5 Best Glock 42 Magazines

If you want to buy the best Glock 42 magazines, choosing the right one is about more than simply finding a magazine that fits.

I looked at the options with attention to capacity, compatibility, construction, magazine profile, extensions, durability, and practical features that matter for the compact Glock 42.

The best Glock 42 magazines should provide reliable compatibility while matching how you intend to use and store them.

In this guide, I’ll walk through the key features of each option, highlight my top picks, explain what to look for in a buying guide, and answer common questions in the FAQs.

Our Top Picks at a Glance

1. Glock Magazine: Model 42 6rd 380 Auto/ACP w/ Finger Ext – M420620PKE: Best Overall
2. Glock Magazine G42 380 6 Round, w/Grip Extention MF08833: Best Budget Option
3. Glock Magazine G42 380 6 Round MF42006: Best Factory Replacement
4. Elite Tactical Systems Glock 42 .380 Auto Magazine: Best Translucent Option
5. Elite Tactical Systems Glock 42 .380 ACP 7-Round Pistol Magazine: Best Higher-Capacity Option

How We Tested the Best Glock 42 Magazines

I evaluated the best Glock 42 magazines by looking at the details that can make a difference in everyday use, replacement, and range sessions. I considered the following areas:

• Glock 42 Compatibility: I checked whether each magazine is specifically designed for the Glock 42 and .380 ACP platform.
• Capacity: I compared the available round capacities to identify differences between standard and higher-capacity options.
• Construction: I looked at the materials used for each magazine and the durability features provided by the manufacturer.
• Magazine Profile: I considered flush-fit designs, finger extensions, and grip extensions to see how each option approaches the compact Glock 42 format.
• Ammunition Visibility: For translucent designs, I considered how the magazine body can make it easier to visually check the ammunition inside.
• Environmental Resistance: Where specified, I considered resistance to impacts, chemicals, heat, cold, and UV exposure.
• Storage Features: I looked at features intended to help the magazine body and feed lips resist deformation during extended storage.
• Overall Practicality: Finally, I considered how the combination of capacity, construction, profile, and features makes each magazine suited to different Glock 42 owners and uses.

5 Best Glock 42 Magazines

1) Glock Magazine: Model 42 6rd 380 Auto/ACP w/ Finger Ext – M420620PKE

The Glock Magazine Model 42 6rd .380 Auto/ACP with Finger Extension is a factory magazine made specifically for the Glock 42. It holds six rounds of .380 ACP ammunition and includes a finger extension at the base to provide additional surface for the user’s grip.

Because it is a factory Glock magazine, it is built to the specifications of the Glock 42 rather than being a universal or aftermarket magazine. The six round capacity matches the magazine configuration specified for this model, while the finger extension adds a small amount of additional grip support.

This magazine is most suitable for Glock 42 owners who need a replacement magazine or an additional magazine for range practice and general use. Its model-specific design also makes confirming compatibility with a Glock 42 important before purchasing.

Specifications

• Manufacturer: Glock
• Model: M420620PKE
• Caliber: .380 ACP
• Capacity: 6 rounds
• Compatibility: Glock 42
• Magazine Type: Factory Glock magazine
• Finger Extension: Included

Pros

• Factory Glock magazine
• Designed specifically for Glock 42
• Six round capacity
• Finger extension included
• .380 ACP compatibility
• Suitable as a replacement or additional magazine

Cons

• Six round capacity

2) Glock Magazine G42 380 6 Round, w/Grip Extention MF08833

The Glock Magazine G42 .380 6 Round with Grip Extension is a factory original magazine designed for the Glock 42. It provides a six round capacity and is made from polymer with a black finish, giving Glock 42 owners a factory-spec option for replacing an existing magazine or adding another to their setup.

Its Glock-specific design means the magazine is intended to correspond directly with the Glock 42 and its .380 ACP chambering. The polymer construction keeps the magazine aligned with the manufacturer’s standard materials, while the grip extension provides additional surface at the base of the magazine for handling.

This magazine is most suitable for Glock 42 owners who need a factory replacement or an additional magazine for range practice, training, or general use. Since it is designed specifically for the Glock 42, users should confirm their firearm model before purchasing.

Specifications

• Manufacturer: Glock
• Gun Model: Glock 42
• Caliber: .380 ACP
• Capacity: 6 rounds
• Finish: Black
• Material: Polymer
• Magazine Type: Factory original

Pros

• Factory original Glock magazine
• Designed specifically for Glock 42
• Six round capacity
• Polymer construction
• Black finish
• Grip extension included
• Suitable as a replacement or additional magazine

Cons

• Grip extension may not suit every user’s preference

3) Glock Magazine G42 380 6 Round MF42006

The Glock Magazine G42 .380 6 Round MF42006 is a factory original magazine designed specifically for the Glock 42. It provides a six round capacity and uses a polymer body with a black finish, following the manufacturer’s standard configuration for this model.

The magazine is built for .380 ACP ammunition and is listed as compatible with the Glock 42. Its factory original design makes it a direct model-specific option for owners looking for an additional or replacement magazine for their pistol.

The polymer construction provides the magazine body with the material specified by Glock, while the compact six round capacity corresponds to the magazine configuration provided for the Glock 42. Compatibility is limited to the Glock 42 according to the supplied manufacturer information.

This magazine is most suitable for Glock 42 owners who need a factory replacement or an additional magazine for range practice, training, or general firearm use. Buyers should confirm that they own the Glock 42 before selecting this model.

Specifications

• Manufacturer: Glock
• Model: MF42006
• Gun Model: Glock 42
• Caliber: .380 ACP
• Capacity: 6 rounds
• Finish: Black
• Material: Polymer

Pros

• Factory original Glock magazine
• Designed specifically for Glock 42
• Six round capacity
• Polymer construction
• Black finish
• .380 ACP compatibility
• Suitable as a replacement or additional magazine

Cons

• Compatible specifically with the Glock 42

4) Elite Tactical Systems Glock 42 .380 Auto Magazine

The Elite Tactical Systems Glock 42 .380 Auto Magazine is a polymer magazine designed for the Glock 42 and chambered for .380 ACP. It holds seven rounds while maintaining a flush fit similar to the standard six round Glock 42 magazine, giving users additional capacity without adding a noticeable extension below the grip.

The magazine has a translucent body that allows users to visually check the ammunition inside, including the approximate round count and ammunition type. Its polymer construction is designed to withstand impacts, chemicals, heat, cold, and UV exposure without becoming brittle under the conditions described by the manufacturer.

For storage, the magazine uses a creep-resistant design intended to help prevent the body and feed lips from spreading when left fully loaded for extended periods. The specially designed baseplate also allows for easier disassembly, while the floorplate shape provides a convenient surface for handling the magazine from a pouch.

This magazine is most suitable for Glock 42 owners who want a seven round option with a flush profile and translucent construction. It can be useful for range practice, training, or as an additional magazine where its compatibility and capacity meet the user’s requirements.

Specifications

• Manufacturer: Elite Tactical Systems
• Gun Model: Glock 42
• Caliber: .380 ACP
• Capacity: 7 rounds
• Material: Polymer
• Color: Translucent/Smoke
• Country of Origin: USA
• Magazine Profile: Flush fit

Pros

• Seven round capacity
• Flush fit similar to standard six round OEM magazine
• Translucent body allows visual ammunition checks
• Impact resistant polymer construction
• Resistant to heat, cold, UV exposure, and chemicals
• Creep-resistant design for long-term loaded storage
• Compatible with Glock and aftermarket floorplates

Cons

• Translucent appearance may not suit every user’s preference

5) Elite Tactical Systems Glock 42 .380 ACP 7-Round Pistol Magazine

The Elite Tactical Systems Glock 42 .380 ACP 7-Round Pistol Magazine is a polymer magazine designed specifically for the Glock 42. It holds seven rounds of .380 ACP ammunition and uses a carbon smoke translucent body that allows the ammunition inside to remain partially visible.

The magazine is built from impact-resistant polymer and is designed to withstand exposure to chemicals, heat, cold, and ultraviolet light. Elite Tactical Systems also describes the material as resistant to becoming brittle when exposed to harsh environmental conditions.

The translucent body provides a quick visual indication of the ammunition count and type. The magazine also uses a creep-resistant design intended to help prevent the feed lips and body from spreading when the magazine remains fully loaded for extended storage.

This magazine is most suitable for Glock 42 owners looking for a seven round magazine for range practice, training, or general use. Its translucent construction can also be useful for users who want to visually check the ammunition inside the magazine.

Specifications

• Manufacturer: Elite Tactical Systems
• Gun Model: Glock 42
• Caliber: .380 ACP
• Capacity: 7 rounds
• Material: Polymer
• Color: Carbon Smoke
• Country of Origin: USA
• Magazine Type: Pistol magazine

Pros

• Seven round capacity
• Designed specifically for Glock 42
• Translucent body allows visual ammunition checks
• Impact-resistant polymer construction
• Resistant to heat, cold, UV exposure, and chemicals
• Creep-resistant design
• Made in the USA

Cons

• Carbon smoke appearance may not suit every preference

Why Glock 42 Magazines? (Advantages)

1. Model-Specific Compatibility

Glock 42 magazines are built specifically around the dimensions and operating characteristics of the Glock 42. Using a magazine designed for this model helps ensure that its dimensions, .380 ACP chambering, and magazine interface are properly matched to the pistol.

2. Multiple Capacity Options

Glock 42 magazines are available in different capacity configurations, giving owners more than one option depending on their preferences and intended use. Standard six-round magazines are available alongside some seven-round designs, providing additional capacity while remaining compatible with the compact platform.

3. Compact Magazine Profiles

The Glock 42 is designed as a compact pistol, and its magazines follow that same design philosophy. Flush-fit options maintain a compact profile, while magazines with extensions can provide additional grip surface without requiring a completely different magazine format.

4. Durable Materials

Magazine construction can have a direct effect on how well a magazine handles repeated use. Polymer designs can offer a balance of strength and weight, while some manufacturers add resistance to impacts, chemicals, heat, cold, and UV exposure for demanding environments.

5. Easy Ammunition Identification

Translucent magazine bodies provide a useful visual advantage by allowing users to see the ammunition inside. This makes it easier to check the approximate number of rounds remaining and identify the ammunition loaded without having to rely entirely on external markings.

6. Finger and Grip Extensions

Some Glock 42 magazines incorporate finger or grip extensions that provide additional contact at the bottom of the magazine. This can make the magazine easier to handle while also giving users another option for how the compact pistol feels in the hand.

7. Additional Magazines for Convenience

Owning additional compatible magazines can make range sessions and general firearm handling more convenient. Instead of relying on a single magazine, users can keep additional magazines available as replacements or spares when needed.

8. Features for Long-Term Storage

Certain magazine designs include feed lips and magazine bodies engineered to resist deformation during extended storage. This can be useful for owners who keep additional magazines loaded or stored for longer periods and want construction designed for that type of use.

Factors to Consider When Choosing The Best Glock 42 Magazines

1. Magazine Capacity

Capacity is an important specification because Glock 42 magazines are available in different configurations. Six-round options follow the standard configuration, while some aftermarket designs offer seven rounds. The appropriate capacity depends on the user’s intended application and applicable laws.

2. Glock 42 Compatibility

Compatibility should be confirmed before purchasing any magazine. A magazine should specifically identify the Glock 42 as a supported firearm rather than assuming compatibility simply because it uses .380 ACP ammunition.

3. Construction Material

The material used for the magazine body affects its weight, durability, and handling characteristics. Polymer is common among Glock 42 magazines and can provide a lightweight construction, while the specific formulation and manufacturing quality determine how well the magazine handles regular use.

4. Magazine Profile

Consider whether you want a magazine that maintains a flush profile or one with a finger or grip extension. A flush magazine keeps the compact configuration, while an extension can provide additional contact for handling the pistol and magazine.

5. Ammunition Visibility

Translucent magazines make it possible to visually inspect the ammunition through the magazine body. This can be useful when checking the approximate ammunition count or identifying what is loaded, while opaque designs provide the more traditional magazine appearance.

6. Environmental Resistance

If magazines will be exposed to demanding conditions, environmental resistance is worth examining. Features such as resistance to impact, chemicals, heat, cold, and UV exposure can influence how suitable a particular magazine is for different storage and handling conditions.

7. Feed Lip and Body Durability

The feed lips and magazine body are important structural components that influence long-term magazine performance. Look for a design from a manufacturer that provides clear information about material strength, construction, and resistance to deformation, particularly if the magazines will see frequent use.

8. Manufacturer Support

Manufacturer reputation, compatibility information, warranty coverage, and replacement support can all be useful when choosing a magazine. Clear product documentation also makes it easier to confirm capacity, materials, fit, and other specifications before purchasing.

Best Glock 42 Magazines FAQs

1. How many rounds do Glock 42 magazines hold?

The standard Glock 42 magazine configuration holds six rounds, while some compatible aftermarket magazines provide seven-round capacity. The exact capacity depends on the specific magazine design, so the manufacturer’s specifications should always be checked before purchase.

2. Can any .380 ACP magazine be used with a Glock 42?

No. Sharing the same .380 ACP caliber does not automatically make magazines interchangeable. Magazine dimensions, locking features, feed geometry, and firearm compatibility can differ, so the magazine should specifically list the Glock 42 as a compatible model.

3. Are translucent polymer magazines a good option for the Glock 42?

Translucent polymer magazines offer a useful visual feature because the ammunition can be seen through the magazine body. They can also provide a lightweight construction, but buyers should still verify compatibility, capacity, construction specifications, and the manufacturer’s stated use before selecting one.

Conclusion

Glock 42 magazines may look like simple accessories, but the differences between available designs can make a noticeable difference in how they fit into an owner’s setup.

The standard six-round format provides the familiar factory configuration, while other options introduce additional capacity, extensions, translucent bodies, and specialized polymer construction.

That gives Glock 42 owners room to choose magazines based on how they intend to use, handle, and store them.

The key is finding a properly compatible magazine with the combination of capacity, construction, and design features that fits the owner’s particular requirements.

See Also:

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• 4 Best Glock 21 Triggers
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