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G42 for EDC? Or upgrade to G43?

15K views 121 replies 54 participants last post by  G19Cfan 
#1 ·
I have a G42 that I primarily use in a pocket holster. I tried several different 'pocket 380's' but after I shot the G42 I fell in love. Due to what I have to wear at work I'm pretty much limited to pocket carry only.
I've really wanted a G43 for quite some while now but it would only be used when I can carry IWB, which is somewhat rare.
My question is: is there a real need to upgrade to the G43 over the G42?
I have a lot of confidence in my accuracy with my G42 but sometimes I fall into the 'bigger is better' mentality and I feel like I need something bigger. Do any of you carry only a G42?
Any input would be much appreciated.
 
#2 ·
If it's rare that you will carry the 43 IWB then stick to the 42. Some will argue for a bigger round others will counter that shot placement is paramount. If you are comfortable with the 42, stick with it. Heck one of the Mossad's favorite round was a .22 Short behind the ear and it usually did the trick. But in the end you have to decide whether the .380 is ok or you need the 9mm.
But the standard GT answer is to get/have both. :supergrin:
 
#35 ·
... Heck one of the Mossad's favorite round was a .22 Short behind the ear and it usually did the trick.
Murder or an execution is one thing but I would not suggest having a gunfight with only a .22 Short at 20 feet. But then like I always say;
It's not the size of the gun in the gunfight; it's the size of the fight in the gunfighter.
 
#3 ·
Research, like the FBI's. For example , tends to favor the 9 mm. But the 43 is bigger for pocket carry. Why not both?

And I have invested in ETS magazines both the nine round and 12 around for my 43 and I've been pleased. Have not heard any negative reviews yet. Still pretty new. I've tested mine but I'd love to hear what other people have to say. I also have never heard anything negative about the Pierce +1 grip Extensions . I'm wondering, if the seven round flush ETS magazine, plus Pierce +1 grip for 8+ one would be a fun pocket carry?
 
#4 ·
I have a G43 and it's my primary EDC regardless of the season. I don't often pocket carry, but it disappears nearly anywhere else I put it. I mostly carry IWB, but I also carry on my ankle and have had zero issues.

As an aside, I prefer 9mm for SD over .380. Ballistics testing pretty much put me over the edge. I just don't trust the performance of a 95 or 100 gr .380. Take a look at Lucky Gunner's SD ammo tests and see if it makes you lean towards bigger...I finally got my wife out of a G42 and into a G43.

I'm not saying that my way is the only way, but it's where I've landed.
 
#6 ·
When I tried them out, I thought that the 42 was a bit large for pocket carry for myself, and went with something smaller. Keep in mind that for a pocket pistol to be effective, you have to not only get it in the pocket, but also get it out smoothly and relatively quickly. Depends on your pockets, I suppose, but not for me.
 
#7 ·
I have a G42 that I primarily use in a pocket holster. I tried several different 'pocket 380's' but after I shot the G42 I fell in love. Due to what I have to wear at work I'm pretty much limited to pocket carry only.
I've really wanted a G43 for quite some while now but it would only be used when I can carry IWB, which is somewhat rare.
My question is: is there a real need to upgrade to the G43 over the G42?
I have a lot of confidence in my accuracy with my G42 but sometimes I fall into the 'bigger is better' mentality and I feel like I need something bigger. Do any of you carry only a G42?
Any input would be much appreciated.
"My question is: is there a real need to upgrade to the G43 over the G42?"

Not only yes, but Hell Yes! the G43 is a 9mm! don't you know that a 9mm is more powerful than any other handgun cartridge?
 
#12 ·
I like the 380 cartridge and believe in a few years it will have 9mm power. I left the 43 in the showroom case and took the 42 and made it into a 10 shot . Put on a Side Clip and did the same with my P3AT..... Couldn't be happier with both as self defense tools.

Both are great as pocket tools in stock form. I just don't like packing extra mags.
 
#11 ·
I have a G42 that I primarily use in a pocket holster. I tried several different 'pocket 380's' but after I shot the G42 I fell in love. Due to what I have to wear at work I'm pretty much limited to pocket carry only.
I've really wanted a G43 for quite some while now but it would only be used when I can carry IWB, which is somewhat rare.
My question is: is there a real need to upgrade to the G43 over the G42?
I have a lot of confidence in my accuracy with my G42 but sometimes I fall into the 'bigger is better' mentality and I feel like I need something bigger. Do any of you carry only a G42?
Any input would be much appreciated.
If you look at the Lucky Gunner site (http://www.luckygunner.com/labs/self-defense-ammo-ballistic-tests) you can get a decent comparison between different self defense calibers and rounds.

In .380 there are two .380's that expand reliably. The Hornady FTX expands to .51" and penetrates to 13.2". The Speer .380 Gold Dot penetrates to 11" and expands to .49". 11" is considered a bit low, but many people feel 11" penetration is "close enough."

In 9mm there are several choices that expands reliably to .51" or greater and penetrate from 12" to 19".

When a 42 is reliable, they will shoot holes in holes.
 
#13 ·
I have a G42 for occasional pocket carry and have tried a G43 owned by a friend.

For me, the G42 works very well for pocket carry. Yes, it is slightly bigger than something like a Ruger LCP, but primarily in the length of the barrel and slide. If you have the pinky extensions on the LCP magazines, like I had to have on mine to grip it even moderately well, the length of the butt on the G42 is practically the same as the LCP. The G42 is only slightly wider and is somewhat heavier. By judiciously choosing pants for the size of the pockets (which I do anyway because I carry a lot in my pockets), the G42 can be pocket carried very well. The fact that it shoots so well is just icing on the cake. I REALLY like my G42 and have to consciously make myself carry it over my 9mm Shield sometimes, even if I can carry IWB. Bottom line, for me the G42 is at the upper end of what is practical for pocket carry, but it does work well with careful choices in pants and holster.

As for .380 over 9mm, that is purely a personal decision. I have watched MANY, MANY videos and read many reports about .380 ammo tests. While .380 isn't as good of a self defense choice as 9mm, there are some good loads that will effectively meet the FBI guidelines for penetration and expansion. Not many, but there are some. .380 doesn't have enough power to simultaneously expand well and penetrate well, so the best SD choices tend to penetrate fairly well but expand very modestly. The best choices seem to be any of the various loads using the Hornady XTP bullets, which as said above, expand modestly (but do seem to reliably expand) while penetrating pretty well. This is a necessary tradeoff due to the limited power of the .380 round. For myself, I am comfortable with .380 with GOOD ammo. That is a choice that you have to make for yourself, though. If someone isn't comfortable with .380, I understand completely.

As for mods to the G42, mine is completely stock, so I can't really speak to them. I have been reading up on mods to increase mag capacity and am very interested in the MagGuts springs and followers for the factory mags. They raise mag capacity to 7 rds with the factory mags with no extensions. All the reviews I have read say that they work very well and are as reliable as the factory mags. They are high on my list to buy when I get spare money for gun stuff. IMHO, for the length of the butt, the G42 should have had a 7 rd mag capacity anyway, not 6, but it is what it is. My understanding is that Glock made the mag capacity 6 rds for maximum reliability and durability. I've never seen or used the ETS magazines and have read some reports about reliability problems with them. I'm curious about them and, again when I get the extra cash, I want to get some to try. Extended mags make a lot of sense for spares when carrying, so I want them to work for me. The fact that they don't have a positive overtravel stop worries me a little but I haven't read any reports about problems with overinserting them, so we'll see when the time comes.

As for the G43, I wanted to love it. I almost bought one sight unseen, which I NEVER do. I got to shoot a friend's G43 and am so glad that I didn't buy one. For me, VERY snappy and very unpleasant recoil. The recoil seemed to go right into the knuckle at the base of my thumb and hurt so bad that, even after only 2 mags, my hand was sore for a couple of days. Not bad, but bad enough that I felt it. That's not a slam on the gun, just pointing out that it didn't fit my hand or work for me very well at all, perfectly demonstrating the very subjective nature of handguns and how they fit an individual's hands. Although it isn't a lot bigger than the G42, it was enough bigger that I couldn't effectively pocket carry it. It was just enough bigger than the G42 that I couldn't effectively draw it from my pocket like I can my G42. Since this meant that the G43 would have been a belt carry gun for me, I didn't get one since I carry my 9mm Shield when I carry IWB. If it would have worked for pocket carry, I would have sucked up the pain and gotten one anyway, because 9mm trumps .380, but it didn't, so I didn't get one and don't plan on getting one. If you want a G43, I would STRONGLY suggest trying one before buying one to make sure that it will work for you. The gun seems to work well for most people and my experience seems to be unusual, but I thought it was worth mentioning.

Sorry for the long post. I got carried away again.

Bub
 
#14 ·
First post!
I've carried a G42 everyday for several months (7+1 and a 3-finger grip with Taran Tactical +1 baseplates). The G42 replaced a G26 as my EDC, and I bought the G42 instead of the G43 based on the consensus that the G43 had significantly more felt recoil than the G42. I really believe it's important to shoot your carry gun regularly until it's second nature, and I knew I would shoot the G42 more than the G43. The fact that the G42 is very slightly smaller and lighter than the G43 is just icing on the cake, but definitely appreciated because I know I can carry the G42 under ANYTHING without printing.
If I'm going for a hike outside town or camping, I'll go back to the G26 (12-round Glock mags, G19-length threaded barrel) or even a G19. I can't think of a reason to get a G43.
 
#15 ·
My question is: is there a real need to upgrade to the G43 over the G42?
Not in my opinion. I own and carry both guns. But the .380 can be an effective cartridge, it shoots like butter, and the 42 is smaller and easier to carry.

The gun will spend years in your pocket, and hopefully zero seconds being employed in a defensive manner, so size and comfort are paramount.

I think I own 14 Glocks, along with countless other EDC guns, but over time I have gravitated to the 42 for daily carry. I'm convinced that it can be an effective cartridge (see below), its easy to shoot and easy to conceal. Not much to dislike about it.


View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-PDQcE-1T40&t=1s
 
#16 ·
My Wife carries a G42 and shoots very well with it. When I traded my G26 for a G43 she naturally tried the G43 as we always strive to carry the most powerful handgun we can get fast, accurate follow ups with. Try as Mama might, she cannot master the recoil and additional power of the G43 and so continues on with her G42. I'd not want her defending herself with a G43 as she does not manage it like she does a G42 which is very potent in her hands.

I am always amazed when folks say that if you can manage a .380 you can manage a 9mm the same size if you train into it. My Wife has been professionally trained on the G43 and the G42 and cannot outperform or even closely equal her performance with a G43...it simply is too much for her. She can out shoot me against a timer with a G42 but no matter what she cannot compete in follow ups with a G43.

She stayed with the G42 and I graduated to prefer DA/SA Hammer Fired guns in 9mm so we sold the G43 as neither of us were carrying it. Great gun. It did not serve us as well as the G42. I will say that the size difference and carry-a-bility of the G42 vs the G43 is minimal to us. The G43 is just not that much bigger to make any difference even on a 5' tall 120 pound little old lady. So if you shoot and manage a G43 go for the additional power and carry it - if not stay with the G42 and be in good company.

VooDoo
 
#18 ·
I ended up selling my G43 and have been edc'ing my G42 for the past 10 months. Since then it's become my favorite Glock. 100% reliable, easy to carry and super accurate for such a small gun!
My target below is 15 rounds at 25 feet, and Mas shot about a 1.5" group, dead center off a rest at 25 yards!!!
I love my G42 and will continue to carry it daily with confidence.
Gun Recreation Gramophone record Games Shooting sport
Shooting sport Shooting Recreation Practical shooting Shooting range
 
#19 ·
I see no problem with the 42 as long as it feeds and shoots reliably. Hornady makes some .380 ammo with acceptable ballistics. If you shoot it well then you have nothing to worry about.
 
#20 ·
I carried a 42 for a year or so and upgraded to the 43 earlier this year. To each their own. I have no regrets about the upgrade and find I carry the 43 alot more than I anticipated. I carry IWB. As far as recoil, I am shooting Win Ranger 147's and do not feel the recoil is bad at all. Much more manageable than I thought.
 
#21 ·
I have pocket carried my G42 for about a year. I carry Underwood +P XTP rounds in it and tests show a significant upgrade in terminal performance with this load over anything normal 380. JCN posted a number of gel tests in the Caliber section here in GT on these various options, worth checking out.

In the year above, I have been working on my Kahr PM9 (same as the CM9). I have finally gotten to where I shoot it acceptably compared to my G42. It is still not on par with it, but close enough. It carries identically in the pocket to my G42, both either in a Kydex Alabama holster or a MIC. Both carry fine in my smallest pocket pants (Levi 501) and swim in most of my other khaki and slacks.

I will likely make the switch to my favored carry 9mm round (Federal +P 124gr HST) in my Kahr PM9 soon. This load is formidable and while not as fast with accuracy as my G42, shoots well enough.

That was my journey. At this point, the G42 and the G43 are kind of getting to odd man out status. But they are both great guns, both much easier to shoot extremely well, with the G42 best of all. It took me a year of disciplined work with the PM9 to even approach what I was doing with the G42 in about 100 rounds. The G42 was a great pocket carry option for me.
 
#23 ·
I have a G42 that I primarily use in a pocket holster. I tried several different 'pocket 380's' but after I shot the G42 I fell in love. Due to what I have to wear at work I'm pretty much limited to pocket carry only.
I've really wanted a G43 for quite some while now but it would only be used when I can carry IWB, which is somewhat rare.
My question is: is there a real need to upgrade to the G43 over the G42?
I have a lot of confidence in my accuracy with my G42 but sometimes I fall into the 'bigger is better' mentality and I feel like I need something bigger. Do any of you carry only a G42?
Any input would be much appreciated.
I've got both, actually
 
#25 ·
My most recent test and links to previous testing I did.

https://www.glocktalk.com/threads/n...g43-vs-shield45-vs-g20.1667317/#post-24354319

My journey has been similar to WeeWilly's.

The G42 is such a sweet and accurate shooter that I wanted to carry it. Then did some ballistic testing with various ammunition and compared it to a Kahr PM9 (which is the same carry size/weight as the G42).

IMHO, the Underwood +P XTP or the Underwood +P Xtreme Defender are the "best" self defense loads for the G42. The Xtreme Penetrator is more FMJ-ish in the penetration and energy delivery that in intermediate tests just makes small holes, so it was out for me in my personal trade off.

My priorities in a self defense firearm/ammunition combination are:
  1. Must penetrate >12" in bare gel (note lucky gunner tests in denim which adds ~2-4" penetration distance and that FBI minimum includes a bare gel test).
  2. If accomplishes #1, then I want the maximum energy delivery to target.
The XTP and XD accomplish #1 and the XP falls short in #2 from my testing impressions.

If I were of the mindset that I was looking for 18"+ of penetration (like with the XP) then 380 is not the round to do that. To accomplish that, I would pick the Kahr PM9 with 124gr +P Gold Dots (or HST) and have superior expansion AND penetration without changing the form factor from a G42.

My wife enjoys shooting the G42 most. But does okay with the PM9. Since they are identical in form factor and weight, she doesn't care which one she carries. PM9 is currently in her carry bag and the G42 in the range bag.

Some of the small pistols I have. Since this picture, I have added Kimber Micro 380 and 9mm, but they are not as accurate in my hands so I stick with my current carry rotation.

Gun Firearm Trigger Airsoft gun Gun barrel
Technology Electronic device


My current carry rotation is a pocket NAA Black Widow and either an IWB G43 or off body carry Shield45.
 
#26 ·
I bought my wife and I two G-43's when they first came out, my wife did not care for hers, and I didn't much care for mine either since I EDC a G-27 and felt better with eleven rds of .40 vs seven rounds of 9mm.

Later we both got G-42's, love them, but one day I pocketed the G-42 during a Pizza Parlor lunch and I felt so under gunned with my EDC left at home.

Never again I decided a one time carry for lunch made me decide to stick with a G-27 minimum.
Now our G-43's and my G-42 are range toys, but since changing to a 147 gr in the G-43, a lot more fun to shoot.
 
#27 ·
My most recent test and links to previous testing I did.

https://www.glocktalk.com/threads/n...g43-vs-shield45-vs-g20.1667317/#post-24354319

My journey has been similar to WeeWilly's.

The G42 is such a sweet and accurate shooter that I wanted to carry it. Then did some ballistic testing with various ammunition and compared it to a Kahr PM9 (which is the same carry size/weight as the G42).

IMHO, the Underwood +P XTP or the Underwood +P Xtreme Defender are the "best" self defense loads for the G42. The Xtreme Penetrator is more FMJ-ish in the penetration and energy delivery that in intermediate tests just makes small holes, so it was out for me in my personal trade off.

My priorities in a self defense firearm/ammunition combination are:
  1. Must penetrate >12" in bare gel (note lucky gunner tests in denim which adds ~2-4" penetration distance and that FBI minimum includes a bare gel test).
  2. If accomplishes #1, then I want the maximum energy delivery to target.
The XTP and XD accomplish #1 and the XP falls short in #2 from my testing impressions.

If I were of the mindset that I was looking for 18"+ of penetration (like with the XP) then 380 is not the round to do that. To accomplish that, I would pick the Kahr PM9 with 124gr +P Gold Dots (or HST) and have superior expansion AND penetration without changing the form factor from a G42.

My wife enjoys shooting the G42 most. But does okay with the PM9. Since they are identical in form factor and weight, she doesn't care which one she carries. PM9 is currently in her carry bag and the G42 in the range bag.

Some of the small pistols I have. Since this picture, I have added Kimber Micro 380 and 9mm, but they are not as accurate in my hands so I stick with my current carry rotation.

View attachment 340754 View attachment 340755

My current carry rotation is a pocket NAA Black Widow and either an IWB G43 or off body carry Shield45.
First, thanks for all the testing you do. I'm sure it's a lot of work.

I have a 42, 26 and 19. I had a 43 that I sold. With all of them, I can/could rapidly shoot pretty small groups out to 30 feet or more and also routinely hit the +0 area on IPSC targets at 75' no problem. Doesn't take a lot of practice to keep the skill fresh.

I had thought about a PM9 and rented one at my local range. It reminded me of shooting a J-Frame. For me, I thought it was difficult to shoot accurately without a lot of trigger staging.
 
#29 ·
You're welcome! The trigger on the PM9 is the reason I prefer the G43/Shield9 when the size difference doesn't matter. That and the more vertical grip angle makes it challenging for me to switch to in some scenarios.

I find that with the PM9 and the flush mag, I'm nearly as accurate but a little slower. With the extended mag, I tend to pull shots down a little with my fourth finger. So for carry, I keep the flush mag in it only.

My thoughts about the G42 and the PM9 are as follows:
They're both a compromise. The G42 with reduced ballistics and the PM9 with possible reduced speed to follow up shots. The question is: "Are they good enough?" and "Where do I place the premium?"

I would think that a good 380 round would be good enough for most interactions even though 9mm is better.

Similarly, I'd think a Kahr PM9 trigger at self-defense distances would also be good enough.

So it's really just a personal preference. Hopefully nobody has to use either one of them in self defense anyway!
 
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