Full Size Carry ?

If an S&W K-Frame is “Full-Sized,” then, yes, it is normal for me to carry a full-sized-grip handgun, most days, though my centerfire K-Frames have 2” barrels. I also carry 3” to 4” GP100 revolvers, some days. Some days, however, a Ruger SP101 will be the primary weapon, but, notably, the “heel” of an SP101’s factory grip reaches all the way to the “heel bone” of my hand, if I have attained a properly high hand position. Within the limits of the shorter sight radius, an SP101 handles much like a duty/service type of handgun, in my hands. I have somewhat large hands, but medium-length, slim fingers, so, can get a three-finger grip on an SP101; the grip is close enough to full-sized, for my purposes.

I actually have an “orthopedic need” to use a handgun with a large-enough grip, and traded-away three Glock G19 pistols, in 2020, after not shooting them since 2017, when they became too painful to shoot right-handed. It did not hurt while actually shooting, but, soon after the range session, the pain and swelling would make itself evident. I have, quite simply, aged-out of shooting smaller handguns right-handed, unless they are chambered for cartridges less powerful than duty/service cartridges. I can still shoot compact pistols left-handed, but I still consider my right hand to be my “primary” weapon hand. I worked as a police patrol officer for 33+ years, in a big city known for frequent interesting incidents, so, reflexively using my right hand to reach for a defensive weapon is very much hard-wired into my nervous system.

I am unlikely to down-size to a compact-gripped handgun, for primary daily carry, unless I down-size to a less-than-duty/service cartridge, or, make the considerably investment in re-hard-wiring myself to carry left-handed primary.

Trivia Warning! The following may cause drowsiness, unless one is sufficiently caffeinated:

On occasion, when I feel a need to up-gun, I may opt to carry a full-sized-grip Glock, or a full-sized 1911. These weapons remain sufficiently “orthopedic” for my aging right hand. I may well position a Glock for lefty access, as a second weapon, while toting an SP101 as “primary” on the right side. The SP101 is there, for quick, reflexive access, while the Glock is the “reload.” Of course, if circumstances permit, the Glock could be consciously selected, and I can shoot left-handed, actually being a natural left-hander, with detail-oriented, delicate tasks, such as writing, eating, and, well, the complex Glock trigger. I developed the habit of carrying on my right side, because I naturally throw right-handed, and tend to naturally wield large tools right-handed. Training to draw the then-mandated, relatively heavy S&W L-Frame duty revolver, from the then-mandated low-slung duty holster, during my police academy time in 1983 and 1984, was much like throwing underhanded.

The speed-loading technique I was taught worked much more smoothly than the alternative, left-hander’s reload. I knew that I would be patrolling mostly alone, one officer per patrol car. The right hip is more accessible, when driving most vehicles. If attacked while writing, a pen would be in my left hand. Police officers spend much time writing, while on duty, and, of course, a pen is a improvised weapon. I trained myself to drop the ticket book or notepad, distract or jab with the pen in my left hand, while reaching for the holstered weapon with my left hand.

In the days of double-action revolver usage being normal, I found that working the DA trigger was hand-neutral, for me, not mattering which hand I used. It made sense to carry “primary” on the right side. There are other things that I can do well enough with either hand, though I am not truly ambidextrous; my right hand cannot write worth anything, and I cannot throw left-handed, with any usable force or accuracy.
 
To elaborate a bit, on part of my previous post, I am not meaning to indicate that the SP101 is a true full-sized handgun. My slim fingers, with my ring and little fingers being particularly skinny, enable me to get my middle, ring, and little fingers firmly onto the SP101’s factory grip. The cylinder only holds five rounds of .38 or .357 ammo, and the relatively short crane means that there is comparatively little “work space,” for speed-loading, so, my favored “speed loader” for an SP101 is another handgun.
 
Corpral_Agarn said:
clips be exposed. Nobody said or hinted at anything
Click to expand...
"We" are generally the only ones actually looking. And, as noted above, actually seeing the bits.
The "normies" barely recognize each others' phone clips and the like.
Out of sight can really be out of mind.

Mind, in my younger days, I hauled around a 1911, even a P220. Some of that was youthful enthusiasm. Some was in wanting to have "enough" gun (ah, the foolish notions of youth). And, importantly in my case, thirty years' ago we did not have all these choices in compact pistols.
The Colt Officer's model did not pop up until the mid-80s. Your options were things like the AMT Backup, or the Dectonics, or going to "mouse guns."

"We," the "gun community," are in something of a "golden age" for options, availability, and all the possible choices out there. We have gone from David Copperfield, "Can I have more porridge?" to Goldilocks and able to select the "just right" porridge (or if like me, the bacon double-cheese grits :) )
 
Rexster said:
If an S&W K-Frame is “Full-Sized,” then, yes, it is normal for me to carry a full-sized-grip handgun, most days, though my centerfire K-Frames have 2” barrels. I also carry 3” to 4” GP100 revolvers, some days. Some days, however, a Ruger SP101 will be the primary weapon, but, notably, the “heel” of an SP101’s factory grip reaches all the way to the “heel bone” of my hand, if I have attained a properly high hand position. Within the limits of the shorter sight radius, an SP101 handles much like a duty/service type of handgun, in my hands. I have somewhat large hands, but medium-length, slim fingers, so, can get a three-finger grip on an SP101; the grip is close enough to full-sized, for my purposes.

I actually have an “orthopedic need” to use a handgun with a large-enough grip, and traded-away three Glock G19 pistols, in 2020, after not shooting them since 2017, when they became too painful to shoot right-handed. It did not hurt while actually shooting, but, soon after the range session, the pain and swelling would make itself evident. I have, quite simply, aged-out of shooting smaller handguns right-handed, unless they are chambered for cartridges less powerful than duty/service cartridges. I can still shoot compact pistols left-handed, but I still consider my right hand to be my “primary” weapon hand. I worked as a police patrol officer for 33+ years, in a big city known for frequent interesting incidents, so, reflexively using my right hand to reach for a defensive weapon is very much hard-wired into my nervous system.

I am unlikely to down-size to a compact-gripped handgun, for primary daily carry, unless I down-size to a less-than-duty/service cartridge, or, make the considerably investment in re-hard-wiring myself to carry left-handed primary.

Trivia Warning! The following may cause drowsiness, unless one is sufficiently caffeinated:

On occasion, when I feel a need to up-gun, I may opt to carry a full-sized-grip Glock, or a full-sized 1911. These weapons remain sufficiently “orthopedic” for my aging right hand. I may well position a Glock for lefty access, as a second weapon, while toting an SP101 as “primary” on the right side. The SP101 is there, for quick, reflexive access, while the Glock is the “reload.” Of course, if circumstances permit, the Glock could be consciously selected, and I can shoot left-handed, actually being a natural left-hander, with detail-oriented, delicate tasks, such as writing, eating, and, well, the complex Glock trigger. I developed the habit of carrying on my right side, because I naturally throw right-handed, and tend to naturally wield large tools right-handed. Training to draw the then-mandated, relatively heavy S&W L-Frame duty revolver, from the then-mandated low-slung duty holster, during my police academy time in 1983 and 1984, was much like throwing underhanded.

The speed-loading technique I was taught worked much more smoothly than the alternative, left-hander’s reload. I knew that I would be patrolling mostly alone, one officer per patrol car. The right hip is more accessible, when driving most vehicles. If attacked while writing, a pen would be in my left hand. Police officers spend much time writing, while on duty, and, of course, a pen is a improvised weapon. I trained myself to drop the ticket book or notepad, distract or jab with the pen in my left hand, while reaching for the holstered weapon with my left hand.

In the days of double-action revolver usage being normal, I found that working the DA trigger was hand-neutral, for me, not mattering which hand I used. It made sense to carry “primary” on the right side. There are other things that I can do well enough with either hand, though I am not truly ambidextrous; my right hand cannot write worth anything, and I cannot throw left-handed, with any usable force or accuracy.
Click to expand...

Not to de-rail the thread, but I would be interested in the speed loader reloading technique you were taught. Feel free to reply privately.
 
CapnMac said:
We" are generally the only ones actually looking. And, as noted above, actually seeing the bits.
The "normies" barely recognize each others' phone clips and the like.
Out of sight can really be out of mind.
Click to expand...

I’ve always figured if I get to the point where I go tucked more and need to consider anyone noticing or caring about the clip, I’ll just put one of those cell phone holders in that spot. Anything out of place will just be associated with that and since I’m a father I get a pass for wearing one of those, bonus points if it gets my kids to roll their eyes at me.
 
JR24 said:
All at the same time? ;)

The other day I stopped in the local shop and they had an Elite 229 (which I thought were discontinued) and that beavertail reminded me of my lust for a Legion 229.

Next pistol I’m buying for sure.
Click to expand...
Yeah, I'm that guy... with the "carry rotation."
 
For the most part, when headed for town or the big city, I carry either a Smith M-60, or a Sig P365 in an OWB of my own making. But occasionally, I do carry a .45, 1911 RCS by Sig. With its alloy frame, match bbl. and Novak tritium sights, it's a great CC, big gun choice. My rig is a version of the Askins Avenger, again, of my own making. The gun rides high in the 4:00 position, OWB; and conceals every bit as well as the the Smith M-60 or Sig P365.

Best Regards, Rod

Sig_1911_RCS.jpg

Avenger-Front.jpg ​
 
Well today was a full-size day for me. P220 with underwood xtreme defender 135gr+p, spare mag, and we the people holster.
image.jpg
 
Anchorite said:
Not to de-rail the thread, but I would be interested in the speed loader reloading technique you were taught. Feel free to reply privately.
Click to expand...

I was trained to use the right-handed technique that has become well-known as the FBI speed-loading method, which should be readily found with an internet search. I do not even remember which lefty technique was taught as an option. (It was 40 years ago!)

In 2005, at the Snubby Summit, I learned, and added, the speed-loading method that Michael de Bethancourt teaches for a right-handed reload. Because of the way that one’s hands meet, his right-handed reloading method seems more efficient and fast, such that it makes no sense, for me, to use his lefty reloading method, even if shooting lefty.

If I have two functional hands, I am going to use a right-handed reloading method, because the vast majority of DA revolvers are more-efficiently reloaded by the right-handed methods, and, a DA revolver works just as well for me, righty or lefty. The only time handedness is a factor, for me, with DA revolvers, is that my right hand is not aging so well, so, I no longer shoot Magnums right-handed.

Here, Mas Ayoob demonstrates the weaknesses of the FBI speed-loading technique, but, notably, I did not adopt his Stressfire reload, which I found overly complex. (Instead, I modified the FBI method, in a way that worked well enough with my more-flexible arms and hands.)



Here is an Indiana State Police speed-loading tutorial, using their take on the FBI method:



Here are Michael de Bethancourt’s speed-loading techniques:





To keep this at least remotely relevant to this auto-pistol section of the forum, these speed-loading methods do demonstrate the tremendous speed/time advantage that an the user of an autoloader generally has, at reload time. The best “speed load,” for a revolver user, is to have a second weapon, and, considering the bulk of speed loaders, a compact auto, or even a not-so-compact auto, can make plenty of sense, for conceal-ability, as that second weapon.
 
Thanx Bannock...it's the best of the CC holsters for my use...just high enough for good concealment, but still allow a 'firing grip' while the gun is still in the leather....but not so high to inhibit the draw movement. Works for me...Rod
 
Strictly depends on where and what I’m doing. Oklahoma is a Constitutional Carry state. If I’m headed out deer hunting, I carry a full size handgun, often openly. I frequently go into town for lunch, dinner or to buy gas. Don’t wear a coat in the truck and when I get out I’m carrying openly…Ruger RedHawk isn’t anything that is easy to conceal anyway. Open carry is just a fact of life out toward the panhandle and no one much notices or is offended.

if I’m going out to dinner in Oklahoma City or Tulsa, many of the restaurants have signage in the window forbidding open carry and we are compelled to follow that direction. In those circumstances I carry concealed. With the exception of going hunting, I prefer not to advertise the fact that I have a concealed gun anyway. My CCW sits in a DeSantis Superfly or Nemesis pocket holster. It doesn’t print and as far as the rest of the world is concerned, I’m just an old man with his hand in his pocket.
 
A full sized grip and not quite full sized slide is the concept for the 1911 Commanders which have always seemed to be pretty popular for carry. I used to sometimes carry my Commander sized 1st gen S&W 1911SC (I still do very occasionally). It is a lightweight gun for a 1911, but it is still 28oz, putting it on the heavier side for carry. It does conceal pretty well with a good belt.

I usually carry IWB so the length isn't the hardest part to conceal, the butt is, so I have occasionally carried my Glock 22. Similar width as the 1911SC, lighter by several ounces, yet more rounds (and .40S&W is quite capable when compared to .45ACP, no compromises there), and theoretically the longer barrel means better practical accuracy and less muzzle flip (I've shot 1911s for a long time and I'm new to Glocks so for me, I'm more accurate with the 1911SC, though I do find the G22 is faster to get back on target for follow up shots). With a holster with the right cant you can compensate for the grip length.

That said, when I want a larger gun, I prefer to go one size down to the compact service pistol. They are a hair lighter than similar full sized guns, the slightly shorter grip is still going to give you a full grip and very positive purchase on the draw yet it requires less work to conceal, and the slightly shorter barrel is more comfortable IWB (and would be very helpful OWB). I've thought about carrying my SIG P229, but the decocker placement isn't uniform with my other DA/SA guns and I want to keep the operation of my carry guns as close as possible. I have found myself carrying my CZ PCR and Glock 19 fairly often (though no where near as often as my much smaller, yet still not lacking in capacity, SIG P365).
 
epags said:
This thread needs a survey:
1. The individual's age (and/or health)
2. Concealed carry
3. Open carry
4. Full sized
5. Caliber
Just kidding about the survey.
Click to expand...
1) Age, old enough (solidly middle aged). Health, I was 100LBS overweight for around a decade, 50-75LBS overweight for 10 years or more before that. I lost weight, but I am a bit overweight again. Even before I was overweight I had a bad back (starting around 20), and I'm starting to develop some hip pain, which can impact what I can carry (I'm finding I really do like thinner and lighter guns).

2/3. I can't really open carry. Well, I can since Maryland's permit is a "Wear and Carry" permit and not a "Concealed Carry Permit" and it allows us to carry and doesn't specify the method. However, most people in most of MD are quite anti-gun and I don't want the frequent police stops to question me as I try to go about my day that I'd likely have if I open carried. Next time I'm in more gun friendly parts of the state I may try it though.

I carry IWB (though I'm considering trying out OWB with one of my guns to see what I think), strong side, around 3 o'clock. I usually buy tuckable holsters for when I need more concealment but usually carry with an untucked shirt. I also have worn a quality gun belt since before I started carrying (currently I'm a big fan of the Kore Essentials belts).

4. Sometimes I go full sized as per my previous post.

5. 9mm, .40 and .45 (plus .38spl and .45LC in revolvers, I and hope to start carrying .44spl, I usually load my magnums with specials for defense and use the magnums when doing primarily outdoors activities).


Rexster said:
If an S&W K-Frame is “Full-Sized,” then, yes, it is normal for me to carry a full-sized-grip handgun, most days, though my centerfire K-Frames have 2” barrels. I also carry 3” to 4” GP100 revolvers, some days. Some days, however, a Ruger SP101 will be the primary weapon, but, notably, the “heel” of an SP101’s factory grip reaches all the way to the “heel bone” of my hand, if I have attained a properly high hand position. Within the limits of the shorter sight radius, an SP101 handles much like a duty/service type of handgun, in my hands. I have somewhat large hands, but medium-length, slim fingers, so, can get a three-finger grip on an SP101; the grip is close enough to full-sized, for my purposes.
Click to expand...

I wasn't really thinking about revolvers when answering this since the thread is in the autoloaders section, but I suppose some of my favorite revolvers would fit the not quite one or the other category as well. Full sized grips but shorter barrels and/or the revolver equivalent to the compact service pistol. I do carry a full size, large frame (N-Frame) 4" S&W 625MG on occasion (like, once or twice a year occasional). I would carry my S&W 65LS (3" K-frame) happily if it wasn't in such great shape (it does need a "tune up" since it has so many rounds, but I've only carried it a handfull of times so the finish is still near new) and prices hadn't gotten so crazy. I have a Taurus 431 (2.5", .44spl, medium frame) that I will carry if I find defensive ammo it likes (so far it likes the cheaper practice ammo I bought, but with the several boxes of Hornady Critical Defense I've shot through it, there has been anywhere from one FTF per box to one per cylinder). Closer to the compact service pistol size, I carry my Taurus 85CH with an old Uncle Mike's combat grip that gives a full hand grip, and I carry my new model Colt King Cobra with a similar Hogue grip.
 
Haywood said:
View attachment 1138777 Who carry’s a full size grip gun often? I just love this XDM 3.8 with full size grip. I like the look, I like the way it shoots, and fits my hand. It’s heavy but, I try to carry it most days. I carry in the waist. I was corrected. A full size gun is 5 inches long.
Click to expand...
I carry a Springfield 1911 mil-spec but I may have to get a different holster once I get a suppressor as the threaded barrel I got is half an inch longer and won't fit in my Bianchi leather holster.
 
I have almost exclusively carried full-size or oversize guns for almost 30 years. Currently a double-stack 9mm 1911. It's just what I started and learned with (when there were far fewer compact options than we have now,) and I always must made it work. I have tried a few other options occasionally to say I tried, like my wife's EC-9 in an IWB, and I found it far less comfortable.

Like most options, it's really a matter of dressing and setting up in a way that works for you. I don't preach to people about it, but when I hear someone say that it can't be done, I make sure to point out that many of us can and do.

I also think that the degree of enthusiasm plays into it heavily. If you take someone who hates everything about guns, and you persuade them to try a carry rig on, with a small gun and reasonable holster setup, they will whine and cry about how bulky and pokey it feels. Or, you can take a 18 year-old kid who has been a gun nut since they were 10, and hang a Desert Eagle in a shoulder holster under their left arm, and they will say that they can't feel anything, it's like it's not even there.

The main thing I'm conscious of carrying a `big` gun, is that if I bend over, the grip is going to print. But that can really happen with any gun. You just learn to plan around it.
 
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