full size pistol

[johnnylaw53]

I been wondering I see some thread asking if people carry a full size pistol and things like that. I use to have a beretta compact which was as big as what some gun makers call thier full size. At what point does a pistol become full size? I was thinking depends on weight but there are smaller all steel pistols that weight more then some bigger ones that are alloy or poly. I would guess for full size it would have to have a 4" barrel or longer and 5.5" in height but still fit into the IPDA box. Any views on this. thank you

be safe

 

[Sapper771]

If I need to class a handgun, I will normally compare it to the glock handgun series. The Glock has the full sized,compact, and sub-compact. Just like the 1911 has the Government, Commander, and Officers models.

I really don't think there is a universal standard for pistol classes.

 

[Avizpls]

No STANDARD, but you can usualy look at a gun and say Full size, compact, or subcompact.

Glocks are good as a guide, having three distinct sizes. So when you look at a gun, is it closer to a G1*, G2*, or G3*?

 

[crashbuell]

I carry an FNH fnp 40. It's a duty-gun sized piece. About the same size and looks as a Sig 226.

 

[huntsman]

Maybe this thread will help you, I asked the same question as you but I don't think I ever got an answer.

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=492463

 

[.357 magnum]

Johnny-

Actually I agree that any handgun with a 4inch Barrel or longer would be full size.

The Best to All!

Frank

 

[johnnylaw53]

yes was just wondering what others thoughts were on this, it also seem that a weapon shouldn't be called a compact or sub compact unless there a bigger weapon made just like it only bigger such as in the Glocks line. or the 1911's where the full size weapon magazines will fit and operate in the smaller weapons.

be safe

 

[Cpt. America]

Is it just me or is it every time someone who likes Glocks see's the oppertunity he/she will bring it up? I like Beer but so do I judge every thing as pint, can or bottle. Give it a rest with the Glocks there good guns, but I think Cult following is putting it lightly.

 

[Quoheleth]

Actually I agree that any handgun with a 4inch Barrel or longer would be full size.

But then you have some guns that almost defy being categorized. Like the new XDm 3.8, for example: a very long, full-size grip (19 rounds of 9mm!) but with a 3.8" barrel.

What's that? A compact on stereroids? (Should it be called teh Mark McGuire model?)

Q

 

[huntsman]

Can you limit the use of "compact" to only describing smaller versions of the same model?

I think gun markers play with words to sell product, and what's hot now is CCW and "small light" guns.

Full size and compact are just as ambiguous as nock down power and other phrases popular in the gun world.

 

[Jonah71]

It's cold here in Mo. right now, so I'm comfortable carrying my 4" .38 special in a shoulder holster under my jacket or coat. But I also have a compact 9mm (3.25" barrel) IWB. When it gets a little warmer I'll change that set up of course and park the .38 spec. But huntsman is right about the use of the word "compact". The Taurus 24/7 PT Pro Comp. 9mm in no way feels like a compact pistol...carrying or shooting. (especially with the 16 rnd clip) My .22 mag 2" UL is a compact, but sure doesn't seem like it when firing either. The word "compact" is overused imo.

 

[SwampWolf]

I tote a SIG 220 Carry model comfortably and regularly in an iwb holster. No problem keeping it "under wraps".