Hello all,
I'm in the market for a G42 but after reading a lot of negative reviews I wanted to get the opinion from anyone here who has the g42. What if any issues did you have and how did you solve the problem? Many FTF/FTE i read about were related to ammo, so what kind of ammo are you guys using and what kind of ammo do you know for sure will cause failures.  I know it's only a.380 but that doesn't bother me at all.

Hello all,
I'm in the market for a G42 but after reading a lot of negative reviews I wanted to get the opinion from anyone here who has the g42. What if any issues did you have and how did you solve the problem? Many FTF/FTE i read about were related to ammo, so what kind of ammo are you guys using and what kind of ammo do you know for sure will cause failures.  I know it's only a.380 but that doesn't bother me at all.

Had mine for about a year -- first batch OGC received after last year's SHOT Show.

I've added the Pearce grip extensions on my mags.  Helps hold onto the pistol quite a bit.

Ran about 250 rounds through it.  Not a single problem. 

I think the ammo makes a difference from what I've read online from others having problems.  I have jacketed ball ammo - no hollow points.  When semi-autos became common for HD, there was a problem with some hollow point ammo feeding reliably.  The .380 rounds may be revisiting that, but I'm just guessing.  I will try some JHP ammo as soon as I see an opportunity to carry it concealed.  I should be traveling again soon, and I would like to use this as a pocket/backup gun.  If JHPs feed as well as what I'm using now, then I'd prefer to have it loaded with that.

As for it being ONLY a .380, it's a little beast when you shoot at a 25 yd target at KHSC!  I gripped it as tightly as I could and was happy to get all 5 rounds from one mag on paper.  Others in my group had problems landing 1 round on target!  This gun's for when you're up close and personal.  I don't intend to be slinging ONLY .380 ammo for more than a few feet, but it's nice to know you can if you really have to!  Bottom line: it does take a little getting used to, but I'd trust it as a backup.  Primary carry would be a stretch, but again, if that's all you have, then it'll do in a pinch.

The 6+1 round capacity is more limiting IMHO than the caliber.  I'd rather carry a G26 with 10+1 of 9MM as a primary carry if small size is the goal.  My S&W M&P Shield 9 is a great compromise.  Very thin, single stacked (vs the G26), more beefy 9MM than the G42, and you can choose the longer 8rd mags that have the grip extension already on it.

The are other .380s on the market that are smaller and at least as reliable.  The size is a trade-off:  more concealable means less pistol to hang onto which can reduce accuracy and round capacity.

Recommend you try it before you by it. 

Hope that's helpful.   

I have a Glock 42 and absolutely love it.

I've had it for a few months and have put about 300 FMJ & 100 HP rounds through the gun (my standard break in amount) without 1 single malfunction.

The gun seems to have recoil like a 22lr.

It has been incredibly accurate out to 15 yards, which is as far as I ever practice with a CCW pistol.

I would wholeheartedly recommend the Glock 42 as a concealed carry pistol.


My friends wife has one and she told me she has experienced FTE malfunctions.

I went with her to the range and immediately noticed her "limp wristing" the pistol.

After correcting the problem, she has not had any malfunctions at all with her little 42.

I use Speer Gold Dot hollow points in my 42 and it runs them perfectly.

I've used winchester white box FMJ & federal FMJ in the pistol as well with no problem.

Thanks guys. Just what i wanted to hear.
Also did you guys make any modifications to the gun. I was thinkig of buying the Trigger kit (springs & connector)

Thanks guys. Just what i wanted to hear.
Also did you guys make any modifications to the gun. I was thinkig of buying the Trigger kit (springs & connector)

well that would depend on the purpose again. As a pocket carry a heavy trigger is a safety mechanism as to prevent accidental discharge of the firearm. So consider that. I haven't done any work to mine because like all has stated here using it as a ccw or secondary it's fine as is.

Yeah it's usually limp wristing causing issues. My wife has had FTE and brass hitting her in the forehead. Neither has happened to me with the same glock (it's a 17 not 42)

Thanks guys. Just what i wanted to hear.
Also did you guys make any modifications to the gun. I was thinkig of buying the Trigger kit (springs & connector)

I'm not a big fan of modifying a ccw pistol.

All I did was put on night sights