The Glock 42 is a lightweight, concealable .380 semi-automatic pistol–the smallest pistol that Glock makes, which would make it perfect for IWB holsters. When choosing the best IWB holster for Glock 42 handguns, you’d need to look at several qualities:
- Durability – the holster should have an everyday service life measured in years.
- Protection – the holster should keep your gun from getting scratched or rusted from rain and sweat.
- Retention – the gun should not fall out from either normal or rigorous movement, and should not be easy for an assailant to grab and gain control of.
- Slim – the holster and your gun should not be apparent through clothing.
- The price should be reasonable and within your budget.
Here are our recommendations for the 4 best IWB holsters for Glock 42 on the market:
Blade Tech Glock 42 Klipt Inside Waist Band (IWB) ambidextrous Holster by Blade Tech Industries, is a hard plastic, clip- on type IWB holster, constructed of Kydex, which features Level I retention. (Holsters are rated for retention as follows: Level I indicates there are no specific features to enhance retention. The friction provided by the snugness of the holster is the only means of keeping the gun in the holster. Level II retention is the inclusion of a button down, or otherwise secured strap or flap which holds the gun in the holster. Level III retention refers to integral locking features, typically found on Kydex or other hard plastic holsters, in which the wearer has to press one or more buttons, or twist the gun in a specific manner in order to free it from the holster. Level three is the most secure for prevention of a bad guy shooting you with your own gun, but there is a trade-off: it requires a lot of practice drawing from this type of holster. You will have to build muscle memory to smoothly extract it from the holster, especially in a crisis.)
The clip on this holster is removable and reversible, providing the ambidextrous feature, and also allowing for height adjustment. It is very comfortable, and it fits the Glock 42 like a glove. Kydex is durable, and protects your gun well. There is also something about a Kydex holster that just looks badass, and this is arguably the best Glock 42 IWB holster.
Sticky Holster for small to medium autos by Sticky Holsters is a unique option which uses compression against the wearer’s body to hold its place in your waistband. Sticky holsters are covered with a “super non-slip material” which adheres to your pants, skin, or underwear to keep the holster in place. This holster is not specifically designed for the Glock 42, although it can accommodate one, given the Glock 42’s 3.25 inch barrel length. This Sticky Holster is very simple and streamlined, and the Sticky Holsters website also states that with use and your body heat, the holster will conform even better to your gun, and presumably your body over time. It is comfortable to wear, has minimal printing, and is of durable design. This sticky holster features Level I retention.
Outbags Lob3S-G42 Brown Genuine Leather IWB Conceal Carry Gun Holster for Glock 42 .380. This holster is specifically designed for the Glock 42, and offers Level 1 retention. It is made in the USA, features rugged single stitching, and genuine leather construction, for a simple, economical, and durable design. The leather is dyed various shades of light to dark brown, and can be made more water and sweat resistant by applying a leather protectant. This is a good choice for shooters who appreciate a good value, and might be the best Glock 42 IWB holster for those on a budget.
Vedder Holsters LightTuck IWB Kydex Gun Holster – Glock 42 .380 is a clip type IWB holster constructed of Kydex with Level I retention, although the tightness of the holster is adjustable through Phillips-head retention screws. It holds the firearm securely but this was balanced with ease of drawing. This is a very sleek holster, so there will be minimal printing, and it features a rolled clip which means less wear on the waistband of your pants.
Conclusion:
A well-chosen holster is a critical part of your self-defense plan. Your holster must balance retention against someone trying to grab your gun or loss from a fall, with ease of quick access. While all of the IWB holsters reviewed above have Level I retention, the position of an IWB holster will improve retention as the weapon will be minimally exposed. It must be comfortable enough so you do not hesitate to carry it every day, and offer protection from the elements to prolong the service life of your gun. IWB holsters are intended to be unobtrusive, and can be covered with a shirt or jacket with a minimal bulge, or printing, which would indicate you are carrying a weapon. Some people will need to wear pants in a waist measurement one or two sizes higher to accommodate an IWB holster (maybe time to put down the pizza and wings, and get to the gym – I’m not judging. I was guilty of sloth and gluttony all this past winter). Either as a civilian or off-duty LEO, concealment is an important consideration. The last thing you need is a hand wringing anti-gunner, panicking at the site of an exposed firearm if your shirt rides up, and summoning the local tactical team. In some jurisdictions, for civilians, this could be interpreted as Brandishing a Firearm, which is a criminal offense. The best IWB holster for Glock 42 handguns can, in the end, save your life in more ways than one!
About the author:
David A. Porter is an adjunct instructor in Criminal Justice, and a licensed clinician who provides substance abuse and anger management counseling to criminal offenders, and treatment of PTSD in victims of violent and sexually based crimes. He is a gun owner, avid shooter, and second amendment advocate.
