Hey shooters! Welcome to the comparison of Glock 42 Vs Ruger LCP in 2023.
I’m here to share my hands-on experience with two of the most talked-about guns in the concealed carry world: the Glock 42 and the Ruger LCP.
As a professional shooter, I’ve had the unique opportunity to take both these firearms through their paces in the field, testing them in various scenarios to see what they’re made of.
Join me as we dive into a detailed comparison to determine which stands out as the winner. Let’s get started!
| Feature | Glock 42 | Ruger LCP |
| Caliber | .380 Auto | .380 Auto |
| Magazine Capacity | 6 Rounds | 6 Rounds |
| Barrel Length | 3.25 inches | 2.75 inches |
| Weight (Unloaded) | 13.76 ounces | 9.6 ounces |
| Overall Length | 5.94 inches | 5.16 inches |
| Width | 0.98 inch | 0.82 inch |
| Height | 4.13 inches | 3.60 inches |
Glock 42
The Glock 42, a sleek and modern option in the world of firearms, stands out with its impressive build and functionality.
Specs
- Caliber: .380 Auto
- Magazine Capacity: Standard: 6
- Barrel Length: 3.25 inches
- Weight (with empty magazine): 13.76 ounces
- Trigger Pull: 5.4 pounds
- 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
Ruger LCP
The Ruger LCP, a compact and efficient choice for concealed carry, is known for its minimalistic design and ease of use.
Specs
- Caliber: .380 Auto
- Magazine Capacity: Standard: 6
- Barrel Length: 2.75 inches
- Weight (with empty magazine): 9.6 ounces
- Overall Length: 5.16 inches
- Overall Width: 0.82 inch
- Height (Including Magazine): 3.60 inches
Features Comparison: Glock 42 VS Ruger LCP
1. Size and Concealability
Glock 42
The Glock 42, though compact, is noticeably larger than the Ruger LCP. Its size, especially grip length, impacts its concealability in smaller pockets.
However, this extra size does provide a better grip and control. In my tests, it felt bulkier for pocket carry, particularly for smaller-framed individuals. It’s manageable in an inside-the-waistband (IWB) setting, but the size could be a factor depending on your clothing and body type.
Ruger LCP
The Ruger LCP excels in its compactness. It’s incredibly small and light, making it an excellent choice for deep concealment.
In my field tests, I found it to fit comfortably in most pockets without showing a noticeable outline. This gun is a go-to for situations where discretion is paramount.
Winner
In terms of size and concealability, the Ruger LCP takes the lead. Its ultra-compact frame makes it far superior for concealed carry, especially for pocket carry.
However, this comes at the expense of grip and control, a trade-off that’s important to consider.
2. Ergonomics and Control
Glock 42
The Glock 42 offers a more ergonomic grip, with a shape and size that fills the hand better. This results in greater control and stability when shooting.
During my testing, I noticed that the longer grip allows for better leverage, especially with the pinky finger, contributing to more accurate and controlled shots.
Ruger LCP
The Ruger LCP, while slim and compact, has a smaller grip that can be challenging for shooters with larger hands. This can impact control and comfort during shooting.
In my experience, the grip was sufficient but didn’t provide the stability and comfort offered by the Glock 42.
See 5 Most Common Glock 42 Problems And How To Fix Them
Winner
The Glock 42 outperforms the Ruger LCP in ergonomics and control. The larger grip and better-designed frame contribute to a more comfortable and controlled shooting experience, especially for prolonged use.
3. Shootability and Recoil Management
Glock 42
The Glock 42 shines in shootability. Its larger frame and effective recoil management make it a more pleasant firearm to shoot, especially for extended periods.
In my tests, the Glock 42 demonstrated soft recoil, allowing for quick follow-up shots and overall better accuracy.
Ruger LCP
The Ruger LCP, due to its smaller size, struggles more with recoil. This can make it less comfortable to shoot, especially for those not accustomed to smaller, lighter firearms.
My field experience corroborated this, as the recoil felt snappier, affecting my shot placement over time.
Winner
For shootability and recoil management, the Glock 42 is the clear winner. Its design and size make it far more user-friendly, especially for new shooters or those looking for a comfortable shooting experience.
4. Aftermarket and Customization Options
Glock 42
The Glock 42 stands out with its robust aftermarket support. It offers a wide range of customization options, from sights to triggers and even custom slides.
During my tests, I appreciated the ease with which I could modify and enhance the Glock 42. It’s like a canvas ready for personalization, whether for aesthetics or performance.
Ruger LCP
The Ruger LCP, on the other hand, has limited aftermarket options. While it’s a reliable and efficient firearm as it is, the scope for enhancing or customizing it is somewhat restricted.
In my experience, this limits the Ruger LCP’s versatility, particularly for users who prefer tailoring their firearms to specific needs or preferences.
Winner
The Glock 42 clearly wins in the aftermarket and customization category. Its wide range of options allows users to modify and upgrade the firearm to suit their individual requirements, offering a level of flexibility that the Ruger LCP simply can’t match.
5. Durability and Longevity
Glock 42
The Glock 42 is known for its durability. Glocks are designed to endure tough conditions and heavy usage. My own experience with the Glock 42 corroborates this; it’s a tough little gun that seems to handle everything thrown at it, from various ammunition types to different environmental conditions, without any significant wear or loss in performance.
Ruger LCP
The Ruger LCP, while a solid performer, doesn’t quite match the Glock in terms of durability. It’s built well for its purpose as a lightweight concealed carry weapon, but in terms of long-term heavy usage, it may not stand up as well as the Glock 42.
My time with the Ruger LCP suggests that it’s a great option for regular carry but might not endure the same level of abuse as the Glock.
Also See: 6 Common Ruger LCP Max Problems + How to Fix
Winner
The Glock 42 is the winner when it comes to durability and longevity. Its robust construction and proven track record make it a more reliable choice for those who anticipate extensive use or who may subject their firearm to harsh conditions.
Pros & Cons of Glock 42
Pros
- Highly shootable with comfortable ergonomics.
- Durable and reliable for long-term use.
- Great aftermarket support for customization.
- Soft recoil, enhancing shooting experience.
Cons
- Larger size may hinder concealability.
- Heavier compared to Ruger LCP.
Pros & Cons of Ruger LCP
Pros
- Extremely compact and lightweight, ideal for concealed carry.
- Lower price point, more budget-friendly.
- Simple and efficient design for everyday carry.
- Ruger LCP II has improved ergonomics and trigger over original LCP.
Cons
- Limited aftermarket options for customization.
- Higher recoil, which may affect shootability.
- Durability concerns under heavy use compared to Glock 42.
Similarities between Glock 42 & Ruger LCP
- Both chambered in .380 Auto caliber.
- Standard magazine capacity of 6 rounds.
- Striker-fired mechanism in Glock 42 and partially cocked hammer in Ruger LCP offer similar shooting experiences.
- Suitable for concealed carry due to compact sizes.
- Both are popular choices in the subcompact firearm category.
Differences between Glock 42 & Ruger LCP
- Glock 42 is larger and heavier than Ruger LCP.
- Glock 42 offers better ergonomics and shootability compared to Ruger LCP.
- Ruger LCP is more focused on ultra-concealability due to its smaller size.
- Glock 42 has a wider range of aftermarket customizations.
- Ruger LCP is more budget-friendly, with lower MSRPs than Glock 42.
- The Glock 42 has a more durable build, suitable for extensive usage.
- Ruger LCP’s recoil is snappier compared to the softer recoil of Glock 42.
- The sight systems differ, with Glock 42 having more substantial, replaceable sights.
Final Verdict
After extensive field testing and comparison of both the Glock 42 and the Ruger LCP, it’s time to draw a conclusion.
While both guns have their merits and cater to different needs, the Glock 42 emerges as the overall winner in my book. This decision hinges not just on its superior ergonomics and shootability but also on its adaptability to various user needs through customization.
While the Ruger LCP excels in concealability and is more budget-friendly, the Glock 42’s versatility, coupled with its superior performance and customization options, make it my top choice for a .380 concealed carry pistol.
FAQ’s
What is the difference between the Glock 42 and the LCP?
The main difference lies in their size and recoil system; the Glock 42 is larger with a softer recoil, while the Ruger LCP is more compact but has a snappier recoil.
Is a Ruger better than a Glock?
While Rugers are reliable and compact, Glocks are often preferred for their longer track record, robustness, and law enforcement use.
Is Glock 42 too small for concealed carry?
No, the Glock 42 is considered one of the best compact guns for concealed carry, offering a good balance between size and shootability.
Is the Glock 42 a good concealed carry?
Yes, the Glock 42 is excellent for concealed carry due to its compact size, light weight, and comfortable concealment under various clothing styles.
