# Glock 42 Gen 5 Compact .380 ACP - Lightweight Concealed Carry Pistol

**Brand:** Glock
**Category:** Compact Handguns
**Caliber:** .380 ACP

## Specifications

- **Caliber:** .380 ACP
- **Barrel Length:** 3.3"
- **Capacity:** 6 rounds
- **Finish:** Black
- **Weight:** 13.8 oz
- **Overall Length:** 5.94"
- **UPC:** 764503015465
- **SKU:** UCDSUKk1p

## Description

The Glock 42 is a subcompact single-stack pistol chambered in .380 ACP, built specifically for concealed carry. At 5.94 inches overall with a 3.3-inch barrel, it's Glock's smallest and lightest pistol at 13.76 ounces. Capacity is 6+1 rounds. The polymer frame and forged steel slide are both finished in black. Sights are fixed. 1-dot front, 2-dot rear. This variant includes Glock Night Sights.

### Key Specifications
- **Model:** G42
- **Caliber:** .380 ACP
- **Capacity:** 6+1 rounds
- **Barrel Length:** 3.3 inches 
- **Overall Length:** 5.94 inches 
- **Weight:** 13.76 ounces (0.86 pounds)
- **Frame Material:** Polymer 
- **Slide Material:** Forged Steel 
- **Finish:** Black (Frame & Slide)  
- **Sights Front/Rear:** Fixed 1-Dot / Fixed 2-Dot

### Features
The G42 uses Glock's Safe Action system (trigger, firing pin, and drop safeties), so there's no manual safety to manage. The subcompact frame has textured polymer grips with a comfortable, ergonomic shape that works for most hand sizes. Being a single-stack .380, the slide is notably slim, which is the main reason people choose it over a 9mm subcompact.

At 13.76 ounces it's light enough to carry all day without noticing it much. The .380 ACP recoil is mild, which makes it approachable for new shooters or anyone who finds small 9mm guns uncomfortable to shoot. The night sights add real value for a carry gun where low-light use is a genuine scenario.

## What Reviewers Say

*Quoted verbatim from YouTube reviews. Each link opens the video at the moment quoted.*

> Easily compactable. Fits in your hand pretty well. Very inexpensive.
>
> — [Colorado Firearms Training](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n9T6W_SFy-g&t=19s)

> If you were to happen to use this for self-defense purposes, at least you're not losing a high-end gun.
>
> — [Colorado Firearms Training](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n9T6W_SFy-g&t=21s)

## What Customers Say

*AI-generated insights from customer reviews*

The Glock 42 .380 ACP is one of those guns where the feedback breaks down by who's carrying it and why.

Owners who carry it daily are generally satisfied. The slim profile and light weight are the top positives. It disappears in a pocket holster or IWB, which is exactly why people choose a single-stack .380 over a more capable but bulkier option. Reliability gets positive marks consistently; it runs with various .380 loads without drama. The grip is comfortable and the recoil is genuinely manageable, which helps newer shooters build confidence.

The caliber debate is the loudest criticism. Some owners feel .380 ACP is marginal for self-defense compared to 9mm, and with only 6+1 rounds the capacity doesn't offset that concern for everyone. The factory sights draw some complaints. The 2-dot rear isn't everyone's preference, and several owners upgrade to aftermarket sights. On price, Glock commands a premium and a handful of reviewers point to competing .380 or 9mm compacts that offer more rounds for less money. That said, most owners accept the tradeoffs as the cost of a genuinely pocketable gun.

## Pricing

**1 offers available**

| Vendor | Price |
|--------|-------|
| Gunbuyer Com | $463.00 |

## Similar Products

- [Glock 42 Gen 5 Ultra-Compact .380 ACP - Lightweight Everyday Carry](https://gunsnation.com/p/glock-42-gen-5-ultra-compact-380-acp-lightweight-everyday-carry/UCDSUOVny)
- [Glock 42 Gen 5 .380 ACP Subcompact - Lightweight Concealed Defense](https://gunsnation.com/p/glock-42-gen-5-380-acp-subcompact-lightweight-concealed-defense/UCDSUOUtk)
- [Glock 42 Gen 5 .380 ACP Compact - Flat Dark Earth Conceal Carry](https://gunsnation.com/p/glock-42-gen-5-380-acp-compact-flat-dark-earth-conceal-carry/UCDSUOVDn)
- [Glock G42 Gen 5 Desert Tan .380 ACP Subcompact Carry Pistol](https://gunsnation.com/p/glock-g42-gen-5-desert-tan-380-acp-subcompact-carry-pistol/UCC0al6XW)
- [Glock G42 Gen 5 Compact .380 ACP - Robin Egg Blue Self-Defense Pistol](https://gunsnation.com/p/glock-g42-gen-5-compact-380-acp-robin-egg-blue-self-defense-pistol/UCEyEX1h7)
- [Glock G42 Gen 5 .380 ACP Compact - Battleworn OD Green Edition](https://gunsnation.com/p/glock-g42-gen-5-380-acp-compact-battleworn-od-green-edition/UCDSUOVoa)

---
*Data from [GunsNation](https://gunsnation.com)*