Does full size or compact really matter?

[drifting]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ddP7IHHnM4A

From the video, even hikeok45 recommend compact glocks.
it is about same to me, I feel there is almost no difference between full size and compact size gun regarding accuracy.

theoretically, longer barrel will be helpful for accuracy, but the reality is there is just about One inch differece between full size and compact size pistol, which is not significant at all.

So I do not think it is necessay to get a full size gun. compact size is just a perfect for me either as HD gun or range gun.

[cmace22]

Full size guns offer (in general)

Higher MV
Longer sight radius for improved accuracy.
Higher mag capacity
Better balance for some
Thicker and longer grip better suited for large hands


There is a difference. If you have competed at all you will see it real quick. An easy medium range shot with my 34 is a bit more challenging with my 19. If you just punch paper at the range every few months then I guess it doesn't matter which you get. For concealed carry a compact or sub compact suits most people better than a full size. That being said I know a few plus sized guys that conceal a full size just fine. I do prefer my 19 only because it fits my hand better.

[SonofWWIIDI]

If you carry (in which case you don't live here in Santa Clara county) than a smaller, compact pistol would probably be preferred. Otherwise, both are a lot of fun to shoot!

[JDay]

Compacts are the way to go if you're going to conceal carry. And that's more for weight reduction that anything. I can easily conceal a full size 1911 IWB and I'm not the biggest guy.

[cmace22]

I guess I took too long editing my post. What they said^^^^

[jdben92883]

Interestingly, when I'm shooting very fast doubles, I find I shoot more center with my G27 than my G23. I will pull low right a little with the G23. I attribute this to improper grip that's mitigated when my pinky isn't a part of the equation (I don't use extensions with my G27). The difference isn't huge, but it's there. When I'm messing around with several plates, my G35 is the fastest due to the long sight radius. If I'm taking very slow, controlled shots I find little difference between barrel lengths. My G27 can ring a 75-yard gong as easily as my G35.

[Grumpyoldretiredcop]

I do find a difference between full-size and compact pistols of the same make in terms of accuracy. I attribute it to sight radius and grip area. I consistently shoot better with my G17 than I do with the 19, for example. When you consider that the sight radius of a G17 is just under 7 inches, removing 1 inch of sight radius removes approximately 14 percent of the available sight radius. I would not call that "not significant".

Since we're not talking about concealed carry, but HD/range use only, I'd go with the full size pistol as concealment ease does not enter into the equation.