Are full sized Glocks really that much harder to conceal than the compacts?

[Paincakesx]

For example, a Glock 22 vs a Glock 23, and a Glock 17 vs a Glock 19.

Looking at the two side by side, there is very little difference - about a half an inch difference in the slide length and the grip length.

For me, the Glock 23's grip feels a little small for me compared to the Glock 22 which is why I went with the Glock 22. I've never tried to CCW a G19 or a G23 considering I've never owned one, but with a Glock 22 I can generally CCW it with only a light cover garment, such as a thin buttoned up shirt. Depending on the T-shirt, that can be sufficient as well.

Summer is coming around, and I MAY be considering trading in the G22 for the G23, but I'm unsure given that the G22 is a noticeably more comfortable grip for me (I have large hands).

Is the Glock 23 really THAT much easier to conceal than a Glock 22, or is it mainly hyperbole?

 

[JoeMal]

I think it would probably vary A LOT between person. Take into considering body size, body proportion, clothing, holster, carry position, etc. Some easily carry the 17 while others think the 19 is easier. Like nearly everything firearm related...YMMV

 

[NMGonzo]

I've concealed a Glock35, but here in New Mexico we also have open carry so I did not worry that much about being "made out".

 

[Creature]

A half of an inch can feel like a foot. Despite that, I prefer the G22 over a G23 ...even for concealed carry.

 

[Zerodefect]

Yes.

The compacts 19,23,32 hit the max mark for concealability on all edges. They conceal well because they are just a hair smaller than the absolute limit for many shooters.

Glock accidentally stumbled on the perfect size for CCW with the 19 & 23. Maybe still a hair fat.

That extra 1/4" on the 17,22 is way over the line for many body types. But a 4-5" 1911 is somewhere between these tow options.

You really have to try these yourself. But I don't know anyone CCWing a G17 or 22. The ones that tried got burnt out and carry nothing for a while.

 

[Paincakesx]

I guess what I mean is that half an inch in comparison to the average waist size (unless extremely skinny) just isn't much. I would think that if the G22 were to print, that the G23 would print as well (maybe with half an inch less of a print, but still).

I guess what I'm getting at is is it maybe a bit of a placebo affect? Or is it really honestly that much easier to conceal.

Not trying to be offensive or anything, I just can't logically see how half an inch makes that much of a difference.

 

[beeenbag]

I carried a 19 for a while and found grip length is what would give me fits. I went with a 27 and have never been happier. So I'm gonna say 27=easy, 23=tough, 22=toughest. Depends on how "easy" you think the 22 is to conceal.

 

[Paincakesx]

Sadly my big hands makes the G27 / G26 unworkable for me. I held it for about 3 seconds before immediately saying "nope." Even with grip extensions, it was just too small. With the Glock 23, my pinky finger hangs off the grip with the magazine is out, and rests just on the floor plate if it is in. The Glock 23 doable for me, but the Glock 22 is easily the most comfortable for me to grip and shoot.

Thus, my decision is difficult - I'm just not sure that the added concealability will make up for lost comfort in shooting.

 

[bestseller92]

It's the length of the butt that can be an issue; with my behind-the-right hip IWB mode of carry the butt of the gun can print noticeably when I bend over if I'm wearing just an untucked shirt. This makes my G26 a lot easier to carry concealed than my G22. But the 22 can still be an effective CCW piece...you just have to follow Evan Marshall's advice and "dress around the gun".

 

[gym]

yes.

 

[Frozen North]

This is the best way I can explain the conceal ability of Glock's full size, compact, and subcompact pistols. It's like parking downtown!!

Your full sized Glock Is gonna be about as easy to conceal as it would be to park a Chevy Suburban in a tight ramp. It can be done, but it is tough and every inch counts!

Concealing your compact Glock is like parking a full sized car in the same spot. It is no sweat for most, but still can be challenge sometimes.

Concealing a subcompact model is like parking a Geo Metro in the same spot. You whip right in and fling your doors open!

It comes back to capacity/shootability vs comfort/concealability. That is why Glocks come in three sizes. There is a HUGE difference in the size of a full and sub, the compact splits the difference. The 19 sized pistols are a very happy medium for many shooters.

 

[amd6547]

I find the Glock 17 to be easy to carry...but I have carried browning hipowers and 1911's and model 19's for years.
I carry cross draw, and find it easier to conceal than behind the hip.

 

[Nacho Libre]

I think it really depend on what holster you use.

 

[gohogs93]

glock 34 would be pretty damn hard to conceal compared to a 26

 

[Jed Carter]

For me the grip length and width are the hardest to conceal, with an IWB holster a G34 and G17 are about the same, too large for me to conceal. I carry a CZ PCR 9mm or a SIG RCS 1911, the SIG's barrel is longer but it conceals better because of the single stack compact grip vs the double stack CZ. I would carry the largest pistol in the platform you prefer that you could comfortably conceal.

 

[AK103K]

I think a lot of the problem is whether or not you would carry "any" full size handgun, not just the Glocks (the full size Glocks really arent all that big either).

These days, a lot of people seem to think you cant carry anything but a Seecamp, and even then they're freaking out.

Im not big, 5' 6", 170 pounds, and I can, and do, easily carry a 17. I also carry a 26 at the same time on a regular basis, as well as a double reload for the 17. Ive done basically the same with full size 1911's, and SIG's along with another "smaller" gun as a back up, for years before the Glocks with no troubles either.

With a proper holster, reasonable clothing, and a proper attitude, you can carry pretty much anything if you "want" to. Saying you "cant", only means you dont "want" to.

 

[HiWayMan]

I carry a 17 every day. No problems concealing for me, Even when carried AIWB. Since the grip is typically the hardest portion to conceal, an option is to take a 17 and reduce the grip length to that of a 19 or even a 26. That way you still maintain ballistics and sight radius of a full size gun. Easy to do with a Dremel and patience.

 

[Ben86]

With the right clothing, belt and holster no they are not hard to conceal or painful to wear all day. I can go for a full day of shopping with the wife wearing a M&P45 IWB under a loose t-shirt.

 

[riseagainstforme]

It just takes practice. I too carry a full size S&W M&P in .40 concealed everyday. There's just some thing you'll learn to make it easier.

 

[scaatylobo]

I own a G-27 and EDC the G-23 since I feel better with it and am used to a full sized pistol [ retired LEO ] when/if TSHTF.

I own a 'few' pistols and find the only time I carry smaller stuff is if going to a park or family function and want a REALLY low profile carry.

then its the G-27 or Rohrbaugh R-9,most likely in ankle rig.Even the S&W 442 has seen that duty.

 

[ProCarryNAustin]

Have carried a G33 (small), g23 (medium) and G17.
Good holster and belt... never really felt one was more comfortable than another.