What Constitutes A "Full Sized" Handgun.

The Beretta M84 has a 13 round capacity magazine and I do not think it is considered a full sized pistol

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Sure it is.

The Beretta and Browning BDA were LEO sidearms so one could argue if a gun is toted on a duty belt it's "full size"

What Constitutes A "Full Sized" Handgun.

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The term "full size" comes down from the concept of a service sidearm. Meaning a gun that was carried by soldiers or law enforcement that was intended for regular duty use and that was not a back up or compact piece. These guns were carried openly, in holsters on the hip and were a standard part of their duty gear. They were intended for hard use. They are easy to handle and shoot well.

"Full size" guns have always varied in actual size.

The Luger, the Walther P38, the 1911, Browning Hi-Power, Glock 17, Berretta 92, Sig P220 and 226, etc. are all "full sized" service sidearms. So are the Colt Python, S&W N, K and L frames, Ruger GP100 and Security Six, etc. The Colt SAA are all examples of service sidearms. What they all have in common is that they are open carry holster guns that are large enough to be easily carried and easily used by hands of many sizes.

tipoc

I'd say #2's about right, with the caveat that it's all based off avg adult sized hands. I'd also add a 4th for micro/pocket sizes

Full: Duty weapon, not ment for concealment
Mid: Slightly smaller, somewhat easier to conceal with minimal usability sacrifice
Sub: Small, often 2 fingered w/out pinky ext. Easy to conceal, harder to shoot well at a distance
Micro/Pocket: Tiny, cake to conceal, often hard to shoot well past "get off me" distance

ETA
Monster: Full size+, de50, sw500 etc etc. Larger than normal "full sized"

Handguns larger than full size or service sidearms generally fall into the category of hunting or target guns. Their role is different than that of the duty/service sidearm.

tipoc

All of 'em are full sized. Some handguns just aren't as big as others. It's like asking what a full sized pick up truck is.

All of 'em are full sized. Some handguns just aren't as big as others. It's like asking what a full sized pick up truck is.

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Sometime back I was in the local gunatorium and overheard a fella talking to the clerk say "For some reason I thought these were full size guns."

The clerk replied..."It is full size, for a Seecamp."

On the other hand if a fella doesn't recognize the difference between a Dodge Ram 1500 and an old Chevy Luv, well...

tipoc