Pros And Cons Of A Small-Magazine Handgun
When you're shopping for a handgun to use as a home-defense weapon or even carry with you if you have a CCW license, the magazine size is something that you'll need to consider. While you can buy different sizes of magazines for many pistols, you'll often find that some pistols have shorter handles — making them perfect for a small magazine. There are several pros and cons to this configuration, and these points are important to weigh before you make your purchase.
Pro: The Smaller Size Can Be Handy
Small-magazine handguns are optimal for concealing. If you plan to carry your handgun in a holster on your body, you'll find that one with a smaller capacity will be more suitable. The larger the magazine, the larger the mass that you're trying to keep hidden, and this can be difficult. Additionally, if you plan to keep the firearm for home defense, a smaller-magazine pistol can fit more easily inside a small gun safe in your bedroom or in the top drawer of your bedside table.
Con: You'll Run Out Of Ammo Quickly
If you ever have to use a small-magazine firearm, you want to trust that you can get the job done with a minimum of shots. For example, if your magazine has a capacity of just five rounds, and you're facing two home intruders, you may not feel confident defending your family with this amount of firepower. By way of contrast, a nine-round magazine can make you feel more secure.
Pro: It's Cheaper To Operate
Every responsible gun owner should practice regularly at a gun range. When you take a small-magazine handgun to the range, you'll empty each magazine quickly, and then have to reload. Because reloading can be a bit of a hassle, you'll likely feel compelled to be slower and more methodical in your target shooting — and doing so will cut down on your ammunition costs. With a larger magazine, it's easier to blast through the magazine because you feel you have more shots, but this can add up financially.
Con: May Be Challenging If You Have Big Hands
While a small-magazine handgun might be suitable for those with smaller hands, it can feel awkward in the hands of someone with large hands. If you have big hands, you may feel more comfortable with a larger firearm with a bigger handle. The shorter handle that is common in small-magazine models won't always come down to the bottom of your hand, which can make you feel as though you don't have full control of the weapon.
For more information on firearms for sale, contact a gun shop near you.
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