For a duty pistol I can understand wanting a larger grip and longer barrel, and for a dedicated carry pistol I can understand wanting something narrower/smaller, but for an all around civilian pistol the 19 size seems like the sweet spot to me
I don't get it though? Your saying the same thing I'm saying, after saying the opposite. Not arguing just curious. Your saying....
The full size is a better duty gun
The compact is a better carry gun
So I'll get one in the middle and get a gun that doesn't carry as well as a sub compact nor does it shoot as easily as a full size.
I have all three sizes but it Seems like saying
A prius will get me 50+ miles per gallon, very slowly. But I love that mileage and passing up gas stations (slowly)
A mustang gt or Camaro v8 will have 400+ hp but only get me 18 mpg.(don't believe the high numbers on the window sticker my 5 spd gets 18-20) But I love that power
I think I'll buy a 6cyl 3.5l challenger and get neither of the things I love. I'll "compromise" by giving up both things I want and get both the downsides. 22 mpg..... slowly. Just my opinion though.
I've even seen police carry a 19/23. To each their own and I certainly wouldn't feel at a disadvantage with either. But to be honest my 23 and my 29 (which is close to the 23/19 size although it's listed as sub compact) havent been took out of the safe in 10-15 years I'd guess. If I'm target shooting I grab the full size. If I'm carrying in the summer (and most any other season) I carry the 27. Even if I'm carrying under a winter coat I grab a full size.
The 19x baffles me all together. Why not buy a 19 and use 17 mags with an adapter when u want a 17 size frame. Using the 19 frame and a 17 slide I could understand since the grip is what usually proves hard to conceal. The frame is what prints in every carry position I know of except horizontal shoulder holsters. Why give up that fraction of sight radius and barrel and keep the part that prints? Idk.