Full size vs. compact for concealed carry

[marklbucla]

How big of a difference would it make to carry a full size vs. a compact? Would a person about 5'5-5'6" and ~150 lbs have any serious difficulties carrying a full size? I can't really do any dry runs because I don't have an appropriate holster, nor do I have a compact pistol.

Anyway, the motivation for asking is that I'm wondering if these differences would justify the purchase of a compact handgun solely for a POSSIBLE CCW IF I ever move to a gun friendly area. It's only coming up now because I'm feeling a bit rushed by Gray Davis' new Semi Auto handgun ban.

 

[Dave R]

I'll bet you'll get differing opinions on this.

A lot of folks carry full-size, without difficulty. A good gun belt and holster make a huge difference in comfort. You would not believe the difference until you try a good rig.

That said, I did switch to a compact, and comfort was the primary driver. the difference is not big. I mean, we're talking about an inch of barrel length and and inch of grip. But it is noticeable, and I'm a comfort freak.

I'm still conflicted about my choice, though (sorry for the psyco-babble). The one time I thought I might need my weapon, I was wishing for my full-size.

I may switch back to full-size at some point.

 

[AK103K]

I'm 5' 6"/170lbs and have carried full sized 1911's and mainly Commanders pretty much exclusively for almost 30 years now. With the right belt and holster and choosing the right clothes, you should have no trouble concealing a full sized gun. Your attitude also has a lot to do with it. I prefer IWB holsters at around 4 o'clock as this area is a natural spot to loose your pistol in and the IWB holds it against your body even more. Its also very comfortable once you get used to it. Carrying a gun does take work and sacrifices on your part, and your gun, your clothes and furnitures part. Personally, I would choose the gun your most comfortable shooting and then work on how your can most comfortably carry it. Dont let carrying and concealing make your decisions for you. On the other hand, if your a lifeguard in a Speedo on the beach in Key West, you may want to find another line of work if you want to carry your pistol.

 

[Kevinch]

With the right belt and holster and choosing the right clothes, you should have no trouble concealing a full sized gun.

And that is really hitting the issue squarely - how much are you willing to compromise what you can wear to properly hide the piece.

I've carried a 5" 1911 & a 6" S&W 686 revolver in the past. Both were concealed well, & I'll admit the 1911 was much easier to accomplish. That said, I've gone to carrying a Kimber Ultra CDP & find that I go armed more often because I can be more vesatile with what I wear.

When it's really hot, I carry a Colt Mustang. I can hide it easily in shorts & a t-shirt. With the Ultra CDP, my clothing choice is more limited.

Also - the advise on a correct holster & belt choice is very important. I bit the bullet last year & bought a Sparks VM II for my .45 & haven't looked back. A well fitting belt & holster combo will go a long way towards helping you more effectively concealing whatever it is you carry.

 

[Drjones]

1. Being that you live in CA, buy all the semiautomatic pistols you can while you still can.

2. Pretty much anyone can conceal a full size gun with the right gear if they want too.

3. It is generally a bit easier to conceal a smaller and lighter firearm, but you'll really have to try for yourself to see what works best.


Good luck

 

[Standing Wolf]

I generally carry a pre-agreement Smith & Wesson J frame model 60 .357 magnum revolver. I'd rather carry my four-inch Python, but it's just too bulky and heavy for my back.

 

[10-Ring]

It may depend on which fullsize & which compact pistols you're talking about...ie. a Desert Eagle or a HK SOCOM or a Baby Eagle or USPc? The fullsize guns would be next to impossible to carry concealed.

 

[RWK]

I have had no problems concealing full-size autoloaders (1911A1s, CZ 75B, Sig P-220/P-226, etc.) and revolvers (four- and five-inch Smith N frames and four-inch Ruger GP-100s) for many years. GOOD leather – especially including a wide, solid belt, that is frequently ignored – is critical, as others have indicated.

If any of us ever need a concealed handgun, we shall desperately require it. Therefore, I want a “for sure†weapon: flawlessly reliable, very accurate, and devastatingly effective. After years of thought, that now means .45 ACPs, .357 magnums, and .45 Colts. I prefer these weapons in full sizes, for accuracy (sight radii), for reliability, and for lethality (greater muzzle velocity/energy).

 

[C.R.Sam]

Good input above.

I have carried full sized revolvers and autos for over 50 years.
Now 140lb and 5'6", used to be taller.

Sam

 

[sm]

Previous posters nailed it.

I think Sam needs to quit trading height for old wheels tho'... mybe last N frame was a bit much my friend

 

[Hkmp5sd]

A persons body size and shape does play into the combination of what and where you carry. But I believe anyone can choose the right clothes, holster and location to hide almost any handgun. I'm 6', 180# and can effectively hide a 6" GP-100, Glock 17, 1911 or S&W 5906 wearing nothing but jeans and a t-shirt. While travelling, I'll add a second gun, either a Colt Mustang Plus II, Walther PPK or Glock 27 worn on the opposite side.

It will take some time and practice to find the right spot to carry your CCW when you first start. No matter what gun you choose, it is going to feel heavy and annoying. You'll also swear everyone in sight can see the gun. Over time, you'll become so used to it that you reach down to touch it to make sure it's still there. It'll become so natural, when you're not weaing it, something just doesn't feel right. It's like leaving without your wallet or keys. Something's wrong, you just can't put a finger on it.

One downside is trying to get the perfect holster. Most of us that have carried different handguns for many years have a box or two in the closet with holsters that just didn't work out. It can be expensive and take a long time, but getting that perfect holster is necessary.

 

[CB900F]

10-Ring made a very valid point. Not all guns that carry the same label are the same size. Case in point, he mentioned the H&K SOCOM vs the USPc.

I carry the USPc daily, despite the 'compact' designation, it is much closer to a 'normal' full-size gun than a true compact. It's just compact in comparison to the full-size USP's which are on the upper end of the scale, bordering on behemoth like the Desert Eagle.

I'm 5'10", weigh 165 & carry in Montana. I use a Milt Sparks Exec's Companion IWB holster & am perfectly happy with the comfort & concealability of the combo.

900F

 

[PCRCCW]

For a primary carry...I have compromised between a Compact and fullsize gun....a CZ PCR. Its small enough to take with me damn near anywhere and be comfy doing it, carry 15 rnds of Corbon +P 9mm and offer a fullsize grip. It weighs less than 2 lbs loaded and its a bloody shooter.

With all of that said............just find a gun you like and likes you back and Carry it, shoot it and get good with it.

Shoot well

 

[BerettaNut92]

Mark, how about the next time I come up to LA I'll bring all my concealment gear, my mid-size P7M8 and fullsize Beretta 92G (with carbon fiber grips) and you can try it on and see what works best?

That way you can skip that compact CZ and get that 1911

 

[Ala Dan]

A Very Interesting Subject!

Since I'm my towns poster boy at 5'10" and
weighing in at about 220 lbs. I feel like I'm a very
well qualified person to answer your question!

Daily, I carry a full size .45 caliber SIG-SAUER P220A
in IWB fashion at 4 o'clock with NO problems. This
method allows for quick access to the target.

Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member

 

[justice4all]

What I carry depends to a great deal on the weather. When it's cold enough out for a jacket or heavy flannel shirt, I'm more likely to carry a full size OWB at 4:00, with a J frame or Keltec in a pocket. During the summer, if I'm just wearing shorts and a t-shirt, I usually only carry one or two compact guns.

It should be noted that even if I carry a full size under a coat, the J frame in the pocket is usually the primary, because I can already have it in hand, should the need arise.

 

[PCRCCW]

"That way you can skip that compact CZ and get that 1911"

Uh Huh.....skunk is on one today...eh? The 1911 is another stellar choice..commander is the same size as the CZ Compact...close.

Skunk...ever thought of carrying a Bryco/Jennings...I hear their purdy darn good guns.......If you throw it at them hard enough upon impact the gun turns into a Frangible Pistol and causes many major wounds.

Kidding..............

Shoot well..........................

 

[Mastrogiacomo]

I have a full size 92FS and compact version type M. What I wear when carrying concealed depends on why I'm carrying, the weather, what I'm wearing, and the holster. I'm a small person at 5'2", 114lbs and I can carry either of my guns without problem.

 

[Oleg Volk]

Full size guns tend to work better (easier to shoot, hold more ammo, longer grips make drawing more reliable)...so my order of preference ends up being G17, G23, M1911, G29, Kahr P9, G30, G26. Don't have mag pouches for Star BM, it would probably compete with G26 for the last place. SW581 was carryiable but certainly not the top choice. Ammo capacity matters, too -- easier to carry one 17rd spare than two 7rd spares.

 

[BerettaNut92]

Oleg, why 9mm for the fullsize then 40 for the compact? Or is that just what you happen to have in the armory?

 

[Oleg Volk]

What I happened to have. G23 is probably a better gun for G17 is easier to draw from a tuckable due to the longer grip. If people bumping into you are a concern, then compact are easier to hide...otherwise, full-size seem to work better.

 

[Poohgyrr]

It sure is nice reading all these right minded posts.

 

[Mil Novecientos Once]

How big of a difference would it make to carry a full size vs. a compact? Would a person about 5'5-5'6" and ~150 lbs have any serious difficulties carrying a full size? I can't really do any dry runs because I don't have an appropriate holster, nor do I have a compact pistol.

Hi there. I'm 5'6" and 147lbs and have no seriuos difficulties with my CCW. It is a full size Springfield Armory 1911 (px9109L).

Just make sure you buy the best quality holster and belt that you can afford and you are set.

 

[mini14jac]

Mil Novecientos Once,
Excellent pictures.
How comfortable is sitting for short periods of time in that rig?
How about sitting for longer periods?

That is my main problem with IWB carry.
Short barrel guns seem to work better if I have to sit a lot.
(Most of the time.)

 

[Mil Novecientos Once]

How comfortable is sitting for short periods of time in that rig?

Once my wife heard of some fancy sea food restaurant and I drove for 3 hours non stop looking for it. We were there for about another and the gun didn't gave me any problems. Also we like to go to the movies at least once a month. There is no problem while driving or sitting during long periods of time, at least for me. However I have to be careful while sitting on chairs with a solid backrest, sometimes the grips hits it making a noise.