Packing 101: When is Small Too Small?

Micro pistols designed specifically for concealed carry are the current rage among many in the concealed carry community. The user has a plethora of options to choose from. Many people comment that these pistols are very light, carry easily, and are comfortable to carry. Some people even say they forget they are carrying a pistol.

Nearly all of these micro pistols are now chambered for service cartridges. All of these guns are very light and produce fierce recoil. I think a lot of people forget they may be required to shoot the micro pistol they are carrying in a frantic, terrifying defense situation. Can you shoot that pistol effectively? Under extreme stress, fear, and panic? Understand that when involved in combat your shooting skill level decreases by about 50%. I have a hunch that most people who carry a defensive pistol have never actually trained with it. Standing in a lane at the shooting range really doesn't count. It's better than nothing, but it isn't training.

I have no issues with the compact guns on the market. Most of the double stack compact versions of full size guns are still substantial enough to shoot effectively under stress. Even some of the smaller single stack pistols like the Kahr P and CW series are substantial enough for combat shooting. The pistols I am referring to are the ones that only allow a marginal two finger grip. The short grip normally makes handling those pistols during recoil difficult.

Many micro pistols suffer from a lack of capacity. A good number of these offerings only carry six to seven rounds. Sure, one can reload the pistol, but that takes precious half seconds and seconds to complete. Those seconds could be the difference between winning and losing; life and death. Anyone who has been in live combat, or trained in a simulated combat environment using simunitions or a similar training device knows that six rounds is nothing. I have fired six rounds in my first volley just getting to cover during one of these exercises. Not many trainers will teach it, but accurate fire superiority is apart of any gun battle. If I can put more copper and lead on the bad guy faster than he can put it on me I have a better chance of winning. Most of these micro pistols decrease that ability.

If you are determined to carry a micro pistol, or it is your only practical option, choose wisely. Don't be fooled by the gun shop guru who tells you anything but a .45 ACP is a less lethal round. In those micro pistols, 9mm standard pressure rounds are just fine. The snappy +P loads, or bigger calibers may look sexy on the box, but they won't do you a lick of good if they all hit the dirt when it counts. I have a strong preference for the .40 S&W, but I prefer the 9mm for micro pistols. Choose a pistol that will work for you, not the gun shop commando.