Handgun size counts for a lot

The allegory of a vehicle becomes really handy when we pick a gun for us. We all probably get what the “dead weight” expression means. It refers to the weight of a vehicle (or the architectural support construction) but when unloaded that is not what we pay attention to. In live weight (like a loaded truck), the handgun, ammunition, holster and extra gun load easily add up. Over this topic, copy sticks and paper reams were slugged and we ended up providing bytes by the millions. Though it’s all about a personal decision, as a matter of fact, quality and performance remain essential factors. If you are fond of compact cars, you can comfortably drive around the city which is all right, but you don’t expect it to serve as a vehicle to transport a dining room set.

At the very worst, when a truck crosses a stop sign and strikes your compact car, you may have hoped to have something a bit bigger. Likewise, to prevent danger, any gun is fine. On the other hand, Though, when you are really in need of a weapon, you could wish you had something bigger and more suitable for the task at hand.

Plenty of people find small-size guns appealing and make up any sort of reason to wear them. Some are of good quality; others are in my view, risky. 

The Citadel version – the 9mm Officers Model is a
great balance of strength, reliability and precision

I believe, when you find yourself in the middle of the road, a handgun that fires reliable ammo with a decent potential of being accurate is perfect. The gun should be a medium-sized one if I may say.

Many claim to seek the security of carrying a weapon while not all of them are ready to put money into appropriate practices and equipment carriage. Without regard to the fact that it’s technically counterproductive, they just want to get a firearm. The gun can be lost or wrongly-placed in case it’s too light and unnoticeable. 

In my career, I’ve witnessed firearms left in restrooms, on dressing tables or even fell near car seats. Pick a gun that’s not comfortable but comforting. Due to a stupid attitude, you do not want to give up your weapon permit, so be conscious of where you place it.

A couple of years ago, the FBI conducted a report on duty weapons. FBI officers are well qualified and in much finer form than we are but still, the findings have been fascinating. The report revealed that a handgun of more than 35 ounces will eventually seem an excessive weight in the holster, and the rank and file would grouch or even drop the firearm in the vehicle. Put differently, a 3-inch .38 barrel on the belt is more preferable than a .357 Magnum that you end up not carrying.  

Short barrel .38 Special revolvers are
generally available with a 2-inch barrel.
A marginally longer barrel, as found on the
top of the S&W Model 60, is an advantage
for many gunmen. You can see a Blackhawk!
Holster, an outstanding option for concealed
carry.

So the Officers Model 9mm is much more preferable than the Government Model .45 you’re not wearing. Then again one can’t doubt how light and durable are polymer-framed Glock handguns.  Glock 43 9mm is yet another example, you will fire the Glock 19 more effectively but…

We all can find that one pal that assures you that the majority of self-protection shooting incidents take place at a very short distance. It is real, but intuitive shooting does not strike you any more than you would drive a car blindfolded. You’ve got to aim anyway even if a cardboard target is all you’ve got. 

Past bad breath distance, the low-quality firearms are not very precise. There are so many possibilities that might arise, from an opponent behind the cover to a massive shooting in a crowded place, that’s why the firearm must have enough precision. Though a high-level .38 Special will put all of his shots right into the target at 7 yards, the gunman behind the trigger must accomplish his part of work successfully as well. Standard size handguns, such as a 3-inch barrel revolver or a lightweight self-loader, are more simply handled when firing. 

Top to bottom: Nighthawk Falcon
Government Model with 5-inch barrel,
Devil Dog Commander with 4.25-inch
barrel and the Guncrafter CCO with a
shorter grip and Commander-length slide.
Many consider the CCO a great compromise

I assume that a handgun with the ability to put all five shots in five inches at 25 yards is a practical average.

On the other side, there are plenty that believe that as long as they’ve got the bullet in the proper spot, the .32 and .380 are just perfect. This typically comes from someone who during the CWP class has just shot their handgun and is not that good a shooter. Despite ballistic propaganda, we should realize that the small gun doesn’t function like a big one.

To try to fix a big caliber issue, never use small calibers. A .38 Special or 9mm Luger caliber handgun should be the base. I promise you, you can shoot and use a lightweight 9mm or 3-inch barrel revolver better than the smaller weapons in case of sufficient practice. The grips suit best with most hands, the controls are easier to maneuver, and better precision is reached by the sight radius.

If you want to comprehend the shot likelihood, you should actually test the firearm. It seems appealing to a rational individual to shoot more precisely with a more effective round. Note, the application of force from this perspective has 3 components. They are direction, force and the application point. In a math context called a vector, the first and second properties are merged. The point of application works like the arrow point and the place on the target where the most significant harm is caused by the force. This ensures precise output. 

Probably the most balanced and pursued
after the SIG P series double action
pistols, is the SIG P229.

Others say they are not able to cover an efficient firearm. I see their point. As the majority of us struggle to cut weight, you will be the envy of those around you. A slim person might, though, have to wear looser fitted clothes and maybe have a longer thought on holsters to cover a bulge on their thigh. Wear a quality IWB, for example, supple leather fits well for me over the proper rear pocket. If you carry a gun on your thigh and try to cover it, you are likely to look like a snake that just swallowed a muskrat. That’s not nice.

The draw is compromised, just a little bit, but the coverage is amazing. Get a proper rig at a chain shop, not a $10 cloth holster. Galco is a reputable brand, Blackhawk!  It has unique models, and a wide choice is rendered by Crossbreed.  If you are fond of custom made designs, you will find a range of very cool pieces, well-done and made only for you one at a time. You would be able to cover up at least a Glock 43 X or the Model Citadel of an Officer.

Think deeply about the term of carrying a concealed weapon (CCW). What do you plan to carry? What is a plausible scenario? What can happen at the very worst? There is no good in carrying a lethal weapon in the untenable position of being armed but incapable to protect themselves properly. 

No matter which firearm you choose, you have to
train regularly. Grip length and width, and the weight
of the gun, these 3 determine the comfort level.

Some right picks

  • Citadel 9mm Officers Model – There is much praise for the Citadel, efficient, precise long beyond 25 yards and suitable for first shot strikes. 
  • Smith and Wesson Model 60 3-Inch Barrel – The bit of additional scope radius and lower weight turn the tide in contrast to those with a 2-inch short barrel. 
  • CZ P10C – Among the best of the striker-fired small handguns, only big enough than the Glock 26 to change things.

There are many others. Just make sure to choose the one that works best for you.

What gun or handguns do you usually bring for CCW and why? What factors do you consider when deciding on the barrel length? In the comment area, share your thoughts.