Concealed Carry: Are Ultra-small, Ultralight, and Ultra-concealable Handguns Worthwhile?

Since the 1990s, legal concealed carry has increased dramatically and so has the demand for ultra-small, ultralight, and ultra-concealable handguns that are more powerful than ever in comparison to their respective sizes. Many are well made, reflect current technology, and state of the art polymers and alloys are often incorporated in their manufacture. Varying as much in size, weight, caliber, as they do in price and quality, most needs, tastes, and budgets can be accommodated. This is good from the standpoint that the pistol in your pocket is far better than one that was left at home but what is traded for convenience; is it worth it?

Traditionally, the smallest handguns came in the tiniest of calibers (e.g. .22 Short, .22 Long Rifle, and .25 ACP) which did not offer much stopping power. Now, pistols practically the same size as the smallest ones of yesteryear are available for more powerful rounds like the .32 and .380 ACP. Such small packages may provide grips with little purchase, awkward controls, and miniscule sights that are difficult to acquire. Greater power generally increases recoil and muzzle blast. This combination can compromise control and accuracy which will impair critical combat functions such as follow-up shots, reloading, and jam clearing.

Larger "pocket pistols" were traditionally chambered for such cartridges as the .32 ACP, .32 S&W Long, .380 ACP, .38 S&W, and .38 Special. Now, pistols and revolvers of similar size are chambered for much more powerful rounds including the 9mm Luger, .357 Magnum, .40 S&W, and .45 ACP, which makes their milder mannered predecessors seem obsolete. With larger controls and better sights, these handguns are much easier to operate than their tiny, Lilliputian counterparts; however, significant recoil and muzzle blast, combined with short sight radii, can compromise control and accuracy that are beneficial for rapid, effective follow-up shots under combat conditions.

Back when the .357 Magnum was considered the king of combat handguns, many who could shoot a 36 ounce, medium framed .38 Special pretty well did not perform at the same level with a .357 of similar size and weight due to recoil and muzzle blast. Now, compact .357 Magnums weighing around 23 ounces are common while the S&W 340PD weighs just a mere 11.4 ounces. Many who buy these compact powerhouses shoot and carry .38 Special ammunition in them as a concession to recoil and muzzle blast, just like many police officers did years ago. Ironically, some who would recommend an 11.4 ounce .357 Magnum for self defense would say that a 41.5 ounce .44 Magnum has too much recoil for combat applications-- go figure!

Petite handguns, even in their tiniest or most powerful configurations, are not inherently inaccurate but, for most, they are more difficult to shoot well than are larger "service pistols" whose bigger grips, longer sight radii, and greater weight reduce recoil while enhancing control and accuracy. While challenges presented by ultra-small, ultralight, and ultra-concealable handguns can be overcome or accommodated with practice, many who frequently carry handguns do not necessarily shoot them very often. In such cases, the ability of the shooter(or lack thereof) may compromise the effectiveness of firearms that require greater levels of skill for successful deployment.

Diminutive handguns require the greatest degree of competence for effective operation, especially when chambered for powerful cartridges, and stopping power is meaningless when it is not effectively delivered to the target. "Expert" advice can be singular, if not misleading. What may work well for someone who shoots a thousand or more rounds per week may not suit someone who shoots fifty rounds per year. The best defensive weapon that one can choose will reflect individual skills, ability, and commitment to practice. For these reasons alone, many will find larger, heavier, and perhaps even less powerful handguns more effective for their defensive needs.

Larger and heavier is not without compromise. Suitable holsters, belts that adequately support the weight of a firearm, and perhaps a careful wardrobe selection may all be necessary to ensure that larger handguns can be carried in reasonable comfort while remaining concealed. This is not as daunting as it may seem: it was tastefully accomplished back when the Smith & Wesson Chief's Special was small, light, and powerful enough; back when concealed carry permits were rare or unheard of in many states; back before fanny packs and photographers' vests screamed "GUN!" to the otherwise clueless.

The bottom line is that ultra-small, ultralight, and ultra-concealable handguns that are more powerful than ever in consideration of their respective sizes are worthwhile for those with the skill to use them as well as the willingness to accept and adapt to the their particular nuances and limitations. For most, they represent a compromise in function and practicality. They will not work well for everyone, even if some magazine article or "expert" has proclaimed otherwise. Of course, this can be said in regard to any type of handgun; perhaps this is why there are so many designs and calibers to choose from.