Handguns with compact grips/full-size barrels?

[ryan in maine]

As I try on handguns with carry in mind, it always seems that I have pretty much no problem concealing a full-size barrel. The only problem is the grip (nothing ground-breaking there). However, on all the compact and semi-compact pieces I see that are generally geared towards carry, most all of them seem to shorten the length of the barrel right along with the grip. It's almost like a requirement.

Are there any companies making a handgun with, say, a Kahr MK-sized grip or Springfield EMP-sized grip (or, you know, a little bigger, ha ha) with a 4.5-5" barrel?

It seems the closest handguns I have been able to handle have 4.25" barrels (Para CCW, for example).

Is there something from an engineering or physics standpoint stopping compact grips/full-size barrels from being common? Is there simply no demand for them?

Thanks for any help, folks.

 

[redneckrepairs]

Kahr did build them as the covert series which mated the pm/mk sized grip with the p/k sized slide . I belive they are out of production now , but are easy to make by cutting down the p or cw series to the pm/mk grip length . I know kahr actually made them in both tupperware and steel , but the plastic is much more common.

 

[CWL]

I think it's due to lack of demand. Shorter barrels help keep the price down, and for a defensive CCW gun, you really do not need to shoot very far. Also, longer barrels will take more effort to draw quickly from concealment.

I think that you may have better luck with revolvers, which typically offer different barrel lenghts for the same handgun.

 

[Ninja42]

Ive seen many pictures of mormal size slides/barrel being fitted on a compacy size frame of a firearm of the same family, but I dont know if the handgun will work or even if it is safe to fire it. I am 99.9% sure that you can put a 1911 commander slide (including the springs and guide rod of course) on an 1911 officer frame, and I think I saw a thread around here where some guy had mounted a full size EAA witness slide on a compact frame. A search will reveal more.

If not, someone more knowledgeable han me will be along soon.

EDIT: I found the thread with the full size compact witness: http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=308189&highlight=witness

 

[Jimmy Newman]

Sounds like you want a Detonics StreetMaster - basically an officer's frame (the really short one) and a government slide (the 5" barrel one), I think.

Unfortunately, it looks like Detonics shut down (again) recently.

 

[ryan in maine]

redneckrepairs: Kahr did build them as the covert series which mated the pm/mk sized grip with the p/k sized slide . I belive they are out of production now , but are easy to make by cutting down the p or cw series to the pm/mk grip length . I know kahr actually made them in both tupperware and steel , but the plastic is much more common.

Thanks for replying.

How long was the slide on their Covert series? I thought it was under 4.5", but can't recall.

I'd really like to see one in steel though. I wasn't aware they put a steel version out.

CWL: I think it's due to lack of demand. Shorter barrels help keep the price down, and for a defensive CCW gun, you really do not need to shoot very far. Also, longer barrels will take more effort to draw quickly from concealment.

I think that you may have better luck with revolvers, which typically offer different barrel lenghts for the same handgun.

Thanks for replying.

I figured it was lack of demand considering the randomness with which it came to me. I just prefer a full-size barrel and a compact grip. I really liked the feel of the 4.25" barrels on compact pistols. They made me want a 4.5-5" barrel though, for some reason.

I do like the feel of S&W's Model 60 with the 5" barrel. I think a pistol just carries better for me though, you know? Course, I've never tried concealing a revolver like that.

Ninja42: Ive seen many pictures of mormal size slides/barrel being fitted on a compacy size frame of a firearm of the same family, but I dont know if the handgun will work or even if it is safe to fire it. I am 99.9% sure that you can put a 1911 commander slide (including the springs and guide rod of course) on an 1911 officer frame, and I think I saw a thread around here where some guy had mounted a full size EAA witness slide on a compact frame. A search will reveal more.

If not, someone more knowledgeable han me will be along soon.

EDIT: I found the thread with the full size compact witness: http://www.thehighroad.org/showthrea...hlight=witness

Thanks for replying.

That EAA Witness in the first post does resemble what I've been picturing. I don't think the Witness fits my smallish hands particularly well though. Not to mention my total lack of gun-smithing skills. Ha ha. Ideally I'd like to see something offered to my specs out-the-door though.

That's definitely on the right track.

Jimmy Newman: Sounds like you want a Detonics StreetMaster - basically an officer's frame (the really short one) and a government slide (the 5" barrel one), I think.

Unfortunately, it looks like Detonics shut down (again) recently.

Thanks for replying.

The Streetmaster is the format I'm looking for, yeah. I'll see if I can't find out more about it when Detonics gets back up and running.

The Officer's frame with Government slide does seem to be the general formula. Not necessarily limited to 1911's, but yeah, that's about the right size.

Thanks for replying again, guys. This is a good starting point for some THR searches.

 

[Exmasonite]

what about the XD .45 Compact? it's got a 4 or 5" slide w/ the chopped SC grip. comes with standard short mags or the longer, extended mags w/ sleeve for a full sized service grip.

they may be doing it w/ other calibers beside the .45, too.

 

[ryan in maine]

Thanks for replying.

I have actually been waiting for Springfield to release the 9mm version of the XD Compact. I was told it was happening this fall, but it's already snowed several times here. Ha ha. I guess they're running a little late.

Part numbers:
XD9 Compact = XD9781HCSP06
XD40 Compact = XD9782HCSP06

 

[grimjaw]

Well, I wouldn't advise carrying it with a round chambered, but otherwise a TT-33 matches your description. The same thing applies to the Norinco 213; it's 9mm on the same form factor as a TT-33, but unsafe to carry with one under the hammer.

jm

 

[ugaarguy]

Colt made the CCO, a Commander (4.25") slide / frame shortened to Officer's grip length.

While not really defensive guns the Walther P22 and SP22 have pretty short barrels and are offered with a 5" and a 6" bbl respectively.

 

[highrider]

Might want to look at a Sig P245. It has been replaced by the 220 Carry but they are still pretty easy to find. Barrel is 3.9". Without the mag extension my pinkie is below the bottom of the mag. Overall 7.28" long and 5" high.

 

[redneckrepairs]

The covert series was with a 3.5 " tube . However the point is that an enterprising fella could pick up a TP with the 4" tube and give it the covert butt trim to get a full 4" if so desired . IIRC the mags are interchangable other than leingth .