[Judge Holden]

All simulations aside, I have seen people on the street shot with .380's. The .380 works about as well as a 38 special snubby, which is to say it is marginal. Step up to the 9mm +P and +P+ and it performs on par with a 357 magnum, which is to say it works well, on people.

You sure go thru a lot of mental gymnastics to rationalize your carry choices.

No typical handgun caliber works well on people without good shot placement. Can you quantify “marginal”? Handguns wound primarily by simply crushing tissue along the direct wound path of the bullet. You have to hit important vital structures and have enough penetration to reliably do so from any angle.

.38 SPL, .380 ACP, 9mm all do the same thing at typical self defense distance using quality defensive ammunition that meet or exceed the FBI minimum. You either hit the vitals or you don’t. If you do, faster blood pressure drop. If you don’t, slower blood pressure drop.

Caliber is largely inconsequential.

If you mean marginal based on the much narrower range of .380 ACP expanding projectile designs that are actually capable of meeting or exceeding the FBI minimum, then I would agree. I only know of two factory loadings in .380 ACP that will consistently do it. Hornady XTP - Federal Hydra-Shok Deep.

Most other .380 JHP designs have shallow penetration under 12 inches (closer to 9-10 inches) as the JHP opens up too large with too little energy behind it to meet or exceed the 12 inch minimum.

This is also true with many .38 SPL JHP/SJHP loads from a 1.87 inch barrel J-Frame although instead of shallow penetration like the typical .380 JHP, many of them fail to expand acting much more like a FMJ.

 

[Maccabeus]

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 ...

Yes, I think you're finally honing in on my point.

Up until now, your detailed & extensive defense of the G42 as the ultimate .380 has consistently omitted 2 key words. I've added them below.

...
Anything larger, heavier or noticeably wider than the G42 is a dealbreaker for me for a dedicated pocket gun ...

As has already been noted:

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. ...

And some of us are 25-30 pounds lighter still and can't be in loose T's or jeans most of the day. When you're that scrawny... skinny... athletic & lean (yeah, that's it!), even a G42 looks like a brick being carried in a front pocket.

 

[Judge Holden]

Yes, I think you're finally honing in on my point.

Up until now, your detailed & extensive defense of the G42 as the ultimate .380 has consistently omitted 2 key words. I've added them below.

As has already been noted:



And some of us are 25-30 pounds lighter still and can't be in loose T's or jeans most of the day. When you're that scrawny... skinny... athletic & lean (yeah, that's it!), even a G42 looks like a brick being carried in a front pocket.

Great post. A potential solution - Alabama pocket holster. The G42 will look like a cell phone or wallet in the pocket in it. Some people have bigger phones or fatter wallets. Nobody will think to look twice.

But I get your point and that is a fair criticism.

 

[Judge Holden]

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

 

[Maccabeus]

Great post. A potential solution - Alabama pocket holster. The G42 will look like a cell phone or wallet in the pocket in it. Some people have bigger phones or fatter wallets. Nobody will think to look twice.

But I get your point and that is a fair criticism.

Yes, I have an AHolster variant. It's ok, although I prefer my homemade version that gives a squarer look so it really does appear more wallet-like.

When standing still in front of a mirror, it's easy to conceal a pocket pistol:

I don't stand still all day, however, and walking draws the material tight, outlining what is in your pocket:

That's a Bodyguard .380 and is passably acceptable to me in terms of the printing appearance.

Again, the problem isn't even the lines of the gun, although that matters, too.

Note the width (technically the height, from top of slide to mag base) of the gun in my pocket.

The gun is almost as wide as my leg! But guns are flat and my leg is round. Something G42 sized or larger is going to do all kinds of unnatural things to the lay of the fabric no matter what kind of holster I use.

I'm glad an excellent gun like the G42 works well for you. I've being carrying since the early 90s and done my fair share of experimenting along the way. First the P3AT & later the Bodyguard have been the best pocket-carry solutions for me.

 

[Judge Holden]

Yes, I have an AHolster variant. It's ok, although I prefer my homemade version that gives a squarer look so it really does appear more wallet-like.

When standing still in front of a mirror, it's easy to conceal a pocket pistol:
View attachment 1142615

I don't stand still all day, however, and walking draws the material tight, outlining what is in your pocket:
View attachment 1142614

That's a Bodyguard .380 and is passably acceptable to me in terms of the printing appearance.

Again, the problem isn't even the lines of the gun, although that matters, too.

Note the width (technically the height, from top of slide to mag base) of the gun in my pocket.
View attachment 1142616

The gun is almost as wide as my leg! But guns are flat and my leg is round. Something G42 sized or larger is going to do all kinds of unnatural things to the lay of the fabric no matter what kind of holster I use.

I'm glad an excellent gun like the G42 works well for you. I've being carrying since the early 90s and done my fair share of experimenting along the way. First the P3AT & later the Bodyguard have been the best pocket-carry solutions for me.

Maccabeus, posters like you are why I’m on GT. Thank you for taking the time with that very informative and well thought out discussion and demonstrative photo breakdown concerning the pocket carry size and weight dilemma. As they say, a picture is worth a thousand words.

I appreciate posts like yours because they are truly educational. And even when we disagree, I feel like we both gain something from the other perspective expanding our knowledge base in the process.

I think I’ve finally discovered our differences in opinion regarding the G42 and similar guns…

I have thicker legs. I never would have guessed that was going to be the factor determining what our individual preferences and limitations are with pocket carry.

* Mind officially expanded Man *

 

[cadillacguns]

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.

 

[Judge Holden]

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

 

[Nanuk]

No typical handgun caliber works well on people without good shot placement. Can you quantify “marginal”? Handguns wound primarily by simply crushing tissue along the direct wound path of the bullet. You have to hit important vital structures and have enough penetration to reliably do so from any angle.

.38 SPL, .380 ACP, 9mm all do the same thing at typical self defense distance using quality defensive ammunition that meet or exceed the FBI minimum. You either hit the vitals or you don’t. If you do, faster blood pressure drop. If you don’t, slower blood pressure drop.

Caliber is largely inconsequential.

If you mean marginal based on the much narrower range of .380 ACP expanding projectile designs that are actually capable of meeting or exceeding the FBI minimum, then I would agree. I only know of two factory loadings in .380 ACP that will consistently do it. Hornady XTP - Federal Hydra-Shok Deep.

Most other .380 JHP designs have shallow penetration under 12 inches (closer to 9-10 inches) as the JHP opens up too large with too little energy behind it to meet or exceed the 12 inch minimum.

This is also true with many .38 SPL JHP/SJHP loads from a 1.87 inch barrel J-Frame although instead of shallow penetration like the typical .380 JHP, many of them fail to expand acting much more like a FMJ.

380, 9mm, 38/357 are within .002 groove diameter. For all intents and purposes the same caliber. Bullet weight and velocity make the difference.

Marginal? What does the word mean to you?

Have you ever seen people shot with these? I have. One shooting I worked, the victim opened the door when I arrive with a 380 FMJ stuck in his forehead. Will never happen with a 357 magnum.

You are correct, shot placement is the key.

Util I discovered that I could make the 365 work I was a full size pistol or revolver guy. I have seen too much bizarre crap on the streets to trust my life to mouse guns.

YMMV, good luck with your 380.

 

[Sawyer26]

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

 

[adc]

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.

 

[biscut53]

43X Solved this for me and my oversized meathooks.

 

[Judge Holden]

At times I do carry the 42 in jeans in an Alabama holster which does a great job of hiding the 42.

Precisely. You can tell something is in the pocket, but it doesn’t look like a gun even while moving for most users. It looks like a fat wallet or larger model iPhone.

 

[Judge Holden]

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.

 

[Judge Holden]

380, 9mm, 38/357 are within .002 groove diameter. For all intents and purposes the same caliber. Bullet weight and velocity make the difference.

Marginal? What does the word mean to you?

Have you ever seen people shot with these? I have. One shooting I worked, the victim opened the door when I arrive with a 380 FMJ stuck in his forehead. Will never happen with a 357 magnum.

You are correct, shot placement is the key.

Util I discovered that I could make the 365 work I was a full size pistol or revolver guy. I have seen too much bizarre crap on the streets to trust my life to mouse guns.

YMMV, good luck with your 380.

Kidding of course. Crazy things are known to sometimes happen when it comes to ze bullets in any caliber.

.45 ACP at point blank range…

had a drive by shooting call. 380 fmj . went through the outside front brick and two interior walls

Yep, once you've seen how a .380 Ball round is used in a drive-by shooting, going through a plate glass front room window, and then still perforate inside walls ... and in another case pass through something on an inside wall, and go out through the wall and door framing area and exterior wall to hit someone outside and break their spine ... you get a little more respect for the ability of the 'mouse gun' caliber.

One of our forum members, who used to investigate murders for a DA's office, once posted that he'd investigated more than 200 murders where .380ACP was used. It may not be a primary duty caliber, but it's certainly capable of lethality. It's also usually the 'cutoff' for calibers approved for Secondary (backup) and Off-duty in many LE agencies. Might be a reason for that.

Best post in this thread and mirrors my understanding on what .380 ACP is actually capable of. The anti-mouse gun caliber hysteria is hilariously absurd.

Most handgun projectiles aren’t traveling 2,000 fps + and wound by simply crushing tissue along the direct path of the bullet, with some exception to magnum calibers from longer barrels. Expanding JHP only marginally improves handgun wounding capability.

All you need with a handgun caliber for general self defense:

1.) Enough penetration

2.) Shot placement through vital structures

The .380 ACP does both of these things very well using 95 grain FMJ, 90 grain XTP or 99 grain Hydra-Shok Deep JHP and does so with much less recoil than 9mm from similarly sized guns.

I would even trust the Buffalo Bore 100 grain Hard Cast +P for woods use in my G42 unless I was living amongst grizzlies. 30 + inches of penetration through ballistic gel. This will likely produce an exit wound on any animal or threat from any angle at close range.

 

[bakron1]

Great review and on point, I have had a couple of G42’s and I shoot them extremely well and love the size of it. My complaint has been with the cost and availability of 380ACP ammo.

I can buy a box of 50 9mm for $18 at my local Rural King and a box of 50 in 380ACP is $35 which is almost twice as much as 9mm.

I habe been tempted several times on buying another G42 for my EDC because it’s light, handles and shoots great. The ammo is always the factor that keeps me looking at the 43x.

 

[fastbolt]

Yeah I’ve owned at least 3 LCPs over the years and all of them experienced parts breakages around the 2-3k round mark. ...

I always looked at the LCP as being a perfect example of guns that were made to carry a lot, but shot a little.

Sure, I made sure to break in my LCP's and run them through some of our off-duty qual courses-of-fire. It helped me become familiarized with using the very diminutive pistols in my hands. It also let me become aware of the takedown pin walking under recoil in my first one (usually within less than 50rds). A replacement takedown pin from Ruger resolved that issue in that blued LCP. (For the sake of trivia, I succumbed to boredom and tried a neat anti-walk takedown pin offered aftermarket. It had a nice machined groove around part of the diameter of the pin that was advertised to capture the wire spring and prevent the pin walking, but under recoil the pin rotated away from the groove ... and walked.)

My second LCP (stainless revision, with better trigger/hammer geometry and improved sights) perked right along without any takedown pin walking, and fed/fired all of the JHP loads I favored.

Now, my friend (another retired peace officer/armorer), who originally interested me in his LCP, had the plastic grip frame crack/break on each side at the rear pin. Of course, he shot his LCP almost everyday on his private property outdoor range. I tried to convince him to send it back to Ruger, who I suspected would probably install the serial-number chassis in a new plastic grip frame, but he's lazy and decided to do some 'shade tree repair' of the plastic, and shoot it a lot less often.

Since shooting my LCP's are easier than shooting my various J-frames (within the close range 3-25yd courses-of-fire), I still do the bulk of my pocket gun shooting using my J's, and save the wear and tear of shooting the LCP's. I recently took one of them to a retirement qual, though, and was reminded of why I originally found the little .380 to be more accurate than it has a right to be, and easy to shoot rapid shot strings, 1-handed, at very close ranges (3-5yds). Fun little gun, and handily pocket holstered in short & tight jeans pockets that won't as easily conceal a J-frame.

I don't have a use (or desire) for a larger .380 pistol, which is why I didn't opt to buy either a S&W Bodyguard 380 or a G42 (when I could still use my former peace officer exemption to our state's stupid Roster).

Different strokes, though.

 

[Texasville]

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 bridging the gap between the two perfectly. There are some popular misconceptions regarding these size comparisons and the specific role the G42 excels in. The purpose of this critique is to address these misconceptions as to their validity and significance.

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

View attachment 1142397


Size Metrics:

G42 LCP LCP 2

Weight w/ no mag (Oz) 12.4 8.8 9.5
Weight w/ empty mag (Oz) 13.9 9.9 10.7
Weight w/ full mag (Oz) 15.9 12.0 12.8
Height (mag to slide) 3.98 3.6 3.6
Length (Inches) 5.96 5.19 5.15
Width of grip (Inches) 0.88 0.76 0.9
Width of slide (Inches) 0.83 0.76 0.82
Width at controls (Inches) 0.99 0.837 0.86

Loaded Weight:

Hellcat - 23.1 oz
P365 - 23.0 oz
PM9 - 20.0 oz
Glock 42 - 15.9 oz
LCP Max - 14 oz
Beretta Pico - 13.8 oz
LCP 2 - 12.8 oz
LCP 1 - 12.0 oz
P3AT - 11.0 oz
P32 - 9.0 oz

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 Beretta Pico while smaller and thinner than the G42, the stainless steel slide/barrel components are very robust and heavier than typical micro .380 guns more so than the LCP. Factory rated for occasional .380 “+P” ammunition use as stated in the manual and in my testing w/ UW 90 grain +P XTP, feed and function flawlessly. Considerably more “snappy” compared to the G42 which can easily handle a steady diet of Underwood +P ammunition. *

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.

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 the same width. Overall, the G42 is the flatter gun compared to the LCP 2. The longer gripping surface also leads to superior shooting and handling characteristics compared to typical micro .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, Kahr CW380 or Ruger LCP 1/2.

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. *

* Special Note: What about the Ruger LCP Max as a pocket gun?

View attachment 1142608

The LCP Max while being much lighter than the P365 / Hellcat is still unfortunately too wide in the frame to serve as a true pocket gun as it has roughly the same footprint as the Micro 9mm guns in H/L/W which means the draw will be as difficult when fully gripping the gun from inside the pocket compared to the G42 unless you’re wearing looser fitting cargo pants with larger than average pocket size.*

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

View attachment 1142432
View attachment 1142820

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. You can certainly tell something is in my pocket but when either standing or moving it doesn’t scream GUN! Instead, it looks like a fat wallet or larger model iPhone and maybe some car keys.*

* Special Note:

* Some individuals with thinner body frames and legs may have more difficulty in concealing the G42, requiring a smaller micro .380 LCP style alternative for the pocket. *

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 slightly larger size in height and length also enables the G42 to anchor to the pocket more securely and not shift or rotate as much with the holster in changing position in typical pockets like smaller micro .380 pistols can. This also aids in producing a more consistent and repeatable draw stroke. Something that is rarely illustrated by reviewers.

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 15.9 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 9.0 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

Size Metrics:

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

G42 size comparison to Micro 9mm:

G42 Hellcat

Weight w/ no mag (Oz) 12.4 16.1
Weight w/ empty mag (Oz) 13.9 18.2
Weight w/ full mag (Oz) 15.9 23.0
Height (mag to slide) 3.98 4.03
Length (Inches) 5.96 6.03
Width of grip (Inches) 0.88 1.02
Width of slide (Inches) 0.83 0.87
Width at controls (Inches) 0.99 1.07

I find this misconception to be the most common. The G42 is roughly the same length as the Micro 9mm and about a quarter inch shorter 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 at 3.6 mm and have much heavier slides / barrels 6-7 oz that are designed to handle 9mm +P pressures. This precludes them as being dedicated pocket guns unless you’re wearing loose fit pants, cargo shorts, etc.

View attachment 1142442

There is no comparison in how the two carry in pocket or on an ankle where weight is critical. The P365/Hellcat simply don’t make the cut as a dedicated pocket pistol that should weigh under 16-17 oz loaded.

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. *

* Special Note:
View attachment 1142816
View attachment 1142812


* The Kahr PM9 is the only available 9mm Micro that dimensionally can fit and draw well from a jeans/slacks pocket. The PM9 almost makes the grade as a pocket gun as it’s very close to the overall size in height/width as the G42 but the 4.1 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.

4.) The .380 ACP isn’t effective compared to 9mm:

Another misconception regarding terminal effectiveness. First, the .380 ACP using defensive JHP is admittedly very ammo selective unlike duty gun calibers. However, a narrow range of expanding .380 bullet designs that will meet or exceed the FBI minimum are readily available for purchase.

- Hornady 90 grain XTP (various loadings)

13-14 inches through denim and ballistic gelatin media with a .45 to .50 final expanded diameter.

- Federal Hydra-Shock Deep 99 grain JHP

12-13 inches through denim and ballistic gelatin media with a .50 to .55 final expanded diameter.

- Buffalo Bore 100 grain standard pressure or “+P” Hardcast (G42 recommended only)

Flat point with a sharp shoulder that penetrates 30 + inches with virtually no deformation even through bone. I’m confident with this as a general woods load at close range.

- Underwood 90 grain XTP “+P” (G42 recommended only)

As previously mentioned, this loading will produce 1,175 fps at the muzzle. Bridges the gap between factory .380 JHP and standard pressure 115 grain 9mm JHP ammunition. Penetrates 12 inches through denim and ballistic gelatin media with a .50 expanded final diameter.

5.) Conclusions:

The G42 serves a unique purpose in bridging the gap of weight, terminal ballistics, shoot-ability 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. It performs like a much larger gun in handling and long term durability and reliability. It’s in my opinion, the best overall .380 ACP caliber dedicated pocket, BUG or ankle carry firearm.

 

[Texasville]

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."

 

[UH Go Bows]

Great thread. Well researched and very educational!