The Glock 42 is a single-stack .380 ACP pistol with a Shimmering Aluminum Cerakote slide. At 12.3 oz and 5.98 inches overall, it's Glock's smallest pistol and one of the lighter carry options in .380. The 3.26-inch barrel and 6+1 capacity keep it compact; two magazines are included. 
 

Key Specifications 

• Caliber: .380 ACP 
• Barrel Length: 3.26 inches 
• Capacity: 6+1 rounds (includes two magazines) 
• Weight: 12.3 oz. 
• Overall Length: 5.98 inches 
• Finish: Shimmering Aluminum / Black 
• Frame Material: Polymer 
• Slide Finish: Shimmering Aluminum Cerakote 
• Firing System: Striker-fired with Safe Action Safeties 
   

Detailed Features 

The polymer frame keeps weight down without sacrificing grip texture, and the Safe Action system's three passive safeties (trigger, firing pin, and drop safety) disengage in sequence as the trigger is pulled. The rifled carbon steel barrel contributes to consistent groupings at typical defensive distances. 
 
The Shimmering Aluminum Cerakote is a cosmetic variant; mechanically it's the standard G42 internals. 
 

Usage 

The G42's primary role is concealed carry. The 12.3 oz weight and slim single-stack profile mean it can be carried IWB or pocket-carried without bulk. It's also a common first pistol for new shooters because .380 ACP recoil is mild and the Safe Action system requires no external safety to manage. Range use is straightforward, though the 6+1 capacity means more frequent reloads during practice sessions.

Owners of the Glock 42 Shimmering Alumina edition largely echo the same sentiments as G42 owners in general, with the finish adding some cosmetic discussion on top.

The size and weight get consistent praise from carry-focused buyers. At 12.3 oz, it doesn't add much to a waistband, and the .380 ACP produces recoil most shooters find easy to manage. New shooters in particular appreciate that the Safe Action system is intuitive without a manual safety to forget under stress.

The finish itself draws positive comments from those who specifically sought out the cosmetic variant. It distinguishes the gun from the standard G42 visually.

Criticism centers on the .380 ACP caliber's terminal performance debate, which is not specific to this model but comes up whenever someone discusses the G42. Some owners have reported occasional feeding or ejection hiccups, though this is not a universal experience and many run the gun without issues through thousands of rounds. A handful of buyers would prefer 7+1 or 8+1 capacity at this size.