In recent years, there has been a significant increase in the demand for subcompact handguns. These smaller, more compact firearms have become increasingly popular among gun owners for a variety of reasons. Whether it’s for personal protection, concealed carry, or simply for the convenience of a smaller firearm, subcompact handguns are becoming the weapon of choice for many individuals.
One of the main reasons why people are choosing subcompact handguns over larger models is their ease of concealment. With the rise in popularity of concealed carry permits, individuals are looking for firearms that are easy to hide and carry on their person. Subcompact handguns offer a compact size that can easily be concealed under clothing or in a bag, making them ideal for everyday carry.
Additionally, subcompact handguns are often lighter in weight compared to their larger counterparts. This makes them more comfortable to carry for extended periods of time without causing fatigue or discomfort. The combination of their small size and lighter weight makes subcompact handguns a practical choice for those who want a firearm that is easy to handle and carry.
What Makes a Handgun “Subcompact”?
A subcompact handgun is typically defined as a firearm that is smaller and more compact than a standard-sized handgun. These firearms are designed to be easily concealed and carried on the person without drawing attention or causing discomfort. They are often characterized by their shorter barrel length, reduced grip size, and overall smaller dimensions.
When comparing subcompact handguns to other types of handguns, such as compact or full-sized models, there are several key differences. Compact handguns are slightly larger than subcompacts and often have a longer barrel length and grip size. Full-sized handguns, on the other hand, are the largest of the three categories and typically have the longest barrel length and grip size.
Subcompact handguns offer a balance between concealability and shootability. While they may have a smaller grip size, they still provide enough space for a firm and comfortable hold. The shorter barrel length may slightly affect accuracy at longer distances, but for most self-defense situations, subcompact handguns are more than capable of getting the job done.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Subcompact Handgun
When choosing a subcompact handgun, there are several factors that should be taken into consideration. These factors will help determine which firearm is the best fit for your needs and preferences.
1. Size and Weight: One of the main advantages of subcompact handguns is their small size and lighter weight. However, it’s important to find a balance between size and shootability. A firearm that is too small may be difficult to handle and control, while one that is too large defeats the purpose of a subcompact handgun.
2. Caliber: The caliber of a handgun refers to the size of the bullet it fires. Subcompact handguns are available in a variety of calibers, ranging from .380 ACP to 9mm and even .40 S&W. It’s important to choose a caliber that you are comfortable shooting and that meets your self-defense needs.
3. Capacity: Subcompact handguns typically have a lower capacity compared to larger models. This is due to their smaller size and reduced grip size. It’s important to consider how many rounds you are comfortable carrying and how often you are willing to reload.
4. Ergonomics: The ergonomics of a handgun refer to how it feels in your hand and how well it fits your grip. Subcompact handguns come in various shapes and sizes, so it’s important to find one that feels comfortable and natural in your hand.
5. Price: Like any firearm purchase, price is an important factor to consider. Subcompact handguns can range in price from budget-friendly options to higher-end models. It’s important to set a budget and find a firearm that offers the features and quality you desire within that price range.
The Importance of Concealment and Comfort
When it comes to choosing a subcompact handgun, concealment and comfort are two crucial factors to consider. The main reason why individuals opt for a subcompact handgun is for its ease of concealment. Whether you are carrying concealed for personal protection or simply want to have a firearm on your person without drawing attention, a subcompact handgun offers the perfect solution.
Concealment is important because it allows you to carry a firearm discreetly, without alerting others to its presence. This can be particularly important in situations where you want to maintain a low profile or avoid causing panic or discomfort to those around you. A subcompact handgun’s smaller size and compact design make it easier to hide under clothing or in a bag, ensuring that it remains concealed until needed.
Comfort is equally important when choosing a subcompact handgun. Carrying a firearm on your person for extended periods of time can become uncomfortable if the firearm is too large or heavy. Subcompact handguns are designed to be lightweight and compact, making them more comfortable to carry for long periods without causing fatigue or discomfort.
To ensure comfort when carrying a subcompact handgun, it’s important to choose one that fits your hand well and has an ergonomic design. The grip should feel natural in your hand and allow for a firm hold on the firearm. Additionally, consider the weight of the firearm and how it will feel when carried in a holster or on your person. Finding the right balance between concealment and comfort is key when choosing a subcompact handgun.
Top Picks for Subcompact Handguns in 2023
In 2023, there are several top picks for subcompact handguns on the market. These firearms offer a combination of reliability, performance, and concealability, making them ideal choices for those in search of a subcompact handgun.
1. Smith & Wesson M&P Shield Plus: The Smith & Wesson M&P Shield Plus is a popular choice among gun owners looking for a subcompact handgun. It features a 3.1-inch barrel and a slim profile, making it easy to conceal. The M&P Shield Plus is chambered in 9mm and offers a 10+1 or 13+1 capacity, depending on the magazine used. It also features an ergonomic grip and a crisp trigger pull, ensuring accuracy and control.
2. Glock 43X: The Glock 43X is another top pick for subcompact handguns. It features a 3.41-inch barrel and a slimline design, making it easy to carry and conceal. The Glock 43X is chambered in 9mm and offers a 10+1 capacity. It features Glock’s signature Safe Action System, ensuring safe and reliable operation. The Glock 43X also has an ergonomic grip and comes with interchangeable backstraps to customize the fit.
3. Sig Sauer P365: The Sig Sauer P365 is known for its high capacity in a subcompact package. It features a 3.1-inch barrel and a slim profile, making it easy to conceal. The P365 is chambered in 9mm and offers a 10+1 or 12+1 capacity, depending on the magazine used. It features an ergonomic grip with textured panels for added control and comfort. The P365 also has a crisp trigger pull and comes with night sights for enhanced visibility in low-light conditions.
4. Springfield Armory Hellcat: The Springfield Armory Hellcat is a compact powerhouse that offers high capacity in a subcompact package. It features a 3-inch barrel and a slim profile, making it easy to carry and conceal. The Hellcat is chambered in 9mm and offers an impressive 11+1 or 13+1 capacity, depending on the magazine used. It features an adaptive grip texture for a secure hold and comes with a high-visibility U-Dot sight system.
Smith & Wesson M&P Shield Plus
The Smith & Wesson M&P Shield Plus is a top pick for subcompact handguns in 2023. It offers a combination of reliability, performance, and concealability that makes it an ideal choice for those in search of a subcompact handgun.
The M&P Shield Plus features a 3.1-inch barrel and a slim profile, making it easy to conceal. It is chambered in 9mm and offers a 10+1 or 13+1 capacity, depending on the magazine used. The M&P Shield Plus features an ergonomic grip with textured panels for added control and comfort. It also has a crisp trigger pull, ensuring accuracy and control.
Pros of the Smith & Wesson M&P Shield Plus include its compact size, high capacity, and reliable performance. It is easy to conceal and carry on a daily basis, making it an ideal choice for concealed carry permit holders. The M&P Shield Plus also offers a comfortable grip and a smooth trigger pull, ensuring accuracy and control.
Cons of the Smith & Wesson M&P Shield Plus include its limited capacity compared to larger models and its slightly shorter barrel length, which may affect accuracy at longer distances. However, for most self-defense situations, the M&P Shield Plus is more than capable of getting the job done.
Glock 43X
The Glock 43X is another top pick for subcompact handguns in 2023. It offers a combination of reliability, performance, and concealability that makes it a popular choice among gun owners.
The Glock 43X features a 3.41-inch barrel and a slimline design, making it easy to carry and conceal. It is chambered in 9mm and offers a 10+1 capacity. The Glock 43X features Glock’s signature Safe Action System, ensuring safe and reliable operation. It also has an ergonomic grip and comes with interchangeable backstraps to customize the fit.
Pros of the Glock 43X include its slim profile, high capacity, and reliable performance. It is easy to conceal and carry on a daily basis, making it an ideal choice for concealed carry permit holders. The Glock 43X also offers an ergonomic grip and comes with interchangeable backstraps to ensure a comfortable and secure hold.
Cons of the Glock 43X include its limited capacity compared to larger models and its slightly longer grip size, which may affect concealability for those with smaller hands. However, the Glock 43X is still a popular choice for those in search of a subcompact handgun.
Sig Sauer P365
The Sig Sauer P365 is known for its high capacity in a subcompact package. It offers a combination of reliability, performance, and concealability that makes it a top pick for subcompact handguns in 2023.
The P365 features a 3.1-inch barrel and a slim profile, making it easy to conceal. It is chambered in 9mm and offers a 10+1 or 12+1 capacity, depending on the magazine used. The P365 features an ergonomic grip with textured panels for added control and comfort. It also has a crisp trigger pull and comes with night sights for enhanced visibility in low-light conditions.
Pros of the Sig Sauer P365 include its high capacity, compact size, and reliable performance. It is easy to conceal and carry on a daily basis, making it an ideal choice for concealed carry permit holders. The P365 also offers an ergonomic grip with textured panels for added control and comfort.
Cons of the Sig Sauer P365 include its limited capacity compared to larger models and its slightly shorter barrel length, which may affect accuracy at longer distances. However, the P365 is still a popular choice for those in search of a subcompact handgun.
Springfield Armory Hellcat
The Springfield Armory Hellcat is a compact powerhouse that offers high capacity in a subcompact package. It is a top pick for subcompact handguns in 2023 due to its reliability, performance, and concealability.
The Hellcat features a 3-inch barrel and a slim profile, making it easy to carry and conceal. It is chambered in 9mm and offers an impressive 11+1 or 13+1 capacity, depending on the magazine used. The Hellcat features an adaptive grip texture for a secure hold and comes with a high-visibility U-Dot sight system.
Pros of the Springfield Armory Hellcat include its high capacity, compact size, and reliable performance. It is easy to conceal and carry on a daily basis, making it an ideal choice for concealed carry permit holders. The Hellcat also offers an adaptive grip texture for a secure hold and comes with a high-visibility U-Dot sight system.
Cons of the Springfield Armory Hellcat include its limited capacity compared to larger models and its slightly shorter barrel length, which may affect accuracy at longer distances. However, the Hellcat’s high capacity and compact size make it a popular choice for those in search of a subcompact handgun.
Finding the Right Subcompact Handgun for You
In conclusion, the growing popularity of subcompact handguns can be attributed to their ease of concealment, comfort, and practicality. These smaller firearms offer a balance between concealability and shootability, making them ideal choices for personal protection and concealed carry.
When choosing a subcompact handgun, it’s important to consider factors such as size and weight, caliber, capacity, ergonomics, and price. Finding the right balance between these factors will help ensure that you choose a subcompact handgun that fits your needs and preferences.
The Smith & Wesson M&P Shield Plus, Glock 43X, Sig Sauer P365, and Springfield Armory Hellcat are all top picks for subcompact handguns in 2023. Each firearm offers a combination of reliability, performance, and concealability that makes it an ideal choice for those in search of a subcompact handgun.
Ultimately, finding the right subcompact handgun for you will depend on your personal preferences, needs, and budget. It’s important to handle and test-fire different models to determine which one feels the most comfortable and natural in your hand. By considering the factors mentioned and taking the time to research and try out different options, you can find the perfect subcompact handgun for your needs.
