Understanding the Different Sizes of Handguns
Handguns come in various sizes and styles, each designed for different purposes and preferences. Whether it’s for personal defense, law enforcement, or competitive shooting, choosing the right size handgun can significantly impact your shooting experience. From full-size handguns to pocket-sized ones, each size category offers unique advantages and disadvantages that you need to consider before purchasing. In this blog, we’ll dive into the world of handguns and explore the different sizes of handguns and the characteristics of each category to help you make an informed decision when choosing the suitable handgun for your needs.
Table of contents
Types of Handguns
Handgun Saftey First
Purchasing a handgun comes with significant responsibilities. Before purchasing, it’s critical to understand the safety protocols, equipment, and practices that ensure responsible ownership. Here’s a summary of what you should know:
1. Safe Handling Basics
- Always treat every firearm as if it’s loaded.
- Never point the handgun at anything you are not willing to destroy.
- Keep your finger off the trigger until you are ready to fire.
- Be aware of your target and what is beyond it.
2. Storage Solutions
- Secure Storage: Buy a gun safe or lock box to securely store your firearm, prevent unauthorized access, and ensure the safety of your household
- Trigger Locks: Consider additional safety measures, like trigger locks, to prevent accidental discharge.
- Separate Ammunition: Store ammunition in a different location from the firearm.
3. Safety Equipment
- Hearing Protection: Always wear ear protection when practicing at a shooting range.
- Eye Protection: Use ANSI-certified eyewear to protect your eyes from potential debris or recoil.
4. Know Your Firearm
- Learn the specific features of your handgun, such as the safety mechanism, loading/unloading process, and proper cleaning procedures.
- Read the owner’s manual thoroughly before use.
5. Training and Practice
- Take a firearm safety course to learn proper handling, maintenance, and storage techniques.
- Practice regularly at a range to become comfortable and proficient with your handgun.
- Consider advanced training courses to improve defensive shooting skills.
6. Legal Responsibilities
- Familiarize yourself with local, state, and federal laws regarding handgun ownership, carrying permits, and self-defense.
- Understand the proper way to transport your firearm.
7. Emergency Preparedness
- Develop a plan for safe handling during emergencies, ensuring you can act responsibly and avoid accidents.
- Know the steps to take in the unlikely event of an accidental discharge.
8. Avoid Alcohol and Drugs
- Never handle or operate a firearm while under the influence of alcohol, prescription medications, or drugs that impair judgment.
By understanding and adhering to these safety principles, handgun owners can ensure they are protecting themselves and contributing to the safety of those around them. Always prioritize education and ongoing practice to uphold responsible firearm ownership.
Revolvers
Revolvers are a type of handgun that uses a revolving cylinder to hold cartridges. They come in various sizes, from small pocket revolvers to large, full-size revolvers. Revolvers are known for their reliability and simplicity and are also easy to use and maintain. However, they have a lower capacity than semi-automatic handguns and are typically slower to reload.
Semi-Automatic
Semi-automatic handguns are handguns that use a magazine to hold cartridges. They come in various sizes, from small pocket pistols to full-size duty pistols. Semi-automatic handguns are known for their capacity and ease of use. They are also faster to reload than revolvers. However, they can be more complicated to use and maintain than revolvers.
Factoring Revolver or Semi-Auto
When deciding between a revolver or a semi-auto handgun, there are several factors to consider, including:
- Purpose: What is the intended use of the firearm? Is it for self-defense, home protection, hunting, or recreational shooting?
- Capacity: How many rounds does the firearm hold? A semi-auto handgun typically has a higher capacity than a revolver.
- Reliability: Which type of firearm is more reliable? Revolvers and semi-auto handguns can be reliable, but some models may have a better track record.
- Recoil: How much recoil does the firearm have? A revolver typically has less recoil than a semi-auto handgun.
- Accuracy: Which type of firearm is more accurate? This can depend on the individual shooter and is likely a debate that could go 50/50.
- Maintenance: How easy is the firearm to maintain? Revolvers tend to be simpler and easier to maintain than semi-auto handguns.
- Cost: How much does the firearm cost? Revolvers are less expensive than semi-auto handguns, but this can vary depending on the make and model.
Ultimately, the decision between a revolver or a semi-auto handgun will depend on your personal preferences and the specific requirements of your situation. It is essential to consider all of these factors and choose the firearm that best suits your needs.
Sizes of Handguns
When it comes to choosing a handgun, size matters. Handguns come in various sizes, from micro and compact to large and powerful. The size of the firearm you choose will depend on various factors, such as your intended use, hand size, and level of experience. In this section, we’ll explore the different sizes of handguns available on the market, their pros and cons, and help you determine which size handgun suits you.
Full-Size Handguns
Full-size handguns are the largest type of handguns. Competition and home defense shooters typically use them, largely carried by open carry shooters, law enforcement, security, and military personnel. Full-size handguns have a barrel length of at least 4 inches and a weight of around 30 ounces or more.
Due to their size and weight, they are an accurate and reliable type of handgun. However, their size can make them difficult to conceal and uncomfortable to carry for extended periods.
Compact Handguns
Compact handguns are smaller and lighter than full-size handguns. They have a barrel length of 3 to 4 inches and a weight of around 20 ounces. Compact handguns are ideal for concealed carry because of their size and weight. They are easier to conceal and more comfortable to carry for extended periods. However, hand size can become more of a factor, and they have less capacity than full-size handguns.
Subcompact Handguns
Subcompact handguns are the smallest type of handgun available. They have a barrel length of fewer than 3 inches and a weight of around 15 ounces. Subcompact handguns are designed for deep concealment and are often used as backup weapons by law enforcement personnel.
They are one of the most concealable handguns, but their small size can make them less accurate and less comfortable to shoot.
Pocket Handguns
Pocket handguns are a type of subcompact handgun designed to be carried in an area as small as a pocket. They are small and lightweight, with a barrel length of fewer than 2 inches and a weight of around 10 ounces. Pocket handguns are ideal for concealed carry because they are easy to conceal and can be carried in a pocket or purse. Kimber Micro 9 in the photo.
However, their small size can typically offer the smallest size magazine capacity, and in some makes and models, recoil can be a factor.
In a Nutshell
In conclusion, handguns come in various sizes, each with its advantages and disadvantages. When choosing a handgun, it’s essential to consider your intended use, experience level, and personal preferences. Full-size handguns are ideal for duty use, while compact and subcompact handguns are ideal for concealed carry. Pocket handguns are the most concealable, while revolvers are known for their reliability and simplicity. Semi-automatic handguns offer high capacity and ease of use but can be more complicated to use and maintain. I hope this helps you select your next handgun.
