Which Pistol Shoots the Flattest?

Published on August 2, 2026
Duration: 10:19

This video compares the perceived flatness of shooting for several popular compact pistols: the SIG Sauer X Macro, Smith & Wesson Shield Plus, Springfield Armory Hellcat Pro Comp, and Glock 43X MOS. The host, Johnny Q, emphasizes that this is a subjective test based on feel rather than scientific measurement. He notes that ported slides, compensated barrels, and frame cuts contribute to reduced recoil. While all pistols performed well, the X Macro was ranked first, followed by the Shield Plus, and then the Hellcat Pro Comp, with the Glock 43X MOS considered a bonus due to its lack of ports or comps.

Quick Summary

The SIG Sauer X Macro was ranked as the flattest shooting pistol among the tested compact models, which included the Smith & Wesson Shield Plus and Springfield Armory Hellcat Pro Comp. These firearms utilize porting and slide cuts to minimize muzzle flip, enhancing the shooting experience.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Intro & Wasp Problem
  2. 00:21Topic: Which Pistol Shoots Flattest?
  3. 00:35Pistols Tested: X Macro, Shield Plus, Hellcat Pro Comp
  4. 00:54Bonus: Glock 43X MOS
  5. 01:11No Scientific Test, Subjective Feel
  6. 01:37Loading Mags & Range Prep
  7. 01:51Hellcat Pro Comp Issues
  8. 01:56Testing the Smith & Wesson Shield Plus
  9. 02:51Testing the Springfield Armory Hellcat Pro Comp
  10. 03:11Testing the SIG Sauer X Macro (EDC)
  11. 03:37Testing the Glock 43X MOS (Bonus)
  12. 04:02Comparing the Feels
  13. 04:15Driving Different Cars Analogy
  14. 04:32Recoil Mitigation & Fundamentals
  15. 04:59Should You Upgrade?
  16. 05:16Optics, Ammo, and Grain
  17. 05:30Ranking the Pistols
  18. 05:54Outro & Future Content

Frequently Asked Questions

Which pistol shoots the flattest among popular compact models?

In a subjective test, the SIG Sauer X Macro was ranked as shooting the flattest, followed by the Smith & Wesson Shield Plus and the Springfield Armory Hellcat Pro Comp. These pistols feature porting or slide cuts to reduce muzzle flip.

What features contribute to a pistol shooting flatter?

Features like porting on the slide and barrel, as well as cuts in the frame, are designed to vent gas and reduce muzzle rise, resulting in a flatter shooting experience for the firearm.

Is the Glock 43X MOS considered a flat-shooting pistol?

The Glock 43X MOS was included as a bonus and does not feature ports or compensators. While not explicitly ranked for flatness, the host found it enjoyable to shoot, and its perceived snappiness can be subjective.

How important are shooting fundamentals when comparing pistol recoil?

Shooting fundamentals, including stance, grip, and trigger control, are crucial. The host emphasizes that mastering these basics is essential before accurately comparing the recoil mitigation features of different firearms.

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