Glock 42 vs Glock 43 – .380 or 9mm for Concealed Carry?
Glock 42 vs Glock 43 – .380 or 9mm for Concealed Carry?
Comparing Glock 42 vs Glock 43 is a common question for buyers who want the smallest Glock they can carry. The two look alike, but they are chambered for different cartridges.
In simple terms, the Glock 42 is the smaller, lighter pistol and fires .380 Auto, while the Glock 43 is slightly larger and fires 9mm.
If you are also choosing carry ammo, see our FMJ vs Hollow Point 9mm guide or browse more side-by-side pages in our comparison hub.
Quick Verdict
For most carry buyers:
- Glock 43 is the better all-around choice because 9mm is the more common carry cartridge
- Glock 42 is the better choice if you want the smallest, lightest Glock or a lower-pressure cartridge
Winner for most users: Glock 43 — only slightly larger than the 42, and it fires the far more common 9mm cartridge.
Glock 42 vs Glock 43 Comparison Table
| Feature | Glock 42 | Glock 43 |
|---|---|---|
| Caliber | .380 Auto | 9mm (9x19) |
| Standard Capacity | 6 rounds | 6 rounds |
| Barrel Length | 3.25 in. | 3.41 in. |
| Overall Length | 5.94 in. | 6.26 in. |
| Height (with magazine) | 4.13 in. | 4.25 in. |
| Overall Width | 0.98 in. | 1.06 in. |
| Weight (empty magazine) | 13.76 oz | 17.99 oz |
| Best For | Smallest, lightest carry | All-around 9mm concealed carry |
Glock 42 Overview
GLOCK built the Glock 42 for shooters who wanted the smallest GLOCK possible. GLOCK describes it as ultra-compact and easy to shoot, chambered in .380 Auto with a 6-round magazine.
Its small size and light weight make it a common pick for pocket-style carry or for shooters who want a softer-shooting pistol.
Glock 43 Overview
The Glock 43 is GLOCK’s single-stack Slimline 9mm. GLOCK describes it as ultra-concealable, with a built-in beavertail and a 6-round standard magazine.
It is slightly larger than the 42 in every dimension, but it fires 9mm, the same cartridge as most full-size Glocks.
.380 Auto vs 9mm
This is the biggest real difference. SAAMI lists a maximum average pressure of 21,500 psi for .380 Auto and 35,000 psi for 9mm Luger.
That lower pressure is one reason many shooters find .380 Auto softer to shoot in a small pistol. 9mm is the more common cartridge, so you will usually find more loads to choose from.
Size and Concealability
Based on GLOCK’s published specs, the Glock 42 is about 0.32 inch shorter, about 0.12 inch lower, and about 0.08 inch thinner than the Glock 43. It is also about 4.2 ounces lighter.
Both are small, thin pistols. For most people, either one is easy to conceal inside the waistband.
Range Use and Shootability
Both pistols have short barrels and small grips, so neither is a range gun first. Many shooters find the lighter-recoiling .380 Auto easier to manage in the very small G42.
The G43’s slightly longer grip and barrel give you a little more to work with. For most shooters, regular practice matters more than the small size gap.
Capacity and Magazines
Both pistols hold 6 rounds as standard. Because they are chambered for different cartridges, Glock 42 and Glock 43 magazines are not interchangeable.
Browse options like the ETS Glock 42 magazine or the ETS Glock 43 magazine. Magazine capacity limits vary by state — always check our ammo and magazine laws guide.
Pros and Cons
Glock 42
Pros:
- Smallest and lightest Glock
- Lower-pressure .380 Auto cartridge
- Very thin at 0.98 inch
Cons:
- .380 Auto has fewer load options than 9mm
- 6-round standard capacity
Glock 43
Pros:
- Fires common 9mm ammo
- Still thin at 1.06 inches
- Built-in beavertail
Cons:
- Heavier than the 42
- 6-round standard capacity
Who Should Choose What?
Choose the Glock 42 if you want the smallest, lightest Glock available, or you prefer the lower pressure of .380 Auto.
Choose the Glock 43 if you want a very small carry pistol that shares the 9mm cartridge with most other pistols.
Final Verdict
The Glock 42 and Glock 43 are close in size and capacity. The choice really comes down to caliber and how much weight you are willing to carry.
For most buyers, the Glock 43 is the better all-around pick. If size and softer shooting matter most, the Glock 42 is a great choice.
Continue your research with our Best 9mm Ammo guide, our 115 vs 124 Grain 9mm comparison, and our comparison hub.
Frequently Asked Questions
What caliber is the Glock 42?
The Glock 42 is chambered in .380 Auto. The Glock 43 is chambered in 9mm.
Is the Glock 42 smaller than the Glock 43?
Yes, slightly. The 42 is shorter, lower, thinner, and about 4.2 ounces lighter.
Can you use Glock 43 magazines in a Glock 42?
No. The pistols use different cartridges, so their magazines are not interchangeable.
Once you have picked your pistol, see the Talon grip for Glock 42/43, browse our Glock holsters, or shop our .380 ACP ammo category and 9mm ammo category. Buying online? See our how to buy guns online guide.