Large vs. Small Carry Guns - Gun Guys Ep. 28 with Bill Wilson and Massad Ayoob

Published on March 21, 2021
Duration: 12:36

This discussion between Bill Wilson and Massad Ayoob explores the trade-offs between large and small carry guns. While smaller firearms offer superior concealability and comfort, larger guns generally provide better shootability, capacity, and ballistic performance due to longer barrels. Factors like barrel length's impact on bullet expansion, grip size affecting recoil control, and sight radius for accuracy are detailed, with practical considerations for wardrobe and reloading.

Quick Summary

Small carry guns offer better comfort and concealability, but large guns provide superior shootability, capacity, and ballistic power. Barrel length significantly impacts bullet expansion, with .45 ACP hollow points potentially failing to expand in barrels under 4 inches.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: Large vs. Small Carry Guns
  2. 01:02Pros and Cons Overview
  3. 01:30Ballistics and Barrel Length Impact
  4. 02:35Capacity, Weight, and Duty Gear
  5. 03:32Concealability Factors
  6. 04:10Shootability and Grip Issues
  7. 05:20Sight Radius and Defensive Accuracy
  8. 07:15EDC X9 vs. Full-Size 1911 Comparison
  9. 09:06Wardrobe, Concealment & Reloading Challenges
  10. 10:35Magazine Strategies for Carry

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main trade-offs between large and small carry guns?

Small guns offer superior comfort and concealability, ideal for deep concealment. Large guns provide better shootability, higher capacity, and more ballistic power due to longer barrels, which can improve bullet expansion.

How does barrel length affect bullet performance in carry guns?

Barrel length is crucial for bullet expansion. For instance, .45 ACP hollow-point ammunition may not reliably expand in pistol barrels shorter than 4 inches, impacting defensive effectiveness.

What are the challenges of shooting and reloading small carry pistols?

Small pistols often have grips that leave the pinky finger unsupported, reducing recoil control. They can also present challenges during emergency reloads, as the shooter's hand might obstruct the magazine well.

Can a shorter sight radius be beneficial for defensive shooting?

Yes, while a longer sight radius generally aids accuracy, a shorter sight radius on smaller pistols can sometimes allow for faster sight alignment at close, defensive ranges.

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