B5 Systems

SHOT Show’s Single-Stack Sprint

SSD is lucky enough to have the opportunity to offer you a look at two of the hottest pistols from SHOT Show 2014 by Megan Holly, a lady with many years of experience in the firearms market.

As SHOT Show 2014 approached, I learned of two new pistols set to be released which like the rest of the country, I was immediately intrigued by – the G42 (.380 single-stack from GLOCK) and the R51 (9mm single stack from Remington).

My immediate thought was that of relief, as I’ve been interested in a new concealed carry pistol – one that had a smaller profile, would fit into my small, female hands and allow me to feel confident while not overwhelm. As a mom, and a non-“professional” shooter, I wanted something reliable and compact – cute yet powerful.

Let’s just say that the announcement of these two couldn’t have come at a better time.

At Media Day I was able to shoot the G42, however the R51 wasn’t at the range due to the fact that it hadn’t “officially” been released. At the show however, I spent some quality time at both Remington and GLOCK’s booths, handling and being fully educated on each.

Without further delay, here are some very high-level observations I was able to put together on each:

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G42
Single Stack .380
Mag Capacity – 6 rounds
Weight – 15 oz loaded
Frame – Polymer
Barrel length – 3.25 in

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R51
Single Stack 9mm
Mag Capacity – 7 rounds
Weight – 20 oz loaded
Frame – Aluminum
Barrel length – 3.4

Immediate Impressions:

The GLOCK looks and feels exactly like it’s older siblings – just smaller; fitting comfortably in my small hands and shooting smoothly. Due to the fact that I currently carry a G19, making the switch to the G42 would be a seamless one. The features are virtually the same, and the pistol maintains the rugged and reliable body we’ve all come to know and trust – just in a more petite version.

The R51 is very aesthetically pleasing – the David Yurman of the pistol market, if you will. The lines are smooth and curvy, allowing the shooter to feel less tactical and more feminine while carrying. However, with a steel slide and aluminum frame, the cool metal feel reminds me of historical guns, allowing for the powerful confidence we look for. This pistol looks like something that belongs in the hands of a Bond character – sleek, sexy and powerful.

Handling the pistol confirmed my visual impressions. The R51 feels as good as it looks; with a smooth trigger pull and slide that can be racked with literally one finger. While the grip angle wasn’t one I was accustomed to, it was very easy to aim, and my hands fit perfectly without a dangling pinky or excess palm hanging from the magazine. While I haven’t yet fired the R51, my suspicions tells me that it will shoot just as good as it looks due to the stationary barrel and recoil spring surrounding the barrel (similar to the Walther PPK).

In comparing the two side-by-side, my personal conclusion suggests the following:

Caliber: .380 vs 9mm – No clear-cut winner.

I’m not a ballistics expert, but obviously .380 is not 9mm (let’s face it, you walk into an ammo store, and on a 10’ wall, 9.5’ of that is 9mm and the remaining part contains the .380). However, if you’re properly trained in personal defense either caliber will serve its intended purpose.

Grip: R51

I was able to get all three fingers on the grip of the R51 but I was only able to get two fingers on the G42 and my pinky hung off the bottom. Not a deal breaker – but I’d prefer to have as much grip on my pistol as I can.

Capacity: R51

7 is always preferred over 6

Familiarity: G42

I’ve shot GLOCKs almost exclusively, so I’m very familiar with the pistol’s features. Shooting a GLOCK comes second nature to me, and the G42 doesn’t disappoint.

Cost: No clear winner

I hear both will retail for around $400.

At this point, I’ll reserve my final opinion for after I get to shoot the R51 on the range. However, with all that I’ve learned and experienced with each, I expect this will be a very difficult choice… I might end up getting one of each!

By: Megan Holly

8 Responses to “SHOT Show’s Single-Stack Sprint”

  1. VooDoo says:

    I personally appreciate a review from a female / non-competitive shooter and her take on the two new pistols. I shake my head as to why a keyboard warrior would attack her and her review.
    Please be aware that while speaking with representatives from GLOCK about the new G42 during SHOT Show, they were informing people that the new G42 was purposely built for concealed carry and personally defense and that with the new ammo available, the .380 would perform very well as compared to the 9mm.
    So yes, the 9mm has better terminal velocity and penetration etc etc blaa blaa blaa, and I applied you for pointing tha out in a link that is no long er valid, but I believe the point she was attempting to make was “are they both effective for the intended purpose – concealed carry / self defense”.
    In an over simplified statement, in a dark parking lot, will it go bang and will it put a hole in someone and allow you to place distance between you and your threat – yes.
    In the end, be nice to the author, she’s doing a serve to a market segment that is under served – moms, working women, and non-competitive shooter folks.
    I applaud her.

  2. Kaos-1 says:

    .380acp – better than nothing at all. For concealed carry and for the petite hands of a woman it works just fine. Like Voodoo said, it puts holes in people. But if you watch all the videos on the internet of robberies, assaults,etc. The second the victim pulls out a firearm , let alone gets a shot off, the perps usually high tail it the hell out of there. You have to look at what the “criminal” is , he’s not trained, he doesn’t have body armor or SAPI plates, he doesn’t have night vision, he’s not a warrior. They care only for gold teeth, rims on their car, $200 sneakers, skittles and ice tea, and their baby mama’s. Lol

    • cimg says:

      a .380 you carry is always better than a 9mm/.40/.45 you leave at home. Especially for the ladies.

  3. KevinB says:

    Glock once again missed the boat. .380 is a very poor round for personal protection, they have had over a year to release a S&W Shield sized 9mm, but Perfection ignores reality it appears.

    The majority of the uneducated firearms buyers will flock to it like Lemmings, but they would be better suited by a number of quality 9mm pocket pistols on the market in that price range.

    Unlike Kaos-1, I would urge folks to prepare for the 2%’er criminal who will fight to the death.

  4. Ed says:

    Choose none of the above. Try a Boberg Arms XR9-S:

    Single Stack 9mm, +P capable
    Mag Capacity – 7+1 rounds
    Weight – 17.5 oz with unloaded magazine
    Frame – Aluminum
    Barrel length – 3.35″
    Height – 4.2″
    Length – 5.1″
    Width – 0.96″

    http://www.bobergarms.com/