NRA Gun of the Week: Glock G42 Pistol

by
posted on September 16, 2017
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **

The G42 weighs in just under 14 ozs. and boxes 5.94”x4.13”, making it the smallest pistol brought to market by Glock, and quite a departure from its original G17, among others. This particular Glock iteration combines the company’s recoil-operated, safe-action system with enhanced night sights (base model ships with standard Glock sights) to make for a positive addition to the EDC kit. We found the G42 to live up to company’s reputation for reliability and found time on the range with the small, pocket pistol to be quite enjoyable.

To learn more about other features included on the Glock G42, check out our video hosted by Associate Editor Kelly Young, and be sure to visit us.glock.com

Specifications:
Model: G42
Manufacturer: Glock, Inc.
Chambering: .380 ACP
Action Type: recoil-operated, double-action only, striker-fire, center-fire semi-automatic pistol
Frame: polymer
Slide: steel, nitrate finish
Barrel: 3.25”
Sights: three-dot tritium night sights
Magazine: six-round-capacity detachable box
Trigger6-lb., 10-oz. pull
Weight: 13.8 ozs.
MSRP: $480

Additional Reading:

Glock G42 .380 ACP Pocket Pistol

Latest

M2 .50-caliber machine gun
M2 .50-caliber machine gun

The Short Life of America’s Anti-Tank Rifles

At the dawn of mechanized warfare, the U.S. Military contended with the reality that infantrymen would need an effective arm to defeat tanks. Their idea? Bring more gun.

Springfield Armory's XD Mod.4 OSP: Anything But Basic

For nearly 25 years, Springfield Armory has offered its affordable and reliable XD series of handguns, and for 2026, that design has now entered its fourth generation with the Mod.4 OSP.

The Armed Citizen® March 23, 2026

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

Suppressor Sales Reach Unprecedented Levels

According to 4473 Cloud, a service provider to federal firearms licensees, more than 1.5 million Form 4s for suppressor transfers have been filed so far this year.

First Look: Shooters Global SG Pulse Pro

The Shooters Global SG Pulse Pro is an impressive all-in-one gadget, offering you a timer, DOPE cards, a level and a stability tracker in one aluminum, water-resistant body with multiple mounting options.

The Guns of Shanghai 1937: A Prelude to WWII's Brutal Urban Combat

Often overlooked by Western military historians, the Battle of Shanghai in 1937 was an early sign of the brutal urban combat that would characterize much of World War II. An incredible array of arms was used in the fighting.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.