Who here prefers a full size carry gun?

[hawk45]

Of all the guns I have, I find myself going for my full size guns more than the compacts. Any others out there prefer full size guns?

 

[mcdonl]

I do, because I cannot carry at work, so when I can carry (Just about every minute I am not working...) I can dress as I see fit. And, I prefer shooting full size and like to shoot what I carry and carry what I shoot

 

[Mad Magyar]

Good question...Only in winter, cover garment concealing a full-size Colt 1911A1 in a shoulder holster by Safariland....I noticed very little difference in weight from my Officer's & the full-size Colt...
A full-size on my hip is out-of-the-question due to my health...

 

[Sam1911]

Yes, I do. 1911 or 629, generally.

Every time I get serious about buying a compact or pocket gun it seems I decide to buy more ammo and go shoot the guns I like.

If I worked in an environment that made it hard to conceal a full-sized gun (or could carry at work at all, possibly) I might find a need for one. Haven't yet, though.

-Sam

 

[EddieNFL]

With a weekly exception, full-size 1911 year round.

 

[BlayGlock]

Sometimes I carry a full-size 1911 or Ruger GP100 3" barrel. Not everyday though.

 

[Deanimator]

The smallest semi-auto I carry is a Glock 19. I really don't like any Glock smaller than that. My other carry semi-autos are a Norinco M1911, a Browning High Power, and a Glock 22.

The smallest gun I carry is a S&W Chief's Special which I carry in a pocket holster. I wouldn't carry anything less powerful than a 9x19mm, so all of the .380s and .32s are completely off the table.

I'm satisfied with the size of the guns I have, although I would consider a Springfield MicroCompact or a Commander sized M1911 of some kind.

 

[makarovnik]

I used to carry a full size 1911A1. It is heavy but also slim which is important since my preferred method is IWB. Now I usually carry a TT33 which is almost as big but even slimmer.

 

[CorpITGuy]

My primary carry is a S&W Sigma 40 or a S&W Model 66. Both large guns. Model 66 is HEAVY, too.

BUG is a Bersa .380 CC.... it gets less and less carry these days.

 

[UpTheIrons]

Full size 1911 here. Sure, I've got a Ruger LCR for my "Sunday go-to-meetin" outfit (and likely a Sig P238 soon), but otherwise its the big gun everyday.

 

[Avenger29]

Yes, I much prefer to carry a full size gun. I don't like the weight and size, but simply because I shoot a full size gun the best and practice with them the most it only makes sense for me to carry what I shoot. I carry or have carried a Ruger Security Six (4"bbl), Glock 17, CZ 75 Compact (but it's heavy), and FN HiPower.

My hands are very recoil sensitive. I sold the Glock 17 because it was very uncomfortable for me to shoot.

 

[armoredman]

I used to, a full size steel frame Witness 40, for many years. Now it's the CZ P01, a Compact, but with a properly fitted holster, belt, and clothing, a full size rig can be carried concealed, even in hot old AZ.

 

[Creature]

Not me!

 

[Willy G.]

This is what I have.

 

[LancerMW]

i generally carry a Hi-Power, somtimes when the clothes just call for something lighter i have a Lightweight S&W J-Frame

 

[kanook]

It's kinda funny, my compact Ruger Security Six with its 2 3/4" barrel is about a 1/4" smaller than my full size 1911

 

[sheepdog]

...Ruger KP90DC or GP100 3"...every day...

 

[EddieNFL]

It's kinda funny, my compact Ruger Security Six with its 2 3/4" barrel is about a 1/4" smaller than my full size 1911

That's surprising. I would have thought it was wider than a 1911.

 

[P97]

Ruger KP90DC every day.

 

[jaysouth]

For about 40 years, it was a 1911. Nowadays, in consideration of a badly abused back, I carry a Smith and Wesson M&P 45c. The 1911 actually conceals better because it is slimmer.

 

[sarduy]

i use a sigma and a glock 17

 

[1911 guy]

One of several 1911 types every day. On Sundays I put it in my go to meetin' holster.

 

[Shipwreck]

I carry a Beretta 92FS all year long

 

[kanook]

That's surprising. I would have thought it was wider than a 1911.

Rugers widest part (cylinder) 1.5
Rugers OAL (mine) 8 1/4"

Kimbers widest part (grips) 1.325
Kimbers OAL (mine) 8 5/8"

So it appears that it is 3/8" shorter but .175 (1/8") wider

 

[easyg]

For about 40 years, it was a 1911. Nowadays, in consideration of a badly abused back, I carry a Smith and Wesson M&P 45c. The 1911 actually conceals better because it is slimmer.

Are you sure that your 1911 is slimmer than your M&P .45c?

The Sig 1911 stainless (standard 1911 dimensions) has a width of 1.4 inches, while the M&P.45c width is only 1.2 inches.

I only bring this point up because it seems that quite a few folk think the 1911 is slimmer than it really is.
I've won more than a few bucks by betting that my Glock G22 is slimmer than the 1911.

As for the original question....

While I like the idea of carrying a full-sized pistol, the reality is that a light-weight compact pistol or revolver is so much more comfortable and easy to carry.