I don’t find .380 to be useful, given modern 9mm options. The 43 is a better option, imho. I’m not sure as many 42’s would have been sold had the 43 already been available.
Good luck whatever you choose.

 

Those modern 9mm options weigh between 20 - 23 oz loaded. For a belt gun, I totally get the micro 9mm. For a pocket or ankle gun, this is where the G42 really shines.

 

I like my G42 but there are so many better choices now which is a good thing.

 

Can you elaborate on that? Specifically better choices for which type of role?

 

Now, in the midst of one of my too frequent back problems, my carry gun is a Colt Mustang XSP I bought in 2014. A nice locked breech .380.
When (God willing) my back improves I will return to my G26 or Hellcat. Probably the G26.

(The Hellcat is one of those guns I want to like, try to like, but just can’t.)
I owned a G42 once...may try one again soon.

 

That's an awful lot of words for saying, "I was not wrong to buy a G42."

 

The 380 was useful when the smallest options were Walther PPK/s's. My 365 is smaller, lighter, works better with my gorilla hands.
This is smaller, lighter than my PPK/s and holds better than 2X the ammo.
I don't pocket carry.

 

Since you don’t pocket carry, the P365 XL is clearly the better option for you. That said, the G42 is certainly more versatile in how it can be carried, particularly in the BUG role on an ankle or weak hand side pocket.

 

Happy Friday and Seasons Greetings!

Thank You and Bravo for such a well done narrative on the G42. You points are clear and well made.

I was fortunate to arrange an opportunity to try both the G42 and G43 in a side by side comparison. Shooting both pistols through several different courses of fire showed a significant difference in the ability to shoot the G42 faster with less shooter effort involved.

I found both to be similar in accuracy. Both are good choices. The G42 has advantages for pocket carry. Both have their place depending on the user's needs. Given the proven Glock design with consistent quality and performance there is a high confidence using these products compared to other MFR products. Glocks have provided me exceptional performance for recreational and serious applications through several decades of service. So when the single stack 9mm pistols were available it was time to investigate and consider them. The compact lighter weight package has greater appeal as they are easier to conceal in a wide range of attire options while providing a very capable pistol providing support during a critical event.

Enjoy the Holiday Season to the fullest. Be well, cheers!

 

Good writeup.
I am a Glock fanboy. I now own a 19, 43X, and 44. I previously owned the 42,43, and 26.

I regularly carried the 42 OWB. I had many, many defensive training sessions with it and the 43. I preferred the 42 to the 43 every time. The 43 was too jumpy for me at training sessions. It takes extra time to re-acquire the target. The 42-not so much.

Fast forward. The 43X was my go-to gun for training and OWB carry. I put the LCP through its paces. And after a few early hiccups (like my old 42)- it is 100% reliable. I believe I mentioned: I shot a box of fifty-one handed with limp wrist and limp arm. No problems. Today I shot another 50 strictly right and handed, I limp wristed in left but not intentionally. No problems again in 50 rounds. Requiring sight picture is more difficult that the 42.

I intend to do my next couple of training classes in the new year with the Max. For now it is my sole carry gun. If 12+1 rounds is not good enough maybe more training is in order.

I do intend to keep an eye out for another 42 (used) in the future. Its not a pocket gun but it is a winner. 6+1 is not a showstopper for me. An extra mag is good insurance.

 

Great write up OP


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

Glad it works for you. Enjoy.

The most I can do in a pocket with my dress pants is my Bodyguard .380

A G42 would need to go IWB for me. Once I'm carrying IWB, I might as well carry the P365 or larger.

 

Glad it works for you. Enjoy.

The most I can do in a pocket with my dress pants is my Bodyguard .380

View attachment 1142501

A G42 would need to go IWB for me. Once I'm carrying IWB, I might was well carry the P365 or larger.

Interesting. I haven’t found a pair of dress slacks that don’t comfortably and easily pocket carry my G42. Perhaps it’s a matter of body size / shape and or my slacks have wider / deeper pockets on average.

 

When my wife was buying her a pistol I thought sure she would pick the G42. She shot and handled several small 9’s and .380’s. She chose the LCP Max. I guess it proves everyone has their own likes and dislikes.

 

I think the G42 works well in a pocket. And that is how I carry mine.

I detest the LCP I owned. Too bloody small to enjoy shooting. And I can enjoy the 42.

 

I think the G42 works well in a pocket. And that is how I carry mine.

I detest the LCP I owned. Too bloody small to enjoy shooting. And I can enjoy the 42.

I really won't consider anything less than 9 mm except when ultimately deep concealment is needed. In that case, the G42 is still too big to carry in dress slacks. The LCP 2 is my choice for that situation. It isn't fun to shoot but it is better than being unarmed and so I only shoot it to stay in practice (and I also have the LCP 22 to stay practiced without the cost of .380).

I consider the LCP 2 to be a very specialized tool that I won't use often but I have it for when the need arises. Anything bigger means carrying the G43 AIWB.

 

My wife "has" a G42, (I'm the only one who ever carries it.)

I think the G42 is a great gun that stands on its own.

I've had the pocket 9's (pf9, cm9, and shot a 43)

I have an lcp... somewhere.


The G42 is a gun that is small and light enough to fit in your pocket, but big enough to shoot. Because it's chambered in .380, with the glock trigger, it is actually shootable. You could have fun plinking with it, if 380 wasn't so expensive. I wouldn't say the same of any of the guns listed above.

I think it fills a very worth while nich.

 

My wife "has" a G42, (I'm the only one who ever carries it.)

I think the G42 is a great gun that stands on its own.

I've had the pocket 9's (pf9, cm9, and shot a 43)

I have an lcp... somewhere.


The G42 is a gun that is small and light enough to fit in your pocket, but big enough to shoot. Because it's chambered in .380, with the glock trigger, it is actually shootable. You could have fun plinking with it, if 380 wasn't so expensive. I wouldn't say the same of any of the guns listed above.

I think it fills a very worth while nich.

That was perfectly stated and mirrors my experience with the G42 100%.

 

I really like my G42, which I prefer carrying IWB or AIWB. When I carry it, I load it 7+1 rounds of Underwood 90gr XTP "+P" in the gun (with MagGuts+1) and carry a spare mag with Vickers+2.

I also have two original LCPs, which I pocket carry during summer. But the LCP is rather painful to shoot, whereas the G42 is a joy to shoot with little recoil even when shooting powerful "+P" ammo.

 

I really like my G42, which I prefer carrying IWB or AIWB. When I carry it, I load it 7+1 rounds of Underwood 90gr XTP "+P" in the gun (with MagGuts+1) and carry a spare mag with Vickers+2.
View attachment 1142521
I also have two original LCPs, which I pocket carry during summer. But the LCP is rather painful to shoot, whereas the G42 is a joy to shoot with little recoil even when shooting powerful "+P" ammo.

Great post. That was one point I forgot to mention in my OP. The G42 handles the Underwood 90 grain XTP +P like a champ and produces 1,175 fps at the muzzle. This bridges the gap between factory .380 and standard pressure 9mm while doing so in a significantly lighter gun that can actually be pocket carried in most pockets.

I’ve also thought about installing the magguts spring and follower but I’m concerned about potential FTF/FTE issues going outside OEM. How have they worked out for you so far?

 

Great thread OP. I’ve wondered how the G42 compares in size to the Micro9.

Years back, I remember going to a local gun show not long after the G42 came out. I was talking to one of the venders and he stated he was having a very hard time selling the G42. At the time, maybe a few of the handguns had issues in the first rollout, and were not popular. Good to read that’s all changed.

My only .380 is the Ruger Max purchased early July and I carry it often.

 

Great thread OP. I’ve wondered how the G42 compares in size to the Micro9.

Years back, I remember going to a local gun show not long after the G42 came out. I was talking to one of the venders and he stated he was having a very hard time selling the G42. At the time, maybe a few of the handguns had issues in the first rollout, and were not popular. Good to read that’s all changed.

My only .380 is the Ruger Max purchased early July and I carry it often.

The Ruger Max has interested me. Has Ruger managed to work out some of the issues regarding the inadvertent mag release and slide stop on the last round? I’ve read that at least in the early release, this was a well known potential problem. I’m sure Ruger has likely addressed this potential issue however.

 

I prefer the original LCP to the G42, but can understand why many think differently.

Why? I am one that finds the G42 too big for the role it fills for me.

I don’t find the LCP unpleasant to shoot at all and only carry it when I need something tiny.

Otherwise, 99% of the time I have a G26/G19 on me.

 

The 42 is easy to carry in a front Jean pocket. It’s easy to carry in a cargo pocket also. Even nicer is the fact it shoots easily and accurately. Manipulation is easier with the 42 than most pocket sized .380 pistols.. I carry it a great deal of the time. Magazine’s are a breeze to carry loosely..

 

Exactly. The 42 fits and draws well from all of my jeans, slacks and shorts pockets that take a belt. With an Alabama or similar holster, it looks like a wallet or cellphone. It’s somewhat at the edge of a true pocket gun only due to its slightly taller/ longer than micro .380 dimensions but it never steps over the line and this turns out to be a major benefit considering the much more capable and consistent draw, superior shooting and handling from out of a pocket compared to the smaller and lighter .380 guns.

The G42 stays better anchored in the pocket as well, further aiding a more consistent draw stroke without shifting around with the holster nearly as much compared to the LCP or similar from the average sized jeans or slacks pocket.

Realistically, the only time this may potentially pose an issue is gym shorts/ track pants carry not because of the size necessarily but the 2-3 oz additional weight over the LCP 1/2. Here the micro .380 wins over the G42 and not because of its slightly shorter overall height and length, but the decreased weight of the slide and components.

The 15-17 oz loaded S&W 340/642 and 15-16 oz G42 are a little too heavy factoring in having to run/ move dynamically with only a drawstring and very loose pocket material common in gym/ track pants clothing to retain the gun/ holster within the pocket. In this case, shedding every potential oz possible becomes a factor. This is also why my P32 at 9.5 oz loaded is my #1 gun for running/ working out. #2 spot goes to the P3AT (1.5 oz lighter than LCP 1).

Something like a Belly Band holster completely negates this penalty although I would still prefer nothing heavier than the S&W Airweight or G42 with this carry method whilst running or working out.

 

Commendable presentation OP!

 

I had the extractor blow off of my LCP II…..twice. The 2nd time they replaced the complete slide and barrel. I like my 42 a lot better though.

 

In my thorough testing over thousands of rounds, the only other .380 I own that can withstand a decent training regimen of shooting every week is the Beretta Pico. Every other .380 I’ve tried such as the LCP and even Kahr CW380 experiences parts breakages after shooting a relatively high volume of ammo. These guns are simply not designed for that level of firing schedule.

They are designed to be carried often and shot little. My issue with this is I like to shoot whatever gun I carry often and with higher round counts to maintain a high degree of proficiency. This is why my P3AT is fired around twice a year mainly to refresh the carry ammunition.

A notable exception: My Beretta Pico has gone thousands of rounds reliably with no parts failure albeit requiring frequent recoil spring changes every 750 rounds or so as they take a noticeable set with prolonged firing. My G42 has 5,000 rounds through it and still has the original recoil spring assembly in perfect working order.

 

The G42 is in a unique class of firearm. It’s larger than typical .380 pocket pistols such as the LCP 2 while being smaller and lighter than the micro 9mm P365/Hellcat. There are some popular misconceptions regarding these size comparisons and the specific role the G42 excels in. I will address all of these.

1.) The G42 is too big for a .380

View attachment 1142397

The G42 is longer. It has a more robust slide and barrel geometry with a longer overall length than smaller pocket guns. The barrel is 3.25 inches long compared to the majority of pocket pistols of 2.5 inches with a corresponding increase in muzzle velocity and defensive .380 JHP performance particularly expansion and penetration through denim.

Ballistically, the G42 is capable of bridging the gap between factory .380 and standard pressure 9mm with the Underwood 90 grain XTP +P. This loading produces 1,175 fps at the muzzle and the G42 is unique in that it can feed these rounds like a champ without stressing the gun unlike any smaller micro .380 gun. I wouldn’t want to shoot this through an LCP but I’ve fired well over 200 rounds of it through my G42 with no issues and only slightly more felt recoil over factory .380 ACP. *

* Special Note: My much maligned Beretta Pico is also unique in this regard. While very small and thin, the stainless steel slide/barrel components are very robust for a micro .380 more so than the LCP. Factory rated for occasional .380 “+P” ammunition as stated in the manual and in my testing, the Buffalo Bore 100 grain +P hardcast and Underwood 90 grain +P XTP feed and function flawlessly albeit with 30% + more felt recoil than factory standard. Considerably more “snappy” compared to the G42. Still, a very cool if not extreme design as a pure pocket gun in every conceivable way at the expense of its shooting and handling characteristics.*

The dual captive recoil spring assembly of the G42 is much more capable of higher round counts compared to any micro .380 ACP. In conjunction with the heavier slide, the G42 experiences significantly less muzzle flip. The recoil is almost non-existent using factory .380 ammunition. I can shoot this model ridiculously fast and accurately and can place hits with it much more reliably at longer than typical self defense distance compared to the LCP 2. I’ve placed two holes touching at 7 yards with this gun and can achieve .25 splits. That’s not happening on any .380 micro that I’ve used or tested over a wide range of different models over the years.

View attachment 1142396

The G42 is taller. Less than a half inch more overall height than the LCP 2. But the G42 is also the thinner gun in the frame and this is even more readily apparent compared to the LCP MAX. The G42 slide despite being heavier is only very marginally wider and hard to measure without a caliper. Overall, the G42 is the flatter gun compared to the LCP 2 and MAX. The longer gripping surface also leads to far superior shooting and handling characteristics compared to typical single stack .380 guns. This touches upon the unique role of the G42 and perhaps it’s biggest advantage.

The G42 handles like a real gun. It doesn’t feel like a toy in your hand. Weapon manipulations with it are much easier in a stressful environment than smaller pocket guns when changing mags, operating the slide release, slingshotting the slide or clearing a malfunction. Imagine doing that with bloody hands on a Beretta Pico, LCP or Kahr CW380.

The G42 is the smallest and lightest .380 that will still shoot and operate similarly to a service sized subcompact while maintaining Glocks well established reliability and durability over many thousands of rounds. An advantage over more compact .380 pistols with smaller and more fragile internal/external parts, trigger springs, recoil springs, chamber thickness, etc.

That means you can train to a very high level of proficiency with the G42 that wouldn’t typically be possible with the LCP models without requiring repairs and trips back to the factory. The ability to put 500-1000 rds through a G42 in an afternoon of shooting with a weapon this small and light is remarkable for a pocket gun weighing 12.5 oz empty.

The G42 can handle this level of shooting in a boringly reliable and comfortable way. This wouldn’t be recommended with an LCP or similar model. These smaller guns will not take that level of regular abuse, are typically much less pleasant to shoot and they experience malfunctions at a higher rate on average.

2.) The G42 is too big for a pocket gun

View attachment 1142432

View attachment 1142433

This is perhaps the biggest misconception of the Glock 42. As pictured is the G42 in a Desantis pocket holster in the off hand pocket of straight legged Levi flex 514 jeans. I don’t like the look of baggy or loose pants but I also don’t wear skinny jeans either.

The G42 is the largest and easiest to shoot polymer framed gun that can still qualify as a lightweight dedicated pocket or ankle pistol that can easily be carried in the majority of straight leg jeans, slacks or shorts with a gun belt. I find that as long as the gun conceals, can easily be drawn from a pocket at a reasonable weight, then there is no practical need to go smaller as that just serves to handicap shooting-handling under stress. The G42 grip being slightly longer is also much easier to consistently draw with under pressure as you get a better firing hand grip on the gun than you would with micro .380 guns.

The only time I feel the need to carry a smaller .380 is when I’m in gym shorts with only a draw string as the G42 while still being lightweight at 15.5 oz loaded, the LCP II is about 2.5 - 3 oz lighter. Even better still would be my Kel-Tec P32 which only weighs in at 9.5 oz loaded. Weight savings becomes critical when wearing gym shorts on a hot summer day.

3.) The G42 is the same size as the P365/Hellcat

View attachment 1142440
View attachment 1142439
View attachment 1142461

I find this misconception to be the most common. The G42 is about the same length as the Micro 9mm and is about a quarter inch shorter or more in height. That is where the comparison in size and weight between the two come to a full stop. The Hellcat/P365 are significantly wider in the grip frame and have much heavier slides that are designed to handle 9mm +P pressures.

View attachment 1142442

View attachment 1142447

There is no comparison in how the two carry in pocket or on an ankle where weight is critical. The P365/Hellcat aren't a pocket gun for almost any pocket outside of cargo pants, 5.11s, etc. They are too heavy and wide for a dedicated pocket pistol that should weigh under 16-17 oz loaded.

Loaded Weight:

Hellcat - 23.1 oz
PM9 - 20 oz
Glock 42 - 15.5 oz
LCP 2 - 13 oz

The Hellcat/P365 increase in size over the G42 is just enough that getting a full firing grip on the gun while still being easy to draw from the pocket opening is decidedly more difficult in straight legged or tapered jeans and slacks.

The Kahr PM9 single stack 9mm almost makes the cut as it’s almost identical to the overall size in H/W/L to the G42 but its 4.5 oz heavier weight precludes it from being a true pocket gun at 20.1 oz loaded.

The Micro 9mm best intended role is a minimalist style belt gun that is lighter, more comfortable and easier to conceal than double stack guns such as the G26 / G19.

To conclude, the G42 serves a unique purpose in bridging the gap of weight, shootability and size between the micro .380 and the subcompact/micro 9mm while remaining easy to pocket carry in most attire. The G42 is truly a unique firearm because it excels in this role better than any other handgun can.

With your Hellcat/P365 comments, I'm guessing you don't own a P365. The Hellcat is a chunky girl next to the P365. My Hellcat is in the safe in the basement, but my 42 and P365 are in front of me right now. I've posted photos of them together on here before. The physical size difference is virtually imperceptible. The grip on the Sig is a smidge thicker, side to side, but the 42 is a smidge longer, front to back. From the bottom of the magazine to the top of the rear sight is a dead match at the rear, but due to the angled magazine, the Sig is a tad taller on the finger side of the grip. "Smidge" and "Tad" are Pidgin metric terms. I'm kinda slim in the middle, so 505s have been my go-to for decades, although I refuse to buy Levi's anymore. I'm not really a cargo pants kind of guy. I can get by pocket carrying a 42, 43, P365, I just prefer not to. That's what I have my Bodyguard for. I actually pocket carried my wife's 42 for a while in a Desantis and thought it worked pretty well. Pocket carry for me is more about size than weight. It's not like we're talking pounds here. A 4 or 5 ounce weight difference, it really doesn't matter to me. A lot of people pocket carry J-frames, but a 642 looks like a chunk compared to these little guys. I like the P365 platform, but I've never fired the .380 version. I've sang the praises for the 42 since it's release. It's a bigger .380 for good reason. The Smith & Wesson .380 Shield EZ is even bigger for essentially the same reason. I love my .380 Bodyguard and win the lottery tonight, I'm not replacing it. It serves a purpose, but it's just no fun to shoot. The 42 is easy to shoot all day long, even for a new shooter.

 

Size

Metrics	Sig P365	Springfield Armory Hellcat
Weight No Mag(Oz)	16.5	16.1
Weight Empty Mag(Oz)	18.6	18.2/18.6
Weight With A Full Mag(Oz)	22.9	23.0/24.2
Height(top of Slide to bottom of Magazine Baseplate)(Inches)	4.23/4.65	4.03/4.52
Length (Inches)	5.80	6.03
Width of Grip(Inches)	1.02	1.02
Width of Slide(Inches)	0.90	0.87
Width Across Controls(Inches)	1.01	1.07

I used to own a P365. The frame dimension is only slightly thinner in one section closer to the upper half of the frame near the magazine release because the P365 magazine design is more narrowly tapered than the Hellcat magazine where the magazine body begins to meet the feed lips allowing that slight dip at the top half of the P365 frame at the cost of a slightly less efficient magazine design with 10% less ammunition in the gun.

The overall width dimension for both the Hellcat and P365 is the same at the widest point of the grip frame. The P365 has a wider slide and the Hellcat is very slightly wider at the controls. There is no real measurable difference without using calipers and only on one small section of the P365 frame.

 

40 percent fewer rounds in a bigger gun? Sign me up! I can shoot my Max just well as any other gun out to 25 yards.

 

Another misconception. The Max is noticeably wider in the frame, same overall height with a slightly wider slide. The G42 is longer in slide/barrel but thinner overall. It’s a noticeably flatter gun in all dimensions. My best friend owns a LCP Max. Returned it back to Ruger for the early mag release issue on their dime. New one works fine. It seems like it requires more pressure to release the mag than the early release.

The Max doesn’t shoot anywhere near as well as the G42 in my testing because physics. The Max has a longer & wider grip than the original LCP and this does reduce felt recoil and it does mitigate muzzle flip slightly because the firing hand has more purchase on the gun therefore more control.

But it’s still a 10.5 oz gun like the LCP 2 and it still has a much smaller recoil spring assembly and lighter slide weight compared to the G42. No polymer framed EDC .380 gun even comes close to the 42 (not including the P365-380) and I’ve shot and tested virtually all of them back to back.

 

everything is Relative, everything, nothing more so than size. i'm 5'8", 170#, 32" waist. hiding a gun on me or someone smaller is hard. i wear loose fitting shirts and hide my sig 365 easy enough, but a glock 26 or 19 is difficult under daily conditions. i carry my 380BodyGuard when in really need to hide one, and have 5 or 6 other small carry guns for variety. but someone who is 6 foot plus and 250 pounds can hide 6" 44 magnum.

 

The G43 is a little bigger than the G42.
The G26 is a little bigger than the G43.
The G19 is a little bigger than the G26.
The G17 is a little bigger than the G19…

See how that works. You start with the G42 and by adding little relative increments in size you eventually wind up with a G17. These small increments matter and much more so in regards to pocket carry.

 

I really like my LCP Max … I hadn’t had any problems with mine .. runs fine .. found it to be accurate.. and very dependable
I carry it and practice with the extended magazine
… extremely great sights out of the box .. best trigger I have seen on a small 380
I must say I have looked at the 42 .. for awhile…
and probably would jump at a good clean used one
Seems like when I find one ..Im broke .. and when I have a few extra bucks .. they are hens teeth ..
I think Ruger will sell a bunch of the 380 Security pistols… Im still on the fence about the pistol myself

 

Beware the pocket bulge. The potential threat is either packing heat or has a strategically placed rolled up sock. Proceed with caution.

 

Much depends on the shooter.
My DIL wants a CCW, I have her shoot a G-43, and a Shield 1.0.
She struggled with both.
Last week I brought my G-42 out of the safe and loaded it up with .380 for her.
Bang/Jam. Bang/Jam. Bang Jam.
She couldn’t hold it tight as I instructed her.
As a CCW it wouldn’t have helped her at all.

 

I would recommend a lightweight J-Frame with standard pressure wad cutter ammunition. It may have too heavy of a trigger pull 10 + lbs but the added safety and simplicity is great for a beginner.

Or P365-380 as it has very low recoil and more slide mass compared to the G42/ smaller micro .380s. This should mitigate if not eliminate limp-wrist malfunctions with a less than fully secure grip.

J-Frame advantages for the inexperienced:

• no slide to work
• or complications of a magazine, manual safety, slide release, mag release, limp wrist, less than fully secure grip, FTF/FTE malfunctions/ weapon manipulations, chambered/ or not chambered
• just a cylinder release. Insert cartridges into holes. Close cylinder. Fire.
• Wad cutters in standard pressure produce very little recoil even in a 15 oz +/- J-Frame

 

Seems like the CCW community has gone pretty hard towards capacity-myopia since the p365 was released. I think this thread is some very healthy and much needed pushback on that trend.
Thanks, OP

 

I am probably the only person on here who has put thousands of rounds through both the origional LCP and the 42 and who has now put 600 rounds through the MAX.

To reiterate some points.

The old LCP was a tack driver. I can not recall even one failure after thousands of rounds through it. IT WAS DURABLE and as reliable as the 42.
The 42 then and now-frequently have reliability issues in the first 100 rounds. I got rid of my old 42 bc it began to have stovepipes. I should have replaced the recoil spring.

The 42 is more accurate. Hands down.

The original LCP did not lock back as per design.

The Max is:
Dead reliable
Always locks back
Has no issues with Mag not staying locked in place.
Unlike the 42 its the perfect pocket gun.

 

Yeah I’ve owned at least 3 LCPs over the years and all of them experienced parts breakages around the 2-3k round mark. Granted, the shipping turn around from Ruger was fast and I would have a new working gun in hand within a couple weeks or less. That’s great your LCP Max works out so well for you. But to claim it’s as durable or reliable as a post-revision 02 magazine G42…

That’s gonna be a no from me dawg.

Sucks you had so many issues with your G42. You likely had an earlier model before the magazine and internals changes. I have over 5,000 rounds through mine on the same recoil spring. No malfunctions albeit the G42 like all sub 16 oz automatics requires a secure grip due to the lack of slide mass compared with larger Micro 9mm guns and up that have heavier slides and springs.