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I haven't tried carrying a full-sized pistol IWB, but I think it would be hard for me to do because I'm short (5'6") and short-waisted to boot. I carry an FNS-9 OWB and it works O.K. (and the gun suits me better than any other 9mm with a double-stack magazine that I've tried). When I carry either my Ruger LCR or my S&W Shield IWB in either the appendix or cross-draw position, they gouge me in the thigh when I'm sitting. So, I can't believe that I could carry a full-sized pistol IWB in one of those positions. And, due to shoulder problems, the 3:30 position is just about out of the question.

Crash

This may sound dumb but I am not sure of the precise criteria for determining if a pistol is full size or not. OK I know my 1911 is full size and I know that most 380acps and smaller are not, however there must be a lot of pistols that fall into the grey area in the middle. Are there specific measurements that determine full size or not. I assume that my daily carry, the IWI BDE is full size even though it is smaller than a 1911 or a Browning HiPower and has a barrel length less than 4".

Noggin wrote:This may sound dumb but I am not sure of the precise criteria for determining if a pistol is full size or not. OK I know my 1911 is full size and I know that most 380acps and smaller are not, however there must be a lot of pistols that fall into the grey area in the middle. Are there specific measurements that determine full size or not. I assume that my daily carry, the IWI BDE is full size even though it is smaller than a 1911 or a Browning HiPower and has a barrel length less than 4".

You are correct Noggin, in that the term "full size" is probably subjective. A standard 1911 has a 5" barrel, a full size Beretta M9 has a 4.9" barrel. My S&W M&P is considered "full size" with a 4.25" barrel. I personally consider any handgun with a 4" or longer barrel to be full size, so that would include commander size 1911. But as far as a set standard, I don't believe there is one, as each manufacturer can call their handgun full size. JMHO

I have a couple guidelines I go by to determine if it's full size or not.

Barrel length
Full grip
Weight
Capacity
These are usually what I look at to determine it

I live just outside a small town. Since CHL has become LTC, I often wear a Ruger Police Service Six 4 inch barrel revolver in an OWB holster when out and about locally. A speed-strip with 6 spare rounds rides in a small pouch on the belt. The key to carrying a larger firearm is a good quality gun belt that keeps the firearm from flopping around. I don't actually open carry it, my untucked button-up shirts cover it, but I no longer worry about it showing, either. It's loaded with 125 grain .38 Special +P SJHPs, and it is a firearm that I am confident in my ability to utilize in a proper fashion. However, if I go to "The Big City", I carry a Ruger SR9c with 124 grain +P HPs in an OWB holster, and a spare SR9 magazine. To me, it's about the right tool for the potential situation.

cmgee67 wrote:I have a couple guidelines I go by to determine if it's full size or not.

Barrel length
Full grip
Weight
Capacity
These are usually what I look at to determine it

Care to put some numbers to that such as:

barrel...... less than 4" ?
Grip........ less than 4" from top of grip to bottom of mag base plate?
weight ....less than 2lbs empty?
Capacity ..less than 8rds?

OK you could insert different numbers under each category would the weapon need to meet all 4 or just 3 to qualify as less than full size?

Where there's a will (or need), there's a way. For the most part it's not the length of the barrel, but the size of the grip. If you're dedicated to carrying a "full size" handgun, you make adjustments. Wardrobe is probably the biggest adjustment you'll make. No more skinny jeans and tight fitting shirts A proper gun belt and holster as well. I can conceal when need be, Government 1911's, P226's, P220's, etc. as long as I'm properly attired. You're usually going to be more self conscience about it as well in the beginning by adjusting and such. Good luck!

Noggin wrote:

cmgee67 wrote:I have a couple guidelines I go by to determine if it's full size or not.

Barrel length
Full grip
Weight
Capacity
These are usually what I look at to determine it

Care to put some numbers to that such as:

barrel...... less than 4" ?
Grip........ less than 4" from top of grip to bottom of mag base plate?
weight ....less than 2lbs empty?
Capacity ..less than 8rds?

OK you could insert different numbers under each category would the weapon need to meet all 4 or just 3 to qualify as less than full size?

Why not just Google the gun? Many handguns come in full size, compact, and sub compact options. The SKU from the manufacturer would easily determine this.

It can be a balance of things...a balance between comfort and practicality....maybe even some preference thrown in there. My normal carry is a Commander sized 1911 in 45ACP. However, having recently obtained a Ruger 9e, it may replace the 1911 as my main carry gun even though it is basically the same size. It holds more rounds (17 rounds in 9mm), and it weighs less. When I get a decent holster for it I'll explore that. I'm also eyeballing the Ruger SR45 which is a 45ACP. It's basically a "full size" but it weighs less that a Gov't 1911.
But THERE'S also the route of a lighter Commander.....lots of options...what feels right to me may not feel right to another.

I guess the thread has decended into the question of does size really matter?

Full size 1911 in a leather OWB holster

I feel so inadequate. Ran out of the house yesterday in a hurry with just a G43 and a single full mag of Remington Golden Saber...

Bitter Clinger wrote:I feel so inadequate. Ran out of the house yesterday in a hurry with just a G43 and a single full mag of Remington Golden Saber...

Beats just a pocket knife.

5 inch S&W M&P Mod 2.0, 9mm, flat dark earth. 65 round basic load. Safariland 7TS ALS with Guard and QLS mount. Carried openly, 3:00, firing side. 3 mags support side. SOFTT-W tourniquet. 3.5 inch folder.

If a G17 counts, I carry one of those once in a while, in a Safariland OWB pancake holster. it carries comfortably, and conceals reasonably well. Not as good as the 19, but tolerably well.