Everything You Need to Know When Buying Glock 42 OWB Holster

The Glock 42 is a subcompact and slimline semi-automatic pistol chambered in a .380 ACP cartridge. Glock’s first American-made .380-caliber handgun, the G42 is specifically designed for concealed carry. To take full advantage of this highly concealable weapon, you’ll need a high-quality, durably constructed gun holster.

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Glock and .380 ACP

Glock is a world-renowned Austrian arms company specializing in polymer-framed, striker-fired handguns. Producing weapons for law enforcement, military service, private self-defense, hunting, and competitive shooting, the company became a household name in the 1980s.

The Austrian manufacturer’s first foray into the .380-caliber pistol market took place in 1995 with the introduction of the Glock 25 and 28. Designed for sale to civilians in countries that prohibit military calibers, such as 9×19mm Luger, the .380 ACP Glock pistols nonetheless failed to meet U.S. import restrictions.

Handguns in this caliber, manufactured overseas, must comply with a point system to be imported into the U.S. As a result, the G25 and G28 pistols remained elusive because sales were limited to qualified law-enforcement personnel.

In 2014, Glock finally  introduced a .380-caliber handgun to the U.S. civilian market: the G42. Because the G42 is manufactured in Glock’s U.S. plant, it can bypass these regulations.

What is the Glock 42?

The Glock 42 is the company’s smallest weapon. A subcompact handgun, the G42 is fed from a single-stack 6-round magazine. This design reduces the width of the frame and grip to less than one inch (0.98” or 25mm).

A testament to its lightweight design, the G42, loaded, weighs only 15.87 oz. When you fire the last round, and the gun runs dry, it drops to 13.76 oz. In comparison,  the Glock 43, chambered in 9mm Luger, weighs 17.99 oz. with an empty magazine — a quarter of a pound heavier.

Glock 42 Holster Requirements

There are two types of waistband holster categories: IWB (inside the waistband) and OWB (outside the waistband). For carrying subcompact firearms, such as the G42 and 43, an IWB holster is generally preferable, enabling deep concealment. However, some gun owners prefer to wear OWB, or outside-the-waistband, holsters for comfort.

For an OWB holster to be suitable for concealed carry, it must meet some basic criteria for quality. These standards determine how safely and comfortably you can carry your firearm and how easily you can access it.

Selecting Your Holster Material

One of the first considerations when selecting a concealed carry holster is the material. The two most common holster materials are leather and Kydex. Kydex is the material of choice for those seeking a more modern, tactical appearance.

Kydex, developed in 1965, is an acrylic PVC thermoplastic that provides a hard, impact-resistant external shell. Kydex is also waterproof, chemically resistant, and resistant to abrasion. If you need a quality holster that performs in various weather conditions, Kydex is the best option.

The leather holster has a timeless appearance and provides more cushion against impact. It’s also less likely to scratch the firearm’s finish. However, a brown leather gun holster is more likely to swell or warp when exposed to moisture unless it is chemically treated. It also requires regular maintenance with a leather conditioner to maintain its supple texture.

Holster Retention

One of the most critical parts of any holster design is how it retains the firearm for security and immediate access. G42 holsters fall into two broad retention categories: active and passive.

Active retention requires manually deactivating a locking mechanism to free the firearm in advance of the draw stroke. Passive retention relies solely on friction between the holster and the pistol’s exterior to resist upward movement, which requires close tolerances and a custom fit.

A passive retention holster should allow you to adjust the retention using one or more screws. Adjustable retention enables you to determine the force you must apply to draw the weapon, finding a balance between accessibility and security that fits you. Whether IWB or OWB, all our holsters offer adjustable retention for the perfect fit and feel.

Why Cant and Ride Height Matter

When carrying your weapon, you need to be aware of the cant and the ride height of the holster, both of which should be adjustable. The cant of the holster determines the extent to which the gun rotates forward or rearward in relation to the centerline of the gun belt.

A positive cant angle of 15-22.5° is ideal for strong side carry positions — on or behind your right hip if you’re a right-handed shooter. As you place the weapon closer to the small of your back, a more positive cant is necessary to reliably and comfortably access your weapon.

The ride height determines the height of the weapon in relation to the centerline of your gun belt. You'll need to find the perfect balance between ride height and cant to achieve a reliable draw stroke. A negative or rearward cant reduces the clearance between the gun belt and the front strap of the pistol.

The size of your handgun also influences the positive cant needed. A pistol with a longer grip will usually require a greater degree of forward cant to be concealable.

Holster Safety

A covered trigger guard is crucial in any holster. When you acquire a full firing grip, there should be no way for your index finger to enter the trigger guard inadvertently. The holster ensures that your finger remains straight by covering the trigger guard until the weapon clears the holster mouth.

Remember the third rule of basic firearm safety: “Keep your finger off the trigger until your sights are on the target.” Practice trigger discipline consistently, and you’ll avoid the overwhelming majority of negligent discharges.

Color Schemes

Kydex isn’t limited to tactical black. We offer Kydex holsters in dozens of colors and camouflage patterns to suit your wardrobe and gear. These include high-visibility hunter orange, desert, and forest digital. We also offer three MultiCam options: original, black, and tropic.

Glock OWB Holsters

At Incognito Concealment, we offer two OWB Kydex holsters for concealable handguns: the Venture and the Ergo.

Incognito Venture

The Incognito Venture is a snug-fitting OWB pancake holster that attaches to your belt using two 1.5 or 1.75” clips or loops. As a covert holster, the Venture contours to your body to increase comfort and concealability.

Incognito Ergo

If you’re looking for an ergonomic and convenient OWB holster, you can also consider a paddle holster. By using a flexible paddle clip, a paddle holster allows you to attach and detach the holster easily without removing your belt.  Our Incognito Ergo uses an ergonomic tack-like profile for a comfortable everyday carry option.

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Invest in Spare Magazines

Subcompact single stack firearms, such as the Glock 42, have limited magazine capacities. One way to compensate for the low round count of the G42 is to carry spare ammunition on your belt in a magazine pouch or carrier.

One or two extra 6-round magazines in Kydex magazine pouches can provide you with the firepower you need to repel any threat. However, to ensure you can reload reliably, spend time in the range or at home practicing the fundamentals.

Magazine pouches should not impede access to the magazines for a rapid withdrawal. Adjustable retention, as with your gun holster, can help you find the ideal level of resistance.

Choosing a Gun Belt

Your holster needs a high-quality, durable gun belt to provide a stable, secure platform. It should also allow your holster to distribute the weight evenly. Before you make a purchase, read reviews from experienced users so you can have realistic expectations of how a particular gun belt will pair with your OWB holster.

The wrong belt can cause printing, which risks revealing your armed status. Printing refers to a visible outline or silhouette created by the firearm through your cover garment.

Several factors affect the extent to which your concealed carry handgun prints. The first is your choice of firearm. In handguns with longer frames, the butt can protrude more, contributing to visibility. Fortunately, the Glock 42, being only 4.13” in height (with the flat-based magazine), minimizes printing.

If you’re unsure what kind of gun belt you’d like to wear,  our Hybrid EDC Belt combines a CNC-machined 7075 aluminum Cobra buckle with two layers of rigid nylon webbing. The result is a durable, stiff belt suitable for range practice, training, and daily carry.

The Benefit of Audible Holster Feedback

One of the advantages of Kydex construction that is often overlooked is the audible click that occurs when you fully holster your firearm. Because Kydex is thermoformed to conform to the contours of your Glock handgun, when you hear the sound of the gun click, you know it's securely in place.

Find the Best Holster for Your Glock Firearm

The G42 is the most concealable Glock pistol on the market today. Chambered in the .380 ACP cartridge, the G42 offers a capacity of six rounds in the magazine, plus one in the chamber. At less than a pound with a loaded magazine, about four inches in height and less than an inch in width, the G42 is a highly compact and concealable weapon.

At Incognito Concealment, we specialize in manufacturing high-quality Kydex holsters at reasonable prices. Our holsters meet the same performance standards as you would expect from Glock. We manufacture all our holsters in the United States with a focus on quality craftsmanship. Browse our products or call us at (586) 333-4240 for assistance. We’d be happy to help you choose a custom holster, magazine carrier, and gun belt that is right for you.