Compact It Ain't: Debunking 'Compact' Pistol Terminology

COMPACT: "having the property of being packable or easily carried." When gun manufacturers use that term in describing their handguns, sometimes it leads to confusion with the buyer. Compact ain't always compact in my experience. In this short video, I discuss some key considerations as you shop for your carry gun. Using the Sig P228 and H&K USP Compact .40 as examples, you will see that these guns are not really compact or easily carried in a Concealed Carry Weapon (CCW) POU. And yet some, like the current Sig P229, are touted as "compact and ideal for concealed carry." These guns are indeed excellent intermediate handgun choices that work well in shoulder hosters (if you can conceal them appropriately) or open-carry situations. They are slightly shorter and lighter than their full-sized counterparts (except the Glock [not shown] which remains amazingly light in its full size g17, G22 form). But they are many better, more comfortable, and truly compact carry choices (often termed "sub-compact"). As an off-duty officer or responsible and licensed armed civilian, you should have a high percentage of carry in your daily life. To do this you need to choose a system, with an appropriate firearm as its foundation, that will work for you day in and day out. I show several recommended and reviewed choices in TNP: Kahr PM9, Kel-Tec PF-9, Kel-Tec P3-AT, and Sig P238 (other good options SW Airweight .38s, Ruger LCP, Ruger LCR, Walther PPK, Bursa .380 Thunder, Walther PSS, Beretta Jetfire). While maybe lacking in ultimate firepower and stopping power, they possess small, thin, and light form factors that carry well and yet can stop the threat if skillfully employed. So don't be fooled by the sometimes misleading factory nomenclatures and descriptions of their guns. Accurately identify your primary and most important POU for the gun and prioritize your purchasing accordingly. If a concealed carry is on that list, do yourself a favor and opt for these smaller guns first. Then as money allows, you can expand your handgun capabilities into other desirable POUs.

Category:

Science & Technology

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• p228
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[Aguywholovessmosh]

really good responsibility to have guns around your kid..

[nutnfancy]

@Aguywholovessmosh Both his boys are trained in firearms safety since they were very small children. They go out with the family and camp and exercise and have fun. One thing they are NOT doing is hanging out on YouTube, writing nasty stuff on other people's videos because they are being basically parented by a computer because their parents ignore them...sound familiar? -- Veri (Nutn's sister)

[TheSoloAsylum]

@Aguywholovessmosh as a matter of fact you are correct. You have seen in the news what happens when a kid finds a "hidden" gun. They need to grow up around them to never mistake them as toys

[threeaklok]

@asig4me have you ever carried(concealed) a 30 oz gun, tends to be a bitch here and there

[eframke]

shut yer hole cuz you are not qualified to talk

booyah speakin the truth about wish to carry and actually carrying everyday

[Pooshooter5k]

You sounds like a preacher lol. Church of guns! I don't mean this is a bad way. And I'm not saying you sounds like your preaching your just sound like a preacher does in church the way you talk.

[macwing07]

Good job with your vid. Thanks !

[asig4me]

Are you a man or do you eat cheese. You can't carry a 30oz  gun?

[baltzellb]

@86turkishman Glock 26 is better if your going for compact, and still want to carry glock.

[baltzellb]

What! no mention of the walther ppk

[Hizenthorn]

@Aguywholovessmosh If that's truly what you believe, then what are you doing watching a Nutnfancy video in the first place? That or you are just trolling gun owners...

[DrFrostyNutz]

I also carry my fullsize USP .45 at all times that I am not violating local carry laws (aka drinking ANY alcohol, going to an educational campus, or going to a venue such as concert or athletic event) 12+1 .45 can fill both "go to war" and CCW need. However, it is not easy to do and I am limited in the ways I can carry, but I simply do not feel comfortably with those small, thin jobs. So, I am open to and testing the intermediate pistols to give up 2-4 rounds for increased ease of carry