What's the smallest/lightest handgun (any caliber) that you shoot well?

I

idek

New member
I suspect most people shoot more accurately with guns that have a little heft, longer barrels, and hand-filling grips. And therefore, they probably shoot worse with tiny pocket guns. I'm interested in guns that provide a good compromise between "shootability" and portability.

Which smaller sized handguns perform best for you at the range?
 
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Which modestly sized handguns perform best for you at the range?
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Interesting thought you've got there.

I've got a .32 Seecamp that, considering it has no sights, will put 5 shots into 2.5" or less at 7 yds. all day, any day... with just about anyone shooting it. All stainless steel, it ain't no lightweight compared to today's "poly-tastic pocket poppers", but it's easy to carry in a pocket and sure feels good in the hand if you need it.
You may be right though about really tiny guns... especially when they are a large caliber for their size. At one time, the Seecamp was about as small as it gets (in a .32ACP)... now days, there are larger calibers in the same or I think even slightly smaller package.

Speaking of size, sometimes the sights themselves are more important than sight radius... and good balance (for an individual) can trump just about anything. I know lots of guys and gals that shoot their carry 3" Officers model size 1911s better than their match grade 5" Gov'ment models. Their Glock 26s and 19s better than their 17s or even their 17Ls and 34s.

I seem to be able to shoot better with most 4" barreled guns than with more or less length. I have a Colt Combat Commander (4") that I consistently shoot better than my Colt Gold Cup NM (5")... the GC is far "tighter" and is, admittedly, far more accurate off a rest, but off-hand, I do better with the CC. If I go down to a 3" .45ACP... I tend to suck no matter what. :p

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Plus on the seecamp , the small polymer did not work for me. At this time most of my shooting is a RUGER SP101 or a SW MP 40 C.
 
Despite the tiny sights, I shoot the Beretta 950 in .25 acp reasonably well. That's due to the SAO trigger and the all-steel construction. I don't carry it anymore because I have other pistols that fill that niche in larger calibers. It's the small one at the lower, left corner.

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Smallest I go and maintain accuracy is my Ruger LCR. Right now, though, I have the boot grip on it which doesn't help. I was just thinking about putting the original grip on it again. When I took it to the range for the first time, I was nervous -- I'd never shot a snub so light. I was absolutely amazed at the ease of controlling recoil and my accuracy, right from my first cylinder!

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Charter Arms off duty DAO 38 special only weighs 12 oz. shots POA at 15 yds. shoots well with wadcutters and light HP's but those +P's will bite the hand a bit
 
My Kahr PM9 was always a surprise when I shot it. It is very accurate. The LCP got to be a decent shooter but that came with a lot of practice.
 
CZ 82 shoots far better than it should for me.

Also, the Ruger LCP, Polish P64 and a Beretta 21 have done well in my big mitt.
 
For me, I've never found one of any size I didn't shoot well... The size/weight makes a difference in how comfortable it is in hand, though. Small guns are less enjoyable for me, but just as effective.
 
Despite lots of recoil and no real sights, I shoot my Ruger LCP very well up to 7 yards. In a self defense situation, I have no concerns about carrying and using it.
 
Within a practical SD range of 10 yards I have to say my Elsie Pea! Consistent point, and shoot double tap center mass hits inside the 9 ring of a B-27 target with a third, more precisely aimed head shot to follow.
I also recently purchased a Taurus PT22 Poly for similar practice with ammo a lot more affordable than 380. I find that it shoots just as accurately as my Elsie in similar drills.
 
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