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
Trigger: 6-lb., 10-oz. pull
Weight: 13.8 ozs.
MSRP: $480

Additional Reading:

Glock G42 .380 ACP Pocket Pistol

Latest

attack in a back alley
attack in a back alley

Cold Performance: How to Prepare for the Uncertainty of Self-Defense

Defensive gun use is defined by uncertainty. You don’t know when it will happen, how far away the threat will be, how many threats you will face or what position you will be in when it begins.

Derya Goes Silent: The OBone Suppressor

In 2025, Turkish manufacturer Derya Arms opened a new facility in Florida, enabling the company to produce a number of new products domestically, such as its new OBone suppressor.

The Armed Citizen® Oct. 26, 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.

Rifleman Q&A: Understanding a Firearm's Cycle of Operation

The cycle of operation is the mechanical sequence of events that it takes to fire one shot out of a firearm. If one of those steps fails to take place as designed, there is an interruption in the cycle of operation and the gun stops firing.

Review: Sightmark Pinnacle 1-6x24 mm Riflescope

Looking for a performance LPVO without the usual associated cost? The Sightmark Pinnacle 1-6x24 mm might be your answer.

Myths & Misunderstandings About the “Modern Fighting 1911”

The Colt Model 1911 pistol and its derivatives are among the most iconic military handguns ever made. But in 2026, does the M1911 still hold up as a quality defensive arm?

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.