Semiauto size categories

[simonrichter]

Which system do you use to define semiauto handguns size-wise? While there's normally kind of an agreement what "full size" does mean, below that category there sems to be kind of a mix-up sometimes. I'd use the following categories:

Target / Competition (e.g. G17L)

Full Size / Service (e.g. G17)

Compact (e.g. G19)

Subcompact (e.g. Walther PPK, Beretta Bobcat)

Pocket / Mouse Gun / Micro (e.g. Baby Browning, Seecamp)

any other suggestions?

 

[KennyFSU]

Your system and examples look pretty good to me.

 

[ShootistPRS]

You list target and full size with the same gun yet target guns typically have larger sights that make the overall size of the gun slightly larger.
You did a good job though! I usually measure the size of my guns by the cartridge they fire.

 

[RickB]

17 "Ell" for the target gun; five-plus inch barrel.

I use the Colt system.

Target - Gold Cup

Service - Government Model

Compact - Officers

Subcompact - Vest Pocket Model

 

[rock185]

Your list looks reasonable to me. The Glock 34/35 might split the difference between the service and target categories.

 

[ballardw]

Missing a category for the short-rifle types such as Kel-Tec PLR-223, Extar, the AK "Krinks", other AR pattern and/or PPSH 41/43, though some of that is US specific size weirdness to designate them "handguns".

I'm not really sure I buy the difference between Subcompact and Pocket/Mouse. I pocket carry a pistol in PPK size range.

 

[Aguila Blanca]

That's fine as a Glock-centric matrix, but we in the 1911 universe look at it (obviously) in terms of 1911 models:

5" Government = full-size

4-1/4" Commander = mid-size

3-1/2" Officer's ACP = compact

Anything smaller than an Officers ACP is a subcompact.