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- Alfred Mendoza
- June 2, 2023
From a wide range of self-defense pistols, we became particularly interested in Glock 42 and LCP2. We’ve always thought the Ruger LCP 2 is comfy enough, but after learning the rave about the Glock, my team and I couldn’t let this one pass. Although both are in the subcompact .380 pistols’ category, G42 is noticeably bigger. Thus, we’re curious about how both would compare, especially regarding performance.
Table of Contents
What’s the Difference Between Glock 42 and Ruger LCP 2?
The difference between Glock 42 and Ruger LCP2 is their size and weight. Glock 42 is a subcompact considered as one of the small Glock guns. But with its 4.13 inches height and 5.94 inches overall length, it’s still relatively more massive than the Ruger LCP.
Just looking at the dimensions, you’ll notice that this small Ruger LCP would be superior as a pocket gun. It has a slightly slimmer width, but it’s 3.16 oz lighter, given it weighs 10.6 oz compared to G42’s 13.76 oz.
Specification Chart
Glock 17
- Brand: Glock
- Height: 4.13 inches
- Weight: 13.76 oz
- Length: 5.94 inches
- Trigger: Single Action (SAO)
- Barrel: 3.25 inches
- Calibers: 380 ACP
- Capacities: 6+1 rounds
Glock 34
- Brand: Ruger
- Height: 3.71 inches
- Weight: 10.6 oz
- Length: 5.17 inches
- Trigger: Single-Action Only (SAO)
- Barrel: 2.75 inches
- Calibers: 380 ACP
- Capacities: 6+1 rounds
In-Depth Comparison
Design & Ergonomics
The more extended slide and larger grip of the Glock 42 pistol might give an advantage in providing a more comfortable and controllable shooting experience to handgun owners.
Most users can get three fingers on the grips with an added pinky extension while the new Ruger LCP retains a two-finger grip frame. Regardless, its frame is still bigger and more squared off compared to the original LCP. Although looking back, we felt a bit of a sharp recoil.
More on textures and slides in this Glock 43 and Kahr CM9 comparison here.
Ammunition
Based on our team’s experience, either one of the 380 ACP pistols can feed on almost all ammo types without causing malfunctions. Many pistol owners seem to approve of the fast reload time and quick shots of the Ruger LCP pistol.
However, with the Glock 42, our research shows that some of those who use the first-gen find it quite picky in loading ammo. For this sole reason, we’ll go for a Ruger on this.
Trigger
The 5.4 pull of the striker-fired SAO Glock 42 works and feels fairly like the other Glock guns you’ll see. You might also feel a little stiffness, especially before the break.
On the other hand, the 6-7 lbs trigger pull of the new LCP II is now a hammer-fired SAO compared to its original double-action type version. Well, with its clean break and positive reset, we felt the LCP2’s trigger to be way preferable.
For striker-fired handguns, check out this Glock 34 vs Glock 17 article here.
Safety
It’s a tie on safety as either one of the defense handguns integrates trigger safety systems in their design. With G42, it features the Glock signature Safe System that utilizes its three automatic mechanical safeties: Trigger, Firing Pin, and Drop Safety. Find out how you can disassemble a Glock magazine here.
Whereas, Ruger designed its gun with a secure fire control system that utilizes a protected internal hammer and bladed-safety triggers.
Sights
Ruger LCP 2 has a fixed narrow front sight and wide rear notch integral to the slide. But given that the Ruger LCP sights are like smaller than the almost full-sized sights of Glock 42, we decided to give the advantage on G42. Additionally, the U-marked rear and dovetailed white-dot are great for fast target acquisition. However, we prefer to get replacements for its Polymer standard sight.
Rounds
Like most pocket guns and concealed carry pistols, the two guns include 6+1 rounds as a standard magazine. We put them through more than 500 rounds, and we never saw them choke. Our team was pleased with how either one of the pistols performs back in the range.
Take note as well that according to Ruger, the 6-round Ruger LCP mag is compatible with the LCP Ruger 2, though it won’t activate the last round hold-open feature.
Accuracy
Mechanically, the Glock 42 pistol should shoot more accurately, given its longer sight radius and longer barrels. Given its size, it’s also greatly suited for ranges beyond 6 yards. Our accuracy tests revealed just that. For like a slight margin, we choose the G42 to be superior. The short reset and great trigger press of the LCP II make it an equally accurate gun.
Glock 42 Pros & Cons
PROS
- Fit most hands
- Mechanically accurate
- Better recoil management
- More extended slide and larger grips
- With reversible magazine release
CONS
- Polymer sights
- First-gen might be ammo sensitive
Ruger LCP II Pros & Cons
PROS
- Short reset
- Pocket pistol
- Improved trigger systems
- Smaller and lighter pistol
- Not ammunition sensitive
CONS
- Smaller sights
- Two-finger grip frame
Ruger LCP 2 or Glock 42 - Which is Better?
Between LCP Ruger 2 or Glock 42, we think Glock 42 is much better. Although it is a quite bigger size for pocket pistols, you can still consider it good for open or concealed carry. Besides, its extended slide and bigger grip make it comfortable to shoot and control. The 4.92 inches sight radius and 3.25 inches longer barrel produce mechanical accuracy as well.
Our #1 Recommendation
Glock 42
- Mechanical accuracy
- Slightly bigger and heavier
- Offers greater hand ergonomics
- More suited beyond 6 yards
The article failed to mention that Ruger supplies their pistol with only ONE magazine while Glock supplies their pistols-including the 42-with TWO magazines.