Subcompact vs. Full-Size: Which Carry Gun Fits You?
A Dallas wardrobe makes the size question real — a full-size that hides under a jacket can print badly under a fitted shirt. The trade-off:
- Full-size/compact: more rounds, softer recoil, easier to shoot accurately and control. But heavier and harder to conceal, especially in dressier clothes.
- Subcompact/micro: lighter and easier to hide under anything, so it’s more likely to be on you. But fewer rounds and a small grip that’s tougher to run under stress.
- The middle: micro-compacts have closed much of the capacity gap; compacts often balance both best.
The best carry gun is the one you’ll wear every day and shoot well — not the one with the biggest number on the box.
New to carry? Begin with our online LTC class. Already have your LTC? Dial it in with our CCW course.
Educational only — not a substitute for hands-on, professional instruction.
