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

shooter wearing hearing protection
shooter wearing hearing protection

Shooters, Listen Up! Take Hearing Health Seriously

When it comes to the five senses, hearing is one of the most susceptible to damage from the shooting sports. Now, the latest electronic technology gives compromised ears a new lease on life—and protects them from further harm.

The Armed Citizen® Nov. 17, 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.

NRA Supports Hunters For The Hungry Programs

In 2025, Hunters for the Hungry programs across the United States will have extra support from the National Rifle Association, thanks to NRA Foundation donors.

Preview: Hornady Security RAPiD Safe Night Guard

The latest security product to leverage the company’s RAPiD Safe touch-free radio-frequency identification (RFID) technology, Hornady Security’s Night Guard is a ruggedly built handgun safe sized perfectly...

Hecho en México: The Mendoza RM22 Rifles

Mendoza Firearms claims that its RM22 rimfire rifle is the first indigenously produced rifle to be exported to the United States.

Preview: MGE 1911 Grips

Mammoth Grip Exchange is a small startup company that specializes in crafting replacement stock sets for M1911-pattern pistols in a dizzying assortment of exotic materials...

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.