Brief Summary
This video reviews and compares 30 full-size pistols suitable for self-defense or daily carry, highlighting features like build quality, accuracy, and overall shooting experience. The list includes a range of options from budget-friendly to high-end, covering various brands and models with their pros and cons.
- Comprehensive review of 30 full-size pistols.
- Highlights key features, pros, and cons of each model.
- Includes options for various budgets and preferences.
Intro
The video introduces a selection of full-size carry pistols designed for individuals seeking enhanced power, accuracy, and a smoother shooting experience compared to smaller options. It emphasizes the suitability of these handguns for open carry or concealed carry, catering to those with the skills to manage a larger frame. The presenter encourages viewers to like the video, subscribe to the channel, and share their thoughts or questions in the comments.
Smith & Wesson M&P 2.0 Metal
The Smith & Wesson M&P 2.0 Metal is an upgraded version of the polymer M&P 2.0, featuring a T6 7075 aluminum alloy frame for enhanced durability and a solid feel. Weighing around 30 oz unloaded, it balances recoil reduction with comfortable carry. It has a steel slide with an armor knight finish, a 4.25-inch barrel, standard 3-dot iron sights, and four interchangeable back straps. The trigger has been upgraded for a short pull and crisp reset. Priced between $850 and $900, it offers top-tier reliability and smooth shooting, but lacks an optics-ready version.
IWI Masada Tactical
The IWI Masada Tactical, made by the same company that makes the Gallant Taver, is a striker-fired pistol with a CNC machined slide cut for red dots using the RMR footprint. It features fiber optic sights, a 4.6-inch barrel, and a 17-round magazine. Weighing 28.3 ounces, it has a polymer frame with diamond-textured stippling, an angled grip, and a short-travel trigger. Priced between $480 and $550, it offers features comparable to more expensive guns. A minor downside is the high slide, which may slow sight reacquisition.
FN 509 Tactical
The FN 509 Tactical is a duty pistol with a 4.5-inch threaded barrel, suppressor height sights, and a slide cut with adapter plates for various red dots. It features a solid polymer frame, a natural grip angle, and grippy stippling. It comes with a 17-round magazine and an extended 24-round magazine. The trigger is light with a crisp reset. Weighing 32 oz and priced between $850 and $950, it is a battle-tested, duty-grade sidearm that requires no upgrades.
Tisas PX-9 Gen 3 Duty
The Tisas PX-9 Gen 3 Duty is a full-size pistol with features like an optics-ready slide, fiber optic sights, an accessory rail, swappable back straps, and a light trigger. It has a 4.6-inch barrel, an 18-round magazine, and weighs 28 oz. The slide has been lightened for faster cycling. Priced between $320 and $380, it offers high build quality. The finish may not be as durable as higher-end guns, and some accessories may need replacement.
Ruger American Pistol Duty
The Ruger American Pistol Duty was built to compete in military contracts. It features a pre-tension striker-fired trigger system, a low-riding slide with three-dot sights, and a 4.2-inch barrel with a 17-round magazine. Weighing 30 ounces, it has interchangeable back straps and an internal recoil cam system to reduce muzzle flip. Priced between $500 and $550, it lacks an optics-ready version and has limited aftermarket support.
Canik METE SFx Pro
The Canik METE SFx Pro is a full-size pistol with a 5.2-inch barrel, a slide pre-cut for Trigicon RMR and Shield RMS optics, fiber optic front sight, and tall backup sights. It features a flat-faced trigger, a well-thought-out grip angle, and diamond-style stippling. It comes with 18 or 20-round magazines, a detachable mag well, and lightning-cut slide. Priced between $620 and $680, it offers great value. The accessory market is smaller than Glock or SI.
SIG Sauer M17
The SIG Sauer M17 is the civilian version of the P320 chosen by the U.S. Armed Forces. It has a 4.7-inch barrel, a coyote PVD finish, a slide cut for Lipole DPP optics, and a flat trigger. It comes with Sigite night sights, a modular grip frame, and standard 17-round mags, plus an extended 21-rounder. Weighing 29.6 oz, it is reliable, easy to maintain, and customizable. It lacks the dual thumb safeties from the military model and usually only supports the DPP footprint. Priced between $650 and $750, it is a battle-proven handgun.
Arex Delta X Gen 2
The Arex Delta X Gen 2 is a slim, full-size pistol with a 4-inch barrel and a slide that's only 0.8 inches tall. The slide is pre-cut for red dots using both Shield RMS and Trigicon RMR footprints. It features steel three-dot sights, a flat trigger, four interchangeable back straps, and a deep beaver tail grip. Weighing just 22.6 oz, it is light for a full size. The standard mag holds 17 rounds. Priced between $450 and $550, it balances concealability, shootability, and reliability.
Girsan MC P35 Match
The Girsan MC P35 Match is a modern version of the Browning High Power. It features an all-steel frame, a 4.87-inch barrel, adjustable sights, a crisp single-action trigger, and a 15-round magazine. The slide has light cuts for style and weight, and the long sight radius makes it accurate. Weighing 33 ounces, it has smooth shooting and low recoil. It lacks an optics-ready slide and a rail. Priced around $500, it is a sweet deal.
Shadow Systems DR920 Elite
The Shadow Systems DR920 Elite is built on a Glock Gen 3 style frame with upgrades like a flat-face trigger, a slide cut for red dots, high-end co-witness sights, and a skeletonized slide. It can come with a threaded or non-threaded barrel. The grip has customizable back straps and a beaver tail extension. It is compatible with Glock 17 mags. Weighing 23 oz, it is light for a full-size pistol. Priced between $950 and $1,100, it is ready for duty, carry, or competition.
Springfield XD-M Elite Tactical OSP
The Springfield XD-M Elite Tactical OSP has a 5.28-inch threaded barrel, a slide cut for optics, and suppressor height sights. It features a match-enhanced flat-face trigger and a long grip with a flared mag well. The standard magazine holds 22 rounds. Weighing 30.4 ounces, it balances control and carry comfort. Priced between $650 and $750, it is feature-rich. Its size is not ideal for concealed carry.
CZ P-09 Duty
The CZ P-09 Duty blends double/single-action mechanics with modern toughness. It has a polymer frame, a 4.5-inch barrel, a low-profile slide, and three-dot sights. The trigger mode starts in double-action and switches to single-action. It comes with a 19-round magazine and you can choose either a decocker or a standard manual safety. Weighing 29.6 ounces, it is reliable and accurate. The trigger travels a little long for some, and mounting an optic requires hunting for the right parts. Priced between $500 and $550.
Beretta APX A1 Full Size
The Beretta APX A1 is an update to the original APX lineup with a short-travel flat trigger and an optics-ready slide. It has a 4.25-inch barrel, deep slide serrations, 17-round mags, a textured polymer frame, and fiber optic sights. Weighing 28.2 ounces, it is light enough for all-day carry. Priced between $480 and $550. The look is a bit industrial and accessories aren't as widespread yet.
Glock 45 MOS
The Glock 45 MOS combines a full-size Glock 17 frame with the shorter Glock 19 slide. The slide is cut for optics using the MOS system, and the standard Glock sights are easy to upgrade. The Gen 5 frame has no finger grooves and better stippling. Weighing 24.5 oz unloaded, it has legendary Glock reliability, a huge aftermarket, and easy maintenance. Priced between $620 and $700.
Archon Type B
The Archon Type B uses Archon's proprietary AF speed lock system, which lets the slide sit super low, practically eliminating muzzle flip. It has a 4.3-inch barrel, a slim slide, a natural grip angle, grippy stippling, premium sights, and a light trigger. It comes with a 15-round mag. Weighing 29 oz, it is super flat shooting and accurate. Priced between $850 and $1,000, accessory support is limited.
Wilson Combat Project 1
The Wilson Combat Project 1 features Wilson's lightweight X-frame made from aluminum alloy, an integrated mag well, finely cut check ring, and a fluted bull barrel with a built-in compensator. It has the RPG recoil spring system and an optics mount that accepts popular footprints. Each Project One is guaranteed to shoot 1-inch groups at 25 yards. Prices run between $3,000 and $3,500.
Atlas Gunworks EOS
The Atlas Gunworks EOS is the steel frame version of the Aries 4.25, weighing 43 ounces. It features a ported barrel, deeply cut slide, textured grip, and light trigger. The whole setup is optics ready. Priced around $4,000.
HK VP9 A1 F
The HK VP9 A1 F has a trigger bar coated in nickel Teflon, flared mag wells, and a modular grip. It has forward slide serrations, a 4.53-inch barrel, and takes 17 or 20-round mags. Priced between $850 and $950.
Bear Creek Arsenal BC-101 Grizzly
The Bear Creek Arsenal BC-101 Grizzly is a budget-friendly Glock Gen 3 clone. At $295, it has Gen 3 parts compatibility, a stainless or chrome moly barrel, a slide cut for RMR red dots, and tridium night sights.
Beretta 92XI Squalo
The Beretta 92XI Squalo has a single-action extremist trigger, a slide cut for optics, fiber optic sights, and a flared magwell. The grips are exclusive Hogue panels. It has a 4.7-inch barrel and weighs 35 oz. Each gun ships with 3 22-round mags. Priced between $1,200 and $1,400.
Rock Island Armory 5.0E
The Rock Island Armory 5.0E has the slide writing inside the frame rails, a square profile barrel, and an updated optics cut. It weighs about 38 ounces, has a 17+1 round capacity, a DLC coated slide, and a match-grade barrel. Priced around $950.
Walther PDP Match Steel Frame
The Walther PDP Match Steel Frame has an all-steel frame, Walther's dynamic performance trigger, and is optics ready. The slide is cut wide, and the mag well is flared. It has a 5-inch barrel and weighs close to 43 oz. Priced around $1,600.
Canik SFx Rival-S
The Canik SFx Rival-S is based on a striker-fired system, has a 5-inch barrel, a lightened slide, and is optics ready. It has a straight 90° trigger, a removable magwell, and three mag release buttons. Priced just around $650.
CZ Shadow 2
The CZ Shadow 2 has its slide runs inside the frame. At 46 1/2 oz, this gun is heavy. The trigger is silky smooth, and the reset is short and positive. It comes with 17-round mags, a sharp set of iron sights, and an optics-ready version is available, too. Usually priced between $1,200 and $1,300.
SAR9 Gen 3
The SAR 9 Gen 3 is a polymer-framed striker-fired pistol with interchangeable back straps, a 20° grip angle, a lightning-cut slide, and front tridium sights. It's optics-ready for Shield RMSC red dots, has a 4.4-inch barrel, and a standard 17-round mag. Priced around $450.
Sig Sauer P226 X-Five Reserve
The Sig Sauer P226 X-Five Reserve has a steel frame and runs single action only. It's got a dual thumb safety, a CNC slide, adjustable sights, and a built-in compensator. The Grid Lok steel grip adds weight. It ships with 3 20-round mags and weighs over 46 ounces. Priced around $2,500.
SIG Sauer P320 X-Five Legion
The Legion version of the P320 X-Five feels like you're shooting without recoil thanks to a polymer frame infused with tungsten. It has a flat match-grade trigger, Dawson precision sights, a wide magwell, an optics-ready slide, and three 17-round mags. Priced around $1,200 to $1,300.
Glock 34 Gen5 MOS
The Glock 34 Gen 5 MOS has a 5.31-inch barrel, an optics-ready slide, a cleaner trigger than Gen 4, and no more finger grooves. Priced around $750 to $800.
Staccato P (2011)
The Staccato P is a full-size 2011 based on the 1911 trigger system with modern upgrades like a lightweight slide, premium sights, and an RMR-ready optics mount. It's built with a steel frame and a polymer grip module. Comes with 17 or 20-round mags. Prices start at $2,000.
Nighthawk Custom GRP Recon
The GRP Recon from Nighthawk Custom is a 1911 where each gun is built from start to finish by a single master gunsmith. It has a steel frame, a light rail, a match-grade barrel, high-intensity ledge knight sights, a two-stage trigger, G10 grips, and hand-cut checkering. It costs over $3,000.
