Crushing the Confusion About Pistol Sizes

[@chadwickhorne3869]

I love a professional opinion without an egotistical bias

[@DARTHDANSAN]

Yes pure scientific data with secret agenda

[@relicpathfinder2800]

👍👍👍

[@jonnyg44]

Heard some legit reasons why some guys conceal Glock 34. And after going to the range and running one vs what I currently carry I can’t argue against it

[@MyRanger12]

Or trying to sell you something.

[@AJohnSmith]

@@jonnyg44It’s all about YOUR size. If you can carry it, do it. I’m slim but still run a 17, 34 digs into my pubic bone when sitting.

[@TheDarksideFNothing]

THANK YOU. This channel isn't as prolific as some others but almost every video that releases either has stellar entertainment value, answers a question I have that other channels don't quite cover, or has some other great value that makes it worth watching. Good stuff. A++. Keep it up.

[@TheDarksideFNothing]

I always get excited when my KZbin feed pops another lucky Gunner video :)

[@LuckyGunner]

Thanks, glad you're enjoying it!

[@DARTHDANSAN]

Well said

[@raypaget815]

Lucky Gunner is the “thinking person’s” go to resource for handgun information. No hype, no profanity, just great information. Thanks Chris!

[@SmokesKwazukii]

its tasteful and non-inflammatory

[@texastoast5202]

Love ur show Chris. You’re not annoying , you’re not obnoxious and you’re smart and calm. Keep it up

[@ScaredyCatTactical]

"Analysis paralysis" is right. Indeed it's a hard decision sometimes. This video really helps boil it down. Great overview of the issue.

[@quinnmclaughlin7537]

I only got into hand guns about 3 years ago, took me 6 months to sus out my top 5, and I still got it wrong

[@Zn0nimus]

Chris Baker has finally did it. Made a whole video talking about how Size Matters. 😂

[@heeebeeegeeebeee]

I started carrying when there were basically 3 "viable" options depending on size preference: Glock 26 for a small gun, M&P Shield if the G26 was too fat for you, and Ruger LCP if you wanted a pocket gun. We are truly spoiled nowadays.

[@sasquatchhunter86]

*cries in California roster*

[@logic63]

​@@sasquatchhunter86I moved out of California a year and a half ago and now I carry in a much safer (🤷) town in Arizona. You can do it!

[@CharlieMikeNS]

My brother in christ, the Glock 19 has been carried for decades. It's really not hard to conceal. I'm 5'6" and with the right holster it just disappears. I'd say until about 5 or 6 years ago the Glock 19 was probably the most popular ccw gun on the market.

[@sasquatchhunter86]

@@logic63 I’m a teacher and unfortunately for me, almost all “free” states pay teachers poverty wages. Those nightmare stories you hear about teachers working 2 jobs in addition to teaching especially apply in Arizona.

[@sasquatchhunter86]

@@CharlieMikeNS actually carry the G17 in winter time. Right now we’re in the middle of 30 straight days of 100 or more, so the shield or LCR is what I’m rocking daily. It’d be nice to have some options, luckily, the 320 is actually on the roster now.

[@MatterMadeMoot]

Nice, love "longslide microcompact" lol. Can't wait for industry to adopt this and inevitably add another 3 syllables and quantifiers

[@TheSpecialJ11]

Exactly. It's the perfect compromise.

[@evandaire1449]

I’ve come to call the new size “slim compact”. With the largest of the bunch being the X Macro and the PDPF and the smallest being the XL and the Glock 48. Something I’ve noticed is that I’m seeing shooters with smaller hand sizes picking the X Macro, G48, PDPF and P365XL to be a replacement for their Full Sized handguns if their hands aren’t large enough to fit something like a G19 comfortably.

[@E52O4]

My hands are smaller sized, but I can comfortably handle duty sized pistols with little problem. The choice to go with slimmer firearms has more to do with concealed carry and body type/size than ability to handle a particular firearm/side of firearm.

[@ruebenllongoria836]

@@E52O4you said duty…

[@PatchWorm_bore_cleaners]

I remember one of your early P365 vids showing the very small distance between the top of slide and bottom of trigger guard. It's an important dimension not adequately addressed in specifications. And handgun hero is actually a cool site for initial impressions.

[@caylumhenderson9396]

Anyway you go go further on why it’s an important dimension or maybe let us know what p365 vid it was

[@PatchWorm_bore_cleaners]

@@caylumhenderson9396 it's important for carrying inside the waistband because the volume of the slide/frame/triggerguard is much reduced with this thinner configuration. So comfort would be an advantage, besides likely having a lower bore axis for better control. I don't recall the original video, but there's probably no better info than this one here.

[@Treblaine]

Remember, the bottom of the slide can vary quite a bit in distance from the bore.

[@Stevarooni]

"Nobody knows, we are all just making it up as we go along." 👍

[@fattigla]

Handgun hero is a great resource and I have found it to be very accurate when overlaying two pistols. Great Job pointing out the distance from the top of the slide to bottom of trigger guard. I wish beretta would come out with a px4 A1 and trim up the frame to tighten up that dimension. That extra width gives the px4 so much bulk in the belt line, and it would be so much easier to conceal if it wasn't there. I suppose I have an unreasonable love for the px4, and I'm still holding out hope that beretta will update it to be more friendly for carry.

[@savageater57]

I've gone from a chuckle to laughter , the Industry keeps manufacturing in circles hoping no one notices. I'm still carrying firearms made 50yrs ago and they work just fine , the 1911 and S&W 39 , HI Power and model 60/19 have proven to be timeless.

[@zacharydalton8132]

My main carry are either a j frame or Springfield 1911.

[@savageater57]

I tend to carry either a model 60 or a 1911 Commander . 45acp .

[@camdeskjockey2355]

I have been trying to put into words as to why we would take a micro compact, such as the Sig 365, and start making it bigger. You put into words what my brain has been trying to sort out. Excellent video.

[@TheJackmilla]

You are so underrated with your presentations. Youre really informative, helpful, and answer all the questions many new and even somewhat experienced shooters may have.

[@johnelder4273]

Great topic and review Chris. You have a gift of taking a subject seriously without taking yourself too seriously. It is honest and refreshing and genuinely entertaining. The bit where you pushed all the guns over after fumbling one cracked me up. Thanks!

[@kylewood8327]

I don’t mind smaller guns, I just want steel not polymer. Excellent video describing ones crazy and sometimes confusing choices of todays firearms!

[@bluecow2655]

Amen! you can keep the recycled Tupperware.

[@VTPSTTU]

Thanks for the video. Another factor is that two guns can feel fine in the shooter's hands but not shoot with the same accuracy for that shooter. One thing that this video illustrates very well is that not all trigger guard openings are the same. If one must wear gloves for much of the year, some of these are going to be good choices and some might be bad choices. I need to practice more. I realize that's not really a theme of this video, but watching the video made that thought come to my mind.

[@AVKingJamesBible]

Always love when you post new videos. One of the best gun channels on here!

[@generallobster]

Big guys have more options. I carried an lcp for years before realizing that I’m a big guy even though I’m only 6ft 200lbs. I can carry a g17 without problem and I do that now. Doesn’t make any sense to wear xl gloves, xl shirts, jackets, size 12 shoes, and be too burdened by anything larger or heavier than an lcp. People can’t tell-because they don’t care. You too might be able to carry a full sized gun, you just might not know it.

[@bwofficial1776]

I'm a smaller dude. I want to carry a 1911 but I have yet to find the right setup. For now, I carry a S&W Shield Plus longslide that feels good.

[@_Frank_the_Tank]

I'm a bigger dude myself. I pocket carried some variation of a Ruger lcp for about 13 years... I started with the original, then the lcp 2, then the LCP max. Picked up a Springfield Hellcat last year, I stuck it in my pocket just to be a goof and quickly realized it disappears under my daily attire of baggy cargo shorts and an untucked t-shirt just as well as the lcps did, so now I pocket carry it.

[@markedman3990]

Great video Chris. That shed a lot of light on a pretty confusing subject! Thank goodness we have so many fine choices 🇺🇸

[@davidt5085]

Great summary. We do have a lot of great choices today, not only in pistols but almost as importantly, great choices in concealment options: belts, holsters, mag pouches. We really can select what’s best for our size, dress style, weather, and comfort. At first I thought it strange to see larger offerings of the micro compacts. But once you start carrying, I would say width of the pistol makes a big difference in comfort. So while I haven’t tried them yet, the Hellcat Pro, XMacro, and others do start to make sense.

[@eronavbj]

Chris is by far the most thorough firearms presenter. Width has always been the most important factor in my choice of handgun, yet it seems to be universally ignored by the preponderance of gun videos. I found this out 40 years ago when I decided to buy a 45 caliber 1911. As large a gun as the 1911 is, the single-stack design means a thinner handle. Combined with the linear, non-pivoting trigger, the 1911 style handgun is a dream to carry and a joy to shoot. No other trigger is as easy for me to operate as the 1911 style. Back in the 1970s, a fellow LEO bought a Model 39 S&W 9mm. The double stack configuration, coupled with the pivoting trigger just made the gun too big, too thick, and too awkward to shoot (for me). Hence my penchant for the single stack 1911 style. A linear trigger sits closer to the gun’s handle, making it easier to ‘squeeze’ and thus hold the gun steadier.

[@77cemoore]

I love that you made this video. As an avid collector of both pistols and rifles this very topic has been on my mind for the past few months as more and more pistols are released in 2023. This is actually a very interesting topic.

[@JaronActual]

With the advent of the larger double-stack micros like the 365XL and Hellcat Pro, I usually use "slimline" or "slim" for pistols that are roughly 1" thick instead of the more typical 1.25" thick. So I call a G48 a slimline compact while a 365XL would be a slim sub-compact. I try to reserve "micro compact" for the truly small ones, like the original 365 or Hellcat. You've also got the "carry" size ( Sig's term ) for the compact barrel length with full size grip: G19X & G45, Sig M18 or P320 Carry, and I'd call the XMacro a slimline carry pistol. Of course the granddaddy of the carry size would probably be the 1911 Commander.

[@techheadiv]

It's crazy how much variety we have! When I bought mine, I kept it simple: cost and comfort. I ended up finding a new XD9 Service model - 4" barrel and a double stack with cheese (16+1) - for

[@Shooting-Journey-Guy-Mike]

Hey Chris, great video as always. I do have one constructive thing to add. It's already a 10 minute video and adding more details like this would stretch it out longer, so I get it. When you compared the G26 and G43, you compared both guns with flush fitting magazines, and overlooked a small real-world detail. The 26 grip is just short enough that most shooters with moderate hand sizes cannot get their pinky fingers wrapped around the bottom of the grip for recoil control. Thus, we almost never see a serious shooter in the real world running the 26 without some sort of magazine extension. Personally I run mine with Magpul magazines which have the extension and offer +2 capacity. This makes the 26 effectively larger in common usage than the website specs suggest. The 43 grip is just BARELY longer than the 26 grip, but it's long enough to fix the 26's deficiency. Shooters adopting the 43 will be able to get their pinky wrapped around the grip-- if they can't, then hopefully their friendly gun store sales person will immediately steer them to a 43X or 48 to solve the issue. So, in common usage the 43 is very seldom seen with an extended magazine, while the 26 is almost always seen with the extended magazine. Bottom line: You can still conceal a gun with a grip long enough for you to use your pinky fingers, so in my opinion that is a prerequisite fitment test for any serious shooter looking for a concealable pistol. If you can't wrap all of your fingers around the grip of the gun, do not buy that gun to defend your life.

[@veonnoel8887]

I have a CZ P-10 S and I absolutely love it.

[@Pauley_in_GP]

Another very good video. Good conclusions. There are so many options for conceal carry these days (especially when one accepts that the .380 is a good round for CC 😉). I'm very fortunate to be able to have several carry guns for different circumstances and outfits.

[@TexasRoadWarrior]

Absolutely the best channel for very useful information. EVERY TIME !

[@assetstopurchase8432]

Let's get into the nitty gritty details of the technicalities. 1- The greater the charge, the narrower the bullet, and the longer the barrel length, the greater the range. The greater the range, the greater also the accuracy because the bullet wouldn't drop as it loses velocity or veer away as the wind hits it, laterally. 2- The greater the charge, the harder the recoil. This recoil has to be counteracted by the weight of the gun(if the gun is really heavy, it would absorb the recoil without even lifting the barrel), a muzzle brake or flash suppressor (it can direct the escaping gases to counteract the recoil), a moving mass(a horizontal moving mass to counteract the lift and a lateral moving mass to counteract the drift, or preferably two opposing masses both moving in opposite directions to counteract the motion generated by the recoil), or a set of dampening pistons( to counteract the drift and lift without adding much to the weight of the gun, but this would increase the size of the gun. The AK-103 uses this). 3- If the bullet is too small, it would have to little energy or momentum to sustain the trajectory. If it is too heavy, it would need massive energy to propel it. If it has a large diameter, it would generate a lot of drag. If it has a long length, it would drift with wind. There has to be an optimal set of dimensions for every specific bullet. Most modern handguns, except for the 5.7x28mm, are based on the Mauser 7.62X25mm(an iteration of the original Mauser), the 9X18mm Parabellum(Luger). Only a few vintage ones are based on the the 11.43x23mm (0.45 ACP), 11.43x33mm(0.45 Long). 9.1x33mmR (0.357 Magnum) 9.1x22.9mm (0.38 ACP) x17.3mm (0.38 ACP) , 9.1x 26.2mm(0.38 long), 7.62x17mm(0.32 ACP), or 6.35x16SM(semi-rimmed, 0.25 inch). The 0.22 inch caliber is also a very important category in the 5.56x45mm(M-16), 5.45, 5.7x 28mm(FN 5.7), 5.8x 26.8mm(Winchester 0.22 Magnum). 5.45x39(AK-74), 5.6x10.7mm(0.22 short for target practice). 5.6x15R(0.22 Long cartridges. Most modern rifles are based on the 7.92x57mm(Mauser), 7.7x 56R (British Lee Enfield), 7.62 X54R(Russian Mosin Nagant), 7.82x51(Winchter 0.308), 7.62x51(NATO), 7.62x39(Russian Simonov and Klashnikov), 5.56x45( NATO 0.223) or 5.45 x 39mm(Soviet Bloc 0.222 inch). All SMGs are 9mm, 7.62x25mm, or 7.92X33mm(Kurz, German). All calibers were down-sized to counter the recoil and the size of modern automatic weapons. The tradeoff was in lethality and range. However, large cartridges with modest size bullets, like the 5.56x45mm, don't sacrifice much in range, and these can even be used as SMGs with appropriate muzzle brakes. The larger calibers are still preferred for LMGs and sniping rifles where additional weight isn't an issue and the recoil can be absorbed by a bipod. The 12.7x108mm(Russian) and 12.7x99mm(American cartridge) are used for heavy machine guns and sniping rifles, where, again, the somewhat stationary nature of the weapon and its resting on a pod addresses recoil related issues. Most 12.7mm heavy machine guns are redundant because automatic grenade launchers, shoulder-fired AT weapons and ATGMs are as or more portable and more destructive, whereas 23mm, 30mm, 35mm and 40mm cannons are more effective against aerial targets and light armor with a high rate-of-fire. 4- Wherever the size of the gun permits, gas operation is preferred because it is safer and cleaner. Wherever the size doesn't permit, recoil operation is preferred because it is also safer and cleaner, though a little slower and inaccurate. Blowback is a complex system that can be dangerous, unless the chamber closes properly at the right time. It can harm the shooter and even lead to cook-off problems. 5- Pistols are a very high priority for police services, so they should have the best pistols( PPK, CZ75, H&K P7, etc.). These are rugged and fast pistols with manual safety. Even though SMGs and sniping rifles are more useful for special forces, they still go indoors, so still need pistols. These are used in a heightened state of alertness, so don't have safety levers(Sig 226, Glock 19, etc.). Pistols are a very low priority for other military services, where these are only carried as sidearms, so their emphasis is on the ruggedness and safe operation of these infrequently used firearms. All of these incorporate manual safety levers(Browning 1911, Mauser, Luger, Walther 38, Beretta 92, and Sig P320).

[@Hepius]

Thanks, Chris. I was one of the people who asked for the 80X and PX4 comparison. I want an SA/DA pistol with an exposed hammer and both guns fit the bill. On paper they have similar dimensions, but the PX4 just SEEMED bulkier. Thanks for doing the comparison. Another great video.

[@richardsnyder3297]

I always look for your new videos because they are simply among the best available for succinct, objective information. Virtually every second of your videos provides useful information without rambling on or the addition of lots of subjective opinions. Excellent work.

[@LigerNoir]

That 43 and 26 comparison is 100% correct. The 43 is SOOO much more comfortable for myself over the 26. The width is very noticeable.

[@sterlingmack5394]

43 ain’t got what the 26 has: more rounds with 15 rounds mag from G19, 17 round from G17, 33 round, etc

[@assetstopurchase8432]

A separate manual safety allows you to carry a cocked gun. A separate de-cocker allows you to carry a chambered gun, that doesn't have the hammer or striker cocked for another level of safety via the DA trigger.

[@jamesharville1489]

It seems to break down pretty simply... You can only reduce a standard size pistol frame/design so far, so there is a minimum limit to those platforms. Adding length or width to a pocket pistol design allows you to enhance capacity and/or handling characteristics in a thinner, less bulky platform. It is interesting to watch the market hunt for that "sweet spot" that meets the needs of the greatest number of concealed carriers.

[@mattkase6644]

Great video Chris. But regardless of the reliability debate, no conversation involving 43x capacity is complete without at least mentioning the Shield magazine. For those who may not be aware, it gives the gun a 15 round capacity, equal to the "chunky" Glock 19, but in a smaller, thinner package, all with a flush fit magazine. And by most accounts the reliability concerns were resolved with the current generation of the mag.

[@williambeasley2582]

Great video. I have been a revolver carryer since the 1970s. After retirement I have experienced with both revolver and pistol for edc. Both have their pluses and minuses and both have a single purpose and that's to be the one that goes home in one piece at the end of the day. Thanks again for the information.

[@Graydog-sx6le]

The odd thing is that as I have followed the journey of finding the perfect semiautomatic to carry it led me to revolvers. I found that I carry them easier and actually enjoy shooting them more. I can carry a j frame all day and don’t feel like I have it. I carried Glock 26, 42, 43 and Sig 365 and even went back to full-size firearms. Anyway. My firearms journey has been fun. Who knows I might pull out a 1911 and carry one again. That’s for the great video.

[@tangero3462]

Great vid! Very helpful topic for a lot of new owners or at least folks new to carry Perhaps something to explore in the future, low-recoil hollow points that actually work in 9mm or, failing having that, 9mm ball of high enough quality to use in defense, sort of like wadcutters in .38s. Recoil sensitivity in a lot of new shooters is a thing and I feel that we need to meet folks where they're at. The cost of .380 combined with a general lack of pistol options is frankly prohibitive to a lot of folks. This is not to say it's necessarily the best choice, but it's better than the average person never shooting their 20 +P hollow points and being unprepared for the recoil if they ever have to

[@DriveBetter]

RIP to the real Manny Mansfield, Jim Scoutten

[@LuckyGunner]

Manny would not exist without him

[@davidgaines8607]

So many choices. Every spec you give or take is a trade off. Wider , taller , longer , thicker , heavier , etc is generally going to be softer shooting or easier to control. Every time you take away from one of those measurements at the benefit of comfort , you almost certainly give up some shootability. Train accordingly.

[@thinman8621]

Much respect for your thoughts and analysis. Most of us have at least a couple different personal protection pistols. How about your three or four favorites for carry depending upon whatever criteria sounds right to you? Maybe a duty size, a compact, a micro and a whatever along with the holster you use with each one? Thank you.

[@rpk5250]

Great information. I saw an analysis of the glock 43x vs26 and they said it well; 43x easier to grip but 26 easier to shoot

[@markadkins9290]

I'll I can say is wow! Thanks Chris!

[@MusicLuv80]

Quality of work you put on this video is just crazy good!

[@mikedurand8286]

Another excellent video which is worth watching. This topic is relevant and interesting. Chris provides valuable information with a calm and professional delivery and tone. This channel has very good content. I've learned a lot watching these videos. Please keep up the great work.

[@johnstalkernet]

Chris nails the interesting + informative content balance that many channels can’t quite master.

[@Blankford777]

THANK YOU! Great, great, great, great video! Handgun hero is your friend and will absolutely help you avoid analysis paralysis. Do not allow yourself to be overwhelmed by the numerous options available. At the end of the day, we as consumers are the winners of having so many choices and having competition drive innovation forward and drive prices down. The overlap between the compact and micro compact is a very real thing and I find it easiest to view it this way...compact is a downsized version of the full-size gun. Micro compact is an upscaled version of the subcompact/pocket pistol. The later usually being thinner. Thickness and grip length are the two biggest factors! As touched on by your G26/G43 comparision, thickness is a HUGE part of CCW and should absolutely factor into your decision. Barrel/slide length is less of an issue because that part sticks straight down along your leg/groin area. IMHO the LCP Max is top of the heap for me right now. Having 12+1 of modern 380 hollow point loads in a gun that feels no bigger than carrying a multi-tool on my hip is a huge win and I carry it daily with ease.

[@davidr7333]

Concerning the variety of sizes and capabilities, we live in great times! Grip thickness can make such a big difference according to your hand size and finger lengths. Great video!

[@mhpjii]

This video is right on target, Chris. Good job.

[@louisgiokas2206]

In reference to the S&W with the Shield Plus and the M&P 2.0 Compact, I saw a review/comparison (I think it was on TFBtv) which was interesting. One of the "testers" was a woman, who preferred the M&P 2.0. The reason she gave was controllability. When I tried one of the first Sig P320s, at a range, I found it snappy and hard to control. Understand that I am generally not recoil sensitive. As for the Px4, I have a full size and have obtained (but not yet installed) "stealth" G levers. These levers are flush with the slide, and would bring the overall width to the 1.1". Good video. Lots of interesting info. Thanks.

[@MichaelGolpe]

One of the best channels on KZbin

[@187chona]

Chris has one of the best logical thinking. Ty for your thoughts Ily

[@cosmiccharlie8294]

I can carry big ones and small ones well. Choosing the proper holster and belt are important.

[@tayloralbrecht8362]

Duuuude! Always have loved your videos. Just pure excellence!!

[@jddodo2934]

We live in a great time with too many choices. Weight is a big factor, more than a slight size difference with me.

[@TheDarksideFNothing]

Weight is the main reason I carry a Ruger LCP Max instead of a SIG P365. The size is really not all that huge of a difference, I think I could adequately conceal either. But the Ruger is MUCH lighter which is a huge point for comfort for me. It's that last little bit that makes me so much more likely to carry the Ruger and therefore the Ruger is a much better choice for me and worth the reduction in firepower.

[@mychaelpierce8049]

Great subject matter. Weight is also a huge issue. This is the reason I have stuck with my Kahr P9 & PM9 is not only the very thin slide and overall profile, but they weigh around 18-20 ounces fully loaded. Very few if any other options meet this criteria for me. Thanks for sharing

[@clukinvar]

0.2 inches in width doesn't seem like a lot on paper, but it means that a gun like the XMacro is roughly the same width holstered as the P320 X Compact is by itself.

[@nightwines]

S&W 642 airweight! 1 pound 3/4 ounces fully loaded. Pull trigger goes boom. No out of battery, failure to eject, failure to feed and if the round doesn't go off just pull the trigger again. When your adrenalin is through the roof and FForF kicks in it can be a better option. S&W 9mm Shield 1 pound 8 3/8 ounces fully loaded (9 shots). Ruger LCP 1 pound 4 ounces fully loaded (8 shots).

[@denmar355]

Rapidly evolving and expanding designs. That’s a good thing!

[@slt5900]

I’ve found when trying to demonstrate various handguns to new shooters they’re drawn to guns sized roughly like Makarovs, CZ 82s, and Beretta Cheetahs (old or new) ; I’ve been calling them “Surplus Compacts”, it seems to help categorize them. Guns that occupy a weird space between traditional Compacts and Micro Compacts in weight and size.

[@ResplendentRaider]

I used to own a P365X, first and only micro. Had it for a couple of years, then realized why I prefer compacts, they just provide that happy medium for me.

[@jdmznet]

I was nodding off when I heard "handgun models have exploded" and I thought I was hearing about a bunch of horrible accidents. Thank goodness the you were just talking about more handgun options.

[@1312020m]

Always look forward to your new videos. Cant watch one without learning something new. Keep up the great videos Chris.

[@markjohnson206]

Props for recommending handgun hero AND saying to take it with a grain of salt given the amount of advertising LG does on that site.

[@MDR-hn2yz]

This is a very informative video for new shooters and old salts alike. Great channel. 👍

[@titanscerw]

Awesome work, Chris!

[@brorjordas1979]

A very nice n good video! Always found them size categories a bit confusing. And this video explained some of the things why that is. Thank you so very much!

[@TXGRunner]

So many choices if one wants a polymer, striker fired, 3.5-4" barrel in 9mm. 'They can have any color they want as long as it's black.' Good video. It is funny how the marketing departments set the lingo, which somehow manages to confuse rather than clarify, and all the gun companies choose to make similar products with only cosmetic differences.

[@spartanxlv]

On paper, the P365 X Macro has a clear advantage over the P320 X Compact in capacity per footprint. But the X Compact is more ergonomic and absorbs recoil better than the X Macro. Better trigger in the P320 FCU, too. Spec sheet doesn't tell the full story.

[@jfruser]

From my perspective, I think of the new-ish single & double stack 9mm carry pistols as SCALED DOWN compacts & sub-compacts relative to the older CHOPPED compact & sub-compacts, which were chopped in the slide/bbl and grip/magazine well. The subsequent lengthening of the slide/bbl and grip/magwell in scaled down compacts is as natural an occurrence the chopping of the original service/full size autos. Both are exploring the design space once they had the original design. "How much can I chop off a service auto before it becomes useless?" "How much can I lengthen the scaled down sub-compact until it becomes unwieldy?" What is more interesting to me is the how/why the scaled down compacts came about, technically. Was it materials science that allowed for a smaller envelope? Was it better design tools to use those materials more efficiently? Or was the capability there all along and it was driven by the market demanding such a critter? I don;t know hte answer and it is somewhat academic as I gave up carrying the OG scaled down semi-auto (Kel-Tec P40) in favor of J-frames some years back.

[@derekray7144]

Every tenth of an inch width is a huge difference to me. I'm a small thin person that works in an office so conceal carrying with my shirt tucked in is a challenge. If I put a KelTec 380 in my dress pants pocket it will print against my slim legs, even with an Alabama holster. Too many youtubers put the holy grail on striker fired 9mm but that's not my cup of tea for conceal carry but on the range they are fun. I prefer thin pistols with a hammer. A little extra weight is okay. I think hammer fired is better than striker out of the box. I don't want to mess with after market triggers.

[@LuckyGunner]

I agree, width is a major factor, especially for us slimmer guys. It also matters how that width is distributed, as in the example of the 80X and the PX4. For an office environment with a tucked in shirt, it's really hard to beat the PHLster Enigma holster system as a solution for concealment. I highly recommend it, regardless of what gun you're carrying

[@mikethefireman6696]

Soooo... a duty long slide micro sub-compact double stack is what we're looking for...lol. I always tell people who ask me what size carry gun they should get; it's like drinking whiskey. Choose the gun you like and can shoot/carry well. Don't chase the shiny hype and unicorns.

[@Murphy82nd]

5:45 A point I have noticed is that holster makers often position the pistol in the holster so that the trigger guard is in the same spot. So while the P320 X Compact is the same height as the X Macro, the amount of grip that extends away from the holster might actually be greater with the X Macro because of the lower bore axis of the X Macro. This can impact concealment, though not always. Then again the X Macro is also notably thinner than the X Compact, and that will have a role, too.

[@SCarter76]

Stellar! Thanks Chris. 😊

[@prazcuray1388]

Train with what you got, I went through several handguns before I settled on the Glock 45. I have big hands and a skinny frame and it’s the only thing that fits all the needs I have for a gun.

[@lilbagman9947]

Thank you chris baker

[@LuckyGunner]

You're welcome!

[@nathanielotto258]

I love the 365xl. I saw it on one of your videos a year or so ago. 10/10 would recommend.

[@Lionbeard]

Excellent breakdown

[@nightfury6836]

Brilliantly done Chris and crew 😉

[@guardianminifarm8005]

Very well done as always. Very good explanation and examples. Appreciate the shout out to "hero" for another helpful resource. Thank you.

[@Handgun-Hero]

We appreciate the kind words too.

[@heterosexualcaucasianmale3115]

Having large hands, for compact/subcompact, my preference will skew toward the longer distance from the bottom of the trigger guard to the bottom of the grip. Like the Sig P365 xmacro over the P320 xcompact.

[@fl_protection]

So many different varieties… almost tried them all, I still go back to a compact carry version. Great video btw. 🤙🏼🇺🇸

[@bmstylee]

It seems like people treat their carry guns like a fashion accessory. My Shield 1.0 with Hornady critical duty is all I have for carry. It goes bang every time and I am proficient with it. I do have a holster setup for my CZ SP 01 tactical and Shadow 2 SA for when we hang out on a range. Those aren't carry guns because CZ has discontinued both which makes me a sad panda.

[@chasedooley6237]

Fashion, weather, season, you name it - they'll change it. I think people get caught up in the new shiny guns, and there's so much information out there now that it's a never-ending discovery. It can be overwhelming. Keeping it simple will keep you sane haha. Do the work to figure out what works for you, and stick with it. There's really no need to keep going unless your gun breaks or something significantly better comes along. Things I keep telling myself: No, I don't need a Shield Plus, I already have a 2.0 that works fine! But the Plus holds 5 more rounds! It never ends haha.

[@bwofficial1776]

Nothing wrong with that. Some people like to change things up. Variety is the spice of life.

[@chasedooley6237]

@@bwofficial1776 I think it matters whether they're proficient with each gun they carry. Every additional gun detracts from the proficiency with each one. Because proficiency is training which costs time, money, and energy; all of which are finite resources. If I have just one gun, all of my resources can go into it and I can become proficient with that gun relatively quickly. If I have two guns, now it's going to take double the resources to achieve a proficiency with both. Such things doesn't matter when you're already a competent/proficient shooter but as someone new to this, it's something I think about. Maybe I'm overthinking haha. I get the excitement of new guns and whatnot, I mean right after my CCW course I went to my LGS and bought a Glock.

[@ifly64s]

This is why I stick wit my great grand pappy's Colt 1873 Single Action Army revolver. They ain't no sense in changin.

[@richardefriend]

Keep it simple: Sig P365X for pocket carry, with an added light/laser Nightstick TSM13G combo all in a non-printing DeSantis Super Fly Pocket Holster w/Flap. Upgrade to 14+1 with a Magguts +2 kit, and have a spare mag in your back pocket (so you're carrying a total of an amazingly plentiful 29 rounds) held in place with a Neomag mag holder. Then top it all off with Underwood's Xtreme Defense 90 gr. +P ammo and your not just good to go, you're great to go. It's just that simple.

[@jshepard152]

Chris is a beast. Thanks for the content.

[@MrTraewilliams]

At the moment a big difference to me the old compact/sub compact to the new single stack and stagger stack micros is trigger guard . The old ones seem bigger and better for gloved hands. But there is so many now who knows.

[@markcmann]

Another excellent video Chris. 👍🏻

[@joseCalderon1976]

I absolutely love my P365xl with a dot on top, light/laser combo and 14 rounds. And it's still very compact and light.

[@markp6062]

Good info and very interesting! Thanks for sharing your insights!

[@AndyCigars]

Great stuff as always, Chris.

[@robolive123]

Leave it to you to make a completely uninteresting topic interesting. Terrific job, as usual.

[@johnwolfen4243]

For me I just stay in the full, compact, and sub compact sizes. I then break them down to single or double stack magazine. The rest is cake dressing. How wide and how heavy a pistol is are the big factors in carrying it. The last thing is in what environment am I carrying it in. The choice of calibers is really more about what you like and availability plus cost. The new bullet designs have made most ammo about as effective as the other.

[@yamahammer4413]

Good video; I'll say that I believe the biggest difference between the 'Compact' and 'Long-Slide Micro Compact' classes is ergonomics, and by extension concealability. Having trigger time with both a P365XL and a P320 AXG Classic, The AXG trades some concealability in the thickness for better purchase on the pistol. Personally, I find the 365XL to be difficult to find traction on with my support hand due to the small diameter of the grip, while that's a complete non-issue with the 320. Just my two cents.

[@GaryJialanella]

Chris, I really liked your handgun analysis….Actually, I watched it a couple of times. I think another important aspect of this analysis is ability to shoot the gun and deal with mussel flip. You have mentioned these aspects before. Also, selecting the appropriate caliber which impacts everything.

[@gjhoward]

Thank you for the information on Handgun Hero. That is an amazing informational site.

[@pewpew192]

Best firearms content on KZbin.

[@NHinPA]

While everyone says the Shield was the start of the single stack polymer frame 9mm subcompact, the Walther PPS pre-dates it by 5 years. Just my $0.02

[@landnnut]

Massad Ayoob just released a video on the Wilson Combat channel where he said that trigger reach is the most important dimension.

[@LuckyGunner]

Yes, trigger reach is very important, and not discussed often enough. Usually it's in the context of trigger reach being too long for folks with smaller hands. Personally, I often find it's too *short* with smaller guns, and I have a difficult time shooting them well