Shooting the Sh!t
Glock 42 vs. 43: Which Model is Better for You?
Jan
If you’re looking to buy a new firearm for concealed carry, let us be the first to tell you about the Glock 42 and 43 models. The Glock 42 is Made in America and features .380 ACP caliber rounds, while the Glock 43 is a single-stack 9mm that packs a pretty serious punch for its relative size. While both options represent great choices for self-defense, it comes down to what you prefer when shooting. If you like softer recoil and good ergonomics, perhaps the Glock 42 is your ticket to success. If you’re comfortable with a heavier weight for the added firepower of 9mm rounds, the Glock 43 or 43X could be great options.
If you’ve made it past the quickscope version, we’ll take that as a sign you’re ready to enjoy our longer-form penmanship. Thank you for your vote of confidence. In this edition of Shooting the Sh!t, we’re breaking down two of Glock’s premier models: The Glock 42 vs. the Glock 43. Unlike some models such as the Glock 19 and the Glock 48, the 42 and 43 models are noticeably different. So, which one really is better? Is the Glock 42 or 43 better for concealed carry? Those burning questions and more will be answered today. Let’s dive into it, shall we?
Glock 42 vs. 43: A Brief History
Before we go heavily into the specs and performance of the Glock 42 and 43, let’s first take a look at how each model came to be. We’ll start with the Glock 42. If “American Made” is a big selling point for you, well, the Glock 42 checks that box. Fittingly released to the market during the 2014 SHOT Show in Las Vegas, the Glock 42 became the first (and only) model to be exclusively produced at the brand’s Smyrna, Georgia facility.
The Glock 43 was released one year later in 2015, with the Glock 43X following in 2019. Widely regarded as one of the lightest and most reliable single-stack handguns on the market, the Glock 43 quickly became a favorite choice among civilians and law enforcement. The 43X even featured a unique two-tone color scheme that represented a departure from the brand’s traditional all-black color scheme.
Although both models were created with concealed carry in mind, shooters may have some pretty serious disagreements about the Glock 42 vs. the 43 when it gets down to specs, namely the size. The Glock 42 is smaller, so let’s break down how it could affect performance.
Glock 42 vs. 43: Size
Glock 42 vs. 43’s size is a perfect place to start when comparing the two. These are both small guns at the end of the day, but the Glock 42 is noticeably smaller than the Glock 43. In many cases, the Glock 42 will fit in the palm of your hand, which means concealed carry is probably a breeze. With an overall length of 5.94” and an overall width of .98”, the Glock 42 vs. the 43 is one of those models that you could probably throw in your back pocket comfortably. Talk about a perk.
The Glock 43, while still a smaller model, will give shooters a bit more of a wider and taller feel. This is especially important for those who may have larger hands but still want a sub-compact firearm. The Glock 43 boasts an overall length of 6.26” and an overall width of 1.06”.
Glock 42 vs. 43: Caliber and Magazine Capacity
We’ll start with this: the Glock 42 and 43 models both feature a 6+1 magazine capacity. So, although that is a world away from the 17-round capacity of the Glock 17, for example, the two still have magazines that are worthy of concealed carry and self-defense. However, the caliber is where these two models will significantly differ.
The Glock 42 uses .380 ACP. If you don’t know what this is, let’s just say that it was specifically designed for concealed carry and self-defense. .380 ACP is less powerful than 9mm rounds, which turns off a number of consumers for obvious reasons. Firepower is fun, what can we say? The advantage of the Glock 42’s .380 caliber rounds is that they tend to come with softer recoil and good ergonomics. Ultimately, your personal preferences should decide which model you choose. If you’re looking for the traditional feel of 9mm rounds, that all but eliminates the Glock 42.
If you’re looking to stock up on the ammo mentioned in this post, check out our friends at Ammo.com! They offer a wide selection of ammo calibers and brands, including .380 ACP and 9mm used by these two Glock models.
Glock 42 vs. 43: Weight
Following up on the bullet calibers, which model is heavier? Spoiler alert, the answer probably won’t surprise you. One of the major advantages of the Glock 42’s size vs. the Glock 43 is its lightweight feel. Now, this isn’t to say that the Glock 43 is a heavy firearm, but the weight reduction is something you’ll probably notice straight away when handling these two models. The chart below, from Harry’s Holsters, takes care of the numbers.
Aftermarket Customizations: Score 1 for the Glock 43?
After you’ve purchased your Glock 42 or 43, you may want to give it a more personal look. We like the way you think. At Zaffiri Precision, we specialize in high-quality parts like slides and barrels for the Glock 43 and 43X models. These parts are Made in America and perfect for those who want to stand out and truly show off their firearm when they’re with friends and family.
To learn more about our selection of parts or range of customizations, feel free to hit us up. You can also check out the rest of our Shooting the Sh!t blog to read about the hottest topics in the firearms industry.
FAQs
Is the Glock 42 easy to shoot?
The Glock 42 is lightweight and uses .380 ACP caliber rounds for less recoil and solid ergonomics, making it a great beginner firearm for concealed carry and self-defense.
Why is the Glock 43 so popular?
The Glock 43 is popular for a lot of reasons, one being its unique single-stack 9mm build that makes it an appealing firearm for civilians and law enforcement.
Is the Glock 43 good for beginners?
Yes, the Glock 43 is a great firearm for beginners looking to get into concealed carry.
