Introduction
The world of firearms offers a vast array of options for those seeking personal protection, sport shooting, or professional use. For individuals considering a new handgun, the choices can seem overwhelming. Two popular categories often considered are compact and micro compact pistols. These handguns offer distinct advantages and disadvantages, making the selection process a matter of personal preference, lifestyle, and intended use. Understanding the nuances between these two types is crucial for making an informed decision.
This article aims to provide a thorough comparison of compact and micro compact handguns. We’ll delve into their defining characteristics, including size and dimensions, caliber options, concealability, handling characteristics, and price considerations. By the end, you’ll have a clearer understanding of which type of pistol best suits your individual needs and circumstances. We’ll cover all the essential aspects, from how the guns feel in your hand to the best ways to carry them.
Defining the Terms: What Exactly Is Compact and Micro Compact?
The terms “compact” and “micro compact” are often used to describe the physical size of a handgun, but they are not standardized definitions. Rather, they reflect a general range of dimensions and characteristics.
Compact Handguns
These handguns typically fall into a size that provides a balance between a full-size handgun and a smaller subcompact. This size presents a comfortable feel for the shooter, along with a reasonable amount of ammunition. Compact handguns are often used for a wide range of uses from concealed carry to home defense.
Commonly, a compact handgun has a barrel length somewhere between three and five inches, an overall length of six to seven inches, a height around four to six inches, and a weight (unloaded) ranging from approximately twenty to thirty ounces. This provides a good balance of maneuverability, shootability, and capacity.
Numerous popular models fall into this category. Consider the Glock, an industry standard for quality and simplicity. Others that fit the compact category include SIG Sauer pistols like the P320 Compact and Smith & Wesson’s M&P series. These handguns often provide a greater magazine capacity than micro compacts, leading to fewer reloads during training sessions or in defensive situations. They also generally offer improved handling and a more comfortable grip for those with larger hands.
The individuals who choose compact handguns often prioritize versatility. These firearms are suitable for those seeking a primary home defense weapon, as a backup to a long gun, or those willing to accept a slightly larger profile for everyday carry. The aim is to find a firearm that’s small enough to manage easily but capable enough for the purpose they intend.
Micro Compact Handguns
Micro compact handguns represent the cutting edge of concealed carry technology. These handguns emphasize miniaturization, allowing for maximum concealability. They sacrifice a bit in capacity and ease of handling for a significant gain in discreetness.
Typically, micro compacts have barrel lengths of three inches or less, overall lengths of five to six inches, heights often under five inches, and unloaded weights generally below twenty ounces. This compact form factor is achieved by using shorter barrels, thinner frames, and often, staggered or single-stack magazines.
Examples of micro compact handguns abound, with the SIG Sauer P365 leading the charge. The Glock 43/43X are also very well known and successful designs. Smith & Wesson’s Shield line of pistols, and many more, are micro compacts that have become very popular with people who like to concealed carry.
The target audience for micro compacts often centers on individuals dedicated to concealed carry. The small size makes them easily concealable in a variety of carrying methods. This makes them ideal for those with active lifestyles, those who live in warmer climates where clothing choices are limited, or anyone who requires a handgun that remains discreet while providing adequate firepower.
The Main Difference
The fundamental distinction between compact and micro compact handguns lies in their physical dimensions. Micro compacts prioritize small size for maximum concealability, while compacts offer a slightly larger profile, improving ergonomics, ammunition capacity, and sometimes, handling characteristics, at the cost of some concealability. Micro compacts provide improved concealability, and compacts provide a more comfortable feel for the shooter.
Size and Dimensions: The Physical Comparison
The physical dimensions of a handgun significantly influence its usability. The size and weight affect how easily it can be carried, how comfortably it fits the hand, and how effectively it manages recoil.
Overall Length
The overall length is an essential factor when choosing a handgun, because it impacts carrying style. A longer handgun may be more difficult to conceal, particularly in the appendix inside-the-waistband (AIWB) carry position, where the muzzle is placed closest to the body. For instance, a compact pistol may be difficult to hide with a t-shirt, while a micro compact can be concealed more easily.
The longer overall length often correlates to a longer sight radius, which can translate to greater accuracy, especially at distance. A longer barrel length will help increase the bullet’s velocity.
Height
The height of a handgun impacts the grip size and its capacity. A handgun with a taller frame can hold a larger magazine, providing more rounds and increasing the time between reloads. Additionally, the height of the handgun influences grip feel. A more substantial grip often feels more natural in the hand, leading to a secure purchase.
The height also influences how the pistol carries concealed. The grip of a handgun is often the hardest part to conceal, as it may create a bulge or print under clothing. Smaller heights contribute to better concealability, and a more comfortable carrying experience.
Width
The width of a handgun is another critical measurement for concealability. A narrower handgun is often more comfortable to carry and less likely to print through clothing. A thinner handgun is advantageous, however, compromises in other areas are sometimes inevitable to achieve that. This might involve a single-stack magazine, for example, as opposed to a double-stack magazine, resulting in less ammunition capacity.
The width of the grip also affects how comfortably the handgun sits in the hand. A grip that is too thin can be difficult to control, particularly during rapid firing.
Weight
The weight of a handgun has an impact on both carry comfort and recoil management. A heavier handgun tends to absorb recoil more effectively, leading to a more pleasant shooting experience. However, a heavier handgun is, of course, more difficult to carry.
The choice of materials impacts the handgun’s weight. Polymer-framed handguns generally are lighter than all-metal handguns. The balance between weight and recoil management is often a personal preference. A lighter firearm may be more comfortable to carry, but will produce more felt recoil than a heavier firearm.
Caliber and Capacity
The caliber (the size and power of the ammunition) and the magazine capacity of a handgun are crucial considerations that affect both its defensive capabilities and its usability.
Common Calibers
While both compact and micro compact handguns are typically chambered in the same common calibers, the effects of those calibers are different in a smaller firearm. A few of the most common options include:
- Nine Millimeter Parabellum (9mm): This is one of the most popular handgun calibers, as it offers a good balance of stopping power, capacity, and manageable recoil. Most compact and micro compacts are chambered in 9mm.
- Forty Smith & Wesson (.40 S&W): Offering more stopping power than 9mm, this caliber also produces more felt recoil.
- Forty-Five Automatic (.45 ACP): Known for its stopping power, .45 ACP offers a large bullet but produces a significant amount of recoil.
The choice of caliber often reflects a balance between stopping power, recoil, capacity, and personal preference. 9mm is generally the preferred choice for both compact and micro compact handguns, due to its balance of these factors.
Magazine Capacity
Magazine capacity varies between compact and micro compact handguns, because of the differing grip and frame sizes. Compact handguns, in general, hold more rounds in their magazines than micro compacts. This added capacity reduces the frequency of reloading, giving a tactical advantage, or more training.
Micro compacts, because of their compact design, typically have lower magazine capacities. To address this, manufacturers often provide extended magazine options, which add additional rounds and grip length.
Concealability
Concealability is a primary factor when choosing a handgun, and it’s where micro compacts often shine.
Micro Compact Advantage
The smaller size of a micro compact is its primary advantage for concealed carry. The reduced length, height, and width make it easier to conceal under various clothing types. They are less likely to print, and they are more comfortable to carry throughout the day. Micro compacts are ideal for those who prioritize discreet carry or live in environments where limited clothing choices are the norm.
Micro compacts work well in a multitude of carry methods, including inside-the-waistband (IWB), outside-the-waistband (OWB), appendix carry, pocket carry, and ankle carry.
Compact Concealment Considerations
Compact handguns can also be carried concealed, but with more trade-offs and greater considerations. The larger size might require a larger size belt, a stronger belt, and possibly specific holsters to avoid printing. The clothing choices become more important, as a compact handgun can be more difficult to conceal under a t-shirt than a micro compact. Body shape also has an effect on concealment.
Compact handguns are generally best suited for IWB, OWB, or shoulder holsters. The larger grip is less suited for pocket carry or other small concealment methods.
Handling, Shooting, and Recoil
The way a handgun handles, shoots, and manages recoil is critical for both accuracy and user comfort.
Grip and Ergonomics
The size of the grip has a significant effect on handling and control. A larger grip, often found on compact handguns, provides a more comfortable and secure grip for most shooters. This allows for better control and faster follow-up shots. Micro compacts, with their smaller grips, may feel less comfortable to those with larger hands. This smaller grip can create problems with handling, as the shooter may be more likely to fumble.
Recoil Management
Recoil management refers to the ability to control the backward force of a handgun after each shot. The size and weight of a handgun significantly affect its recoil. A heavier handgun, and a larger grip, typically absorb recoil better, which makes for a more pleasant shooting experience and improves accuracy.
Smaller handguns, such as micro compacts, tend to have more felt recoil than their compact counterparts, because they weigh less. The smaller grip can also make it harder to grip the handgun and manage recoil.
Accuracy and Control
Sight radius is the distance between the front and rear sights. A longer sight radius, which compact handguns often have, can improve accuracy, especially at longer distances. The added mass of the handgun also aids in controlling muzzle flip, resulting in faster follow-up shots.
Micro compacts, due to their shorter barrels and sight radius, can present more challenges for accuracy. Training and practice are key to mastering these smaller firearms.
Price and Availability
Price and availability are important factors to consider when choosing a handgun.
The price of both compact and micro compact handguns can vary greatly, depending on the brand, model, materials used, and included features. Generally, you can find affordable options for both categories. Higher-end models will generally be more expensive.
Both compact and micro compact handguns are widely available from most firearm retailers. However, specific models may vary in availability, depending on demand, manufacturer production, and market conditions.
Who Should Choose Which?
The selection between a compact and a micro compact handgun depends heavily on individual needs and priorities.
Ideal Users for Compact Handguns
Compact handguns are a solid choice for a wide range of individuals. They are especially well-suited for home defense, where size and concealability are less important. Those who spend a lot of time shooting at the range will appreciate the additional comfort and improved handling of a compact.
Ideal Users for Micro Compact Handguns
Micro compact handguns excel for everyday concealed carry. Their small size and discreetness make them ideal for individuals who need to carry a handgun consistently, without drawing unnecessary attention.
Conclusion
Choosing between a compact and a micro compact handgun involves carefully weighing a range of factors. Compact handguns offer a good balance of size, capacity, and handling. Micro compacts prioritize concealability and discreet carry.
Remember the key is to try different models and find the one that works best for you. Consider your personal lifestyle, your experience level, and your primary use.
Finally, be sure to practice safe gun handling and adhere to all local laws and regulations.
