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

The Armed Citizen
The Armed Citizen

The Armed Citizen® Nov. 14, 2025

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

Gun Of The Week: Mossberg 990 Aftershock

For this Gun Of The Week episode, American Rifleman staffers hit the range with the Mossberg 990 Aftershock, a non-NFA, shotshell-firing firearm that provides plenty of power in a compact package.

Christensen Arms Evoke: A Budget-Friendly Hunting Rifle Built For The Field

For hunters seeking a well-built, no-frills hunting rifle, the Christensen Arms Evoke offers a host of desirable features, all at a price that leaves room for hunting tags and travel costs.

Wholesale Change in Glock Lineup & Other Industry Moves

Fall 2025 has proven to be a volatile time within the firearm industry, with companies like Glock announcing major changes to its product lineup, while other companies announce expansions and moves.

I Have This Old Gun: Model 1895 Lee Navy Rifle

In the 1890s, U.S. military small arms were evolving rapidly. The recent discovery of smokeless powder, along with the development of new operating systems and cartridge designs, led the U.S. Navy to adopt a radically new platform: the Model 1895 Lee Navy rifle.

Carry Comped: Smith & Wesson Performance Center’s Compensated Bodyguard 2.0 & Shield X

Smith & Wesson introduced compensated models of two popular concealed-carry handguns in its lineup, the Bodyguard 2.0 and Shield X, both designed to help handgunners improve recoil control.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.