One of the most common questions new gun owners ask is:
“What size handgun should I buy?”
Unfortunately, the answer isn’t as simple as picking the smallest firearm on the shelf or choosing whatever your buddy carries.
Every handgun size offers different advantages and disadvantages when it comes to:
– Concealment
– Recoil
– Capacity
– Comfort
– Grip
– Accuracy
– Everyday carry
Understanding those differences can help you make a better decision before spending your hard-earned money.
The truth is that there isn’t a “best” handgun size.
There is only the handgun size that best fits your needs.
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The Four Main Handgun Categories
Most modern handguns fall into four general categories:
1. Micro-Compact
2. Subcompact
3. Compact
4. Full-Size
While manufacturers may vary slightly, these categories provide a great starting point for understanding how handgun size impacts performance.
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Micro-Compact Pistols
Micro-compacts are designed with concealment as the primary goal.
Examples include:
– Canik Prime
– Canik Mete MC9
– SIG P365
– Springfield Hellcat
– Smith & Wesson Shield X
Micro-compacts have exploded in popularity because manufacturers have figured out how to pack impressive capacity into incredibly small firearms.
For many people, they’re the first firearms considered for everyday concealed carry.
Advantages
– Extremely easy to conceal
– Lightweight
– Comfortable for all-day carry
– Works well with a variety of clothing styles
– Easy to carry year-round
Disadvantages
– Increased felt recoil
– More muzzle snap
– Less grip surface
– Harder to control during rapid fire
– Less forgiving for new shooters
Because these firearms weigh less, they absorb less recoil energy.
That recoil has to go somewhere.
Most of the time, it goes directly into your hands.
This is one of the reasons many new shooters struggle with micro-compacts. The gun is easy to carry but often harder to shoot well.
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Subcompact Pistols
Subcompacts provide a balance between concealability and shootability.
Examples include:
– Glock 26
– Walther PPS M2
– Smith & Wesson M&P Subcompact
Subcompacts are slightly larger than micro-compacts but still remain highly concealable.
Advantages
– Better recoil management than micro-compacts
– Increased grip surface
– Easier follow-up shots
– Improved control
– Still easy to conceal
Disadvantages
– Slightly larger footprint
– May print more depending on clothing
– Still snappy compared to larger firearms
For many shooters, subcompacts represent a happy middle ground between comfort and performance.
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Compact Pistols
Compact pistols are often considered the “Goldilocks Zone” of handguns.
Examples include:
– Glock 19
– Walther PDP Compact
– Canik Mete SF
– Smith & Wesson M&P 2.0 Compact
Many experienced shooters, instructors, and law enforcement professionals gravitate toward compact firearms because they balance concealability and shootability exceptionally well.
Advantages
– Better recoil control
– Full firing grip for most shooters
– Increased magazine capacity
– Easier follow-up shots
– Comfortable for extended training sessions
– Versatile enough for multiple roles
Disadvantages
– Slightly harder to conceal
– Requires a quality holster setup
– Clothing choices become more important
If someone is only going to own one handgun, compact pistols are often worth serious consideration because they perform well in almost every role.
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Full-Size Pistols
Full-size pistols prioritize performance over concealment.
Examples include:
– Walther PDP Full Size
– Glock 17
– Canik Rival
– Smith & Wesson M&P 2.0 Full Size
These firearms are often found in duty, competition, and home-defense roles.
Advantages
– Softest shooting
– Reduced felt recoil
– Longer sight radius
– Maximum grip surface
– Excellent accuracy potential
– Fast follow-up shots
Disadvantages
– Hardest to conceal
– Heavier to carry
– Larger footprint
The additional weight and size help absorb recoil, making full-size pistols easier to control during rapid strings of fire.
This is one reason many instructors prefer teaching new shooters on larger firearms before transitioning them to smaller carry guns.
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Why Grip Matters
One of the most overlooked aspects of handgun selection is grip size.
The grip is your primary connection to the firearm.
A proper grip helps with:
– Recoil control
– Accuracy
– Speed
– Confidence
– Consistency
Many shooters immediately notice improved performance when they move from a smaller firearm to one that provides a full firing grip.
That’s not because they suddenly became better shooters.
It’s because the firearm is allowing them to manage recoil more effectively.
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Understanding Recoil
A common misconception is that smaller guns are easier to shoot.
In reality, the opposite is often true.
Smaller firearms typically produce:
– More felt recoil
– Increased muzzle rise
– More movement during firing
– Greater fatigue during longer range sessions
Larger firearms generally feel smoother because their additional weight helps absorb energy.
That’s why many new shooters find compact and full-size pistols easier to learn on.
It’s also why experienced shooters often recommend trying several sizes before making a purchase.
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Concealed Carry Considerations
Choosing a carry gun requires balancing comfort and performance.
Ask yourself:
– Will I actually carry this every day?
– Can I shoot it accurately?
– Can I control the recoil?
– Can I conceal it comfortably?
– Will I practice with it regularly?
The best concealed carry firearm isn’t necessarily the smallest one.
It’s the one you’ll consistently carry and confidently shoot.
A full-size pistol may shoot like a dream.
But if it’s uncomfortable enough that you leave it at home, that’s a problem.
Likewise, a micro-compact may disappear under a T-shirt.
But if you dread practicing with it, that’s also a problem.
The answer usually falls somewhere in the middle.
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Which Size Is Best for a First-Time Gun Owner?
If you’re purchasing your first handgun, many instructors recommend starting with either a compact or full-size pistol. However, my recommendation go with what is comfortable to you. Make sure you can easily operate the controls and that it fits your hand.
Why?
Because larger firearms are generally:
– Easier to grip
– Easier to control
– Softer shooting
– More forgiving when learning fundamentals
While micro-compacts excel at concealed carry, they can be more challenging for newer shooters due to increased recoil and smaller grip surfaces.
That’s why many experienced shooters learn on larger firearms before transitioning to smaller carry guns.
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Final Thoughts
There is no universal “best handgun.”
The right firearm depends on:
– Your experience level
– Intended use
– Body type
– Carry method
– Comfort level
– Personal preferences
Before purchasing your next handgun:
Rent different sizes.
Shoot them side-by-side.
Pay attention to grip.
Pay attention to recoil.
Pay attention to confidence.
The differences between a micro-compact, subcompact, compact, and full-size pistol may seem small on paper, but they become very noticeable once you start shooting.
Understanding those differences can help you choose a firearm that fits your needs and avoid buyer’s remorse later.
Because the best firearm isn’t necessarily the smallest one.
It’s the one you can safely, accurately, and confidently shoot.
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Want to see these handgun sizes side-by-side?
I regularly share firearm reviews, range drills, concealed carry tips, and real-world testing over on Instagram.
Follow @stay.ready.sis and join the conversation. Whether you’re buying your first handgun or adding to your collection, there’s always something new to learn
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