Does size mean everything?

[JHT]

Hello,

Just purchased my first pistol yesterday, a Smith & Wesson M&P 40 Compact, but already want need another. I know what you're thinking, "join the club!" That isn't my problem...

I want to get a 9mm, specifically a Glock 19 or M&P 9 Compact, but wonder if getting another compact/sub-compact is a bad idea. Mind you, I'm only punching paper (indoors) and having small hands makes the full-size pistols feel "wrong".

Could someone please explain why I should get a full-sized pistol versus another compact/sub-compact?

NOTE: Just to clear things up, I am not new to firearms or shooting - just new to gun ownership. I am not looking for referrals or suggestions of pistols, just the reason(s) behind choosing a full-size vs. compact.

[Curley Red]

Get what feels good in your hands. Don't get a big gun because it looks good to others, who cares what others think.

[iareConfusE]

Get whatever feels best and most appropriate for yourself. If hand size is an issue, then get a smaller gun, no need to go full size, or a larger caliber. The bigger gun has its advantages, as does a smaller gun. The bigger gun will have a longer sight radius, and will therefore be more inherently accurate, it will have a longer barrel, so you'll get a little bit more velocity out of it, but it will also be a bit more difficult/uncomfortable to conceal if you ever go that route.

I personally like full sized guns for the sight radius, and a full sized gun fits my hand just as well as a compact does. I can usually adapt to any grip shape fairly well, even if it's mildly uncomfortable or odd shaped.

[Boltz]

Another point to add onto iareConfusE's is that the greater weight of a full size gun, especially metal frame ones, will decrease muzzle flip and felt recoil, so you can get back on target a little faster.

[JHT]

Get what feels good in your hands. Don't get a big gun because it looks good to others, who cares what others think.

Thanks for the feedback! Being a new shooter, I just wanted to make sure I wasn't committing a faux pas that would ban me from the boards or something...

Get whatever feels best and most appropriate for yourself. If hand size is an issue, then get a smaller gun, no need to go full size, or a larger caliber. The bigger gun has its advantages, as does a smaller gun. The bigger gun will have a longer sight radius, and will therefore be more inherently accurate, it will have a longer barrel, so you'll get a little bit more velocity out of it, but it will also be a bit more difficult/uncomfortable to conceal if you ever go that route.

I personally like full sized guns for the sight radius, and a full sized gun fits my hand just as well as a compact does. I can usually adapt to any grip shape fairly well, even if it's mildly uncomfortable or odd shaped.

This is what I was hoping for, some rhyme or reason of why or why not; thanks!

As far as adaptability goes, I think I could safely operate either size. But why don't "most "folks have multiple guns of similar size in various calibers (e.g. Glock 26-30) but instead have various sizes of guns in the same caliber (e.g. Glock 17, 19, and 26)?

Also, any reason to stick to the same manufacturer? Is it just for brand loyalty?

[rsrocket1]

Get a 9mm conversion barrel from Storm Lake. The 40 mag will work for 9mm except it will lock back with one round left in the mag. Otherwise, get the 9mm mags and you'll be good to go. The 9mm barrel is a drop in replacement, just make sure you get the compact version for your 40c.

If you can handle the recoil of the 40c, there is no need to get a full size unless you really need the few extra fps for competition or want that extra length to aid in sighting.

[Fishslayer]

Could someone please explain why I should get a full-sized pistol versus another compact/sub-compact?

For paper punching a full size has a longer sight radius so is easier to shoot accurately. It's possible to be accurate with a compact but takes more practice.

The 1911 works pretty well with small hands.

[rsrocket1]

If you're good enough, the 40c can be shot quite accurately. Look at Hickok45's Youtube review of the M&P 40c. He's able to ring that gong on the far hill with it.

[JHT]

Another point to add onto iareConfusE's is that the greater weight of a full size gun, especially metal frame ones, will decrease muzzle flip and felt recoil, so you can get back on target a little faster.

Thanks, Boltz! Sounds like performance is the primary reason to go full-size then?

[Moto4Fun]

I had an affinity to small/compact handguns when I started shooting. As a smaller guy, I liked small or compact version of everything from skateboards to vehicles to home stereo systems. Then I realized that small versions of things typically serve a purpose that I may not be taking advantage of. For guns specifically, it is for concealment. For a paper punching gun, that shouldn't matter. I have now started looking at full size guns or even extra long competition type guns for accuracy and follow up shots.

People typically put too much weight in how the gun feels in your hand. While it is really nice when you are handling it and messing with in your house, at the moment you are pulling the trigger, how the grip feels is important but much less important than the reach to the trigger and other ergonomic considerations.

With that being said, you are not committing any kind of sin by choosing another compact to go with your current compact. However think of it this way (in terms of the gun being a tool); you choose the caliber based on what you want it to do (fly straight, make a big hole, do tissue damage, etc), then you should choose a gun that fits the bill of how you intend to use that bullet. You may have the best waffle head framing hammer in the world with perfect shock absorbing rubber grip and big ripping claw, but you would be silly to use that to tap finish nails in to trim molding or to push roll pins out of your AR.

But in the end, most people buy guns with their emotional side (like you would buy a watch or sunglasses), so you have to buy what looks and feels the best to you.

[JHT]

Get a 9mm conversion barrel from Storm Lake. The 40 mag will work for 9mm except it will lock back with one round left in the mag. Otherwise, get the 9mm mags and you'll be good to go. The 9mm barrel is a drop in replacement, just make sure you get the compact version for your 40c.

If you can handle the recoil of the 40c, there is no need to get a full size unless you really need the few extra fps for competition or want that extra length to aid in sighting.

Thanks, rsrocket! I can handle the [alleged] "snappiness" of the 40c and would prefer to just get another pistol chambered in 9mm.

PS. I think I've seen every one of Hikock45's videos!

For paper punching a full size has a longer sight radius so is easier to shoot accurately. It's possible to be accurate with a compact but takes more practice.

The 1911 works pretty well with small hands.

Fishslayer, good looking out on the 1911 recommendation. I used a Springfield 1911 (.45) at The Gun Store in Las Vegas and found it a helluva lot easier to operate than a Glock 21.

[AJAX22]

I'm a big proponent of the right gun for the job being the one you have in your hand.

I own a number of .22 short's, .25 auto's and my all time favorite cary piece is a .32 colt 1903 pocket (although I will admit to using special rounds.... the 32-20 gumball lead loads developed by the CIA)

the first challange is having a gun

the second is hitting what you aim at

the third is having the bullet do enough damage to stop the threat.

If you do 1 and 2 right, 3 will follow naturally

if you just jump to 3 and ignore 1 and 2... you'll put a giant hole in the wall behind the guy

[JHT]

I had an affinity to small/compact handguns when I started shooting. As a smaller guy, I liked small or compact version of everything from skateboards to vehicles to home stereo systems. Then I realized that small versions of things typically serve a purpose that I may not be taking advantage of. For guns specifically, it is for concealment. For a paper punching gun, that shouldn't matter. I have now started looking at full size guns or even extra long competition type guns for accuracy and follow up shots.

People typically put too much weight in how the gun feels in your hand. While it is really nice when you are handling it and messing with in your house, at the moment you are pulling the trigger, how the grip feels is important but much less important than the reach to the trigger and other ergonomic considerations.

With that being said, you are not committing any kind of sin by choosing another compact to go with your current compact. However think of it this way (in terms of the gun being a tool); you choose the caliber based on what you want it to do (fly straight, make a big hole, do tissue damage, etc), then you should choose a gun that fits the bill of how you intend to use that bullet. You may have the best waffle head framing hammer in the world with perfect shock absorbing rubber grip and big ripping claw, but you would be silly to use that to tap finish nails in to trim molding or to push roll pins out of your AR.

But in the end, most people buy guns with their emotional side (like you would buy a watch or sunglasses), so you have to buy what looks and feels the best to you.

Moto4fun, you hit the nail on the head. I have an affinity for small things and I guess guns are no different. May I ask, in your quest for new firearms are you replacing the smaller ones with a larger counterpart or simply adding to the collection? Thanks!

[JHT]

I'm a big proponent of the right gun for the job being the one you have in your hand.

I own a number of .22 short's, .25 auto's and my all time favorite cary piece is a .32 colt 1903 pocket (although I will admit to using special rounds.... the 32-20 gumball lead loads developed by the CIA)

the first challange is having a gun

the second is hitting what you aim at

the third is having the bullet do enough damage to stop the threat.

If you do 1 and 2 right, 3 will follow naturally

if you just jump to 3 and ignore 1 and 2... you'll put a giant hole in the wall behind the guy

AJAX22, thanks for the advice!

[McTerry]

Brand Loyalty has it's positives and negatives. Mastering a single platform is easier than mastering multiple platforms but at the same time, diversity is paramount.

I really don't know what "Diversity is paramount" means, I'm still half asleep and it sounded semi-smart...

Don't get caught up in the Brand Loyalty thing just because you own one though. Experiment and find what you like and what feels good and shoots right for you.