Full vs Compact Handguns

[Glocker23]

Greetings,

I was curious on what one what the disadvantage a Glock 23 would have compared versus a Glock 22.

I understand that longer barrel is better accuracy over longer ranges. Is this enough to matter in most home defense, CQB situations?

I know a Glock 27 would be an easier conceal versus 22/23 but I don't quite understand the Pro and Con between the Full and Compact sizes.

[shooting4life]

If you are not going to carry it get full size

[Glocker23]

What would a full size buy me versus a compact for general range shooting / home defense?

[Arkangel]

What would a full size buy me versus a compact for general range shooting / home defense?

That depends...

What model fits your hand better and what model can you shoot better?

If you don't know, shoot them both and find out.

[CelticMonster]

I tend to sway more towards full size because they can still be carried as concealed firearms depending on the owner's dress and holster of the firearm. Many people around the nation can carry full sized handguns concealed with the proper attire and a well built/ designed inside the waistband holster. Some advantages of a compact model would be easier concealment or deeper concealment in a wider variety of dress wear, but full sized handguns can still be carried everyday without issue. That said, the greatest factor is you. What do you like, are you willing to adjust your clothing to conceal larger firearms (slightly larger pants/ shorts, slightly longer shirts), do you know where you'd like to conceal on your person, and, one of my personal most important factors, can you handle the size of the firearm? Someone with smaller hands may want a compact handgun but can properly hold/ control/ fire full size hanguns without issue. On the other hand, those with larger palms/ grips may not be able to handle smalled gripped handguns or may not feel comfortable shooting smaller pistols.

The problem with this question is that it is VERY subjective to the independent user. You just have to consider what works best for you and what you work best with. If you are willing to adjust, the possibilities are near endless.

[Dvrjon]

What would a full size buy me versus a compact for general range shooting / home defense?

Softer recoil (less "snap" into your hand) due to heavier slide and longer recoil impulse
Longer sight radius for better accuracy/target acquisition
2 versus 3 mags

[Stryprod]

Objectively...

The arguments for a full size are usually you conceivably get better accuracy and a few additional bullets to throw downrange.

The arguments for a compact are usually you gain concealability at little expense to accuracy and bullets downrange.

Subjectively...

Shooter ability and hand fit.

The full size and compact fit hands just ever so differently. I hold a full size and it feels horrible in hand whereas a compact fits perfectly. I have medium sized hands and slender fingers, and my fingers rest or are pushed aside awkwardly by the full size finger groves whereas they fit perfectly with the compact.

One thing I would like to point out is that some will argue you should go full size for HD (home defense) because concealability is unnecessary and you want the extra accuracy and bullets to throw about. If it fits your hand good and you shoot it the same as a compact than yes it is likely the best choice, but don't go full size just because other say to do so.

The reality is that at such short distances in a HD scenario, you will never notice the difference in accuracy. I'd also like to point out, as a parent with kids in the house, I don't intend to have to fire all 15 bullets into and through the walls of my house - heck, I hope to never have to use all 13 if I had the compact.

[Gottmituns]

The problem with Glocks: subcompacts, compacts and full size have the same width. In a concealed carry environment, width is half the battle.

[r6guy85]

Taking concealed carry out the picture and basing strictly on performance. Which will perform better based on accuracy, reliability, and durability?

[Ron Swanson]

I have both but feel my compact (M&P 9c) fits better in my hand, plus it's lighter.

[Blownmotor]

What are you using it for?

[sigstroker]

If you have the old magazines, the full size holds a couple extra rounds.

Glocks are weird, they have a strange grip angle. If you are new to Glocks you should try to rent both. For example, a 17 feels weird to me and I can't shoot one worth beans. However, a 19 feels much more normal and I can shoot them much better than a 17.

[stormvet]

The only reason to get a sub-compact or a compact over a full size handgun is for carry. If you don't need or want to conceal it on your body 99% of the time a full size is the much better performer. I own all three that you mentioned plus the 35. The 27 & 23 simple hide better on my body, they are good shooters and accurate. But the 35 & 22 do everything better(except conceal)an easy test is to take a crap load of rounds with you to the range. Fire an equel amount from each gun doing several different drills. Check your scores with each gun and note your comfort/fatigue level after shooting each. You will have the answer to your question with all doubt removed.

[trigger945]

OP, you mentioned for general range shooting and HD...

Seems like a full size is better for that. No need for compact size unless you just shoot well with it. With proper training, however, you will likely shoot equally well with a full size.

At the end of the day, it will boil down to your preference. As many have pointed out. Try renting a G22 and a G23 and shoot about 100 rounds each. Maybe worthwhile to do it more than once. Then decide.

FWIW, I wear large mechanics gloves (just for reference) and don't have issues with my G17 (which has the same frame as a G22). Good luck!

[zod]

If you have the old magazines, the full size holds a couple extra rounds.

Glocks are weird, they have a strange grip angle. If you are new to Glocks you should try to rent both. For example, a 17 feels weird to me and I can't shoot one worth beans. However, a 19 feels much more normal and I can shoot them much better than a 17.

Same here. More comfortable and shoot better with my 19.