Glock 42 vs. Glock 43
The first split is chambering: .380 Auto versus 9x19 mm. The second is scale: the G42 is smaller and 115 grams lighter, while both base records list six rounds of standard capacity.
Eight millimeters tell the size story.
The model number change also marks a chambering change.
The G42 is lighter without a magazine.
Both base records list the same standard capacity.
The base-model specification matrix.
| Field | G42 | G43 | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Manufacturer size | Subcompact | Subcompact | Same class |
| Chambering | .380 Auto | 9x19 mm | Different |
| Overall length | 5.94 in | 6.26 in | G43 +0.32 in |
| Overall width | 0.98 in | 1.06 in | G43 +0.08 in |
| Overall height | 4.13 in | 4.25 in | G43 +0.12 in |
| Barrel length | 3.25 in | 3.41 in | G43 +0.16 in |
| Weight without magazine | 12.17 oz | 16.23 oz | G43 +4.06 oz |
| Standard capacity | 6 rounds | 6 rounds | Same |
| Trigger pull | 24 N | 24 N | Same |
Same capacity. Different chambering.
This diagram preserves the manufacturer wording and does not infer ammunition performance from the model specifications.
6-round standard magazine
42rounds standard capacity
6-round standard magazine
43Which chambering record do you need to inspect?
This tool only points you back to the source-backed fields matching your research priorities.
The caliber difference comes first.
Glock lists the G42 as .380 Auto and the G43 as 9x19 mm. They are not interchangeable chamberings, and ammunition should match the exact marking on the firearm. The directory normalizes the G42 cartridge name as .380 ACP while preserving Glock's .380 Auto wording here.
This comparison therefore starts with identity, not a generalized performance claim. The manufacturer records establish which cartridge each model is designed around; they do not establish how every ammunition load will perform.
The G42 is smaller and lighter.
The G42 is 0.32 inches shorter, 0.08 inches narrower, and 0.12 inches shorter in height than the G43. Its listed weight without a magazine is 4.06 ounces lower. The G43 also has a 0.16-inch longer barrel.
Those differences are modest on a ruler but consistent across every cited dimensional field. The shared “subcompact” label does not make the two records dimensionally identical.
Capacity is the controlled field.
Glock lists a 6-round standard magazine for both models. The cited product pages do not list optional factory capacities for either base record, so aftermarket products and other variants remain outside this comparison.
Smaller and lighter; 6-round standard capacity.
Larger and heavier; 6-round standard capacity.
What the data supports—and what it cannot.
The specification sheet can identify the chambering and dimensional differences. It cannot determine personal fit, safe use, legal requirements, ammunition performance, or a universally “better” choice. Those conclusions require context beyond manufacturer dimensions.
The base-model boundary matters.
This article compares the base G42 and G43 records. It does not transfer these measurements to the G43X, MOS configurations, aftermarket setups, or other similarly named variants.
Open the current G42 recordOpen the current G43 recordCompare current directory records
Common Glock 42 and 43 questions.
01Are the Glock 42 and Glock 43 the same caliber?
No. Glock lists the G42 as .380 Auto and the G43 as 9x19 mm. Ammunition should match the exact chambering marked for the firearm.
02Which is smaller, the Glock 42 or Glock 43?
The G42 is smaller in all cited manufacturer dimensions: overall length, width, height, barrel length, and weight without a magazine.
03Do both models have a 6-round magazine?
Yes. Glock lists 6 rounds as the standard magazine capacity for both base records compared here.
04Is the Glock 43 more powerful than the Glock 42?
That is not a claim this technical comparison makes. Ammunition performance depends on the specific load and test conditions, not the model name alone.
05Are Glock 42 and Glock 43 holsters interchangeable?
Do not assume so. The models have different dimensions and identities. Use equipment that explicitly identifies the exact model and variant.
Technical figures are manufacturer-sourced and preserved here as a base-model comparison reference.
- Glock 42 — Technical DataAccessed Aug. 11, 2026
- Glock 43 — Technical DataAccessed Aug. 11, 2026
- Guns Unpacked methodologyHow fields are verified
Reference information only. Not legal, purchasing, training, ammunition, carry, storage, or assembly advice. Manufacturer technical data may be rounded and may change.