Glock 42/43 owners

[Jess from VA]

There were several threads on these Glocks in the past, and while looking at lights and lasers for a carbine, I came across this new item from Streamlight specifically designed for mini G42 (380) G43 (9mm) pistolas.  TLR-6

http://www.streamlight.com/en-us/product/product.html?pid=328


From a carry perspective (which is what these guns are for), neither a light or a laser (esp red) is much use in daylight, but in the dark when most bad mojo happens, trying to use your sights effectively and/or clearly ID your perp can be a challenge.  And lighting someone up at night in a parking lot with light or laser (or both) could stop anything else from happening, before the need to pull the trigger.  

This thing attaches to the Glock trigger guard (neither 42/43 has any rails) securely, and gives you a low but useful 100 lumens, and a battery door that permits batteries to be replaced while the light remains mounted, and eliminates the need to re-sight the laser after a battery change; at only 1.27 ozs, and about $110.  Downside is it will probably require a new holster.

http://www.amazon.com/Streamlight-69270-TLR-6-Tactical-Pistol/dp/B00WMJRMKI  



Just thought I'd pass it on. (No affiliation)

I'm getting a Streamlight TLR2 G for something a bit larger.

[BF]

Are carry holsters available?

[Jess from VA]

I don't know Bruce, this thing is pretty new.  They will be in time, and the custom makers like Simply Rugged, Lobo and others who work in Kydex could probably be asked right away.  

A basic pocket holster for the 42 probably already works.



I'm not calling all these guys (I don't have any G's anyway)
http://www.gunsholstersandgear.com/glock-42-holsters/

Plenty of holster makers already have made stuff for popular pistols like Glock, 1911, yada for their  pistols and the leading rail mount gun lights from Surefire and Streamlight.  And they'll be doing it for the 42/43 and the TLR6 for certain. 
 

[Gavin_Sons]

Love my 42, carry it everyday night and day. I did upgrade the sights to some night sights and they work great. Gotta practice shooting after dark to get use to them.  I have had night sights before on my 23 and loved them too. A light could be useful for the reasons jess stated, but I would rather surprise a perp with a double tap than with a little light. I wont take my chances trying to scare someone away with a flash light. But I guess if the light dosent scare them you could send a couple rounds his way.  I'm really wanting the 43 but kinda holding out to see if they will produce a 44 in a 40 S&W. Thanks Jess

[Jess from VA]

I suspected my sentence on shooing away an attacker might draw criticism.

You should not show your firearm at all, until and unless you need it.  You need it (lawfully) when a lethal or serious threat is present (and would be reasonable to anyone).  Once the threat is there, you may draw and fire.  And even if fully justified, you get a police investigation, grand jury, maybe a criminal trial, maybe not, and maybe a civil suit.  And even if you win, you lose.

The only times I twice drew a pistol, I was justified from a head on rush from a larger person (not obviously armed, but I did not know for sure).  I produced it and showed it well beyond arm's reach, and the onrushing stopped and walked away.  That was the least amount of force necessary to stop the attack.  I'm glad I did not shoot.  But I was prepared to.  Both times in daylight.

In the dark, you produce a firearm and prepare to shoot, and the attacker cannot see it (maybe there are multiple perps) (maybe you are with your family).  So thinking you are easy game, they keep coming.  To square off with light/laser on an attacker's face/chest at a safer/longer distance from danger, keeping perps away from arm's reach of you or your family, is not a bad tactic (and the light is blinding).  If they keep coming, you drop the hammer.  But if they decide to stop the attack and depart, isn't that a good thing?

Each fact situation must be evaluated on it's own.  General rules are good, but none are necessarily airtight.

Additionally, a light on a firearm at night is a good idea.  A laser on a mini concealable handgun with small fixed sights at night is probably the best use of a laser there is.  I would always prefer good adjustable target sights or optics if the gun has them and I can see to use them.  If they are invisible in the dark, a sighted-in laser is unbeatable at 20 feet, and you can shoot from any position and don't even need the sights (just need to hold steady and not jerk the trigger). 

[solo1]

I have the 42 and it's a great gun.  Soft shooting, small, and reliable. A very good pocket holster (NOT Uncle Mikes) so I'm not considering a laser.  I'm left handed and too many useless holsters around now since I can't sell them.

Gavin, what night sights did you buy?  I can mount them myself, i have the tools and patience.

I'm thinking the combo tritium  and Day Glo.

I/ve already installed night sights on my Glock model 22.  The model 35 has a laser AND Day Glo but it's a house gun, too bulky.

Jess: I'm a member of the Armed Citizen Defense League and they go into detail on self defense where the NRA leaves off. Good advisors like Mass and others.

[Gavin_Sons]

http://www.amazon.com/Trijicon-Bright-Tough-Night-Sight/dp/B00K8O2O0C/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1437422926&sr=8-2&keywords=glock+42+night+sights

[solo1]

Thanks, Exactly the same sights that I installed on my Glock 22.

[MarkT]

Holsters I've seen, that support autoloaders with Streamlights and the like, generally are kydex and insert a plastic rod into the barrel, while surrounding the upper part of the slide and guard the trigger. No assumptions about the shape & size of parts below the slide.  Nice idea but if I was to carry, a streamlight isn't really necessary, while a laser may likely be useful.  Not hard to determine if a perp is a threat without seeing his face or even illuminating his body, in my book.  The laser may discourage whatever moves he's making, while making hits much more likely in the dark, if the weapon is used.  So Crimson Trace grips, which are compatible with most holsters already, are my answer.  And they require no extra switches to operate - just tighten your grip on the stock.  A Streamlight (with laser) is great on a home defense gun, which doesn't need a holster.  If I was to get a G42 for CCW, I'd look into Crimson Trace grips and get a good holster that doesn't support a Streamlight - like a kydex/leather hybrid IWB holster, like those made by Everyday Holsters, sold at amazon.com.  Those are incredibly comfortable and conceal well with just a simple cover garment. You can always carry a good tactical flashlight in pocket or sheath.

[Wetrudgeon]

Thanks for the info/link.  We own a G43 with which we are pleased.  It is (marginally) too large for pocket carry for us, but hides well IWB.  The recoil is considerable with hotter 9mm ordnance, but accuracy and reliability have been very good so far.  We installed night sights on ours, but the laser is intriguing. Don't think we prefer a flash light on a carry piece.

We trudge on.

[Jess from VA]

Mark, not owning a Glock, and considering they don't have traditional grip panels, I was unaware Crimson trace made laser grips for any Glocks.  I see that they do..... but note they do not make any for the 42/43 (at least yet)*.  

I have CT grips on a S&W 360 and it is certainly nice that they do not affect the holster at all (or require you to get a different one).  I also like the switch being right on the grip rather than out front.  

See list of covered Glock models at left*:
http://www.crimsontrace.com/products/type/lasergrips?manufacturer=176&p=1

I agree that a laser has more utility on a small carry pistol (with small fixed sights) than a light.  And I agree a (momentary) light is more important for a home defense pistol (or carbine or shotgun), and that a small carry pistol is really a poor choice for a home defense firearm.

My thoughts on a light on a small carry piece (at night) was along the lines of being sure of my backstop and any innocents out in the field of fire..... more than IDing the bad guy.  

I was just posting about a new product for the 42/43 that some of our members had talked about, that gives both a light and laser in a very small/light package for a pretty reasonable price.  And the green laser (unlike the red) is supposed to be highly visible in broad daylight (at least at close defensive ranges).

[MarkT]

The 42/43s are new models. right? And potentially popular,  If so I'd bet CT will release grips for them soon.

I was more talking about the problem of finding holsters that support a tac light on the rails (or rail position) as opposed to the real utility of needing a holster for that, since tac lights are more useful for home defense, for which the .380 is really too small ( in my book), and a holster is really not needed for a home defense gun. I pretty much assumed CT has grips for the 42/43, or at least will, soon. When I used to want to carry my G21, I removed the light - it was already too big for a concealed carry gun, and I didn't need the light.  I never go anywhere at night where I can't see clearly.  I have boxes of holsters, most of which were bought to support specific carries / clothes / seasons.  And now of course, what use are they with most of the guns gone.  I could open a holster store...

 I got CT grips for my G21 (.45acp with Streamlight for home defense), CT grips for my G23 (.40s&w), and for my 1911 .45.  All red lasers - also usable daytime but in direct sunlight less visible, and all use standard holsters. I did do a small mod on a Galco Jackass shoulder rig. Then those wonderful guns were all lost...  Now I understand CT will be releasing this summer, green laser grips for J frame smiths.  Have a couple .357 snubbies which could use some sighting help.  I think wheelguns are more OK with Shotgun Joe and the OBumminator...