If you are looking for a new handgun to bring into your arsenal, it is a bit of threading the needle to identify all the attributes, features, and characteristics you envision would best suit your needs. One of the most basic elements that you can consider is the size of your pistol. Do you want a full-size handgun? Or, would you rather have something more compact?... Depending on which you go with, they will each have pros and cons to go along with them. Let’s crawl down the minutia rabbit hole of whether a full-size or a compact handgun might be the correct handgun configuration for you.

First, let’s start with the compact size. When you get into the category of compact handguns you are going to be dealing with firearms that are, unsurprisingly, smaller in stature. We are talking about shorter barrels and shorter sighting radiuses that will translate into potentially less accuracy and more felt recoil. This is something you can overcome with practice – but when you eliminate the human element – a dimensionally shorter pistol will inherently become less accurate and more difficult to tame the recoil. You also are going to be looking at fewer rounds on board. Whether your compact handgun is deployed for concealed carry, home defense, or competition shooting, the smaller dimensions, frame, and handle will equate to fewer rounds. Speaking of the handle, your grip may be shorter as well. This could inhibit you from getting a full purchase on the firearm (also translating into the firearm being more difficult to control). So, what are the pros of a compact handgun? There is less weight to carry, they are easier to deploy in compressed situations (close-quarters target engagements), and they are easier to conceal.

Now, let’s assess full-size handguns. With longer barrels and slides, you get the benefit of a longer sighting radius leaving for more “room for error” to still be accurate on target. Also, the longer barrel can help create a more complete powder burn for your cartridge, boosting velocity, flatter trajectory, and more accuracy. All good things. Next, a full-size handgun will have a fuller grip. This means you can more easily control and mitigate recoil, swiftly transition between targets, and command your firearm. The converse to all these positive attributes is that there is more weight (which can be burdensome when carrying all day long), and they are more difficult to hide in concealed carry scenarios. An upside yet again though is with a bigger gun you have all the rounds you could ask for to engage targets with. Usually, a lot more than compact handguns.

So, if you don’t know what handgun to get, simply ask yourself: will this be something I need to conceal and carry? Potentially hide on my person. Or will size and weight not be a detriment to daily use. All things to consider when you are shopping for your next handgun. In the end, make sure to get out there training, honing your craft, getting reps with your firearms, and Tyrant can help you along the way with some rad accessories. Until next time, continually check out our blog, join our newsletter, and watch the website for new and exciting updates! As always, let us know all your thoughts in the comments below. We love it when you participate in our articles and keep the conversation going!