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.