Sorry about the pictures. They were shot with my phone and I just used my floor for a backdrop.
For purposes of practice I decided to get an Airsoft Training Pistol (ATP) that replicates my Everyday Carry (EDC) pistol. The problem is that I carry a Glock 42, which is not well replicated. In the past Stark Arms (not the Gun Store in Ohio) made a copy. However, that copy is out of production and not obtainable.
This hole in the market has been filled by Umarex. Unlike the approach made by Stark Arms, Umarex became a licensed manufacturer of ATP’s for Glock. Oddly enough, this particular ATP was still hard to obtain.
As ATP afficanodos are aware, most models, that are in production, can be secured through various Taiwanese vendors. However, none of them listed this particular ATP. I also checked at my local Airsoft shop; when possible I make purchases there because if people don't support their local stores, then they wont have local stores. They didn’t have in and had no knowledge of where or how to get one.
I ended up placing an order with a UK vendor. The vendor was good and they sent the ATP to the shipper the next day. That being said, be aware, the shipping did take close to two weeks. Most of that time was time that the order was stuck in the UK, waiting to leave the shipping facility.
This is what comes in the box.
This is just a first look. I haven't fired it over a chronograph yet. The checkout and inspection letter from the vendor shows that, before shipping, they chronoed it at 240fps, signed by “Tom.” I did fire both magazines to insure proper functioning and had no problems. Be aware that the Glock 42 being used in the comparisons has: Glock Nite Sights, a frame plug, a Vickers Tactical extended slide stop lever, and a few small parts that should make no difference for this comparison.
Overall Weight and size:
Empty, the Glock 42 weighs a measured 12.5oz. The G42 ATP weighs 9.1 oz.
Loaded, the Glock 42 weighs a measured 15.5oz (using Polycase ARX ammunition). The G42 ATP weighs 13.7 oz (loaded with a full charge of Green Gas and 6 pellets).
The G42 ATP is slightly larger than the Glock 42; however, the differences, both in width and length, are less than 1/10 of a millimeter.
Overall observations:
The G42 ATP has a duller slide surface and and the plastic has a lower quality feel than the Glock 42. Where the Glock 42 says, “Made in USA, Glock Inc., Smyrna GA,” the G42 ATP says “Officially Licensed Product of GLOCK.”
By the way, you cannot put the wrong magazine in the wrong gun. They are not identical
Observation of something bad:
The G42 ATP has a large gap in the front around the barrel. I just realized that the Glock 42 also has a gap in the same place; but it is not nearly so large. I suspect that the gap is larger on the G42 ATP in order to allow for the installation of the muzzle indicator required by US law. I have access to a shop and I will probably machine some bushing to put there.
Note the size of the gap above the barrel
This is what I mean by a muzzle indicator
Serial Number issue:
The serial number on the Lower Frame assembly of the G42 ATP is the serial number. The other two, on the slide and barrel, appear to simply be decorations. This is contrasted to the Glock 42 where all three serial numbers should march.
This is the serial number
These are just decorations
Significant operational difference:
As you know, the Glock 42 is a Striker fired pistol. The G42 ATP has a hidden hammer. The Glock 42 is disabled by relaxing the firing mechanism, then pulling down on the take down levers while sliding the slide forward. The G42 ATP is disassembled in a similar manner. The difference is that on the G42 ATP the pistol is not to be dry fired before disassembly.
And if anyone is wondering, now that I have pictures of it, it is going to get a coat of paint. The colour isn't as important as the point is to reduce the risk of a very bad accident.
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