I’m here to share my experience and give you an insightful comparison between two popular carry gunTaurus PT22 Vs Glock 42
I’m here to share my experience and give you an insightful comparison between two popular carry guns: the Taurus PT22 and the Glock 42.
I’ve taken these pistols through their paces, from the range to practical carry scenarios, to help you figure out which might be the best pick for your needs.
Whether you’re a seasoned shooter or just starting, I hope my firsthand experience sheds some light on these compact powerhouses.
| Feature | Taurus PT22 | Glock 42 | |
| Caliber | .22 LR | .380 Auto | |
| Capacity | 8+1 rounds | 6 rounds | |
| Weight | 12.3 oz | 12.17 oz | |
| Length | 5.2 inches | 5.94 inches | |
| Width | 1.14 inches | 0.98 inches | |
| Height (incl. Mag.) | 4.3 inches | 4.13 inches | |
| Barrel Length | 2.8 inches | 3.25 inches |
Overview of Taurus PT22
The Taurus PT22 is a pocket-friendly pistol that offers reliability and convenience in a .22 LR caliber.
Specs
- Caliber: .22 LR
- Capacity: 8+1 rounds
- Weight: 12.3 oz
- Length: 5.2 inches
- Height: 4.3 inches
- Width: 1.14 inches
- Barrel Length: 2.8 inches
Overview of Glock 42
The Glock 42, known for its reliability, brings Glock’s renowned performance into a small, .380 Auto caliber package.
Specs
- Caliber: .380 Auto
- Capacity: 6 rounds
- Weight: 12.17 oz
- Length: 5.94 inches
- Width : 0.98 inches
- Height: 4.13 inches
- Barrel Length: 3.25 inches
Features Comparison: Taurus PT22 VS Glock 42
1. Ergonomics and Comfort
Taurus PT22
The Taurus PT22, with its compact design, offers a surprisingly comfortable grip for a firearm of its size, tailored primarily for users with smaller hands.
Its lightweight frame and diminutive dimensions contribute to a user-friendly handling experience, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a concealable firearm without sacrificing comfort.
Despite these advantages, the PT22’s grip might fall short for individuals with larger hands, potentially affecting their shooting experience due to the limited space for a full grip.
Glock 42
In contrast, the Glock 42 presents an ergonomic design that addresses the needs of a wider audience. Its slightly larger frame and thoughtfully designed grip texture ensure a firm and secure hold, significantly reducing the risk of slippage.
This model showcases Glock’s commitment to comfort and ease of use, with a design that effectively absorbs recoil, enhancing the shooter’s ability to maintain control and accuracy during extended shooting sessions.
The Glock 42’s ergonomic features represent a balance between compactness and usability, making it a preferred choice for a broad range of hand sizes.
Winner
The Glock 42 emerges as the definitive winner in the category of ergonomics and comfort. Its superior design provides enhanced grip and control, making it more accessible and comfortable for a diverse group of users.
The Glock 42’s attention to ergonomic details ensures a more pleasant shooting experience, especially in comparison to the Taurus PT22, whose design, while competent, does not cater as effectively to a varied audience.
2. Reliability and Performance
Taurus PT22
The Taurus PT22 is recognized for its dependable performance in various conditions, thanks to its straightforward operation mechanism.
It generally performs well with most ammunition types; however, its reliability might be occasionally tested in adverse conditions or with lower-grade ammunition, where it could exhibit some performance inconsistencies.
This aspect could raise concerns for users who depend on the PT22 for critical self-defense situations, where every shot counts.
Glock 42
The Glock 42 stands out for its unwavering reliability and consistent performance, attributes that have become synonymous with the Glock brand.
This model effortlessly handles different types of ammunition and thrives even in challenging environments, a testament to its robust construction and the innovative Safe Action® system.
The Glock 42’s reliability is not just a feature but a cornerstone of its design, ensuring that users can count on it when it matters most, without hesitation.
Winner
When it comes to reliability and performance, the Glock 42 holds the advantage. Its ability to deliver consistent, dependable performance under a wide array of conditions places it a step above the Taurus PT22.
For individuals who prioritize reliability in a carry firearm, the Glock 42 is the clear choice, offering peace of mind and confidence in its capabilities.
3. Maintenance and Disassembly
Taurus PT22
While the Taurus PT22 offers straightforward maintenance and disassembly processes, making routine cleaning relatively easy, it does present some challenges, especially for those not familiar with the intricacies of maintaining smaller firearms.
The presence of smaller, more delicate parts may complicate reassembly and require a more careful approach to ensure the firearm’s longevity and reliability.
Glock 42
Conversely, the Glock 42 exemplifies simplicity and efficiency in maintenance and disassembly. Its design philosophy emphasizes ease of use, allowing for quick field stripping without specialized tools.
This approach not only makes routine maintenance hassle-free but also minimizes the potential for errors during reassembly, ensuring the firearm remains in optimal condition with minimal effort.
Winner
The Glock 42 emerges as the winner in ease of maintenance and disassembly. Its user-friendly design streamlines the cleaning process and simplifies the management of firearm components, distinguishing it from the Taurus PT22.
The Glock 42’s approach to maintenance underscores its appeal to a wide audience, from seasoned shooters to novices, reinforcing its status as a versatile and accessible firearm.
Pros & Cons of Taurus PT22
Pros
- Lightweight and highly portable.
- Easy to conceal.
- Simple operation.
Cons
- Smaller grip size.
Pros & Cons of Glock 42
Pros
- Renowned Glock reliability and build quality.
- Superior ergonomics and grip design.
- Better accuracy and handling.
Cons
- Higher price point.
Similarities between Taurus PT22 & Glock 42
- Both are semi-automatic pistols.
- Designed for concealed carry.
- Have integrated safety features.
- Use a blowback action system.
- Aimed at the civilian self-defense market.
Differences between Taurus PT22 & Glock 42
- Taurus PT22 is chambered in .22 LR, while Glock 42 is in .380 Auto.
- PT22 is lighter and smaller than the G42.
- Glock 42 has a higher price point compared to the PT22.
- Glock 42 offers a more universal grip size accommodating a broader user base.
Final Verdict
After thoroughly testing both the Taurus PT22 and the Glock 42, weighing their features, reliability, and overall performance in various conditions, I’ve reached my conclusion.
The Glock 42 emerges as the winner in most of our comparisons, and it’s my top choice for several reasons.
This decision doesn’t come lightly, as both firearms have their strengths and cater to different needs. However, the Glock 42’s superior ergonomics, unmatched reliability, and ease of maintenance make it a standout choice for me.
FAQ’s
Is the Glock 42 the smallest Glock?
Yes, the Glock 42 is the smallest Glock, designed for those seeking ultra-compact dimensions for concealed carry.
What’s better, the Glock 42 or Glock 43?
The choice between Glock 42 and 43 depends on your preference for caliber and size. The Glock 42 is smaller, ideal for deep concealment, while the Glock 43 offers 9mm in a compact frame for those prioritizing caliber.
Is Glock 42 full auto?
No, the Glock 42 is a slim, subcompact semi-auto pistol designed specifically for concealed carry, not full auto.
Is the Glock 42 easy to shoot?
Yes, the Glock 42 is known for its easy-to-shoot characteristics, thanks to its ultra-compact dimensions and design tailored for concealed carry.
