This was a topic of discussion that came up awhile ago, but the thread was shutdown prematurely since the Topic Creator failed to specify the difference. I have decided to revive the topic, as I think it makes for an interesting topic for discussion, but let's start this off right by pointing out the differences between a Micro Pistol and a Subcompact.
What is a Micro Compact?
A Micro Compact, also commonly referred to as a "Mouse Gun" or "Pocket Pistol" is a very small, thin, ultra lightweight handgun, typically chambered in smaller caliber cartridges from .22LR to .380 ACP with shorter barrels ranging from 1.5"-3" in length. Micro Compacts tend to have shorter grips which can only fit the average shooter's dominant middle finger and possibly their ring finger with a flush fit magazine. (YMMV)
Examples: Colt 1908 Vest Pocket Pistol, FN Baby Browning, Walther TPH, Ruger LCP.
What is a Subcompact Pistol?
A Subcompact Pistol is a small, more compact, lightweight handgun, typically chambered in cartridges ranging from .380 ACP all the way up to .45 ACP with barrels ranging from 2.5"-3.75" in length.
Examples: Walther PPK, Ruger LC9, Smith & Wesson M&P Shield, Glock 27.
Which do you prefer for Consealed Carry?
While I see uses for all of them, and used to carry a Subcompact Walther PPK/S, in recent years I have come to prefer to carry a Micro Compact Ruger LCP during times when I cannot Concealed Carry a larger Compact Pistol. (As a frame of reference, a Compact Pistol is in terms of size about the size of a Glock 19.)
The way I see it is, if I cannot Consealed Carry a Compact, then I might as well carry the smallest, thinnest, lightest, pistol chambered in the most effective cartridge I can manage to shoot accurately. For me, that's the Ruger LCP.
However, I still like Subcompacts as well, I just haven't yet run into a scenario in which I cannot Concealed Carry a Compact, yet can still carry something larger than a Micro Compact, but that's mainly a result of the climate in my area being either hot or cold for the majority of the year.
What are your thoughts?
What is a Micro Compact?
A Micro Compact, also commonly referred to as a "Mouse Gun" or "Pocket Pistol" is a very small, thin, ultra lightweight handgun, typically chambered in smaller caliber cartridges from .22LR to .380 ACP with shorter barrels ranging from 1.5"-3" in length. Micro Compacts tend to have shorter grips which can only fit the average shooter's dominant middle finger and possibly their ring finger with a flush fit magazine. (YMMV)
Examples: Colt 1908 Vest Pocket Pistol, FN Baby Browning, Walther TPH, Ruger LCP.
What is a Subcompact Pistol?
A Subcompact Pistol is a small, more compact, lightweight handgun, typically chambered in cartridges ranging from .380 ACP all the way up to .45 ACP with barrels ranging from 2.5"-3.75" in length.
Examples: Walther PPK, Ruger LC9, Smith & Wesson M&P Shield, Glock 27.
Which do you prefer for Consealed Carry?
While I see uses for all of them, and used to carry a Subcompact Walther PPK/S, in recent years I have come to prefer to carry a Micro Compact Ruger LCP during times when I cannot Concealed Carry a larger Compact Pistol. (As a frame of reference, a Compact Pistol is in terms of size about the size of a Glock 19.)
The way I see it is, if I cannot Consealed Carry a Compact, then I might as well carry the smallest, thinnest, lightest, pistol chambered in the most effective cartridge I can manage to shoot accurately. For me, that's the Ruger LCP.
However, I still like Subcompacts as well, I just haven't yet run into a scenario in which I cannot Concealed Carry a Compact, yet can still carry something larger than a Micro Compact, but that's mainly a result of the climate in my area being either hot or cold for the majority of the year.
What are your thoughts?
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