Carrying a full-size pistol for concealed carry (CCW) comes with advantages like higher capacity, increased accuracy, and better recoil control, but that doesn’t mean it’s without its drawbacks. While a larger firearm can give a shooter confidence in a defensive situation, the realities of comfort, concealment, and daily wearability can make it a more difficult choice for everyday carry.
Here are some of the biggest problems people run into when carrying a full-size pistol as their CCW, along with some ways to work around them.
1. Concealment Isn’t Easy
One of the most obvious challenges with carrying a full-size handgun is concealment. These firearms have longer grips, wider frames, and taller profiles, which make them much harder to keep hidden under clothing. Even with a well-fitted holster and a solid carry belt, printing is inevitable in certain positions, especially if wearing lighter clothing in warmer weather.
The grip of a full-size pistol often sticks out the most, creating a noticeable bulge under a t-shirt or light jacket. While wearing looser clothing or layering up with a hoodie can help, not everyone wants to – or can – adjust their wardrobe just for carrying a gun.
For those who insist on carrying full-size, appendix carry with a properly positioned holster can minimize printing, but it won’t eliminate the problem entirely.
2. Discomfort, Especially When Sitting
Carrying a large, heavy pistol inside the waistband can quickly become uncomfortable, particularly when sitting for extended periods. Whether it’s driving, working at a desk, or sitting down for a meal, the bulk of the gun presses into the stomach or thighs, making movement restricted and even painful at times.
Some carriers find that adjustable holsters with ride height settings can help alleviate the pressure, but there’s only so much adjustment you can do before the gun itself simply becomes too cumbersome to wear all day.
3. The Extra Weight Becomes Noticeable
Weight is another big factor when carrying a full-size pistol all day. Many of these firearms weigh over 30 ounces unloaded – and when loaded with 15+ rounds of 9mm or .45 ACP, that weight can easily add up to 40 ounces or more.
A good belt helps distribute the weight better, but even with a reinforced gun belt, a full-size pistol can cause sagging, discomfort, or fatigue over time.
Some carry steel-framed 1911s or other full-metal handguns – which are even heavier – but even polymer-framed full-size handguns like a Glock 17 or Sig P320 X5 can feel like bricks when carried daily.
4. Drawing Can Feel Awkward
Larger guns have longer barrels and bigger grips, meaning they require more movement and space to draw. If you’re not used to carrying full-size, drawing one from concealment can feel like pulling a sword from a belt – it takes more effort than with a compact or subcompact pistol.
Some people bump the gun against their holster when drawing too quickly or drop their shirt too early, thinking they’re ready to aim. This makes practice essential – without it, fumbling a draw could cost precious seconds in a life-or-death situation.
Training regularly with drawing from concealment is key, but for many, the extra effort to adapt to the longer draw stroke can be a downside.
5. Magazine Release Can Be Harder to Reach
Not everyone has large hands, and with full-size pistols, reaching the magazine release can be tricky – especially under stress. Larger grips make it harder to hit the release button without shifting your hand, which can slow down reloads.
Some shooters compensate by training to use their support hand to hit the mag release, while others install extended magazine release buttons. While these modifications can help, they also introduce a new risk – an extended release that’s too sensitive can get bumped accidentally, dropping the magazine at the worst possible moment.
6. Extra Accessories Add Bulk
One of the advantages of a full-size pistol is the ability to mount larger optics, lights, and other attachments. However, adding a full-size red dot sight, a big tactical light, or extended magazines just increases the overall weight and bulk of the firearm.
While competition shooters and duty officers benefit from these extras, everyday carriers might find that adding too much gear makes concealment even harder. It’s a trade-off between having the best setup for performance versus what’s actually practical to carry.
7. Carrying in Hot Weather Is a Nightmare
Full-size handguns are already tough to conceal under normal clothing, but when summer hits and lightweight clothing is necessary, they become even more difficult to carry discreetly. Wearing thicker shirts or jackets just to conceal a gun in 90-degree heat isn’t a comfortable solution, and many people end up leaving the gun at home – which defeats the purpose of CCW.
Some people switch to compact or subcompact guns during the summer and return to full-size in the colder months, but for those committed to one gun year-round, hot weather concealment remains a major challenge.
Are Full-Size Pistols Worth Carrying?
Despite all these drawbacks, some people still prefer full-size pistols for CCW. They offer better accuracy, higher capacity, and better recoil control, making them a confidence-boosting choice in a self-defense situation. However, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons carefully and decide whether the added bulk, weight, and concealment issues are worth it.
For some, the downsides of carrying full-size are too much to deal with daily, while others find workarounds through better holsters, belts, and clothing choices.
Training Is More Important Than Gun Size
While the debate over full-size vs. compact pistols for CCW continues, one thing remains clear – training matters far more than the size of your firearm. A well-trained shooter with a compact pistol will outperform an untrained person with a full-size handgun in nearly every real-world defensive scenario.
Drawing from concealment, target acquisition under stress, and quick follow-up shots are all more important than having a few extra rounds or slightly less recoil. Regardless of what size pistol someone chooses to carry, consistent training with that firearm, holster, and carry position is what truly makes the difference in a life-threatening situation.
A Personal Decision
Carrying a full-size pistol as a CCW is a personal decision. While it provides undeniable advantages in firepower and performance, it also comes with serious challenges in concealability, comfort, and ease of use.
For those considering daily carry of a full-size handgun, the key is training, finding the right holster, and making adjustments to ensure it works for their lifestyle. However, for many, a compact or midsize handgun strikes a much better balance between performance and practicality.
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Mark grew up in the heart of Texas, where tornadoes and extreme weather were a part of life. His early experiences sparked a fascination with emergency preparedness and homesteading. A father of three, Mark is dedicated to teaching families how to be self-sufficient, with a focus on food storage, DIY projects, and energy independence. His writing empowers everyday people to take small steps toward greater self-reliance without feeling overwhelmed.