is relied upon thereafter. The number of rounds fired prevents a real reliability measure, but is reflective of what will actually be found on the street.
The G42 would not reliably feed several rounds of the aluminum cased Blazer. The first Blazer round inserted in the gun would not chamber from slide lock. There was one stovepipe. There were no other ammunition-related malfunctions, but several that were shooter induced. When my thumb was placed against the slide, intentionally or otherwise, stovepipes followed. There was also a single failure to unlock the gun after firing due to my thumb. This occurred only with the lighter impulsed rounds.
Except for an early 12:00 ejection that struck the slide, ejection was brisk and consistent with a solid grip. When deliberately reducing grip pressure or shooting WHO, it was more erratic but still to the right 1-3 feet.
I found the G42 ideally suited to roles in which deepest concealment is critical and/or as a secondary/back-up gun. It’s quirks in reloading and refunctioning make it a compromise solution for a primary gun. Those carrying it as such must understood and practice for its limitations. The G42 also appears to be another viable 50-state CCW solution for those who travel.
I would like to see an extended length magazine made available for the G42. Not for the additional capacity, but for the added area to locate and index a reload, as well as reduce the amount of repositioning needed during a reload. I would recommend that such an extended magazine not include a spacer sleeve of any kind.
Total rounds this session: 262
Cumulative total: 262
Model: G42
Serial Number: AAPG###
Production (Test Fire) Date: 12/20/2013
On the web: http://g42.glock.us
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j18/Skintop911/Glock42/b8875205-3ab9-4a49-8f1e-b865c5a4d9ac.jpg
Source
This G42 was obtained from a Glock LE distributor at LE pricing of ~$320.00. All costs associated with this review were paid by me.
Unboxing
The Glock 42 ships in the same hard plastic Glock branded box other models ship in. Included in the case are the gun itself, two magazines, promotional and safety literature, a trigger lock, and fired casing(s). The overall appearance of the gun is like its other Glock siblings. Its diminutive size is its greatest distinction from the rest of the line and there is little else noteworthy about it externally. Unloaded, the G42 with empty magazine inserted weighs 13.9oz on my postal scale. Field stripping is accomplished in the same manner as other Glocks.
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j18/Skintop911/Glock42/IMG_0320e.jpg
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j18/Skintop911/Glock42/IMG_0323e.jpg
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j18/Skintop911/Glock42/IMG_0336.jpg
Comparison to a Glock gen4 Glock 17
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j18/Skintop911/Glock42/IMG_0333e.jpg
Comparison to a S&W M&P Shield
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j18/Skintop911/Glock42/IMG_0330e.jpg
The upper is detail stripped in the same manner as other Glocks. The serrations on the slide are shallower and have less bite when grasping. The sights are a downsized version of the plastic ball-and-bucket type most Glocks ship with. The rear sight is 6.1mm in height, and the front is the standard OEM front. The firing pin safety and corresponding machining in the slide is unique to the G42. The balance of the slide internals are mostly just miniaturizations of larger Glocks.
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j18/Skintop911/Glock42/IMG_0344.jpg
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j18/Skintop911/Glock42/IMG_0338.jpg
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j18/Skintop911/Glock42/IMG_0345.jpg
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j18/Skintop911/Glock42/IMG_0347.jpg
Detail stripping the G42 lower shows some noteworthy differences from other Glocks. There is only the single trigger pin (“first pin”) to remove above the trigger, along with the trigger mechanism housing pin at the rear. The locking block must be removed to remove the slide stop lever. The slide stop lever has a captured coil spring attached to it. The slide lock lever receives its tension from a coil spring beneath it, rather than the leaf spring of the larger Glocks. The trigger spring is a combination of a captured coil spring and leaf bar on top. A small pin/rod runs through both, and then attaches to the interior of the trigger mechanism housing. Disassembly of the trigger mechanism housing is unique to the G42. The grip texture of the lower receiver is the same raised polygonal surface as found on other gen4 models, but less pronounced. It’s not particularly grabby, but there is palpable resistance to slip. The magazine catch is the standard gen4 size and type, and is reversible. The trigger face is smooth.
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j18/Skintop911/Glock42/IMG_0352.jpg
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j18/Skintop911/Glock42/IMG_0355.jpg
The barrel is marked for caliber, and has the Georgia and other Glock proof marks. The RSA is the same type of captive dual spring assembly found on other gen4 Glocks.
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j18/Skintop911/Glock42/IMG_0357e.jpg
The magazine is a single stack. It does appear that there is at least a slight stagger of the cartridges in the magazine. The capacity is six rounds, and seven can’t be inserted even with deliberate effort. The witness holes are correct to the number remaining. The spring has 11 coils.
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j18/Skintop911/Glock42/IMG_0371.jpg
Only .380 Auto cartridges can be loaded into the magazine. Each of more than two dozen 9mm Luger/Parabellum/NATO length cartridges extend beyond the front wall of the magazine. The 9mm cartridges that came closest to full insertion on the magazine were several Corbon loads, particularly the 95 and 115gr FMJ, 115gr JHP, and 100gr Pow’RBall. Further, the internal dimensions of the magazine well do not allow sufficient clearance for a typical 9mm cartridge to be placed within it, while allowing for a magazine body around it. Photos are of the 115gr Corbon, Federal 147gr HST, and Black Hills Ammunition 115gr Barnes TAC-XP.
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j18/Skintop911/Glock42/IMG_0377e.jpg
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j18/Skintop911/Glock42/IMG_0379e.jpg
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j18/Skintop911/Glock42/IMG_0380e.jpg
Dry Fire
Initial take up of the trigger is very similar in weight and quality to Glocks equipped with NY1 trigger springs. The break is distinct but travel through it is smooth and improved with work through the session. Over-travel is typical of other Glocks. Trigger reset was distinct, palpable, and audible. The trigger reset felt like something between the reset of a NY1 and NY2 trigger spring.
I conducted a number of different dry-fire handling drills to familiarize myself with the gun. The biggest hurdle in the process was finding an optimal hand placement that was not wholly divergent from my aggressive, high, thumbs-forward grip. I often found my middle finger over the magazine release, ejecting the magazine when squeezing with the support hand. My thumbs tended to rest against the slide, and blocked movement of the slide stop. While gripping the gun, it sat low, disappeared in the hand, and felt like I was holding a gun shaped cell phone instead of a handgun. Dry reloading drills were difficult. The bottom of my hand prevented the magazine from dropping free unless I completely broke my firing grip. Inserting a replacement magazine required the same repositioning. A failure to keep that reposition during insertion painfully pinched my hand between the magwell and magazine floor plate, failed to seat the magazine, and created significant time delays.
When running the slide at speed I found that my hands sometimes slipped on the slide. The thin slide didn't have enough surface area for my hand, and the shallow serrations just didn’t have the bite I needed.
The balance of other dry exercises were quite satisfactory. Once I found a good firing grip I was able to press the trigger through without disrupting the sights, and work the reset. My existing familiarity and proficiency with Glocks and the NY1 trigger was undoubtedly helpful.
Live Fire
The G42 was fired through a series of drills and standards that I commonly use with other guns. As I had no holsters or support equipment, all were fired from a compressed high ready position. Most shooting was not quantified, but I did capture several scores and times. Those are listed here.
10rds @ 25yds, B8 target, standing unsupported
77-0X, ~5” group, close for windage, low for elevation. Fired with a center-hold.
A second group fired holding at the top of the 9-ring held all within the 8-ring, most within the 9-ring.
One 12:00 ejection hit the slide on its way back down.
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j18/Skintop911/Glock42/IMG_0361e.jpg
F2 to 3x5 index card, 7yds
Low clean, 1.54
High clean, 1.80
Average (all), 1.69
F5 to A-zone
3yd, 2.27 C, 1.59 C
5yd, 2.04 C
7yd, 1.99 -1, 2.00 C
10yd, 2.71 C
After several more repetitions, times for this drill from the ready stayed at or below ~2sec regardless of distance (3-10).
50rd LE POST qual course
50/50
47/50 (run at 3sec par)
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j18/Skintop911/Glock42/IMG_0364e.jpg
Summary
Ammunition run-down
107rds PMC 90gr FMJ (380A)
50rds Federal RTP 95gr FMJ (RT38095)
30rds Winchester FMJ
24rds misc u/k
12rds CCI Blazer FMJ
8rds Hornady JHP-XTP
7rds Federal Hydra-Shok
6rds Hornady Critical Defense
6rds Winchester Silvertips
6rds Remington Golden Sabre
6rds Winchester Ranger
This G42 had the best fighting potential of any compact or subcompact .380 I’ve fired. It demonstrated as much potential for accurate hits at speed or in slow fire as larger Glocks in the line, and much more flexibility than the .380 competitors of its type. The G42 shot flat, and stayed on target with little perceptible muzzle rise or recoil. I was able to maintain low-splits (~.25), consistent six to seven round cadences, and stay on -0 or A-zone sized targets after some familiarization. Farther above, I noted that the grip texturing on the G42 was less pronounced than on other gen4 guns. It was more than sufficient for the amount of recoil control needed for this gun.
Reloading and stoppage clearance procedures may be more difficult for those with large hands or other unique grip issues.
The bulk of shooting was done with Federal and PMC training ammunition. At least one magazine load of several commonly available carry loads were also fired. Most consumers will buy a quantity of ammunition to practice with, but only a single 20rd box or two of a carry load. Often content to shoot one magazine of that carry ammunition, the remaining rounds are loaded in to the gun and the gun is relied upon thereafter. The number of rounds fired prevents a real reliability measure, but is reflective of what will actually be found on the street.
The G42 would not reliably feed several rounds of the aluminum cased Blazer. The first Blazer round inserted in the gun would not chamber from slide lock. There was one stovepipe. There were no other ammunition-related malfunctions, but several that were shooter induced. When my thumb was placed against the slide, intentionally or otherwise, stovepipes followed. There was also a single failure to unlock the gun after firing due to my thumb. This occurred only with the lighter impulsed rounds.
Except for an early 12:00 ejection that struck the slide, ejection was brisk and consistent with a solid grip. When deliberately reducing grip pressure or shooting WHO, it was more erratic but still to the right 1-3 feet.
I found the G42 ideally suited to roles in which deepest concealment is critical and/or as a secondary/back-up gun. It’s quirks in reloading and refunctioning make it a compromise solution for a primary gun. Those carrying it as such must understood and practice for its limitations. The G42 also appears to be another viable 50-state CCW solution for those who travel.
I would like to see an extended length magazine made available for the G42. Not for the additional capacity, but for the added area to locate and index a reload, as well as reduce the amount of repositioning needed during a reload. I would recommend that such an extended magazine not include a spacer sleeve of any kind.
Total rounds this session: 262
Cumulative total: 262