I’ve had the unique opportunity to test and compare two popular firearms in the field: the Glock 42 Vs SIG P365.
My goal? To determine which one comes out on top. Let’s dive into the specifics and see how these two stack up against each other.
| Feature | Glock 42 | SIG P365 |
| Caliber | .380 Auto | 9mm |
| Magazine Capacity | 6 rounds | 10+1, 12+1 |
| Barrel Length | 3.25 inches | 3.1 inches |
| Weight (empty) | 390 g | 17.8 oz |
| Trigger Pull | 24 N | ~6 lb |
| Overall Length | 5.94 inches | 5.8 inches |
| Width | 0.98 inch | 1 inch |
| Height (Including Magazine) | 4.13 inches | 4.3 inches |
Overview Glock 42
The Glock 42 is a compact powerhouse renowned for its reliability and ease of use. It’s a top pick for those seeking a lightweight yet effective firearm.
Specs
- Caliber: .380 Auto
- Magazine Capacity: 6 rounds (Standard)
- Barrel Length: 3.25 inches
- Weight (with empty magazine): Approximately 0.86 pounds
- 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
Overview SIG P365
The SIG P365 has made waves in the concealed-carry world, boasting an impressive blend of capacity and comfort in a compact frame.
Specs
- Caliber: 9mm
- Magazine Capacity: 10+1 or 12+1
- Barrel Length: 3.1 inches
- Weight (with empty magazine): 17.8oz
- Trigger Pull: ~6 lb
- Overall Length: 5.8 inches
- Overall Width: 1 inch
- Height (Including Magazine): 4.3 inches with flush magazine
Features Comparison: Glock 42 vs SIG P365
1. Size and Concealability
Glock 42
The Glock 42 stands out for its compact size, making it a top choice for concealed carry. It’s incredibly slim, at just 0.98 inch wide, and lightweight, weighing only 390 grams with an empty magazine.
The overall length of 5.94 inches and a height of 4.13 inches make it discreet and comfortable to carry all day.
SIG P365
The SIG P365 is a game-changer in compactness, especially considering its capacity. It slightly edges out the Glock 42 in size, with a length of 5.8 inches and height of 4.3 inches.
Despite being a tad wider at 1 inch, it remains highly concealable and feels just as comfortable to carry.
Winner
In terms of size and concealability, the SIG P365 takes the lead. It offers a remarkable balance of compactness and increased capacity, making it more versatile than the Glock 42.
2. Recoil and Handling
Glock 42
The Glock 42, chambered in .380 Auto, has a manageable recoil, thanks to its well-balanced design. During my tests, it offered a comfortable shooting experience, especially for a gun of its size. The recoil is smooth, making it suitable for shooters of various skill levels.
SIG P365
In my field tests, the SIG P365 exhibited exceptional recoil management. Despite firing the more powerful 9mm rounds, it absorbed the recoil better than the Glock 42.
This is likely due to its slightly heavier build and well-engineered ergonomics, allowing for more stable and controlled shots.
Winner
When it comes to handling recoil, the SIG P365 outperforms the Glock 42.
Its superior design and slightly heavier build contribute to a more comfortable shooting experience, especially with higher caliber rounds.
3. Accuracy and Trigger Performance
Glock 42
The Glock 42 delivers reliable accuracy, a hallmark of Glock’s design. Its trigger pull of 24 N is consistent, and during my tests, it allowed for precise shots at various distances. However, the lighter frame can sometimes affect steadiness during rapid firing.
SIG P365
The SIG P365 stands out in accuracy, partly due to its better trigger system and superior sights. In my range sessions, the groups with the P365 were consistently tighter compared to the Glock 42, indicating a higher level of precision.
Winner
For accuracy and trigger performance, the SIG P365 is the clear winner. Its trigger system offers
a smoother and more responsive experience, contributing to the gun’s overall precision, particularly noticeable in rapid fire scenarios.
4. Sight System and Target Acquisition
Glock 42
The Glock 42 comes with standard Glock sights, which are functional and reliable. These sights are decent for quick target acquisition in various lighting conditions.
However, they are pretty basic and might not offer the precision that some shooters seek, especially in more challenging shooting scenarios.
SIG P365
The SIG P365 comes equipped with XRAY3 Day/Night Sights, which are a step above the standard sights found on many pistols.
The three-dot system, combined with tritium inserts, makes target acquisition quick and accurate, even in low-light conditions. The day-glow-green ring on the front sight enhances visibility and precision.
Winner
In terms of the sight system and target acquisition, the SIG P365 outshines the Glock 42. The superior XRAY3 Day/Night Sights provide a clear advantage in accuracy and visibility, making it easier for the shooter to acquire and hit the target accurately under various conditions.
Pros & Cons of Glock 42
Pros
- Compact and lightweight design, ideal for concealed carry.
- Simple and reliable operation, characteristic of Glock firearms.
- Manageable recoil with .380 Auto caliber.
- Slim profile for comfortable handling and carrying.
Cons
- Basic sight system compared to SIG P365.
Pros & Cons of SIG P365
Pros
- Enhanced grip comfort and ergonomics.
- Superior XRAY3 Day/Night Sights for better target acquisition.
- Better recoil management despite using a more powerful 9mm caliber.
Cons
- Slightly larger and heavier than Glock 42.
Similarities between Glock 42 & SIG P365
- Both are designed for concealed carry with compact frames.
- Striker-fired mechanisms.
- Similar overall lengths (5.94 inches for Glock 42, 5.8 inches for SIG P365).
- Both have reputations for reliability and durability.
- Available in similar price ranges, making them accessible to a broad market.
Differences between Glock 42 & SIG P365
- Caliber: Glock 42 uses .380 Auto, while SIG P365 uses 9mm.
- Magazine Capacity: Glock 42 has a 6-round capacity, SIG P365 offers 10+1 or 12+1.
- Weight: Glock 42 is lighter (390g) compared to SIG P365 (17.8oz).
- SIG P365 has XRAY3 Day/Night Sights; Glock 42 has standard Glock sights.
- SIG P365 has a slightly shorter barrel (3.1 inches) than Glock 42 (3.25 inches).
- The P365 has a higher width (1 inch) than the Glock 42 (0.98 inch).
- Trigger pull: SIG P365 has a ~6 lb trigger, while Glock 42 has a 24 N trigger pull.
- SIG P365 offers more advanced features and ergonomics compared to the more basic Glock 42.
Final Verdict
After extensively testing both the Glock 42 and the SIG P365, it’s clear that each gun has its unique strengths, catering to different preferences and needs.
The SIG P365, however, emerges as the winner in most comparisons. Its superior magazine capacity, advanced sight system, and better recoil management make it a more versatile and user-friendly choice for a broad range of shooters.
FAQ’s
Which is better Glock or Sig P365?
The Sig P365 is generally better in terms of capacity, offering more ammunition compared to the Glock 43. For those prioritizing concealment, the G43’s focus on compactness is advantageous, but the P365’s higher capacity gives it an edge for broader utility.
Why Glocks are better than SIG?
Glocks, with their lighter polymer construction, are often preferred for their ease of carry and concealment. However, the SIG handles recoil better, especially in higher calibers, due to its more robust build.
Is Glock 42 good for self defense?
The Glock 42, chambered in .380 Auto, is considered acceptable for self-defense. Its compact size makes it a viable option for concealed carry, though it may have more recoil than smaller caliber options.
Is a Glock 42 good for pocket carry?
The Glock 42 can be used for pocket carry, but its effectiveness depends on the size and fit of the clothing. It’s more viable as a pocket pistol compared to larger options, though there are smaller models that might be more suitable for this purpose.
