So here’s the deal; the Glock 41 is a longslide .45, and the new Glock 42 is a .380. Let’s consider them one at a time.

GLOCK 41

For those of you who have been pleading for a Glock .45 to take on the longslide Model 1911s, your day has come. The Glock 41 Gen4 is actually a brand-new model chambered in .45 ACP. It’s built with a G34 slide width on a G21 Gen4 frame, saving 1.5 ounces over a standard G21 Gen4. It all boils down to a new Practical/Tactical model in .45, much like the Glock Model 34 and 35 (9mm and .40 S&W respectively). The benefits of the legacy Practical/Tactical models will carry over to the new G41, such as a maximized sight radius, improved weight distribution and a refined balance.

One of the added benefits of a slimmer slide mounted on a G21 Gen4 frame is the shelf created in and around the takedown lever. This shelf serves as a great spot to place your support-hand thumb to gain greater leverage and control over the pistol during rapid-fire strings. Glocks are one of the few pistols available with this feature.

G41 Specifications

Dimensions

-Length (overall): 226 mm / 8.90 in.

-Length (slide): 211 mm / 8.31 in.

-Width: 32.5 mm / 1.28 in.

-Height (with magazine): 139 mm / 5.47 in.

-Barrel length: 135 mm / 5.31 in.

-Length of twist: 400 mm / 15.75 in.

-Trigger distance: 72.5 mm / 2.85 in.

-Trigger travel: 12.5 mm / .49 in.

-Barrel distance: 20 mm / 0.79 in.

-Line of sight (polymer): 192 mm / 7.56 in.

-Weight

-Pistol without magazine: 690 g / 24 oz.

-Magazine std. empty: 85 g / 3 oz.

-Magazine std. full: 340 g / 12 oz.

-Magazine Capacity (rounds): 13

-Barrel Profile: right hand twist; octagonal

-Standard Trigger Pull: ~5.62 lbs.

-Muzzle Velocity*: 853 fps

-Muzzle Energy*: 347 fps

*Dependent on ammunition

“The longer barrel and slide on the G41 Gen4 helps to reduce muzzle flip and felt recoil, while the longer sight radius makes the pistol more accurate for competition or duty use,” says Glock Vice President Josh Dorsey. “This pistol is ideally suited for tactical use, both on and off the range.”

As with all Gen4 Glock pistols, the G41 comes with all the standard features common on other Generation 4 pistols, such as the modular backstrap design, the Gen4’s excellent rough texture frame and a dual recoil spring assembly.

GLOCK 42

Many of you had your sights set on Glock announcing a single-stack 9mm in 2014. Me too. It’s not the end of the world though, as there’s always a possibility that pistol (and others) could be coming down the road. The G42 is a great step in that direction and there are plenty of benefits to a carrying a backup.380, especially as one as compact as the Glock 42.

G42 Specifications

Dimensions

-Length (overall): 151 mm / 5.94 in.

-Length (slide cpl.): 146 mm / 5.75 in.

-Width: 24 mm / 0.94 in.

-Height (with magazine): 105 mm / 4.13 in.

-Barrel length: 82.5 mm / 3.25 in.

-Length of twist: 250 mm / 9.84 in.

-Trigger distance: 61 mm / 2.40 in.

-Trigger travel: 12.5 mm / .49 in.

-Barrel distance: 18 mm / 0.71 in.

-Line of sight (polymer): 125 mm / 4.92 in.

-Weight

-Pistol without magazine: 350 g / 12.35 oz.

-Magazine std. empty: 40 g / 1.41 oz.

-Magazine std. full: 57 g / 2.01 oz.

-Magazine Capacity (rounds): 6

-Barrel Profile: right hand twist; hexagonal

-Standard Trigger Pull: ~5.62 lbs.

-Muzzle Velocity*: 886 fps

-Muzzle Energy*: 162 fps

*Dependent on ammunition

The new G42 takes the cake for Glocks smallest pistol to date. The G42 is still classic Glock design though, albeit a scaled down version of its larger brethren. It maintains all of the same great attributes Glock is known for, such as: simplicity, natural grip-angle, low bore-axis, intuitively placed controls, and reliability. One feature of particular note retained from the originals is the Glock Safe Action System trigger. This new pistol maintains the same trigger consistency, pull weight and safety features found in the models you’re already familiar with.

The slim design of the G42 fits the hands of any shooter; specifically it gives those with smaller hands a comfortable option like they’ve never seen before. Most compact pistols have been shunned because they’re too small and are not comfortable to shoot. The new G42 won’t share that reputation. It doesn’t feel like you’re grasping the pistol with only two fingers, and thanks to an integral beavertail, the backstrap and slide won’t feel as though they’ll dig into your hand each time the pistol cycles. Another benefit of the beavertail is that it helps set your grip from the draw, allowing for consistent firing-hand placement each time you draw the pistol. Most of the shooting/carrying population will feel as though they have full control of this pistol, especially under recoil. All of this translates into a very dependable package.

If you’re in the market for a compact .380 pistol for deep concealment or an option for a carry backup or a backup to the backup, the new G42 deserves a hard look.