Compact vs. Full Size

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HGM22

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What exactly does a full size pistol do that a compact doesn't? Is the difference enough to warrant carrying a full size?

I realize for some people it makes a lot of sense to carry a full size handgun; they carry more ammo, should recoil less, and in theory should be more accurate. For people that open carry (farmers/ranchers, police, etc.) it makes a lot of sense. However, every time I think I want one I think that a compact makes more sense. They can pretty much do everything the full size can do, and they're concealable. Many pistols even allow the full size mags to fit in the compacts.

So, can anyone talk me into a full size pistol (I really like the CZ-75)?
 
Like said above, shoot both and see which you shoot better, which feels better in your hand and the one you like best. There are compromise guns that fall between a full size service pistol and a compact pistol. For example, the Glock 19 falls between the G17 and the G26. I know you have heard this before but no one can tell you which gun you will like best.
 
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If you want a gun for concealed carry only then a compact makes a lot of sense provided you can shoot it well, of course. If you want a gun that can serve as more than just a carry gun; competition, range target shooting, plinking, etc. then a full sized gun is generally a better option and can also serve very well as a CC weapon.

I have 2 primary carry weapons, a full sized 1911 (which is surprisingly easy to carry and conceal due to it being so thin) and a Keltec P32 for when a full sized gun is not practical. I never carry them both together.
 
I have both. As Alec says the compact is as accurate as the full size it's easier to shoot the full size more accurately.
 
Full size has more sight radius, so you'll get more accuracy. The longer barrel will provide more velocity, which might be important with hollowpoints. Problem is they're heavier...
 
I have them both. Full size mainly for range use and home defense and compact size more for everyday carry. Do have some crossovers too like my Colt Lightweight Government.

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It varies by manufacturer and there is some overlap. With some types of guns the difference between full size and compact is noticeable, not so much with others. Individual tastes and skills vary too.

Glock for example makes 4 different size 9mm frames, 5 different slide lengths. I can see the long slides on G17 frames for target shooters. But for any type of carry the standard G17 just does nothing for me. They call the G19 a compact, but to me it is their full size pistol, the G17 is extra full size and offers no advantages to me. I understand that others prefer the G17. I look at the G26 as the compact and the G43 as subcompact. Glock doesn't see it that way.

But when I actually shoot the guns there is zero difference between G17 and G19 to me. And the G26 is close enough at typical ranges to not matter. I only shoot the bigger guns slightly better when ranges get out to 15-20 yards where shots are unlikely.
 
I was looking for a cheap truck gun and the compacts were actually the cheapest option. I could have purchased a SCCY or Taurus Millennium G2, 709 SLIM, Diamondback DB9, or a Kel-Tec for around $200 but I wanted something with 17 to 19 rounds of capacity. Weight wasn't a factor since it would be mounted in the car.

I think full-sized autos have better "pointability" just my opinion but I think if you ever are in a situation where, for whatever reason, you don't take time to line up the sights, if you just point and shoot, I think you're more likely to get rounds on target with a full-sized pistol.

I practice with a Rohrbaugh R9 and a SAR B6P - (CZ copy) and it is much easier to keep the larger, heavier, full sized pistol on target than a sub compact. My return to target time is much less and I can put many more rounds on target in the same time span with the SAR than the R9.

As AZAndy has mentioned, the longer barrel allows for increases in velocity, which I think is important for "heavy for caliber" ammo. I use 147gr Winchester Ranger "T" Series RA9T, and while it performs well out of a 3" barrel I like the performance out of a 4.5" barrel even better :)
 
What exactly does a full size pistol do that a compact doesn't? Is the difference enough to warrant carrying a full size?
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That's up to you.

The question is why do you carry a gun? Is it in case you should happen to get into a gun fight? If you should happen to get into a gun fight, what gun would you rather have the full size or the compact?
 
If you are talking about a compact in the 4" range like a SIG 229, Glock 19, HK P2000, 1911 Officer, etc I don't think you really give up anything appreciable over a full size. If you want a full size though, go ahead and buy one. If it's in the same family as the compact, the lessons and practice will crossover. If you like the CZs, you could get a 75 or an SP-01 for range fun and then a Compact or P-01 for carry.
 
5"+ Fullsize points better. Recoils less.

4" Compact draws quicker, and can sometimes move from target to target quicker. Sometimes a shorter sight radius is quicker to line up.

Splitting hairs though. Very slight difference.
 
conceal-ability was the driver for me, but only after I spent a few years gradually getting less inclined to gear up every time I left the house. Call it lazy maybe, but FOR ME, dropping little miss Elsie Pea into my front pocket is just oh so easy and quick. She just goes along (in a different pocket) with the wallet, cell phone, keys, and knife.

I certainly enjoy shooting the full size more, have a few, and even carry the 1911 on occasion. Much more pleasant to shoot, being less snappy than the LCP.

From a weight (mass) perspective I suppose I have nearly the 2 extremes; the full size 1911 and the LCP. Maybe you can find something not as tiny as the LCP, nor as heavy as the 1911. I see that you mention the CZ-75 - fine pistol that is. I was torn between the CZ-85 and the 1911 for my first. I know, that may not make sense to some as the 2 platforms are different in many respects, but it was going to be my first semi auto, so for me it was a first step decision. I don't think I would have regretted getting the 85, nor do I think you regret the 75 if you do that.

Maybe the 75 now, and a smaller, lighter 9mm later for carry.
 
I prefer a full sized gun for carry, even though I have a subcompact. I feel that if I need a firearm, I NEED a firearm, and I want the best ballistics I can get while still being carry-able. In addition, CC for me just means throwing a jacket or an untucked shirt on, and if the barrel sticks out a bit, no big deal, as no one really notices anyway.
 
I dislike having to use an oversize magazine base to provide a space for my pinky; therefore, Glock 19 > Glock 26
 
If you like the look of a CZ 75 go shoot one. Then try to talk yourself out of buying and carrying it. Personally I would always carry a full or almost full size if my outfit would allow it. But you have a hard time concealing a 1911 under a T-shirt in the summer. That being said the best gun is the one you have in your hand when you need one. So there is no "best", just what fits your situation the best. Just my two cents though, ymmv
 
^ That's exactly what I did. I rented a CZ 75 and really enjoyed it (seemed to stay on target easier, whether that is from the weight or length, or both, I don't know). I'm just wondering if its worth sacrificing concealability for the advantage a full size has. I hadn't really thought of it, but the extra velocity for heavier ammo makes sense, as well as the benefits of pointability (this is why I posted; so I could get ideas I hadn't thought of).

As a FYI I was using the term "compact" to mean Glock 19 sized gun.
 
I'm a revolver guy and most times carry one of 4 different revolvers but I do own a few semi autos. I have a Glock G19 because I got a great price and didn't have a semi-auto that held that many rounds. I have a Kel-Tec P-32 for those times you need something very small and a 1911 because ever man should have at least one 1911 lol. I have carried all 3 at one time or another and anyone can make any gun work. I do always go back to my revolvers though.
 
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HGM22 wrote,
As a FYI I was using the term "compact" to mean Glock 19 sized gun.
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Thanks for the clarification.

I don't normally live in the Glock terminology world, so if we are talking Glock sizes, I'd consider the G19/G17/G34 to be "duty" size pistols. Pick the one you like.

In spite of the fact Glock calls the G26 a "subcompact" that's a compact gun to me.
 
In the years I've been carrying, I've carried everything from a Kel-Tec .32 up to a Glock 21 .45. Particularly during my twenties, I changed carry guns frequently as I tried to find the right combo for me. For me, comfort does play a large factor in what I like to carry.

I have stabilized my defensive weapons to the M&P line. 9mm Full Size for bedside, Compact for carry, Shield for deeper concealment, and BG .380 for the pocket. Between the FS and the compact, there is no real noticeable difference in how I shoot them out to 10 yards. At 15-25, the FS has a slight advantage over the compact. In terms of carry comfort, the compact has a HUGE advantage over the FS - logically I wouldn't think it'd make much of a difference, but it does. I was reminded of it this week when I went to the range, and decided to carry the FS since that was what I was going to shoot. It was heavy, dug into my side, caused my shirt to ride up more as it caught on it - and this is with a good gun belt and an OWB pancake holster, same as I use with the compact.

So yeah, I'll give up 5 rounds and carry the compact for comfort - with a FS mag as a spare :). Given the shootability of both, and feeling that 13 rounds is still ample capacity, I say choose the gun that you'll carry without complaining.
 
Full sized gun gives you added capacity, longer sight radius, and added controllability due to the larger grip.

The only downside is it is slightly harder to conceal.

That being said, I conceal a g17 daily.....not really that hard to carry......if you can conceal a compact, you can conceal a fullsize .
 
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