Full Size vs Compact Handguns for Defensive Shooting: Does It Matter?

Does it matter if you use a full-size or a compact handgun for defensive shooting, where the average engagement distance is between nine and 15 feet? Rob Pincus looks for answers by doing a head-to-head shooting test, using a full-size and a compact handgun from Canik’s METE line, the Rival and the Prime.

First Rob reviews the traditional objective reasons why a full-size handgun is better, as well as why a compact may be better (if you are more likely to carry it due to its lighter weight and smaller size). Next, using a shot timer, he takes five shots with each gun, then does some higher-precision single shots. Which gun is faster and which is more accurate – or is it a draw?

For more shooting tests, check out what Rob and other PDN contributors have done over the years.