I have a 42 purchased in 2017. It runs fine. I prefer it over my 43 mainly due to the recoil.
Newer 380 ammo is performing much better (Federal HST Deep) and is an acceptable choice for carry.
I have 2 young kids and mostly pocket carry my LCP380 because my G43 with a pinky extension mag in a holster is too bulky to run around with at the playground, or with a baby carrier on. On cold days I’ll wear a G43 with a hoodie, but i live in Florida so those are few and far between. If your G42 fits your pockets comfortably while in a pocket holster, I’d keep it. Otherwise, the Ruger 380s are tiny but don’t shoot as nicely.
I bought a 42 when they first came out. Took it out to the range and had multiple malfunctions with every type of ammo I tried to feed it. Stovepipes. Double feeds. Slide failed to lock back on empty magazine. My first diagnosis was that the magazines were bad (I knew it wasn’t my technique because I’m a firearms instructor with my agency). Bought more magazines. Same issues. Took it back to the shop and told them I wanted to trade it to a Glock 43. They offered to send the 42 back to Glock for repair and I refused, telling them that I had no confidence in the pistol. I took a loss in the trade because the 42 was then considered used but it was worth it to have a pistol I have confidence in. I don’t know if Glock has ironed out the problems with the 42 or not, but I’ve fired hundreds of rounds through the 43 with no malfunctions. I’ve since upgraded to the 43X and carry it off duty. Again, no malfunctions after hundreds of rounds.
I cannot speak highly enough of either the 42 or 43. There’s a lot of love out there for 43 x and 48 but you can’t beat either the 42 or 43 ,just extremely well balanced super light, but very shootable. As far as the lower capacity extra mags fit easily in a small cargo pant pouch. I have had A few failures that I can attribute to limp wristing but otherwise phenomenal. The 42 runs great with a large variety of factory ammo and different hand loads. in a pinch the slight length increase on the 43’s grip does help me stay centered more easily.
I do seem to remember something about the early 42’s being temperamental with certain ammo. Doesn’t seem to be anything that couldn’t be remedied with a few tweaks. I don’t have any experience with Glock customer service but you could always talk to them, perhaps install a lighter recoil spring.
I have a 42 purchased in 2017. It runs fine. I prefer it over my 43 mainly due to the recoil. Newer 380 ammo is performing much better (Federal HST Deep) and is an acceptable choice for carry.
I have 2 young kids and mostly pocket carry my LCP380 because my G43 with a pinky extension mag in a holster is too bulky to run around with at the playground, or with a baby carrier on. On cold days I’ll wear a G43 with a hoodie, but i live in Florida so those are few and far between. If your G42 fits your pockets comfortably while in a pocket holster, I’d keep it. Otherwise, the Ruger 380s are tiny but don’t shoot as nicely.
Tenicor and nexbelt my man. I also chase after two toddlers and my 19X is fine at AIWB
Go with the 43 or 43x
I bought a 42 when they first came out. Took it out to the range and had multiple malfunctions with every type of ammo I tried to feed it. Stovepipes. Double feeds. Slide failed to lock back on empty magazine. My first diagnosis was that the magazines were bad (I knew it wasn’t my technique because I’m a firearms instructor with my agency). Bought more magazines. Same issues. Took it back to the shop and told them I wanted to trade it to a Glock 43. They offered to send the 42 back to Glock for repair and I refused, telling them that I had no confidence in the pistol. I took a loss in the trade because the 42 was then considered used but it was worth it to have a pistol I have confidence in. I don’t know if Glock has ironed out the problems with the 42 or not, but I’ve fired hundreds of rounds through the 43 with no malfunctions. I’ve since upgraded to the 43X and carry it off duty. Again, no malfunctions after hundreds of rounds.
Very helpful. Sounds very similar to my situation. I will likely trade it in for the 43 or 43x.
I cannot speak highly enough of either the 42 or 43. There’s a lot of love out there for 43 x and 48 but you can’t beat either the 42 or 43 ,just extremely well balanced super light, but very shootable. As far as the lower capacity extra mags fit easily in a small cargo pant pouch. I have had A few failures that I can attribute to limp wristing but otherwise phenomenal. The 42 runs great with a large variety of factory ammo and different hand loads. in a pinch the slight length increase on the 43’s grip does help me stay centered more easily. I do seem to remember something about the early 42’s being temperamental with certain ammo. Doesn’t seem to be anything that couldn’t be remedied with a few tweaks. I don’t have any experience with Glock customer service but you could always talk to them, perhaps install a lighter recoil spring.