The 5 Most Popular Full-Size Pistols
Whether you’re looking for a new target-shooting pistol or you’re in the market for a reliable concealed-carry handgun, there are a number of great firearms to choose from. Here are some of the most popular full-size options out there and what makes them worthy of your holster.
Sig Sauer P320 X-Five Legion
Sig Sauer is known for reliability and accuracy, so it should be no surprise that the P320 XFive delivers on both fronts. The Legion is a superb piece of machinery that packs a punch for home defense while being accurate enough to hit targets at a distance. It also comes with 2 extra magazines for faster reloading.
Being 9mm, the Legion isn’t overpowering for first-time shooters and brings consistent groupings at the range. It’s not hard to find a good holster for concealed carry and you can trust that your Sig Sauer pistol will be around for a long time with extremely rare firing malfunctions.
Springfield Armory XD(M) 3.8
While Springfield Armory has a lot of options, the XD(M) 3.8 is one of their best full-size pistols on the market. It’s got a sturdy grip and feels solid, but it’s got a shorter barrel to double as a superb concealed carry handgun.
Not only is it under 7 inches long, but the slim width of just over 1” won’t easily get caught on your holster or shirt. It’s not hard to conceal at an angle and gives you 19 rounds in the double-stacked magazine to defend yourself and others.
One thing to note is that the XD(M) 3.8 is taller than some pistols, so the grip might be a better choice if you have big hands. It’s easy to maneuver and quickdraw with, though, thanks to the barrel length.
Glock 17
Easily one of the best names in firearms and the one of the most sought-after pistols, the Glock 17 is a fantastic choice for any situation. Being 9mm and most of the features being ambidextrous, this pistol has become a favorite among beginners and veterans alike.
The accuracy is so trusted that many shooters choose to use the Glock 17 for targets at the range and it’s a common choice as a sidearm for law enforcement and military personnel. The 17 is the latest in Glock’s line of no-jam pistols, which makes it a top pick.
One of the most important factors to think of when considering self-defense is reliability, so this 17-round Glock is might be a good choice for concealed carry too. If you need a pistol that can be used for any situation without jamming, even when put through sand or mud, this should be in the conversation.
Ruger SR1911 Standard Pistol
When you think of concealed carry, you might think of 9mm and .40 but the Ruger SR1911 Standard is a popular choice for the job. If the other pistols mentioned so far were good because they wouldn’t catch on anything, Ruger did one better.
At only an inch wide and minimal external features, this gun draws so smooth you could spread it like butter. It’s a little heavier than the 9mm handguns and holds significantly less than the 17- and 19-round magazines above, but you won’t need that with a .45 round of stopping power.
It’s easy to get your hands on a Ruger SR1911 because they’re widely manufactured, and most 1911 parts & accessories can be used. This pistol has some heft and feels solid, but the revised grip style will protect your hand from getting pinched and the frame provides recoil control.
Smith & Wesson M&P9 Shield M2.0
While none of the firearms above are unreasonably expensive, you might just be looking for an affordable addition for self-defense purposes. If you want reliability without breaking the bank, you don’t need to look further than the Smith & Wesson M&P9.
This pistol might fool some, but it can take a beating and provides consistent accuracy at 20 to 25 yards. It’s full-size, 9mm, and that kind of accuracy is perfect for any kind of survival or self-defense scenario.
Throw on the fact that it comes with a flashlight and a knife and the Shield M2.0 is a great deal. With that kind of reliability, this kit from Smith & Wesson is one of the most cost-effective firearms on the market.
It’s also worth noting that the M&P9 Shield has a lot of accessory options, like multiple night sights, so you can easily customize it as well as most of the guns on this list.
Conclusion
All of these full-size pistols are great choices for your gun collection and will provide years of reliability and accuracy.
Some are better for target- or even competition-shooting while all of them could save lives in concealed carry situations. You can’t go wrong giving them a test run at the range!
Martin Lukačko
27.10.2023
