Comparing Compact vs Subcompact Pistols

If you want to make sure you get the right self-defense gun, you need to understand the difference between compact vs. subcompact Glocks. Both are popular concealed carry pistols, owing to their smaller size, but each type of pistol offers its own benefits. While some gun owners prefer the often larger capacity and handling surface offered by compact pistols, others wouldn’t think of carrying a firearm that bulky or heavy. Let’s take a look at the differences between the two and how to decide which one is the best starting place for your defensive carry.

Subcompact Vs. Compact: Blurred Lines

There is no industry standard for what differentiates compact vs. subcompact handguns, including Glocks. While each manufacturer has its own criteria, it’s not uncommon to find advertisements competing with each other to split hairs. One is the lightest compact, while another is the smallest. One subcompact has the largest magazine capacity, and another has the thinnest slide. Many compact and subcompact pistols offer a form factor close enough to be practically identical, but in general, these differences are a good place to start:

• Compact pistols have a larger capacity and are more accurate. Because they have longer grips, their magazines extend further and can hold more rounds. With a standard double-stack magazine, that can mean a difference of around three rounds per inch. Just as they have a longer grip, you get a longer barrel when you choose a compact vs. subcompact Glock. The barrel’s rifling imparts spin on the bullet as it’s pushed out toward the target. More barrel means a more stabilized spin for better accuracy.
• Subcompact Glocks are easier to use as concealed carry pistols. Along with their smaller size comes less weight from the weapon and its ammunition. It’s easier to hide them under clothing, and carry fatigue is slower to set in. Together, this means less risk of printing through clothing or body language giving you away. Shorter barrels plus lighter weight equate to clearing the holster quicker with subcompacts vs. compact Glocks. This can shave off a vital fraction of a second in a defensive situation with an attacker entering your personal space.

Deciding Between Compact Vs. Subcompact Glocks for Your EDC

There’s no universal “best concealed carry pistol”. If there were, a lot of manufacturers would be out of a job, as a single Glock model would likely corner the market. When choosing the right pistol, you need to consider the tactical situations you’re most likely to face and your body’s comfort and needs from a firearm.

Tactical Considerations of Compact Vs. Subcompact Glocks 

• Engagement Range – Compact handguns have longer barrels than equal subcompact models, giving them better accuracy at longer ranges. For example, the G19’s 4.02” barrel is 17.5% longer than the G26’s 3.42” barrel. While both will work well for reaction shooting–where the target is in or close to your personal space–the G19 will have a marked advantage after around 10 yards, thanks to the bullet’s more stabilized spin.
• Ammunition Capacity – You need as many rounds as necessary in a defense situation to end a threat. Unfortunately, you never know how many rounds that will be, but you can’t carry the whole gun store with you. Choosing an ammunition capacity requires balancing tactical considerations with your other self-defense weapon needs. Subcompact pistols usually have a 10-round or less capacity, while compact pistols with double-stack magazines generally offer 12-15 rounds.
• Accessories – If your self-defense situations are likely to require aftermarket optics, tactical lights, or other attachments, you need to make sure your pistol can accommodate them. The limited dimensions of subcompact Glocks vs compact handguns mean less area for attachment points.
• Deployment Speed – Smaller, lighter weapons draw faster. There’s less weight to overcome and less length to pull free from your holster or the clothing concealing your handgun.

Concealed Carry Pistols Have to Fit Your Body

• Bulk – The size of your firearm directly affects your ability to carry it discreetly. Subcompact pistols are easier to hide under clothing, carry in purses, or stow in a locked glove compartment. Even if you open carry, the size of your gun can affect your comfort while sitting at a desk, riding in a car, or otherwise going about your daily activities.
• Weight – After a long day, the weight of a loaded handgun can start to cause aches and pains in otherwise lightly used muscle groups that are forced to adapt to carrying several extra pounds. Choosing a lighter subcompact Glock vs. heavier compact Glocks may help reduce fatigue, as the weight difference between the two full-loaded handguns can be as much as half a pound.
• Hand Size – The size of your hands may give one category of concealed carry pistol a distinct advantage over the other. Smaller hands often find compact pistols nearly as unwieldy as full-size frames, while people with large hands may not be able to establish the support and control they need on a smaller subcompact pistol frame. 
• Recoil Control – Finally, you have to be able to control your weapon’s recoil to safely fire it. Compact handguns, with their heavier weight, longer recoil springs to absorb the shock, and larger surface area for gripping, have a distinct advantage. Subcompact firearms will never be the “fun and comfortable” range choice for most shooters because there just isn’t enough room in that small chassis for large amounts of recoil mitigation, leaving your body to bear the brunt of it.

Fine-Tuning Your Firearm

Once you’ve chosen between subcompact vs. compact Glock models, you can settle into planning the customizations that bridge the gap between a good concealed carry pistol and the perfect concealed carry pistol for you. Aftermarket parts and accessories let you tailor your gun to enhance its capabilities and mitigate any weaknesses it may have as a defensive weapon.

• Aftermarket Optics – Red dot optics offer accuracy, precision, and faster target acquisition. These sights attach to the top of your slide and feature strong LED emitters that project an aiming dot, circle, or reticle onto a specially coated lens. Aiming is as simple as “painting” the target with the reticle and pulling the trigger.
• Tactical Light – A necessity for low-light or after-dark shooting, these small but powerful LED flashlights attach under or alongside the slide to give you reliable lighting for aiming. When used in conjunction with a red dot sight, you have a powerful 24/7 self-defense tool.
• Custom Glock Slides – Aftermarket Glock slides let you customize one of the most prominent components on your gun for better function and aesthetics. Optics-ready slides make it easier to install red dot sights, while slides with extensive cutouts can lower the gun’s weight dramatically. Swapping barrel and slide assemblies on some models will even let you add a longer barrel for improved accuracy to smaller frames that better suit your hands.
• Stronger Recoil Springs – Beefier springs can help mitigate some of the recoil force, making it easier to keep your gun on target for faster, more accurate follow-up shots. This is helpful for both compact and subcompact Glocks, which can both pass on more kick to the shooter than their full-sized cousins.

Order Aftermarket Glock Parts You Can Trust

You need a gun that can make every shot count, and we’re proud to offer you the parts from reliable manufacturers that can build it. Whether you’re customizing a new stock gun or taking your favorite to the next level, you’ll find the gear you need to get the job done. Order your compact and subcompact Glock parts and accessories from JSD Supply today.