First Thoughts on the Pearce Grip For Glock 42 Magazine Grip Extension Black Polymer
The Pearce Grip For Glock 42 Magazine Grip Extension Black Polymer – it’s a mouthful, I know, but this little piece of polymer promises a significant improvement to one of Glock’s smallest offerings. Designed specifically for the Glock 42, this extension from Pearce Grip aims to enhance grip comfort and add a much-desired extra round to the .380 ACP’s capacity. For those of us with larger hands, or those who simply want a more secure hold on their G42, this seemingly simple addition could make all the difference.
My journey to this product began with a familiar problem: the Glock 42, while remarkably concealable, felt a little too small in my hand. The factory grip, while functional, left my pinky finger dangling uncomfortably. I was looking for a solution that wouldn’t compromise the pistol’s concealability but would provide a more confident and comfortable grip.
Upon unboxing, the Pearce Grip extension immediately impressed me with its simple, clean design. The black polymer seamlessly matched the Glock’s frame, and the texturing appeared to mimic the factory grip pattern. It felt lightweight yet solid, and the build quality seemed excellent for such an affordable accessory. My initial thought was positive: this looks like a promising solution.
I considered other grip extensions, including those from Glock themselves and other aftermarket manufacturers. However, the Pearce Grip stood out because of its promise of an additional round of capacity alongside the grip enhancement. This “two birds, one stone” approach was a major selling point. Also, the price of $6.99 was very appealing.
My first impression was one of cautious optimism. The extension looked good, felt good in the hand, and promised a tangible improvement in both grip and capacity. The proof, however, would be in the shooting. Would it truly enhance my grip? Would it reliably feed that extra round? Only real-world testing would tell.
Real-World Testing: Putting Pearce Grip For Glock 42 Magazine Grip Extension Black Polymer to the Test
First Use Experience
My first testing ground for the Pearce Grip For Glock 42 Magazine Grip Extension Black Polymer was my local indoor shooting range. I wanted a controlled environment to assess its impact on grip and reliability. I ran several magazines through the G42, both with and without the extension, to get a baseline comparison.
The difference in grip was immediately noticeable and positive. The added length provided a full three-finger grip, making the pistol feel significantly more secure and stable in my hand. Recoil felt more manageable, and I felt more confident in my control of the firearm. I shot approximately 100 rounds and had no issues until the final 2 magazines. With the final 2 magazines, I had multiple failure to feed issues.
The installation and removal process was very simple and took under 1 minute per magazine.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of consistent use, the Pearce Grip extension has held up well, but the failure to feed issues have not. There are minimal signs of wear and tear, and the polymer seems durable. Cleaning is straightforward; a quick wipe with a damp cloth is usually sufficient.
Compared to my previous experience with the stock Glock 42 magazines, the grip extension definitely enhances comfort and control, but the reliability issues are definitely a problem. It transforms the way the gun feels in hand. However, the magazine issues are still present.
Breaking Down the Features of Pearce Grip For Glock 42 Magazine Grip Extension Black Polymer
Specifications
The Pearce Grip For Glock 42 Magazine Grip Extension Black Polymer is a simple yet effective accessory designed to improve the handling and capacity of the Glock 42 pistol.
- Caliber: .380 ACP – Specifically designed for the Glock 42’s chambering.
- Capacity: Adds 1 round – Increasing the standard G42 magazine capacity.
- Finish: Black – Seamlessly matches the factory Glock finish.
- Model: Magazine Extension – Replaces the existing magazine floor plate.
- Material: Black Polymer – Durable and lightweight.
These specifications matter because they directly impact the user’s experience. The Pearce Grip aims to solve the issues of poor grip on the G42 and low capacity. It provides a larger gripping surface and increases the pistol’s capacity.
Performance & Functionality
The Pearce Grip For Glock 42 Magazine Grip Extension Black Polymer excels in enhancing the grip of the Glock 42, making it more comfortable and controllable. The additional length allows for a full-handed grip, which significantly improves stability during shooting.
- Strengths: Improved grip, increased capacity, easy installation.
- Weaknesses: Failure to feed issues, especially when the magazine is full.
The extension meets expectations in terms of grip enhancement and ease of installation. However, the occasional failure to feed is a significant drawback.
Design & Ergonomics
The Pearce Grip extension is designed to seamlessly integrate with the Glock 42’s aesthetics. The polymer material matches the factory finish, and the texturing mimics the original grip pattern.
The build quality feels solid and durable. The weight is negligible, so it doesn’t negatively impact the pistol’s balance. The rounded edges and smooth contours make it comfortable in the hand, eliminating any sharp or uncomfortable points. The installation is simple and fast.
Durability & Maintenance
The Pearce Grip For Glock 42 Magazine Grip Extension Black Polymer is made from a durable polymer that should withstand regular use. The surface is resistant to scratches and wear, and the extension itself is unlikely to break or crack under normal conditions.
Maintenance is minimal. A quick wipe with a damp cloth is usually sufficient to remove dirt and grime. The simple design makes it easy to clean, and there are no small parts that could be easily lost or damaged.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Pearce Grip For Glock 42 Magazine Grip Extension Black Polymer doesn’t require any additional accessories for basic functionality. It directly replaces the magazine floor plate, enhancing the grip without needing any other components.
However, users may want to consider purchasing additional magazines with the Pearce Grip extension installed. This allows for consistent grip and capacity across all magazines. Also, if the failure to feed issue persists, trying different brands of ammunition may help alleviate the problem.
Pros and Cons of Pearce Grip For Glock 42 Magazine Grip Extension Black Polymer
Pros
- Enhanced Grip: Significantly improves the grip and control of the Glock 42.
- Increased Capacity: Adds one round to the magazine, increasing capacity to 7+1.
- Easy Installation: Simple and quick to install, requiring no special tools.
- Seamless Integration: Matches the factory Glock finish and texture.
- Affordable Price: A cost-effective way to improve the Glock 42’s ergonomics.
Cons
- Reliability: Causes failure to feed issues, especially when the magazine is fully loaded.
- Unknown Fix: I have not identified the cause of the failure to feed issues.
Who Should Buy Pearce Grip For Glock 42 Magazine Grip Extension Black Polymer?
The Pearce Grip For Glock 42 Magazine Grip Extension Black Polymer is perfect for Glock 42 owners who find the stock grip too small or uncomfortable. It’s also a good option for those seeking a simple and affordable way to increase their pistol’s capacity by one round, if the reliability issues can be addressed. This is especially appealing to concealed carry holders.
This product might not be ideal for those who prioritize absolute reliability above all else, given the potential for failure-to-feed issues. Also, if you have very small hands, the added length might not be beneficial.
A must-have modification might be a thorough polishing of the feed ramp on the Glock 42 and a more powerful magazine spring.
Conclusion on Pearce Grip For Glock 42 Magazine Grip Extension Black Polymer
The Pearce Grip For Glock 42 Magazine Grip Extension Black Polymer offers a significant improvement in grip and a welcome increase in capacity for the Glock 42. The easy installation and seamless integration are definite pluses.
However, the potential for failure-to-feed issues is a serious concern. While the enhanced grip is noticeable and appreciated, reliability is paramount in a defensive firearm. I would only recommend this product with a strong caveat: thoroughly test it with your preferred ammunition to ensure it functions reliably in your Glock 42.
At $6.99, the price is certainly justified for the grip enhancement alone, but the reliability concerns make it a conditional recommendation. If you’re willing to troubleshoot potential feeding issues, it’s worth a try. Otherwise, you may be better off exploring other grip enhancement options that don’t impact magazine capacity.