I carry a Glock 21 from time to time.
I’ve been wondering the same thing. Does full size generally refer to full capacity? Or, is it more of a case of being a large format pistol?
is the commander sized 1911 in the full size class? If so, it alters my previous response.
My guess is that full size is the ‘no compromise’ form of whatever platform is being discussed. As soon as a compromise is made in either size or capacity to make carry easier, then it’s not the full size version. That gets muddy with revolvers though, as I like the 3” K frame better than the 4” and think that the loss of an inch is not a compromise at all.
Before Walmart, Kroger, Walgreens, CVS, Meijer, Aldi, Albertsons, Safeway, Publix, etc lost their damn minds, I would always carry a full-size. Have 3 on rotation.
Since they went bat**** crazy while it was still summer, I got a "mini" .40 and a Desantis IWB Sof-Tuck. Closer to a mid-size than a mini, it was not that comfy in appendix carry. Quite impingent on the boys. But I wasn't going to go smaller.
Now that it's full-on winter here, I'm back to Full-size carry, everywhere, every day, whenever I leave the house. 4 o'clock SS. IWB with a Desantis "Cozy Partner", and OWB with a Serpa CQC, which is my preferred holster.
I recently got a Remington (RIP Remington) RM380CT, which is a 'micro', for review. And it really is a micro. 2nd smallest .380 on the market. I alternately carry in back pocket, and ankle holster, as a backup to the FS. Ankle has a spot for extra mag. Despite its small size, I was able to clean a steel plate rack 6 for 6 for 6 (6rd mag). That made me an immediate fan and I'm keeping it. Since I'm currently still reviewing it, I have it on me during all waking hours and on the night stand at night. Not any more noticeable in the pocket than a wallet.
I use NeoMag, magentic magazine clips to carry spare mags for the FS. Out of all the different ways to carry spares, that's been the best for me. IWB spare carry digs into me too much.
This is the kind of thing I was thinking when I started this thread.
Questions. (for everybody)
So why only from "time to time?"
Do you not like to deal with the size of it?
Are you worried about it printing?
Do you just like to change up to suit your mood?
I've heard (read) of people who keep several different guns in rotation for their carry guns. While I'd love to have a bigger gun collection than the few I have, I don't think I'd ever have more than a couple I'd use for daily carry. As it stands, I almost always rely on only one. (though I do have a "dress gun") I think the more you practice, and carry the one, the more it becomes ingrained in you, and it's much easier, and natural to shoot it well.
I also think that the public is a lot more oblivious to printing than the gun industry (who wants to sell guns) would have you believe. The only reason to have a small gun, is as a second back-up. (IMHO)
I'm a subscriber to the attitude that you pick the best tool for the job of self defense and dress around it. Then you train to run that tool as effectively as possible to where everything related to handling of that firearm is nearly subconscious. Whether you have to clear a heavy coat or heavy t-shirt, it's the same process and same gun.
No such thing in my program as reaching for a different gun in a different place with a different weight, trigger or sights. I cannot afford to hope my self defense rounds will land where I need them to.
but don’t see any real gain given the extra mass being hefted around
FWIW you lose up to 50 fps per inch of barrel reduction.
That can be around 40 ftlb of energy depending on bullet size. (.40 S&W ex)
More barrel, more twist, more stability.
If barrel length wasn't important I wouldn't carry a full size.
As you said, that's just me though.
For clarification, as the saying goes:
"The best gun (size, caliber, capacity) is the one you have on you"
Well, I hope if you ever have a need to use a gun, it's under perfect circumstances.
I will be practicing for worst case scenarios, and having to use what is at my disposal at that moment.
That is a good point. Handguns lack power from the get go, so leaving anything on the table is something to think about.
You interpreted the opposite of what he meant.