5.56

The ammo capacity is the same the grip looks a tiny bit smaller but not by much..

Using Kimber 1911 series as a example:

Compact Stainless II
http://www.kimberamerica.com/pistols..._stainless_II/

Custom II (Full Sized)
http://www.kimberamerica.com/pistols/custom/custom_II/

Again, they look almost identical.

Upon Further investigation I do see a sizable difference in 9mm between the Glock 19 and 26, its just odd that the .45s are so close. I guess I should get to a range and try'em myself.

Originally Posted by mmarsh

5.56

The ammo capacity is the same the grip looks a tiny bit smaller but not by much..

Using Kimber 1911 series as a example:

Compact Stainless II
http://www.kimberamerica.com/pistols..._stainless_II/

Custom II (Full Sized)
http://www.kimberamerica.com/pistols/custom/custom_II/

Again, they look almost identical.

Upon Further investigation I do see a sizable difference in 9mm between the Glock 19 and 26, its just odd that the .45s are so close. I guess I should get to a range and try'em myself.

The 1911 is a different creature... for a very long time there was only two sizes. Government Model and Commander. Same frame, different barrel length.

But yeah, with the GLOCK 19 and the GLOCK 26.... big difference. I carry a GLOCK 19 on my hip sometimes but my GLOCK 26 is always on my ankle because it's that small.

Originally Posted by BritinAfrica

While I agree with you on smaller ammunition capacity, a shorter barrel should not affect accuracy. While it might seem a shorter firearm is less accurate then its longer counterpart, the reason why a shorter firearm is less accurate is because of the shorter sight radius. One thing a shorter barrel does affect is reduce muzzle velocity.

For example:-
These figures are for the South African versions of the Galil

Lm4 18 inch barrel 3200 fps
Lm5 13 inch barrel 3000 fps
Lm6 11 inch barrel 2700 fps.

I achieved these figures using the same batch of 55 grain 223/5.56 military issue ammunition over a Chrony chronograph.

I did test fire a Colt Officers model, I wasnt impressed. Good for carry, but the recoil was spiteful. Its not a firearm I'd want to practice with too often.

Rifle is one thing.... different method of carrying the firearm. You have a far more stable platform.

Sidearm.... not so much.

Originally Posted by 5.56X45mm

Rifle is one thing.... different method of carrying the firearm. You have a far more stable platform.

Sidearm.... not so much.

I quoted the rifle stats to demonstrate the difference that barrel lengths make, not the accuracy.

With a shorter barrel, its the shooter thats inaccurate not the firearm, due to sight radius.

Originally Posted by mmarsh

But I still don't get why you simply don't carry a smaller on-duty gun? Bigger and heavier is generally bad right? Why carry such a monster if you can carry compact model.

I'll take your example USMC03 you carry a 1911A3 Full sized on-duty and a 1911 Compact off-duty? I was checking out Kimber's website comparing for fun the Custom II and the Custom II compact and aside from a smaller frame, weight, a a 1-inch shorter barrel they are nearly identical.

So why not issue the compact (for example) to all officers off-and-on duty?

These might seem like idiot questions but I have never used a pistol, only rifles and shotguns.

My compact is a Kimber Ultra Carry, 3 inch barrel, 25 oz's and a much shorter grip frame.

One firearm I wouldnt ignore as a back up or even off duty carry is the Beretta model 70 in 22 Long Rifle. Its small, light and so easy to conceal and carry. Mine is extremely reliable and pretty accurate. Lovely little gun and of course, cheap to practice with.

I used to use a Berretta Tomcat .32 ACP as an ankle gun. It was a nice piece, I wouldn't discount any of the small Berretta auto's. Although I'm restricted to .25 ACP and larger up to .45 ACP for back up and off duty. So the .22 LR would be a no go.

Originally Posted by 03USMC

I used to use a Berretta Tomcat .32 ACP as an ankle gun. It was a nice piece, I wouldn't discount any of the small Berretta auto's. Although I'm restricted to .25 ACP and larger up to .45 ACP for back up and off duty. So the .22 LR would be a no go.

Back up for me is a pre-lock S&W Model 642 in .38 Special +p.

Glock 27 on the ankle here.

Originally Posted by 03USMC

I used to use a Berretta Tomcat .32 ACP as an ankle gun. It was a nice piece, I wouldn't discount any of the small Berretta auto's. Although I'm restricted to .25 ACP and larger up to .45 ACP for back up and off duty. So the .22 LR would be a no go.

Thats a pity, because the little Beretta is a cracking little gun, as you know, the 22 LR is harder hitting then the 25.

Yes. But the powers that be feel I shouldn't carry, so I can't. Used to carry a North American Arms mini revolver in .22 LR in my shirt pocket as an "Oh chit" gun. Got caught. Don't carry it anymore.