Choosing a handgun often involves considering its dimensions, especially the thickness. A handgun that's too thick can be uncomfortable to carry concealed, while one that's too thin might lack the robustness or features you need. This guide delves into the average dimensions of handguns, focusing on thickness, but also covering width and length to provide a comprehensive understanding. We'll explore different handgun types and their typical size ranges.
Understanding Handgun Thickness: Why It Matters
The thickness of a handgun directly impacts its concealability and shootability. A slimmer profile allows for easier concealment under clothing, making it ideal for concealed carry. However, excessively thin handguns can sometimes compromise grip size, potentially affecting accuracy and control during firing. The ideal thickness depends on individual hand size and carry preferences.
Factors Affecting Handgun Thickness:
Several factors contribute to a handgun's overall thickness:
- Caliber: Larger calibers, like .45 ACP, generally require thicker slides and frames to handle the increased recoil and pressure. Smaller calibers, such as .380 ACP, often allow for slimmer designs.
- Frame Material: Polymer frames are typically thinner than steel or alloy frames, leading to more compact and lightweight pistols.
- Slide Design: The design of the slide itself plays a significant role. Some slides are inherently thicker to accommodate internal components or enhanced features like larger sights.
- Internal Mechanisms: The complexity of the internal mechanics can also affect thickness. Striker-fired pistols tend to be slightly thinner than hammer-fired pistols due to the simplified mechanism.
Average Thickness by Handgun Type:
Providing exact average thickness is challenging because of the vast number of handgun models and variations. However, we can offer general ranges based on common handgun types:
1. Single-Stack Pistols:
- Thickness: Generally range from approximately 0.8 inches to 1.2 inches.
- Characteristics: Known for their slim profiles, ideal for concealed carry. Often chambered in smaller calibers.
- Examples: Many subcompact pistols fall into this category.
2. Double-Stack Pistols:
- Thickness: Typically range from 1.2 inches to 1.5 inches or more.
- Characteristics: Offer higher magazine capacity compared to single-stack models but are less concealable.
- Examples: Full-size and compact 9mm pistols often fall into this category.
3. Revolvers:
- Thickness: Highly variable, depending on the cylinder size and barrel length. Can range from less than 1 inch to over 1.5 inches.
- Characteristics: Usually thicker than semi-automatic pistols due to their cylindrical design.
- Examples: Small-frame revolvers are slimmer than larger magnum revolvers.
Beyond Thickness: Width and Length Considerations:
While thickness is crucial, the overall width and length also affect a handgun's usability and carryability.
- Width: Influenced by grip size and overall frame design. Wider grips generally offer a more comfortable and secure hold.
- Length: Affects both concealability and balance. Longer barrels usually offer greater accuracy and velocity, but are less concealable.
Conclusion:
The "average" handgun thickness is a broad generalization. The ideal thickness depends on the individual's needs and preferences, considering factors such as caliber, frame material, intended use (concealed carry vs. open carry), and personal hand size. Researching specific handgun models and their dimensions is essential before making a purchase. Always prioritize safety and responsible gun handling. This information is for educational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. Consult with a firearms expert for personalized guidance.
