Glock 28 vs. Glock 42: A Comprehensive Guide for Concealed Carry

Introducing the Glock 28

General Description

Concealed carry permits are growing in popularity, and with that comes the need for reliable, compact firearms. Glock, a name synonymous with quality and dependability, has established itself as a leading manufacturer in the firearms market. For individuals seeking a concealed carry weapon, the choices can be overwhelming. Among the most popular options are Glock’s compact offerings chambered in .380 ACP: the Glock 28 and the Glock 42. Both are designed for concealability and ease of use, but they cater to slightly different needs. So, which one is the better choice for you? This article dives deep into the key differences between the Glock 28 and Glock 42, focusing on size, caliber, capacity, and intended use, helping you make an informed decision for your concealed carry journey.

The Glock 28 is a member of Glock’s compact family, distinguished by its chambering in .380 ACP. Introduced to the market as a smaller, more concealable version of the popular Glock 26, the Glock 28 has become a favorite for those prioritizing ease of concealment. Its history is rooted in Glock’s philosophy of simple, reliable firearms, attracting both seasoned shooters and those new to concealed carry. It benefits from the same tried-and-true design principles that have made Glock pistols famous, including its safe action system, polymer frame, and simple field stripping.

The Glock 28 features a compact frame, striking a balance between size and shootability. The frame’s dimensions allow for a relatively comfortable grip while still being easy to conceal under various clothing options. It also features a full-sized handle, providing a comfortable and secure grip for most shooters. The Glock 28’s design is geared towards everyday carry and self-defense situations.

This handgun uses .380 ACP ammunition. This caliber, while often considered less powerful than larger rounds, offers a good balance between manageability, recoil, and concealability. The .380 ACP round is capable of effective self-defense, especially when paired with quality ammunition.

The overall dimensions of the Glock 28 are meticulously crafted for concealed carry. The compact size enables it to disappear under clothing, making it ideal for those who need discretion. The reduced size also means reduced weight, contributing to all-day comfort during concealed carry. Its slender frame design and rounded edges minimize the risk of printing – the telltale outline of a firearm visible through clothing. The overall weight, unloaded, is another factor making it convenient for everyday carry.

The Glock 28’s magazine capacity offers a good balance between compactness and firepower. It offers a decent number of rounds on tap, providing a good opportunity for self defense.

Advantages

The Glock 28 offers several advantages that have contributed to its popularity:

One of the biggest draws is its compact size, which makes it highly suitable for concealed carry. Its small profile allows for a variety of concealed carry methods, from inside-the-waistband (IWB) holsters to pocket carry, depending on personal preference and clothing. The Glock 28 is made to be carried every day.

Glock’s reputation for reliability and durability extends to the Glock 28. Known for their simple design and rugged construction, Glock pistols are built to withstand a lot of use. The Glock 28 is no exception. It can handle a great deal of use, requiring very little maintenance.

The extensive availability of aftermarket parts and accessories is a major advantage. Whether you’re looking for holsters, sights, or trigger upgrades, you’ll find a vast selection for the Glock 28. This level of customization allows shooters to tailor the pistol to their specific needs and preferences.

The Glock 28 is known for its ease of use and maintenance. The simple design makes it easy to disassemble, clean, and reassemble. The minimal controls and user-friendly interface makes it ideal for new shooters.

While subjective, the Glock 28 often boasts a user-friendly trigger pull, providing a consistent and predictable experience. A smooth trigger pull contributes to accuracy and confidence in a self-defense scenario.

Exploring the Glock 42

General Description

The Glock 42 represents a further step towards compactness, offering a notably smaller profile than the Glock 28. As Glock’s smallest offering at the time of its release, it was designed to be the ultimate in concealability while still maintaining the simplicity and reliability for which Glock is known.

The Glock 42 has a more streamlined and minimalist profile than the Glock 28. Its overall dimensions are even smaller, making it an exceptionally discreet option for concealed carry. The design philosophy of the Glock 42 is to make the handgun the absolute easiest to conceal.

Like the Glock 28, the Glock 42 is chambered in .380 ACP. The choice of this caliber enables both compact size and manageable recoil. This ammunition is known for its effectiveness in close-quarters defensive situations.

The Glock 42’s dimensions are its greatest asset. Its small stature makes it easy to carry in various locations. The Glock 42’s minimized dimensions also means it’s very lightweight. This characteristic is especially beneficial for those who prioritize comfort during all-day carry.

The Glock 42’s magazine capacity is slightly less than that of the G28. This tradeoff is the price for extreme compactness.

Advantages

The Glock 42 boasts several advantages that distinguish it in the realm of concealed carry pistols:

The most significant advantage is its ultra-compact size. The Glock 42 is designed for the utmost discretion. It can be easily concealed, even with light clothing. This is great for warm climates or situations that require the wearer to be very discreet.

Many shooters find the Glock 42 to be smooth to shoot due to its smaller caliber and overall design. The .380 ACP round produces less recoil compared to larger calibers. This makes the Glock 42 easy to handle and maintain control during rapid firing.

The simplicity of the Glock design, combined with the reduced size, makes the Glock 42 easy to handle and operate. New shooters often find this pistol to be a gentle introduction to the world of firearms.

A Detailed Look: Comparing the Glock 28 and Glock 42

Now, let’s delve into a side-by-side comparison to illuminate the critical differences between these two concealed carry options:

The difference in size is one of the most prominent distinctions. The Glock 42, being the smaller of the two, is significantly more compact in both height, length, and width. The Glock 28, while also compact, offers a slightly larger grip, which some shooters find more comfortable. The weight difference, although not significant, can contribute to ease of carry. The overall dimensions dictate which carry method best suits your needs. For maximum concealability, the Glock 42 often wins out.

Both the Glock 28 and Glock 42 use .380 ACP ammunition. While this caliber offers good performance in a small package, the debate continues over the terminal ballistics of this round. While the .380 ACP is less powerful than some other calibers, modern defensive ammunition provides enough stopping power for many defensive scenarios. The choice of ammunition will affect the weapon’s capabilities.

The magazine capacity does vary slightly between the two models. The Glock 28 generally holds more rounds than the Glock 42, giving the shooter more available rounds in a self-defense situation.

The ergonomics of both pistols contribute to their overall usability. The Glock 28 has a slightly larger grip, potentially providing a more secure hold for shooters with larger hands. The Glock 42, while compact, can still feel comfortable, even for those with larger hands. The trigger feel, while subjective, is another key factor. Both pistols feature Glock’s safe action system, which helps to reduce the risk of accidental discharge.

The Glock 28 and Glock 42 both excel in concealed carry, but the Glock 42 has a slight edge due to its smaller size. This is great for everyday carry.

The Glock 28 and Glock 42 are competitively priced, but prices can fluctuate based on the market and availability. They are both readily available at most gun stores. Accessories are also available, giving the user some options for customization.

The availability of aftermarket options for both pistols is extensive. Everything from holsters and sights to trigger upgrades and extended magazine releases are available, allowing users to customize their guns.

Performance and Accuracy

Shooting Experience

Shooting both pistols reveals subtle differences in performance. The Glock 28, with its slightly larger frame, may provide a more stable shooting platform for some shooters, allowing for more rapid follow-up shots. Both pistols are easy to shoot.

Accuracy Discussion

Accuracy is largely dependent on the shooter, but both pistols are capable of achieving good results at typical self-defense distances.

Intended Use and Suitability

The Glock 28 and Glock 42 each excel in different use cases:

The Glock 28 is well-suited for everyday carry for those who prioritize a balance between concealment and capacity. It offers a comfortable grip and ease of use.

The Glock 42 excels in situations that demand maximum concealability, such as deep concealment.

Consider the shooter’s experience level and personal preferences. A shooter new to firearms may find the Glock 42 easier to handle due to its smaller size and reduced recoil.

Side-by-Side Comparison: Pros and Cons

Conclusion

Both the Glock 28 and Glock 42 offer reliable and effective platforms for concealed carry. The key difference lies in their size, with the Glock 42 offering an even more discreet profile.

The Glock 28, with its slightly larger size and higher capacity, is a solid choice for everyday carry for those who prioritize a balance between concealment and firepower. It is reliable.

The Glock 42 shines in deep concealment scenarios where maximum discretion is paramount.

Ultimately, the best way to decide is to handle both pistols.

Consider local laws and regulations, as well as your personal preferences. Both are great, reliable firearms.

Consider what you want out of a handgun. Good luck with your decision.

Final Thoughts

The best handgun is the one you will actually carry. Both of these Glock pistols are solid choices.