5 Most Common Glock 42 Problems And How To Fix Them

I’ve been out and about, putting the Glock 42 through its paces. I’ve encountered a handful of common problems in my journey with this firearm. 

talking about pesky feed problems, cycling issues, MagGuts Issues, and the all-too-infamous extractor and failure-to-fire problems. But don’t fret; I Am here to simplify your life.

I’ll dive deep into these problems, discuss ’em in detail, and devise some handy solutions. Stay with us as I provide tried and tested solutions to these common problems.

Top 5 Glock 42 Problems & Solutions

1. Cycling Problems

The Glock 42 gave us cycling issues that seemed beyond repair. Max loads, crimping, or different powders—nothing seemed to work. Shooting “single action” felt smoother, but the need to cocked the weapon after each short slide return was frustrating. 

It was as if the gun was bent on double feeding.

Solution

A few changes finally did the trick. I ensured the recoil spring and ammunition were well-matched. Cleaning and lubing the firearm meticulously helped. 

I also had to physically rack the slide multiple times to help the gun get used to feeding. With good ammunition like Fiocchi 95gr, the gun started behaving.

2. Extractor Problem

My exploration with the Glock 42 found that approximately 25% of loaded cartridges failed to extract. This observation was unusual and posed quite a challenge to my shooting sessions. 

The issue manifested as the ejector’s inability to completely remove the cartridges from the chamber. As a result, cartridges occasionally found themselves lodged in the ejection port, disrupting the firearm’s performance.

Solution

My strategy in addressing this issue was rooted in patience and systematic handling of the firearm. I thoroughly cleaned and lubricated the gun, ensuring no component was overlooked. 

After this, I took the firearm to the range for testing. I experimented with different types of ammunition, varying the loads to assess the gun’s adaptability. The firearm seemed to benefit from this process, allowing it some break-in time. 

3. Failure to Fire

Despite the Glock 42 displaying superior comfort in firing compared to other .380s, it did not perform without faults. The firearm struggled to effectively fire high-pressured, heavier, or lighter rounds. 

For instance, I observed that 100gr. Buffalo Bore +P rounds would cause the slide to lock back in position, leaving unfired rounds in the magazine.

Solution

Upon closely examining the firearm, I discerned that the recoil spring in this model was wound more tightly than other Glock models. I deduced that this characteristic may have been contributing to the firing difficulties. 

Consequently, the most effective solution I identified is to professionally change the magazine by Glock, ensuring the replacement is compatible with the firearm’s specific requirements.

4. Feed Problems

My hands-on experience with the Glock 42 was fascinating yet challenging. I noticed feed failures frequently, disrupting my target practices. Heck, even after firing nearly 200 rounds and swapping between 4-5 magazines, the issue stubbornly persisted. 

There I were, every two rounds, clearing jams and fussing with the slide that refused to stay open after the last round. It was a dreadful tango of emptying, reloading, and wrestling with the firearm.

Solution

The solution wasn’t instant but worth the effort. I replaced several parts, including the connector, slide cover plate, and trigger housing. 

I also had to polish the feed ramp, a handy trick I learned from a seasoned shooter. I found that the Glock 42 fared better with WW/USA white-box ammo, and I saw significant improvements after these fixes.

5. MagGuts Problem

I were initially excited by the prospect of the Glock 42 MagGuts +1 Magazine Conversion. This modification promised to expand my 6-round magazine to a 7-round one without any physical extension. 

However, my enthusiasm quickly diminished as I noticed an unsettling trend. Rounds gradually ceased feeding into the chamber, and the slide locked open despite the magazine still housing rounds.

Solution

The most practical resolution emerged after several sessions of frustration with the MagGuts configuration. I decided to return to the firearm’s original, or stock, configurations, discarding the MagGuts component. 

I then carried out detailed testing on my magazines, monitoring their performance closely. In the event of encountering slide stop issues, I ensured to check whether any modifications had been inadvertently made on the slide stop.

Conclusion

In my field experiences with the Glock 42, I found Feed and cycling problems, extractor issues, MagGuts dilemmas, and occasional failure to fire present themselves as significant roadblocks. 

Nevertheless, with patience and a bit of mechanical know-how, these issues are manageable and can even be overcome. All things considered, the Glock 42 stands its ground as a sturdy, reliable firearm, provided one is ready to tackle its quirks head-on.

FAQs

Is the Glock 42 reliable?

Yes, the Glock 42 is quite reliable. However, it is slightly more ammunition-sensitive compared to other Glock models.

What issues do Glocks have?

Glocks can experience feeding failures due to poor magazines, problematic feed ramps, and unsuitable recoil springs.

Does Glock 42 have low recoil?

Yes, the Glock 42, being in 380ACP, makes the recoil relatively easy to manage.

What is a Glock 42 used for?

The Glock 42 is a slim, subcompact semi-auto pistol, designed specifically for concealed carry, providing reliability when it matters the most.