Glock 42 vs Beretta Nano – Ruger LC9 – S&W Shield

Glock 42
Glock 42

The Glock 42 has been received with some mixed feelings. At first glance it is very appealing and is clearly a little Glock in every way. But when I studied the specifications it was disappointing to find out that the 42 is the same size as many small 9mm pistols available today. Here is my comparison of the Glock 42, Beretta Nano, Ruger LC9, and S&W Shield.

A few weeks after reading the reviews I happened to find one at a local gun shop that I could handle. Holding the little Glock, operating the controls, and dry firing to check the trigger pull and break caused me to change my mind. I like the Glock 42 and want one. I probably won’t carry it because the Beretta Nano in 9mm is my carry gun of choice for now.

The chart below compares specifications of the Glock 42 to three popular small 9mm concealed carry pistols. The Beretta Nano, Ruger LC9, and S&W Shield. Note that the LC9 and Shield are close to the same size as the G42 and the Beretta Nano is actually smaller.

Glock 42 Comparison
G 42 Nano LC9 Shield
O/A Length 5.94″ 5.63″ 6.0″ 6.1″
Height 4.13” 4.17″ 4.5″ 4.6″
Barrel Lgth 3.25” 3.07″ 3.12″ 3.1″
Width 0.94” .9″ .90″ .95″
Weight 13.8 oz 17.6 oz 17.1 oz 19.0 oz
Trigger Pull 5.5 lbs 6 lbs 6.5lbs 6.5lbs
Capacity 6+1 6+1 7+1 7+1
MSRP $440 $399 $398 $440

The Glock 42 is very comfortable to shoot with very manageable recoil. The trigger is excellent which does its part in making the 42 extremely accurate.

Why would anyone want to carry a lower power caliber and not get some benefit out of it? The possible advantages:
• more manageable recoil
• Light weight
• extremely accurate

As cool as the new Glock 42 is the fact remains that it is a 380 that is the same size as many small 9mm pistols.