[Mr. McQ]

My wife and I carry the same firearms, G43X, G19, & G17 (we share the G44) as well as Ruger Mk4 .22LRs and LCP Maxes in .380. Even though Ruger took care of the jamming problem with my Max, I still shoot 2" low at 7 yds. I don't have that problem with any other firearm, regardless of the sighting system.

I have never fired the G42, but it seemed too much bigger than the Ruger to comfortably carry in lightweight shorts, so we went with the LCP Max. On our next range day I'm going to "rent" the 42 and do a much closer inspection of the size differences between that and the LCP as well as the 43X.

On paper the differences moving up from the Ruger are just incremental, but by the time I get to the 43X, it is not practical for me in light clothing, for instance riding a bicycle or hanging out with friends in the Phoenix summer. The Ruger nearly disappears even in basketball shorts, making it suitable for practically everything but swimming.

A potential benefit of the 42 is that Raven Vanguard has a minimalist holster, the same as for the 43X, that does away with 90% of the bulk and as much of the discomfort! I will be able to try that holster on the 42 while making my evaluation.

I'll share my results next week. Until then, may you never need to use your weapon, but if and when you do, may you be quick and accurate. God Bless.

 

[Planter21]

Funny you should ask. I just got a 42 and I love it. Yes it is big. It's not something you can drop in a pocket and forget. But it could be carried there.
That's the only advantage the smaller 380's have.
If you want something to hide, get the MAX. If you want something you can shoot, get the 42.
Here's the results of the first two mags out of mine at 25 yards. I was sitting at the bench.
I like this gun so much I am willing to make allowances for its size. Like maybe carry it on my belt instead of a pocket. And I am a die-hard pocket carrier.
P.S. The price was right, too. $390 OTD with my senior discount.

 

[srb10864]

What kind of Lt Dangle short shorts are you guys wearing that you can't pocket carry a Glock 42 or a 43x? In the various size pocket Sticky holsters I have, I've been pocket carrying every "stack and a half" 9mm variant I own, plus my Glock 26 with an optic cut slide. The 42 and LCP Max actually do disappear in my pocket compared to anything else. Carrying a gun is a compromise with the clothing type you should be wearing. I wear shorts year round in FL, but they have to be bigger and roomier style cargo shorts, specifically because I'm front pocket carrying a gun. It's not the size of the gun that's the problem. It's your choice in wearing your nut hugger tight shorts, jeans, dress pants, etc.

Just comparing my LCP Max and Glock 42, the 42 loses strictly because of capacity. The 12+1 Max is superior to the 6+1 Glock 42.

 

[Doc Holliday]

Love my 42 and will change up between right-side belt carry in a Safariland retention holster and front pocket carry. The 42 can be carried front pocket, but drawing it out is another issue altogether, it wasn't really made with pocket draw in mind, with that usual-Glock squared-off slide back, which tends to catch every time. KelTec P32 with its sloped/angled rear slide can be pocket drawn as fast as possible, I find I have to slow down and work the 42 out of the pocket so it doesn't hold up on the top of the pocket...so I feel better carrying it on the belt.

I carry with the Pearce +1 mag extension, so it's 7+1 capacity.

The 12+1 Max is superior to the 6+1 Glock 42.

There's so much more than just capacity to consider when stating a gun is 'superior'...there's reliability, durability, parts availability, and my favorite - ease of complete takedown. I guarantee an LCP Max is so much more complicated to completely disassemble for deep cleaning, while I can have my 42 down to each individual piece in less than one minute. I'm not talking about just taking the slide off, I mean every single piece inside.

 

[Planter21]

What kind of Lt Dangle short shorts are you guys wearing that you can't pocket carry a Glock 42 or a 43x? In the various size pocket Sticky holsters I have, I've been pocket carrying every "stack and a half" 9mm variant I own, plus my Glock 26 with an optic cut slide. The 42 and LCP Max actually do disappear in my pocket compared to anything else. Carrying a gun is a compromise with the clothing type you should be wearing. I wear shorts year round in FL, but they have to be bigger and roomier style cargo shorts, specifically because I'm front pocket carrying a gun. It's not the size of the gun that's the problem. It's your choice in wearing your nut hugger tight shorts, jeans, dress pants, etc.

Just comparing my LCP Max and Glock 42, the 42 loses strictly because of capacity. The 12+1 Max is superior to the 6+1 Glock 42.

Pocket carry is only a problem for me in the winter because I ain't wearing no baggy clown pants. In the summer with cargo shorts you can carry anything.

"There's so much more than just capacity to consider when stating a gun is 'superior'.."

^I couldn't agree with this more.^ I like the style and the function of the 42 more better than other guns. And more ammo=more weight. Ever think of that?

 

[Rocks]

I have both. More rounds and smaller is great but with a cheaply made Max and sucks to shoot. Check the quality back to back. No comparison. The price of each is not very far apart now too. You like using +P? It ain't happening in an LCP model. That tells you something right there.

 

[MedicineBow]

If you want something to hide, get the MAX. If you want something you can shoot, get the 42.
Here's the results of the first two mags out of mine at 25 yards. . . .
I like this gun so much I am willing to make allowances for its size.

I agree with this. My priorities are being able to shoot the gun accurately, quickly, and at distance. The G42 is a joy to shoot. The MAX was terrible for me to shoot at any kind of distance with accuracy and speed. I have two G42s but got rid of the MAX. I make allowance for its size and still can make it work in my jeans pocket. It is not as smooth to draw as an internal hammer J frame, but I can make it work after practicing a technique.

 

[FLbass97]

I have a Bodyguard 380, LCP and Glock 42. I consider the Bodyguard 380 and LCP equal. The trigger is shorter on LCP but if your shoot revolvers Bodyguard 380 is fine and you get double strike capability. What sold me on the Glock 42 was shootability. It is fun to shoot during extended range sessions. I also upgraded the sights to Ameriglo Hackathorns. I enjoy training with it and shoot it well. I don’t enjoy shooting the Bodyguard or LCP. I carry IWB with a Vicker’s tactical +2 or pocket carry in a Robert Mika holster with 6 round mag. I have shot a 43 and have a Shield, I can’t pocket carry either of those and the 5+ ounce weight difference is not insignificant. Lastly, I’m familiar with the platform and field stripping or full detail stripping is a breeze with the Glock 42.

 

[boilergonzo]

What kind of Lt Dangle short shorts are you guys wearing that you can't pocket carry a Glock 42 or a 43x? In the various size pocket Sticky holsters I have, I've been pocket carrying every "stack and a half" 9mm variant I own, plus my Glock 26 with an optic cut slide. The 42 and LCP Max actually do disappear in my pocket compared to anything else. Carrying a gun is a compromise with the clothing type you should be wearing. I wear shorts year round in FL, but they have to be bigger and roomier style cargo shorts, specifically because I'm front pocket carrying a gun. It's not the size of the gun that's the problem. It's your choice in wearing your nut hugger tight shorts, jeans, dress pants, etc.

Just comparing my LCP Max and Glock 42, the 42 loses strictly because of capacity. The 12+1 Max is superior to the 6+1 Glock 42.

I think you answered your own questions about the shorts. You are wearing baggy cargo shorts. Those of us with jobs or environments that require a bit more dressy attire don't have the luxury of baggy shorts with gigantic pockets, and a G26 and G43 are NOT pocket guns for many of us. I carry a 365, and do not consider it a pocket gun.

A KelTec P3AT is a pocket gun. The older LCP's were pocket guns. But even the LCP Max keeps getting bigger and heavier, and falls outside of "pocket gun" for my usage.

To the OP, if you love the MAX for some reason, that is great, but prior iterations of the LCP were slimmer. A G42 or G43 are fine guns, but the size is a step up. Whether that fits your concealed carry needs is up to you, but those are fairly large-sized guns for a .380 and a "micro" (kinda) 9mm carry option!

I will be interested to read your conclusions for how the various options work for your needs. For me, a 365 was so similar in size to a G43 it made the size and capacity limitations of the Glock impossible for me to overlook. For true minimalist pocket carry, the KelTec P3AT gets the nod.

 

[Maccabeus]

What kind of Lt Dangle short shorts are you guys wearing that you can't pocket carry a Glock 42 or a 43x? ... It's your choice in wearing your nut hugger tight shorts, jeans, dress pants, etc.
...

I'm not sure what language you are speaking, but Google Translate says it means, "Why won't you professionally dressed people who prefer to look like presentable grown-ups just put on some sloppy, baggy, hobo clothes so you can shove two pounds of bulky metal & polymer in your pocket?"

And my answer would be, because some of us need business casual attire for our jobs and/or aren't sized like the average American and don't want to walk around looking like we have a tumor on one leg.

 

[srb10864]

[/QUOTE]

I'm not sure what language you are speaking, but Google Translate says it means, "Why won't you professionally dressed people who prefer to look like presentable grown-ups just put on some sloppy, baggy, hobo clothes so you can shove two pounds of bulky metal & polymer in your pocket?"

And my answer would be, because some of us need business casual attire for our jobs and/or aren't sized like the average American and don't want to walk around looking like we have a tumor on one leg.

I'm not sure what language you are speaking, but Google Translate says it means, "Why won't you professionally dressed people who prefer to look like presentable grown-ups just put on some sloppy, baggy, hobo clothes so you can shove two pounds of bulky metal & polymer in your pocket?"

And my answer would be, because some of us need business casual attire for our jobs and/or aren't sized like the average American and don't want to walk around looking like we have a tumor on one leg.
##########################%%

It's called English, but nowhere did you read sloppy, or hobo clothes in my statement. You might be one of those modern day metrosexual men so you got offended with my LT Dangle reference. That’s ok if you’re one of those as well. We need gay gun owners also since the left is trying to disarm us.

 

[MedicineBow]

I think you answered your own questions about the shorts. You are wearing baggy cargo shorts. Those of us with jobs or environments that require a bit more dressy attire don't have the luxury of baggy shorts with gigantic pockets, and a G26 and G43 are NOT pocket guns for many of us. I carry a 365, and do not consider it a pocket gun.

I find it easier to conceal my G42 in suit pants or casual slacks than in my jeans. The pockets are bigger and it is easier to draw. I do stick with darker colors and prefer pleats as an aid to concealability. I don't consider the 9mm 365 as a pocket gun, but I can get by in suit/casual pants with the P365-380 because it is 4 ounces lighter than the 9mm loaded. The latter is tougher in my jeans pocket, though, than the G42. As usual, YMMV.

 

[rds95991]

I had a G42 Is used for 380 carry, but picked up a Sig 238HD. That's the 380 I carry now.

 

[Out West]

I agree with this. My priorities are being able to shoot the gun accurately, quickly, and at distance.

Try a P365 380.

I have the Max and the Sig. I can shoot the Sig better, more accurately and faster than the Max.

I even prefer my Keltec P32 to the Max. Especially for pocket carry.

 

[Doc Holliday]

I love how easy it is to just put that little P32 in my front pocket and forget about it all day. So lightweight I sometimes forget I'm even carrying it . The KelTec P32 is fine for carry a lot, shoot a little, but when it comes to cleaning time/full disassembly it's a pain. Hammering out those little frame pins and then having to undo the hammer spring and feed it up through the frame and then when reassembling having to push the hammer block forward and get it just right before you do it all over again.. I'm getting too old for that silliness and may have to just revert to spraying it with some cleaner every now and then.. which is why I love the Glock 42, and in fact all Glock pistols so much, because they are such a joy to completely disassemble. Every pistol should be so easy.

 

[Rocks]

Try a P365 380.

I have the Max and the Sig. I can shoot the Sig better, more accurately and faster than the Max.

I even prefer my Keltec P32 to the Max. Especially for pocket carry.

Yes better than the G42 also.
More rounds and a smoother shooter.

 

[AR_glockman]

My wife and I carry the same firearms, G43X, G19, & G17 (we share the G44) as well as Ruger Mk4 .22LRs and LCP Maxes in .380. Even though Ruger took care of the jamming problem with my Max, I still shoot 2" low at 7 yds. I don't have that problem with any other firearm, regardless of the sighting system.

I have never fired the G42, but it seemed too much bigger than the Ruger to comfortably carry in lightweight shorts, so we went with the LCP Max. On our next range day I'm going to "rent" the 42 and do a much closer inspection of the size differences between that and the LCP as well as the 43X.

On paper the differences moving up from the Ruger are just incremental, but by the time I get to the 43X, it is not practical for me in light clothing, for instance riding a bicycle or hanging out with friends in the Phoenix summer. The Ruger nearly disappears even in basketball shorts, making it suitable for practically everything but swimming.

A potential benefit of the 42 is that Raven Vanguard has a minimalist holster, the same as for the 43X, that does away with 90% of the bulk and as much of the discomfort! I will be able to try that holster on the 42 while making my evaluation.

I'll share my results next week. Until then, may you never need to use your weapon, but if and when you do, may you be quick and accurate. God Bless.

Buy the new Ruger Security 380. I did and it’s terrific for our wives

 

[Maccabeus]

It's called English, but nowhere did you read sloppy, or hobo clothes in my statement. You might be one of those modern day metrosexual men so you got offended with my LT Dangle reference. That’s ok if you’re one of those as well. We need gay gun owners also since the left is trying to disarm us.

You may have missed the winking smiley face I put at the end of my post indicating that my reply was supposed to be taken as a light-hearted ribbing for the somewhat derogatory characterizations of people who can't/won't pocket carry chunkier pistols.

So, I turned the tables by describing those who do pocket carry larger pistols in an equally negative light. With a wink and a nod. Not because there's anything wrong with either preference.

Sorry for the confusion. I wasn't actually trying to spur you on to heightened abuse toward strangers on the Internet.

Have a great night.

 

[MedicineBow]

Try a P365 380.

I have the Max and the Sig. I can shoot the Sig better, more accurately and faster than the Max.

I have a P365-380. I love it. The Max doesn't even belong in the same conversation with it. It is a better shooter for me than even the G42 because I have two 9mm 365s and I don't have to adapt to the Glock trigger and grip angle when I pick it up. It is a little harder to pocket carry and draw from the pocket than the G42, so the G42 still has a place in my wardrobe although its days may be numbered.

 

[ViperJon]

Apparently the concept of deep concealment design and close protection usage is lost on some people.