Why Buy A Full-Size Pistol?

S

seeker_two

New member
I've been looking at subcompact pistols (SR9C, FNS9C, M&P9C) lately. As CCW choices go, it's hard to fault them for anything....especially when they can take the mags of their full-size brothers. And, with ammo improvements, performance from a 3.5" barrel (or less) is comparable to 4"+ barrel, the subcompacts really don't give up anything that a good defensive pistol needs.

So, outside of competition needs, why would someone choose a full-size pistol over a subcompact pistol for general-purpose SD/HD/CCW use?
 
Thats easy for me, feeling. I can deal with the extra weight, less muzzle rise, and slightly less muzzle flash. I generally just like the feeling of a full size better. I still have a couple sub compacts that I can shoot decently but I still carry a 5" 1911 or 4" GP100 most of the time.
 
why would someone choose a full-size pistol over a subcompact pistol for general-purpose SD/HD/CCW use?
Click to expand...

Full size is more effective and easier to shoot - better practical accuracy and quicker follow-ups. That's why you'll see separate classes for sub-compacts in competition.

Neither of which does you any good if it's in the safe, which is why they make subcompacts.
 
Sometimes you just buy for fun. Do i need a 1911? No but i want one. I have a g42, g43 soon for ccw. I will never need this 1911 for defensive or competition.
 
Personally I dont see any reason for compact or subcompact outside of SD/CC. A full size does everything better, except conceal.
 
Why buy a compact/sub compact if you've got that covered like I do???
I currently have a Shield and LCP, the ONLY TWO conceal firearms I'll EVER need.

I bought a P229, G26, PT145, M&P 9c....ditched them all in the search for the perfect CC pistol. During that time I carried my LCP most. Finally I ended up with the Shield almost two years ago. I still carry the LCP about 50% of the time.

Since then I've picked up a CZ75, CZ p-09, P220, and SR45 (on top of several other fullsize guns I bought before I carried). Guns that are fun to shoot and fun to own. None of that stupid just as bulky but somewhat smaller crap like I used to own.

My next pistols should be a G40, M&P CORE, and CZ75 SA.
 
Full size is more effective and easier to shoot - better practical accuracy and quicker follow-ups.
Click to expand...
This. I keep a full size gun handy at home for HD or in the car on a long a road trip to backup my CCW (or may be my primary 'go-to' in the car depending on which I can get to quickly).

Also durability in my case:

I have a full size steel frame 1911 and an alloy framed compact CCO. I have a full size all steel CZ-75 and an alloy framed PCR. In both cases, the full size guns share the same ammo, mags, controls and ergonomics as the compact CCW guns. (I also have a steel frame SP101 and light alloy S&W 642, so sort of a compact vs subcompact thing there)

I can do much (though not all of course) of my range practice with the full size gun to save some wear and tear on the alloy frames.


Personally I dont see any reason for compact or subcompact outside of SD/CC. A full size does everything better, except conceal.
Click to expand...
Exactly. If you can only afford one gun and need a CCW, the compact is a good way to go for a happy medium between full size and subcompact. If you don't need a CCW, a full size is more conducive to shooting accurately and follow up shots. The same reasons why a compact is better than a subcompact for a CCW.

The smaller the gun, the harder it is to shoot. I once heard an instructor say that subcompacts are "expert's guns". I agree. Unfortunately, they are not marketed that way.
 
Last edited:
So, outside of competition needs, why would someone choose a full-size pistol over a subcompact pistol for general-purpose SD/HD/CCW use?
Click to expand...

I take for comparison the XD Service and XD Subcmpact ('cause that's what I'm familiar with).

Going with the subcompact gets you an inch less slide length (and of course sight radius), an inch less grip, 9 rounds capacity (vs. 12) and 4 oz less weight.

Whether you view the differences as a positive or a negative depends on your perspective. The smaller gun is easier to conceal and easier to carry, but harder to shoot well (by which I mean accurately -- you can yank the trigger fast on any gun).

The possible extra difficulty with concealment and carry is probably something that can be dealt with by better acoutrements -- holster and belt, the other part of the "what gun should I buy?" question that doesn't get asked as much, though it should.

My actual expeience with carrying the service size XD is limited, but those times I did, I had no problem, and didn't notice the extra weight or size.
 
I prefer a full-sized pistol for home defense. Why?
1. It holds more rounds in one magazine - 3x what my carry gun holds
2. It's easier to shoot and has less recoil than my carry gun.
3. It's glock-action, close to SAO; not the DAO that I carry - i.e. trigger is better.
4. Since ease of concealing it and carrying it around all day isn't a factor, why not use a full-sized pistol for home defense?
 
Full size is more effective
Click to expand...

I'm not sure what is meant by this.

A number of folks, myself included, really like subcompact sized pistols. For instance my M&P 9c with finger rest mags is near ideal for me. I can carry it with ease and I shoot it as well as my 5" Pro for all practical purposes. I really don't notice any significant recoil or muzzle flip over the larger pistol. I find the shorter barrel length makes acquiring that front sight a bit faster too. To be fair though, I do use the 5" Pro for nightstand duty because I can use the fullsize mags without bothering with an X-Grip type product. I always worry those might bind up on a reload. Still my point is when I go to the range I reach for a compact pistol even more often than a full size pistol. It all just depends on what you as the shooter like.
 
Last edited:
I like full sized semi automatic pistols, particularly the 1911s for their ease of operation, handling, and they conceal very well for a large service pistol. I have large hands and the smaller "conceal carry" pistol grips just don't give me a comfortable purchase. My little finger hangs below the grip.

The 4 to 4.25 inch barreled pistols don't conceal any better because of the way I carry-IWB. The grip is the same size so its going to stick out just as far as a full size.

I do have a Colt Officer model which is fun to shoot at the range, and quite accurate, but it is not quite as accurate in my hands as a Government model. Its also a bit more finicky in what it likes to be fed.
 
Exploration. Curiosity. A part of you may one day wonder what the limit of your accuracy with a handgun is and you may find yourself looking into full sized pistols.
 
Quoted "Full size is more effective"

I'm not sure what is meant by this.

A number of folks, myself included, really like compact sized pistols.
Click to expand...
First of all the OP asked about full size vs subcompacts. There is a much bigger difference between a subcompact and full size than there is between a compact and full size.

I used to shoot in USPSA using my compact sized Colt CCO and you're right, it was a very controllable gun and made for a fun day. I would not want to shoot a subcompact like a Glock 26 or one of the little 3" barreled 1911s in a competition like that.

That said, although I enjoy shooting my PCR and CCO very much and they are not hard to shoot at all, the full size guns do have a longer sight radius, are heavier overall to dampen recoil and have more weight out front to dampen muzzle rise. This is especially noticeable if you go out and shoot 500+ rounds in a session.
 
Last edited:
First of all the OP asked about full size vs subcompacts. There is a much bigger difference between a subcompact and full size than there is between a compact and full size.
Click to expand...

Edited it for you. :)

That said, although I enjoy shooting my PCR and CCO very much and they are not hard to shoot at all, the full size guns do have a longer sight radius, are heavier overall to dampen recoil and have more weight out front to dampen muzzle rise. This is especially noticeable if you go out and shoot 500+ rounds in a session.
Click to expand...

I personally don't find it that noticeable in 9mm. I've done full day classes with the M&P 9c and been okay. Again, it will depend a lot on the shooter.
 
Last edited:
The smaller the gun, the harder it is to shoot. I once heard an instructor say that subcompacts are "expert's guns". I agree. Unfortunately, they are not marketed that way.
Click to expand...
My buddy and his wife went to buy a pistol for her use. LGS recommended a PPS, not sure if thats cap or sub-cap. Anyway, she hates it. I have some experience and find it very difficult to hit anything beyond 7-10 yards. Buds wife will end up shooting his 92 or one of my full size handguns everytime. It really sucks in NJ because in order to trade out you have to apply for a permit and wait 2-3 months so that you can trade it in. I blame the LGS and online forums for glorifying and in some cases feminizing (pink & purple) the compact lines. In NJ the only place you can use a pistol is at the range or in your nightstand drawer, no one carries.
 
The 4 to 4.25 inch barreled pistols don't conceal any better because of the way I carry-IWB. The grip is the same size so its going to stick out just as far as a full size.
Click to expand...
As a sidebar, the Commander sized 1911s are a little different from some other compacts in that the grip isn't smaller than a full size. For that reason, I don't like Commanders either. Look into the CCO size 1911s. That's a Commander slide on a smaller Officer's frame. The 4" barreled slide is easy to conceal IWB and gives you a bit more velocity (for better expansion reliability), a longer sight radius and an arguably more reliable action.

Compact sized guns of other types often do have smaller grip frames to go along with the slightly shorter slide. Though not allways, so you need to do careful research and comparison to select a Compact CCW.
 
Full sized is easier to shoot accurately. Easier to control. Better fit in the hand.

I owe it to the public to be able to shoot accurately if the need ever arises. That trumps comfort.
I hope that never happens
 
I personally don't find it that noticeable in 9mm. I've done full day classes with the M&P 9c and been okay. Again, it will depend a lot on the shooter.
Click to expand...
Probably the specific gun too. My compacts are alloy framed and my full size guns are steel framed. Overall weight is probably playing a big role in my case.

The difference between something like a Glock 17 and a G19 may not be as much.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top