With the addition of the Glock 42 in .380 ACP, the celebrated Austrian armsmaker now has concealed carry models in every major caliber. The groundbreaking 9mm G17 design successfully implemented the use of a polymer frame to make carry guns lighter in weight without compromising strength or function. At the same time, Glock introduced its Safe Action trigger, which is now used by arms-makers the world over. And while coincidental to the model name, the G17 increased standard cartridge capacity to 17+1. Back in 1982, the highest capacity in 9mm was 14+1.
Glock has progressed over the past three decades to become an innovative leader in military, law enforcement and civilian sidearms with cutting-edge concealed carry subcompacts complementing all its standard-size models. Why is this important? Because every Glock, regardless of caliber or frame size, from standard to compact and subcompact, is built to handle, operate and be field stripped the same way. If you are familiar with one Glock pistol, you are familiar with them all.
This continuity of design, whether using a subcompact with a single-stack magazine for better concealment or a double-stack magazine for higher capacity, makes Glock one of the very first choices for concealed carry use, especially with multiple guns for carry and backup in matching calibers. Virtually all Glock models have an average trigger pull of 5.5 pounds, length of travel of 0.5 inches and quick reset that hardly varies from one gun to the next. The general dimensions for Glock subcompacts vary slightly by calibers and magazine capacity. The largest subcompact, chambered in hard-hitting .45 ACP, is the G30, weighing 26.48 ounces (empty) and measuring 6.9 inches in length, 4.8 inches in height and 1.2 inches in width with a 3.7-inch barrel. The smallest is the new G42 in .380 ACP.
Shared features on all Gen4 models include interchangeable backstrap panels. On the Gen4 models, standard grip size is slightly smaller than earlier models and there are two easily attachable backstrap panels that alter grip size and increase distance from the trigger by 2 and 4 millimeters, respectively. The panels cover the entire backstrap surface from the top of the grip frame to the bottom of the magazine, thus increasing the entire area of the grip, not just a portion of the backstrap like most interchangeable backstrap panels. Glock sights are also interchangeable to user preferences. By selecting a preferred caliber, frame size, and magazine capacity, it is easy to choose a Glock handgun to meet every self-defense and concealed carry requirement.
For more information, please visit Glock’s website.
This article was originally published in the 2015 issue of CONCEALED CARRY HANDGUNS. Subscription is available in print and digital editions below.
