Introduction
Are you torn between the Glock 42 and the Glock 43 for your concealed carry needs? Well, you’re in luck because we’re about to break down these two popular choices so you can make an informed decision. Get ready to dive into the world of compact pistols and discover which one is the perfect fit for you!
Overview of Glock 42
The Glock 42 is a compact and reliable pistol that offers excellent concealability. It is known for its smaller frame and lightweight design, making it ideal for everyday carry. The gun features a single stack magazine that holds 6 rounds of .380 ACP ammunition. With an overall length of 5.94 inches and a weight of just over 13 ounces, the Glock 42 is easy to handle and comfortable to shoot.
The pistol boasts Glock’s signature Safe Action System, providing consistent trigger pull and safety features. Its slim profile makes it easy to conceal under clothing without printing. The textured grip ensures a secure hold, even in adverse conditions. The Glock 42 also comes with adjustable sights for improved accuracy.
The Glock 43 is popular among concealed carry enthusiasts for its reliability and compact size. Whether you’re looking for a backup gun or your primary self-defense weapon, the Glock 42 delivers performance in a small package.
Specs
When it comes to the specs of the Glock 42, this compact pistol is chambered in .380 Auto and has a capacity of 6+1 rounds. It features a slimline design, making it ideal for concealed carry. The overall length is around 5.94 inches with a height of 4.13 inches.
On the other hand, the Glock 43 boasts similar dimensions but is chambered in 9mm with a slightly larger capacity of 6+1 or optional extended magazines for more rounds. With an unloaded weight of about 17.95 ounces and a trigger pull weight averaging around 5.5 pounds, the Glock 43 offers reliable performance in a slightly larger package compared to its counterpart.
Both pistols have similar sights and trigger safety mechanisms, ensuring user confidence when handling these firearms. Each model has its own unique appeal based on individual preferences and needs in terms of caliber and magazine capacity.
Overview of Glock 43
The Glock 43 is a popular choice for those seeking a compact and reliable handgun. Known for its slim profile and lightweight design, the Glock 43 is easy to conceal and comfortable to carry all day long.
With a capacity of 6+1 rounds of 9mm ammunition, the Glock 43 strikes a balance between firepower and size, making it an ideal option for both experienced shooters and beginners alike. It features Glock’s signature Safe Action System, ensuring consistent trigger pull with each shot.
The Glock 43 comes equipped with standard fixed sights that provide quick target acquisition in various lighting conditions. Its ergonomic grip design fits comfortably in hand, allowing for improved control and accuracy during shooting sessions.
The Glock 43 offers solid performance in a compact package, making it a top contender in the concealed carry market.
Specs
When it comes to comparing the Glock 42 and Glock 43, understanding their specifications is crucial. The Glock 42 is chambered in .380 Auto with a magazine capacity of 6 rounds. It has an overall length of 5.94 inches and weighs approximately 13.76 ounces unloaded.
On the other hand, the Glock 43 is chambered in 9x19mm with a slightly higher magazine capacity of 6+1 rounds. Its overall length stands at 6.26 inches, weighing around 17.95 ounces when empty.
Both pistols feature polymer frames and are known for their reliability and durability in various shooting conditions. Understanding these specs can help you make an informed decision based on your preferences for caliber, size, weight, and capacity when choosing between the Glock 42 and Glock 43.
Features Comparison: Glock 42 VS Glock 43
When comparing the Glock 42 and Glock 43, it’s essential to look at their features to determine which one suits your needs better.
1. Concealed Carry & Comfort
When it comes to concealed carry and comfort, both the Glock 42 and Glock 43 have their own strengths. The compact size of the Glock 42 makes it easy to conceal, perfect for everyday carry without adding unnecessary bulk. Its slim profile allows for comfortable all-day wear without feeling weighed down or cumbersome.
On the other hand, the Glock 43 offers a slightly larger frame which may impact how comfortably it can be concealed depending on your body type and clothing choices. However, some may find that the added grip length provides better stability while shooting. Personal preference plays a significant role in determining which model is more suited to your individual needs when considering concealed carry and comfort.
2. Ergonomics & Handling
When it comes to the Glock 42 versus the Glock 43, one crucial aspect to consider is their ergonomics and handling. The Glock 42 offers a slim profile that fits comfortably in most hands, making it easy to conceal and carry for extended periods.
On the other hand, the Glock 43 provides a slightly larger grip which some users may find more ergonomic for better control during shooting. The texturing on both models ensures a secure grip in various conditions, enhancing overall handling.
In terms of maneuverability, both pistols are lightweight and compact, allowing for swift target acquisition and minimal recoil. Whether you prefer the slimmer design of the Glock 42 or the slightly larger feel of the Glock 43 will ultimately depend on your personal preference and shooting style.
3. Ammunition Cost and Availability
When it comes to comparing the ammunition cost and availability between the Glock 42 and Glock 43, there are a few key factors to consider. The Glock 42 is chambered in .380 ACP, which tends to be slightly more expensive than the 9mm rounds used in the Glock 43. However, .380 ACP ammo can still be readily found at most gun stores and online retailers.
On the other hand, the popularity of the 9mm round means that it is widely available and typically more affordable than other calibers. This makes stocking up on ammo for your Glock 43 a bit easier on the wallet compared to the Glock 42. Additionally, since both guns come from the same manufacturer, they benefit from Glock’s reputation for reliability and quality across their product line.
While ammo costs may vary depending on caliber choice, both the Glock 42 and Glock 43 offer reliable performance with access to commonly found ammunition options.
Pros & Cons of Glock 42
Pros:
- Ultra-compact size makes it easy to conceal.
- Lightweight design ideal for everyday carry.
- Smooth trigger pull enhances accuracy.
- Reliable performance with minimal recoil.
Cons:
- Limited capacity with only a 6-round magazine.
- Smaller frame may not suit those with larger hands.
- Slightly less powerful than other models in the Glock lineup.
- Aftermarket customization options are more limited compared to larger models.
Pros & Cons of Glock 43
Pros:
- Compact size makes it easy to conceal and carry discreetly.
- Chambered in 9mm for effective stopping power in a small package.
- Compatible with aftermarket accessories for customization.
- Reliable performance and durability, typical of Glock firearms.
- Front serrations on the slide allow for easier manipulation.
Cons:
- Slightly larger than other subcompact pistols, which may affect concealability for some users.
- Trigger pull weight can feel heavier compared to other models.
- Limited capacity with standard magazine (6 rounds) may require additional magazines for extended use.
- Recoil can be snappier due to its smaller size, impacting follow-up shots for some shooters.
- Some users find the grip texture too aggressive, potentially causing discomfort during prolonged shooting sessions.
Similarities Between Glock 42 & Glock 43
- When comparing the Glock 42 and Glock 43, it’s clear that these two models share some similarities that make them popular choices among concealed carry enthusiasts.
- Both handguns are manufactured by Glock, known for their reliability and durability in the firearms industry. This ensures that users can trust the performance of either model in critical situations.
- Both pistols are chambered in .380 ACP caliber, providing a balanced combination of manageable recoil and stopping power suitable for self-defense purposes.
- Additionally, both the Glock 42 and 43 feature a familiar striker-fired system with consistent trigger pull for enhanced accuracy during shooting sessions.
- Moreover, these compact handguns boast similar dimensions making them easy to conceal and carry comfortably throughout the day without feeling cumbersome or bulky.
Differences Between Glock 42 & Glock 43
- Size matters when it comes to the Glock 42 and Glock 43. The Glock 42 is slightly smaller and lighter than its counterpart, making it a better option for deep concealment or those with smaller hands.
- The Glock 43, on the other hand, offers a slightly larger frame which can provide better grip for shooters with bigger hands. This might make it more comfortable to handle during extended shooting sessions.
- Another key difference lies in their magazine capacity. The Glock 42 holds six rounds of .380 ACP ammunition, while the Glock 43 carries seven rounds of 9mm ammo, giving it an edge in firepower.
- When it comes to recoil management, the larger size of the Glock 43 helps mitigate felt recoil compared to the snappier kickback of the smaller Glock 42.
- Choosing between these two pistols boils down to personal preference and intended use – whether you prioritize concealability or capacity and ergonomics is up to you!
FAQs
Q 1. Are the magazines interchangeable between the Glock 42 and Glock 43?
Both pistols have different magazine sizes, so unfortunately, they are not interchangeable.
Q 2. Which model is better for concealed carry – Glock 42 or Glock 43?
The choice between the two ultimately comes down to personal preference and comfort when carrying.
Q 3. Can I easily find aftermarket accessories for both models?
Yes, both the Glock 42 and Glock 43 have a wide range of aftermarket accessories available to customize your firearm to fit your needs.
Q 4. Do these models have a safety feature?
Yes, both pistols come equipped with multiple safety features including trigger safeties and firing pin safeties.
Q 5. What is the main difference in size between the two models?
The main difference lies in their dimensions – with the G42 being slightly smaller than the G43 – making it more suitable for deep concealment purposes.
Conclusion
Both the Glock 42 and Glock 43 are excellent options for concealed carry with their compact size, reliability, and performance. The choice between the two ultimately comes down to personal preference and intended use.
Whether you prioritize a slimmer profile like the Glock 43 or prefer the smaller caliber of the Glock 42, both pistols offer quality features that cater to different needs. Whichever model you choose, you can trust in Glock’s reputation for durability and functionality in any self-defense situation.
