Glock 42
The Glock 42 is the smallest and lightest Glock ever produced—a single-stack .380 ACP pistol that brings Glock’s Safe Action reliability and build quality to true pocket-carry dimensions. At 0.94 inches wide and 13.76 ounces unloaded, the G42 fits in a front pants pocket, disappears in an ankle holster, and conceals under the lightest clothing. For shooters who want Glock reliability in the most compact possible package, or who find 9mm micro-compacts still too large for their carry needs, the G42 delivers in a .380 ACP platform that handles like a miniature Glock.
Read our full Glock 42 Buying Guide ↓
The Smallest Glock
The G42 is genuinely compact in a way that most “subcompact” pistols aren’t. At under an inch wide with a 3.25-inch barrel, it’s shorter and narrower than the G43 9mm subcompact. The single-stack .380 ACP design keeps the grip width to a minimum while the short slide makes it easy to draw from a pocket holster without snagging. Glock’s manufacturing quality means the G42’s tolerances, finish, and components are identical in standard to any full-size Glock—the only compromise is caliber and capacity. For deep concealment applications where nothing else disappears adequately, the G42 solves the problem.
.380 ACP in a Pocket Pistol
The .380 ACP is a legitimate defensive caliber when loaded with quality hollow point ammunition from Federal, Hornady, or Speer. Modern .380 defensive loads have improved significantly over older designs, with consistent expansion and adequate penetration from short barrels. The G42’s 3.25-inch barrel is on the longer end for .380 pocket pistols, squeezing more velocity from the cartridge than competing designs with shorter barrels. The tradeoff versus 9mm is real—9mm offers better terminal performance and higher capacity—but for carry situations where a 9mm micro-compact is still too large, the .380 G42 is a meaningful defensive tool rather than a toy.
G42 vs. G43—Which to Choose
The G43 is a single-stack 9mm with similar dimensions to the G42 but slightly larger. For most buyers, the G43 or G43X is the better choice—9mm is more capable than .380 ACP and the size difference is minimal. The G42 makes more sense when absolute minimum size is the requirement, when recoil sensitivity makes even the G43’s 9mm recoil uncomfortable, or when a buyer specifically needs to fit a pistol into a carry situation where the G43 just barely doesn’t work. The G42 also makes an excellent backup gun for shooters who carry a primary 9mm, providing a Glock manual of arms in the smallest possible package.
Carry Options
The G42’s dimensions make it one of the most versatile carry pistols available. Pocket carry in a dedicated pocket holster works well with the G42’s short grip and snag-free profile. Ankle carry is practical given the light weight—13.76 ounces loaded doesn’t drag on the ankle the way a heavier pistol does. IWB carry at any position is comfortable. The G42 is also an effective backup gun for law enforcement officers who carry a primary duty pistol and want a secondary arm that’s genuinely pocketable during off-duty hours. Shield Arms produces 8-round magazines that add two rounds to the standard 6-round capacity for those who want more.
Training and Fundamentals
The G42’s mild recoil and Glock manual of arms make it an effective training tool and an excellent first pistol for recoil-sensitive new shooters. The same controls as any other Glock mean that skills developed on the G42 transfer directly to larger Glock models. Many shooters use the G42 for dry fire and technique practice, appreciating the light weight for extended practice sessions. For new shooters who are intimidated by full-size pistol recoil, the G42’s .380 ACP is a gentler introduction to semi-automatic operation while building habits compatible with Glock’s broader lineup.
Where to Go Next
For a slightly larger 9mm single-stack Glock, explore the full lineup on our Glock brand page. For .380 ACP ammunition for your G42, visit our .380 ACP ammo page. For carry gun comparisons across all brands, see our Concealed Carry page.