I’m diving into a comparison that’s sure to grab the attention of gun enthusiasts: the Glock 27 Vs Glock 42. As a professional shooter, I’ve had the unique opportunity to test both of these firearms out in the field, and I’m excited to share my insights with you.
We’ll look at each gun’s specs and performance to help you understand which might be the best fit for your needs. So, let’s jump right in!
| Feature | Glock 27 | Glock 42 |
| Caliber | .40 S&W | .380 Auto |
| Magazine Capacity | 9 rounds | 6 rounds |
| Barrel Length | 3.43 inches | 3.25 inches |
| Weight (Empty Mag) | 21.34 oz | 12.17 oz |
| Trigger Pull | 28 N (approx. 6.29 lbs) | 24 N |
| Overall Length | 6.50 inches | 5.94 inches |
| Height (Incl. Mag) | 4.17 inches | 4.13 inches |
| Width | 1.26 inches | 0.98 inch |
| Slide Width | 1.0 inch | 0.83 inch |
Overview of Glock 27
The Glock 27 is a powerhouse in a compact frame, renowned for its reliability and preferred by many for concealed carry.
Specs
- Caliber: .40 S&W
- Magazine Capacity: Standard 9
- Barrel Length: 3.43 inches
- Weight with Empty Magazine: 21.34 oz
- Trigger Pull: 28 N (approx. 6.29 lbs)
- Overall Length: 6.50 inches
- Slide Length: 6.26 inches
- Overall Width: 1.26 inches
- Slide Width: 1.0 inch
- Height Including Magazine: 4.17 inches
Overview of Glock 42
The Glock 42 is a remarkably slim and ultra-compact firearm, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a lightweight and easy-to-conceal gun.
Specs
- Caliber: .380 Auto
- Magazine Capacity: Standard 6
- Barrel Length: 3.25 inches
- Weight with Empty Magazine: 13.76 oz
- Trigger Pull: 24 N
- Overall Length: 5.94 inches
- Slide Length: 5.75 inches
- Overall Width: 0.98 inch
- Slide Width: 0.83 inch
- Height Including Magazine: 4.13 inches
Features Comparison: Glock 27 VS Glock 42
1. Size and Concealability
Glock 27
The Glock 27, while compact, is slightly larger and heavier compared to the Glock 42. It measures 6.50 inches in overall length, with a height including the magazine of 4.17 inches. In the field, this size still allows for relatively easy concealment, but it’s noticeably bulkier compared to ultra-compact models.
The width of 1.26 inches also contributes to its slightly larger profile. Despite this, it remains a popular choice for concealed carry, balancing size with firepower.
Glock 42
The Glock 42 shines in its ultra-compact design. With an overall length of 5.94 inches and a height of 4.13 inches, including the magazine, it’s one of the smallest pistols in Glock’s lineup. Its slim profile, measuring just 0.98 inches in width, makes it incredibly easy to conceal, even in lighter clothing.
During testing, its size and weight made it almost unnoticeable when carried, offering excellent comfort and discretion. This makes the Glock 42 an ideal choice for those prioritizing concealability and comfort over firepower.
Winner
The clear winner for size and concealability is the Glock 42. Its smaller frame and lighter weight make it a top choice for concealed carry, especially in situations where discretion is key.
Compared to the Glock 27, the Glock 42 offers a level of comfort and ease of concealment that is hard to match in larger firearms. While the Glock 27 still performs well in concealment, the Glock 42’s design is specifically tailored for users who prioritize a compact and lightweight gun.
2. Trigger Pull
Glock 27
The trigger pull of the Glock 27 is approximately 28 N (6.29 lbs). In my experience, this trigger pull strikes a good balance between being light enough for quick, responsive action and heavy enough to prevent accidental discharges. During testing, the trigger provided a consistent and predictable shooting experience, which is crucial for both safety and accuracy.
The slightly heavier pull compared to some other models might require a bit of adjustment for new shooters, but it contributes positively to the overall control and handling of the firearm.
Glock 42
The Glock 42 features a lighter trigger pull at 24 N. This lighter pull can be advantageous for shooters who prefer a quicker, smoother trigger action.
In field tests, the Glock 42’s trigger allowed for rapid and more effortless shooting, which could be a deciding factor in self-defense situations.
The reduced trigger pull weight makes it especially suitable for shooters with less hand strength or those who are new to shooting. However, it’s important to handle such a light trigger with the necessary care to prevent unintentional firing.
Winner
Determining the winner in trigger pull largely depends on personal preference and intended use. For those who favor a lighter, smoother pull, the Glock 42 is the better choice.
Its trigger facilitates faster shooting and can be more comfortable for extended use. Compared to the Glock 27, the Glock 42 offers an
3. Caliber and Stopping Power
Glock 27
The Glock 27, chambered in .40 S&W, offers impressive stopping power. During my testing, I found that this caliber provides a reliable balance between recoil and impact force.
The .40 S&W rounds have a notable stopping power, which can be crucial in defensive situations. While shooting, the Glock 27 maintained a manageable recoil, allowing for quick follow-up shots. This caliber is a popular choice among law enforcement due to its effectiveness in neutralizing threats.
Glock 42
In contrast, the Glock 42 uses the .380 Auto caliber, which is lighter and has less recoil compared to the .40 S&W. During field tests, the Glock 42’s rounds were sufficient for close-range defensive scenarios, offering a comfortable shooting experience.
This caliber is ideal for shooters who prefer minimal recoil or for those who are more sensitive to the physical impact of firing. While the .380 Auto might not have the same stopping power as the .40 S&W, it’s still effective for personal defense, especially in a concealed carry context.
Winner
When comparing the two, the Glock 27 wins in terms of caliber and stopping power. The .40 S&W rounds provide a higher level of impact force, which is a significant advantage in defensive scenarios.
Compared to the Glock 42’s .380 Auto, the Glock 27’s caliber offers more confidence in its ability to neutralize threats effectively. However, it’s worth noting that the choice between these calibers often comes down to personal preference and individual needs.
Pros & Cons of Glock 27
Pros
- Higher magazine capacity (9 rounds).
- Greater stopping power with .40 S&W caliber.
- Better control and handling for shooters with larger hands.
- More suitable for a variety of scenarios, including law enforcement use.
- Robust build, offering durability and reliability.
Cons
Heavier and bulkier than the Glock 42, which can impact concealability.
Pros & Cons of Glock 42
Pros
- Extremely compact and lightweight, excellent for concealed carry.
- Lower recoil with .380 Auto caliber, suitable for shooters with less hand strength.
- More comfortable for prolonged carry and use, especially for those with smaller hands.
- Easier to handle and maneuver, especially in tight spaces.
Cons
- Less stopping power compared to the Glock 27’s .40 S&W caliber.
Similarities between Glock 27 & Glock 42
- Both are designed for concealed carry.
- Each utilizes the Safe Action® system.
- Both have a reputation for reliability and durability.
- Manufactured by the same company, ensuring consistent quality.
- Each offers a comfortable ergonomic design.
- Both are popular choices for personal defense.
- They share a similar aesthetic and design philosophy.
Differences between Glock 27 & Glock 42
- Glock 27 is chambered in .40 S&W, while Glock 42 is in .380 Auto.
- Glock 27 has a higher magazine capacity (9 rounds) compared to Glock 42 (6 rounds).
- Glock 27 is heavier and larger, making it less ideal for ultra-concealment.
- Glock 42 is significantly more compact and lighter, enhancing concealability.
- Glock 27 offers more stopping power due to its larger caliber.
- Glock 42 has a lighter trigger pull (24 N) compared to Glock 27 (28 N).
Final Verdict
After thorough testing and consideration, it’s time to draw a conclusion on the Glock 27 vs Glock 42 debate. Both firearms have their unique strengths and cater to different needs, but there’s one that stands out as my personal choice.
While the Glock 42 impresses with its ultra-compact design and ease of concealment, the Glock 27 emerges as the winner in most comparisons. Its higher magazine capacity, greater stopping power, and versatility make it a more rounded option for a range of scenarios, from personal defense to law enforcement use.
FAQ’s
Is a Glock 27 powerful?
Yes, the Glock 27 is powerful, offering a high-caliber performance with its .40 S&W rounds, making it a preferred choice for law enforcement as a backup weapon.
Is Glock 42 too small for effective concealed carry?
No, the Glock 42 is not too small; in fact, its compact size makes it one of the best choices for concealed carry, offering a balance of size and firepower.
Is the Glock 42 a full auto pistol?
No, the Glock 42 is a semi-auto pistol, designed for concealed carry with a focus on reliability and ease of use in a subcompact frame.
What is the Glock 27 good for?
The Glock 27 is ideal for scenarios requiring a balance of power and size, like personal defense and law enforcement, offering accuracy and control in a compact form.
