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:

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

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