There are many factors to consider in order to select the right gun for you. One variable to keep in mind is gun size. A gun that is too small may not be powerful enough for the task you need to accomplish, whereas a gun that is too large may be difficult to conceal. It’s important to find a balance between your various needs and preferences when you are choosing a firearm.
There are two factors someone might be talking about when they mention the “size” of a gun, depending on the context. The first is, of course, the actual physical size: how large or small the gun is and how much it weighs. The other is the caliber, which is the size of ammunition the gun shoots. You’ll need to think about both of these during the gun selection process.
Here are some tips for selecting the right gun size:
1. Know What Your Gun’s Primary Purpose Is
Any decision about which gun to purchase should be based on the primary reason you want that firearm. A common analogy is to think about guns like you think about vehicles. It’s impossible to say what vehicle is the best purchase for someone without knowing what their needs are. A truck that is great for a business owner who needs to haul heavy-duty loads likely won’t work well for a parent with multiple young children, for example. Likewise, a gun that is great for concealed carry and self-defense may not be suitable for big game hunting.
2. Consider Recoil
The larger the caliber of a gun, the more intense the recoil will be. The relationship between physical gun size and recoil may be different from what you’d expect. The smaller the gun is, the more recoil it will have. This is because as the surface size and weight decrease, the firearm doesn’t absorb as much of the recoil force as it could at a larger size. For individuals with more firearm experience and who are physically larger, recoil may not be much of an issue. However, if you’re new to guns or have a small stature, this could be a more significant factor.
3. For Concealed Carry, Balance Power, Usability, and Concealability
If you want to carry a gun for self-defense, you’ll need to consider your gun’s stopping power, its usability in a high-stress situation, and its concealability. These factors may conflict, so it’s important to find a balance that works for you. For example, a smaller gun may be easier to conceal without altering your style of dress, but it will typically have less stopping power. It may also be harder to operate a small gun in a high-stress situation, depending on how large your hands are.
4. Try Before You Buy
It’s hard to determine how well a gun fits in your hand and how easy it is for you to use if you don’t try it out. If possible, take a gun to the range before purchasing it, either through a gun store that allows you to test their guns or with a friend who has a firearm you’re interested in.
When you purchase from The Hub, we offer a discount if you purchase a gun after trying it at our shooting range.
Find All Your Firearm Needs At The Hub
Our Arizona gun stores have everything you need related to guns, and you can also find us online. Our experts are happy to help you choose the best gun for you and you can try many of our options before you buy them at our Tucson and Lakeside shooting ranges.
