Never did I think I would make a fairytale reference in an article about handguns, but it seems applicable in this instance. Y'all know the story....Goldilocks compromised the Bears home, she tried out everything in the house, the soup was too hot or too cold, the beds were too hard or too soft, and so on. However, when Goldilocks found something that she really liked or was comfortable with, she would always say "This one is just right!" For the most part, there are 4 different sizes of handguns, and you can carry any of them either open carry or concealed. When selecting a handgun, it is best to try one out before you commit to a purchase. There really isn't a perfect handgun for everyone collectively, but there is one that is "just right for you".

HANDGUN SIZES

FULL-SIZE FIREARMS

The most common and readily available size of a handgun is the large frame; especially in pistols. To define a full-size pistol in terms of measurement, you are looking at firearms that are about the size of the traditional 1911 platform. Firearms in this category are usually 1 or more inches wide, 5" or more of height, generally 7" or more in length, and with a barrel length of over 4 inches. Not always ideal for concealment because of size and weight, it is definitely still possible to carry a full-size firearm concealed if you can find the right holster. Full-size firearms are more known for how easy they are to operate, maintain, and shoot. Another feature that buyers like about full-size firearms is the higher ammo capacity. Most, but not all, modern-day full-size firearms use double-stacked magazines and can give the carrier up to twenty rounds of available firepower without having to drop and reload.

Tisas Zigana PX-9 Gen 2 9mm Semi-Auto Pistol w/ Night Sights

COMPACT SIZE FIREARMS

Somewhat smaller than a full-size handgun is the compact size handgun, which is popular in both pistols and revolvers. Comparing dimensions between a full-size handgun and a compact handgun is a little like splitting hairs, the biggest difference in size will be the length of the barrel. Overlapping some full-size firearm measurements, a compact firearm is defined within the parameters of 7.5" or less in length, a height of less than 5", and barrel lengths between 3" and 4". The width of a compact handgun is usually about the same as a full-size handgun at about 1". You can find most of the same calibers available for full-size handguns also available in compact size handguns. In some compact handguns, you can even use full-size magazines. Double stacked magazines are pretty common for compact size handguns as well. I think that full-size handguns and compact-size handguns shoot similarly, however, there are those who will argue that a shooter has less muzzle control with a shorter barrel and larger caliber handgun cartridges. I'm not sure about that. Unless you are shooting competition....center mass is where it matters, 5" barrel or 3" barrel! Compact size handguns are about where folks start to consider carrying this size as concealed. Honestly, this size is great for concealed or for a home defense handgun.

Walther PPS

SUB-COMPACT HANDGUNS

I suppose that if I were a handgun, I would be a sub-compact size firearm. Not too big, much smaller than full size, and still able to spit plenty of fire! The sub-compact size has become the most popular concealed size for handguns. Holsters are pretty easy to find for this size, and although 9mm, 380 Auto, a .22's are popular in the subcompact size, you can still find some of these handguns chambered in your favorite large-caliber handgun rounds as well. It'll sting a bit more, just remember, all that matters is center mass. This size firearm is where we start talking more about comfort. More comfortable for folks with smaller hands, an important consideration is capacity. You will still find some double stacks available at this size, but heavily trending toward single stacked magazines for the sub-compacts. The dimensions of a sub-compact are considerably smaller than a full size handgun. Here, you are looking at a length of 6 inches, a height less than 5", and a barrel length of 3" or less. My favorite concealed handgun is a Bersa Thunder .380, which happens to fall within the sub-compact category. Snubnose revolvers are probably considered to be in the subcompact category as well.

Bersa Thunder

MICRO GUNS

Some folks love them, some folks like them, and then there are folks who have never even heard of them. The original concealed sized handgun wasn't made for a holster. Nope, these are your traditional pocket guns. The category that these little handguns fall within is a bit misleading in the name. When I think of micro, I think of something that's not functional or that I need a magnifying glass for. That's not the case at all. These handguns are not quite as small as the category size makes it seem to be. These little rascals usually come in .22, . 25ACP, .32, .32ACP, and .380 Auto. Although they carry fewer rounds, sometimes it only takes one.... I am neither here, nor there as far as my opinion of the micro guns. They certainly have a purpose and fulfill the needs of some. I probably wouldn't carry one, and I will tell you why. I have literally shot thousands of firearms, all shapes, sizes, and calibers, and I will always remember the one that hurt the most. It was a .22cal. two-shot Derringer. Recoil is usually absorbed by one's body. In this case, the recoil, the heat, and the hurt was absorbed solely by my right hand. I would rather shoot an S&W 500 than ever shoot a Derringer again! On the other hand (which would have to be my left, since my right one is on fire), my Dad doesn't leave his house without his little .32ACP micro gun, Kel-Tec P32 to be exact. He gets his pocket change, his pocket knife, and his pocket gun before he walks out the door, the same thing that he has done every day for years. So yes, there are those who swear by them. I suppose that you could carry them as a backup weapon.....but then again, if I can't stop the threat with my regular carry, I probably have bigger problems.

Alto Corp 9mm Single Shot Pistol

RELOAD

You probably knew about different sizes, just understand that there are differences beyond the physical size of these handguns. Capacity, power, concealability, open carry, home defense, operation, and size all matter when it comes to selecting a handgun for you. Don't ever select a handgun that is more gun than you need or can control. Don't ever select a handgun because it looks cool or your buddy has one. Don't select a handgun because it is the latest and greatest on the market. And don't select a handgun because it is lightweight when it is unloaded, a loaded pistol and spare magazine could add three pounds of weight to your holster or belt. There is a handgun that is "just right" for you. If it is not already a perfect fit, it is easy enough to make it that way with accessories. Make it your own, make sure it is comfortable and controllable. Shop All Handguns
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