The Glock 42 is the perfect small handgun for Everyday Carry (EDC). Itโs lightweight and ideal for Inside the Waist Band (IWB) holsters. Nevertheless, this .380 semi-automatic pistol is the smallest Glock makes, and finding the appropriate holster can be a challenge.
In this article, weโll take a look at eight of the best Glock 42 holsters on the market. Letโs get to it!
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for Best Glock 42 Holsters
- OUR TOP PICK: Multi Holsters Elite IWB
- RUNNER-UP: BORAII Eagle Pocket Holster
- BEST BUDGET OPTION: Bianchi Remedy Holster - Model 57
Comparison of the Best Glock 42 Holsters
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What Size of Holster Do I Need?
The thing that makes the Glock 42 popular is the same thing that makes finding a holster a challenge: its size. While the Glock 42 is easily concealable and can be carried all day without discomfort, it requires a holster with a snug fit. In larger holsters, the Glock 42 may move around too much and even fall out, potentially leading to disaster.
BORAII Eagle Pocket Holster
The truth is, holsters are one of the most complicated firearm accessories you can get. There are so many different variations, including holsters for firearms with attachments, that itโs crucial to choose one thatโs designed for your gun, comfortable, secure, and accessible.
Review of the Best Glock 42 Holsters
When looking for a holster for a Glock 42, itโs essential to consider its lightweight frame, size, and intended use. The holster should fit snugly and securely while still meeting your style and preferred carry method.
Best Overall:
Multi Holsters Elite IWB
[amazon fields="B00RKKBZ0W" image="1" value="thumb" image_size="large" image_align="center" image_link="none"]
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
For our overall best pick, weโve chosen Multi Holsters Elite IWB. It has a simple design and gets the job done. Buyers report this holster provides a perfect fit for the Glock 42. It fits tightly and securely, making it an IWB holster that can be carried while wearing jeans and a T-shirt.
Why it Stands Out to Us
We like this holster because it has a reputation for being exceptionally strong. It will remain secure and never come off your belt when you draw. It also provides a complete barrier between your firearm and your skin, so you wonโt have uncomfortable rubbing or damage your weapon with sweat and oil.
However, perhaps its largest selling point is the Accu Press Click feature that makes an audible click sound when you holster your firearm. This feature ensures security, and the reverse tag enables a smooth draw. Whatโs more, it comes in several colors, including Desert Tan and Hot Pink (if thatโs your style).
Bottom Line
The Multi Holsters Elite IWB is a comfortable and effective holster. Itโs exceptionally strong, holds the Glock 42 securely, and is designed for a smooth draw. Itโs ideal for both concealed and open carry, with an adjustable fit for the size and weight of the Glock 42.
Runner-up:
BORAII Eagle Pocket Holster
[amazon fields="B015AK30TM" image="1" value="thumb" image_size="large" image_align="center" image_link="none"]
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
The BORAII Eagle Pocket Holster is a simple holster that makes concealed carry easy. Customers like its slim profile and how it minimizes printing. However, some report that this holster is too tight and can come off when drawing the gun. That said, many like how it mimics the weight and feel of carrying a wallet or smartphone in your pocket.
Why it Stands Out to Us
One of the primary features of this holster is that it enables you to load and unload your gun while it remains holstered. This added level of safety helps to prevent negligent discharges during loading. It also improves the overall handling of your firearm.
The BORAII Eagle Pocket Holster is an economical option offering a simple solution. It flattens the profile of your Glock 42 and provides quick access should the need arise. Plus, it fits the Glock 42 like a glove, preventing slips and providing a safe means to conceal-carry your firearm.
Bottom Line
For those who prefer pocket carry holsters, the BORAII Eagle Pocket Holster is a solid choice. While itโs simple and doesnโt have add frills, it gets the job done in a concealed carry situation, and being able to load and unload your firearm while itโs still holstered makes this a highly recommended pocket holster.
Best for the Money:
Bianchi Remedy Holster - Model 57
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
In general, buyers have reviewed the Bianchi Remedy Holster favorability. They report it being comfortable while still securely holding the gun. It also provides the ideal angle of draw. They like the quality of the leather, as well as the look and finish. One buyer even called it a โpancakeโ holder because of how flat it is.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The Bianchi Remedy Holster is a belt slide holster with minimal design. It fits securely on your belt, and your Glock 42 slides into it with ease. However, what makes this holster interesting is how it snuggly holds only half of the gun, leaving the other half exposed for quick and efficient draws.
That said, itโs slim enough not to draw attention to itself and can be easily concealed beneath a regular T-shirt. Nonetheless, what we like about this holster is the quality of its craftsmanship. The leather has a top-notch feel and finish. Plus, itโs designed to offer exactly what you need in a holster and nothing more.
Bottom Line
The Bianchi Remedy Holster is an elegant solution for carrying your Glock 42. It offers a snug fit, encasing your firearm in quality materials and craftsmanship while completely covering the trigger mechanism.
Best Glock 42 Pocket Holster:
Sticky Holsters MD-1
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
Buyers like the Sticky Holster for its simplicity and light weight. The material Sticky Holsters are made out of sticks to all types of fabric, so when it is placed in your pocket, you can draw your weapon without the holster coming too. That said, buyers also report problems with it slipping, and some feel it is cheaply made.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The Sticky Holster MD-1 is a unique product that takes advantage of a custom-made material for convenience and ease of use. That said, this is not a traditional holster. Itโs soft and encases your Glock in a snug material that molds to the shape of your gun, preventing printing.
For small handguns like the Glock 42, itโs a solid option if youโre looking for something comfortable and safe. Itโs also an excellent holster for concealed carrying.
Bottom Line
If youโre looking for something different, Sticky Holsters are worth considering. This product offers a unique solution thatโs growing in popularity. It also works as an IWB holster.
Best Glock 42 Kydex Holster:
Concealment Express Glock IWB KYDEX Holster
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
Buyers like the Concealment Express Glock IWB KYDEX Holster, recommending it for daily use. They like how it fits and can be concealed easily. Itโs durable and adjustable, making it perfect for a Glock 42.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This holster is made from KYDEX material, a type of plastic that is lightweight and durable. Itโs the same material that is used in the construction of bulkheads on aircraft. As such, this holster encases your Glock in a rigid material, protecting your weapon while retaining its shape.
Nevertheless, one of the biggest selling points of this holster is its versatility. You can carry it AIWB, IWB, and SOB.
Bottom Line
The Concealment Express Glock IWB KYDEX Holster is lightweight and easily concealed. Itโs made from high-quality materials you can count on to last for years to come.
Best Glock 42 Leather Holster and IWB Holster:
The Holster Store Pro Carry HD IWB Holster
[amazon fields="B00I84NRO6" image="1" value="thumb" image_size="large" image_align="center" image_link="none"]
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
Most buyers feel this is an excellent holster if youโre looking for a classic look and feel. Itโs comfortable, sturdy, and maintains a minimal profile for concealment. The only issue buyers report is the leather wearing over time.
Why it Stands Out to Us
We like this holster because of its classic leather appeal and the fact that it can be worn as an IWB holster. Itโs easy to conceal and holds the Glock 42 tightly. This is an excellent holster to carry in situations where you might be running, as itโs designed for mobility.
Bottom Line
If youโre looking for a holster that will be comfortable to wear in an athletic situation, this one is an excellent choice. Youโll find the leather molds to your body and enable you to conceal-carry your Glock 42 in almost any situation.
Best Glock 42 Shoulder Holster:
Glock Shoulder Gun Holster
[amazon fields="B00B1XBII8" image="1" value="thumb" image_size="large" image_align="center" image_link="none"]
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
Overall, buyers report that the Glock Shoulder Gun Holster is an excellent buy. Most find it comfortable and appreciate how it can be adjusted to fit. That said, there are reports of snaps breaking, and this product is not designed for large-framed people.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This product is an excellent way to experiment with this method of gun carrying. With a shoulder strap, you can easily conceal your Glock 42 without losing the use of one of your pockets or having an obvious bulge on the side of your waist.
Bottom Line
If youโre looking for a shoulder strap to carry your Glock 42, but youโre not sure if this method is right for you, give this product a try. Itโs sturdy, lightweight, and gets the job done.
Best Glock 42 OWB Holster:
Winthrop Holsters OWB Pancake Leather Holster
[amazon fields="B00E64KINK" image="1" value="thumb" image_size="large" image_align="center" image_link="none"]
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
Most buyers are happy with their purchase of this holster. They say itโs excellent quality for the price and appreciate its premium leather construction. It does have to be broken in, which is something some like and others donโt. Some report a plastic feel and donโt like the stiff leather.
Why it Stands Out to Us
If youโre looking for an OWB holster, this is an economical choice that gets the job done. The leather has a lasting feel, and once you break it in, your Glock 42 will fit snugly and securely. The drawing is smooth, and this holster can easily be concealed by wearing a top over it.
Bottom Line
The Winthrop Holsters OWB Pancake Leather Holster has a nice look and gets the job done. It is wet-molded so that your Glock 42 will fit snugly and comfortably while still providing the friction necessary for safety.
Why Did These Holsters Make Our List?
The following holsters made the cut and are featured in this article are due to many factors. For starters, youโll need to assess your purpose in getting a holster. Is it for competitions or concealed carry? From there, you should consider the following:
Durability
For starters, durability is crucial. A good holster should provide years of reliable service. Look for an everyday service life measured in years for every holster you consider. You should be able to count on a durable holster for years to come.
That said, hard-case holsters and those made from quality fabrics can both provide a durable service life. When choosing a holster, consider how you intend to use it. If itโs likely your gun will be knocked about, then a hard-case holster may protect your firearm and prolong its life.
Photo credit: thegunzone.com
Concealment
One of the major selling points of the Glock 42 is concealment. Its compact design is ideal for this purpose, but youโll need a quality holster to conceal your weapon correctly and safely. The holster should be slim and avoid printing (revealing the shape of a gun through your clothing).
Fortunately, some of the best holsters for the Glock 42 are Inside the Waist Band (IWB) holsters or pocket carry ones. If concealment is important to you, there are certainly some effective holsters you can choose from.
Retention
Retention refers to how snuggly the holster grips your firearm. You want a holster that prevents your Glock 42 from moving around and falling out from either normal or rigorous movement. Also, it should not be easy for an assailant to grab.
Bianchi Remedy Holster - Model 57
Security
Going hand in hand with retention, the holster should be secure. Your holster should fit your Glock 42 precisely, so look for adjustable retention screws. You should also look for the trigger guard mechanism. This guard should protect the trigger mechanism while the weapon is holstered to prevent accidental discharge.
Advantages of Investing in a Quality Holster
It is your responsibility to ensure your Glock 42 is securely stored and handled safely while still being accessible in times of danger. Investing in a quality holster offers some essential benefits, including comfort, longevity, and safety.
For starters, high-quality construction ensures your holster will last for years to come, even under prolonged inclement environments and heavy use. Thereโs nothing worse than a cheap holster that can fray and rip, making it so that you have to buy a replacement every year, not to mention potentially compromising safe gun handling.
Bianchi Remedy Holster - Model 57
A quality holster will also provide the proper retention for your firearm, ensuring it canโt be knocked loose during an altercation or grabbed and used against you by an assailant. It should also protect your weapon from damaging sweat while offering a comfortable fit and protecting the lifespan of your gun.
Whatโs more, a quality holster can prevent printing and enable you to effectively manage a concealed carry weapon. It should also complement your style and preferred carrying method, whether you choose a pocket holster, belt attachment, or a canted back holster for Everyday Carry (EDC).
With the right holster, you should be able to safely and consistently draw your firearm. In a critical situation, youโll be thankful for your investment in a quality holster.
Conclusion
A quality holster is just as important as the firearm itโs carrying. As such, you should put as much thought and consideration into purchasing holsters as you do the firearms themselves. When looking at holsters for the Glock 42 specifically, ensure it provides a snug fit, proper retention, security, and durability.
Photo credit: defensivecarry.com
People Also Ask
Before we go, we thought weโd answer a few of the most frequently asked questions when it comes to holsters for the Glock 42. We know how challenging it can be to find the product that is right for you. Hopefully, the following answers will help to clarify some things.
Will Glock 43 Fit 42 Holsters?
The Glock 43 is a different size than the Glock 42. As such, the slightly larger G43 will not fit in a G42 holster. Itโs critical to always use a proper holster for individual firearms to ensure safety, reliability, and performance.
Are Leather Holsters Bad For Your Gun?
No. Leather holsters walk the line between comfort and durability. For this reason, many prefer leather holsters over those made from nylon and other materials. The downside of leather holsters, besides being a little more expensive, is that they become softer and more pliable over time, which can cause safety issues.
Photo credit: 1791gunleather.com
Is it Safe to Appendix Carry a Glock?
Appendix carry holsters provide comfort, easy access, speed, and concealment. With the proper holster, itโs perfectly safe to appendix carry a Glock. That said, to do so safely, ensure that your holster covers the trigger.
When Did the Glock 42 Come Out?
The Glock 42 is a .380 auto caliber pistol that became available to the American market in 2014. It remains Glockโs smallest and lightest handgun, and many prefer it for its quality and reliability.
