Does anybody else actually sort of prefer larger handguns?

[Echo40]

I know that smaller, lighter handguns are more convenient for carry — I myself carry a Ruger LCP and M&P Shield — but this thread isn't strictly about Concealed Carry/Self-Defense, hence why I posted it here as opposed to the CC/SD Subforum.

As someone who got into firearms for personal protection, I started off small with subcompact single stack semiautomatic pistols, but have since learned to enjoy the recreational side of firearms, and have gotten firearms of larger sizes.
I've come to find that not only do larger handguns tend to fit my hands better, point more naturally, and are more satisfying to operate/shoot.

Now I think that I honestly prefer full-size and extended range Duty Pistols to the Compact, Subcompact, and Micro carry pistols that I'm more apt to carry for self-defense.
That's not to say that I'm going to start packing my H&K USP45 Elite as an EDC, merely that when it comes to recreational shooting, the larger pistols are going to see more range time because I simply find them all around more satisfying. Although I still appreciate the exhilarating experience of firing something with plenty of oomph behind it, it's much more enjoyable when the gun I'm shooting actually gives me plenty of extra room for my fingers to grip than when I've got my little finger dangling and have to adjust my grip after each time I pull the trigger. That way I stay on target and achieve far more satisfactory results when I'm through.

So I guess you could say that I like my guns the way that I like my women.

Happy Easter, Everyone!

 

[AZgman]

I have big hands, so yes, I prefer a full size, all metal handgun. That said, I would not try to carry one every day.

 

[Ivan the Butcher]

I prefer large caliber handguns, 10mm/38-40 on the small end and 50 something for cartridge, 58 cal for front stuffers! I own the smaller stuff, I just prefer Large, X-Large, XX-Large and Extra Large Tall!

Ivan

 

[rockquarry]

Larger guns are, within reasonable bounds, much easier to shoot well.

 

[Venom6]

I forget who it was who first said, "None of them are small enough to carry and none of them are big enough to fight with."

 

[Echo40]

I forget who it was who first said, "None of them are small enough to carry and none of them are big enough to fight with."

I'd say that it was Jeff Cooper, but it's neither condescending, controversial, nor highly opinionated enough to be him.

 

[rockquarry]

I'd say that it was Jeff Cooper, but it's neither condescending, controversial, nor highly opinionated enough to be him.

Good way to put it. I've never been a Jeff Cooper disciple, but did read his material in GUNS & AMMO when I began reading gun magazines in the early 1960s. I suppose I didn't know any better for several years.

 

[Rustyt1953]

It's not the size that matter it's what you do with it.

 

[Inusuit]

For years, I carried pocket .380s of one sort or another. Given the state of the world, it's now a Glock 19.

 

[pawngal]

For recreational shooting I prefer larger size, K frame and up in revolvers and 1911 type in semi-autos.

 

[Miracle Man]

Larger guns are, within reasonable bounds, much easier to shoot well.

Yup

As I've grown a bit more recoil sensitive with age I much prefer larger guns/weight to help break up the recoil of larger caliber rounds.

 

[Rpg]

I much prefer one of the Colt handguns: the Commander, the Combat Commander or a government or Gold Cup sized pistol, all in 45acp.

For me, the ergonomics are perfect, they’re quicker and MUCH easier to shoot accurately than anything else. Their weight is quite manageable (especially the Commander), especially with a Del Fatti or custom Milt Sparks belt and holster.

Quality holster and belt (preferably by the same maker) are indispensable to comfortably carry a large handgun.

 

[Ivan the Butcher]

My latest snubby is a 44 Mag! (629-10 PC)

Ivan

 

[StrawHat]

Been carrying a 4”, tapered barrel N frame for many decades. Specifically, one chambered for 45 ACP. Tried to get “good” with a 1911 many times but find them just too complicated for carrying. Not terrible for range work but picking up a moon clip of spent brass is much easier than picking up a magazine of spent brass.

Kevin

 

[ZGrand]

I prefer shooting larger, heavier revolvers for recreation. I carry a Shield Plus, but it's really not that much fun to shoot at the range.

 

[lrrifleman]

I started the other way. At first, I picked up handguns for 2700 matches, then I tried my hand at IHMSA matches. It wasn't until a few years ago that I started to venture into defensive handguns.

As much as I like my various S&W revolvers and my 1911s, if I have to rely on a defensive pistol, I rather rely on a polymer wonder that it is seized, I won't lose as much as I would with a great S&W revolver!

My current preference for a defensive handgun is a Sig P365.

 

[.357magger]

That's why, for EDC, I finally settled on packing an A-10 Warthog.

But appendix carry is problematic.

 

[Imissedagain]

Big guns, big grips.
Little guns, big grips.

Proficiency with LCP type pistols can't hurt.
Took the CT laser off for carry, but use it for point shooting practice.

 

[mk70ss]

My EDC gun is a full size gun. The way society is today, I want a gun that I shoot very well with enough ammo to solve whatever problem I need to solve.

 

[colt_saa]

I began hand gun shooting for recreational purposes. Later in life Law Enforcement and Personal Protection were added

The first NEW handgun I ever got was the 6" nickel Model 27 on the upper right side of this old group photo. It began my obsession with the 27/327/627 family of revolvers

That being said, almost every day of my Adult life since 1980 there has been a J-frame with me. Starting with a Model 36 and then quickly a 60 but evolving into a Chiefs Special Target when they were released in stainless in 1985. The advent of the J-Magnum brought me back to the 60/640 as I waited for the J-Magnum Chiefs Special Target to arrive on the scene


I have always been a 45 ACP lover and began with 1911s.

As to USPs, I love the full size frame. My Expert, Match and Elite are among my favorite shooters

But when it comes to BIG handguns

I mean REALLY BIG HANDGUNS . . . ​

​

Very little fills that bill better than my Wildey which is chambered for the 475 Wildey Magnum cartfidge or even better my LAR Grizzly Long Slide chambered in 45 Winchester Magnum

There are many others in between when it comes to size, but with the exception of covert carry I prefer the larger sidearms as well