Choosing the right handgun isn’t just about brand or caliber. Size plays a major role in comfort, concealability, control, and overall usability. Whether you’re new to firearms or looking to switch up your everyday carry, understanding the differences between full-size, compact, and sub-compact pistols can help you make a smarter decision.
This guide breaks down each category with real-world insights and pros and cons you’ll actually care about.
Does Handgun Size Matter?
Yes, size does matter, and if someone told you otherwise, then they were lying to you. Today, we are talking about Full-size, Compact, and Sub-Compact handguns. I believe that the size of your handgun does play an important part in how your handgun shoots, but it also plays a big part in how much you can/want to carry with that handgun. So I wanted to talk about the Pros and Cons of each size.
I do want to preface that this handgun size comparison blog will not contain any groundbreaking information. The purpose of this blog is to help people who are looking for a new handgun and need help deciding what size of handgun they truly want. So if you think that I missed anything, then shoot me an email and let me know what I missed. At the end of the day, I am one person who has one opinion, so my opinion is not the end-all be-all.
Full-sized Handguns:
Why Shooters Love Full-Size Pistols
Full-size handguns like the Glock 17, Sig P320 Full-Size, and M&P 9 are often considered the easiest and most enjoyable to shoot. With a longer slide and barrel, they offer a greater sight radius, making it easier to aim accurately when using iron sights. They also tend to be more stable during recoil, especially when paired with a red dot, compensator, or ported barrel.
The added weight helps mitigate muzzle rise, allowing faster follow-up shots and more control overall. The full-length grip provides a solid purchase for all hand sizes and typically holds more rounds, an obvious plus for defensive or competitive use. These guns are ideal for range sessions, home defense setups, and duty roles where concealment isn't a primary concern.
Downsides for Everyday Carry
The tradeoff with full-size pistols is concealability. The longer slide and taller grip can print more easily under clothing and may feel bulky for some people, especially when sitting or moving throughout the day. That doesn't mean they can’t be carried; many people carry full-size handguns daily, but it usually requires dialing in your holster choice, belt setup, and wardrobe.
If you’re new to concealed carry or prioritizing maximum comfort and discretion, you may find full-size guns more challenging to work into your daily routine. Still, if you value shootability and performance above all else, and don’t mind adjusting your setup, a full-size handgun can absolutely be carried with the right gear and practice.
Compact Handguns:
The “Goldilocks” of Handgun Sizes
Compact pistols like the Glock 19, Sig P320 Compact, and M&P Compact are often seen as the most balanced handgun category. They offer a practical middle ground between shootability and concealability. With slightly shorter slides and grips than full-size pistols, they’re easier to conceal under regular clothing while still offering enough grip for solid control and enough barrel length for good accuracy.
Most compacts use 15-round magazines, and while you may sacrifice one or two rounds compared to a full-size, you’re still getting plenty of firepower for defensive use. They also retain compatibility with lights, optics, and most duty-style accessories, which makes them ideal for people who want one handgun that can do it all.
One Size Fits All?
If you're only planning to buy one handgun, a compact is a strong contender. It’s versatile enough for concealed carry, home defense, range use, or competition, even if it doesn’t excel in any one area.
Yes, it will have slightly more recoil than a full-size and may not feel as stable during extended shooting sessions, but with consistent training, those differences become negligible.
The truth is, most shooters won’t be limited by the compact format; skill and repetition matter more. If someone shoots better with a full-size gun than you do with your compact, it’s not the gun; it’s time for more range days.
Sub-Compact Handguns:
Made for Comfort and Concealment
Sub-compacts like the Sig P365, Glock 43, Springfield Hellcat, and M&P Shield are purpose-built for everyday concealed carry. Their smaller profiles make them ideal for discreet carry, especially in warm climates or for people with smaller frames. Lightweight and low-profile, they fit easily inside waistband holsters and can disappear under a T-shirt.
That’s why they’re often the go-to choice for those who want maximum carry comfort and minimal printing. Modern sub-compacts have also become more capable; many models now come optics-ready and accept extended magazines, bridging the gap between concealment and capacity.
What You Sacrifice in Shootability
The tradeoff is performance. Smaller frames mean smaller grips and shorter slides, which can make recoil feel snappier and harder to control, especially for new shooters. You may also experience more muzzle flip and slower follow-up shots compared to larger guns.
That’s not a dealbreaker, but it does require more consistent training to stay proficient. Sub-compacts are also more sensitive to grip technique, so fundamentals matter even more. Still, for many people, the comfort and ease of carrying a sub-compact means they’ll actually carry it every day, and that makes it more valuable than a larger gun left at home.
Conclusion:
This guide isn’t here to tell you what gun to buy; it’s here to help you reflect on what you need.
Ask yourself: What will I do with this gun 80% of the time?
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Need a bedside or duty gun? Go full-size.
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Want one gun for everything? Get a compact.
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Prioritizing comfort and concealment? Choose a sub-compact.
No matter what you pick, the key is to train with it. The best handgun is the one you’re confident using when it matters most.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a compact handgun good enough for home defense?
Yes. While full-size guns offer better control, a compact is still highly capable for home defense when paired with proper training and accessories.
Are sub-compact handguns harder to shoot?
Generally, yes. The smaller grip and shorter slide lead to more recoil and less stability, but with consistent training, they can still be very effective.
Can a full-size handgun be concealed?
It can, but it requires the right holster and wardrobe. Many people carry full-size guns daily, but compact models are typically more comfortable.
What is the best all-purpose handgun size?
A compact handgun usually offers the best mix of concealability, shootability, and versatility for most users.
Is handgun size more important than caliber?
Both matter, but size affects how comfortable and confident you are carrying and shooting. A well-placed shot from a compact 9mm is more effective than a poorly handled .45.
