In recent years, compact and micro-compact pistols have taken off, especially among people looking for a concealed carry option. Models like the SIG P365 and Springfield Hellcat have helped push small pistols from 18% to 25% of 9mm semi-auto sales between 2019 and 2022. The appeal is obvious: they are lighter, easier to conceal, and quick to draw.

But when it comes to pure shooting enjoyment and skill building, full-size pistols are still the king of the range. The longer barrel and larger grip give shooters a mix of accuracy, comfort, and adaptability that smaller guns can’t match. If you want to put in a long training session or work on tightening your shot groups, the popular Smith & Wesson full-size models and their competitors remain hard to beat.

The Accuracy Advantage You Feel on Every Shot

Full-size pistols earn their place on the firing line through repeatable, measurable accuracy. The longer sight radius alone makes a noticeable difference when you are aiming at targets beyond 15 yards. Pair that with a longer barrel and extra weight, and you have a pistol that naturally steadies itself between shots. This is where the classic Glock models and other proven designs shine. They make it easier to keep shots on target, whether you are punching paper or running timed drills.

A longer, heavier frame also soaks up recoil better than a smaller gun. Less muzzle flip means your sights return to target faster, and your follow-up shots are more controlled. That adds up to tighter groupings over the course of a full magazine, especially for new shooters working on fundamentals.

Here are a few reasons why full-size pistols keep the edge in accuracy:

• Longer Sight Radius: Improves aiming precision and makes small adjustments easier
• More Barrel Length: Can add velocity and reduce bullet drop at longer distances
• Extra Mass: Helps steady the gun during the shot and shortens sight recovery time
• Stable Shooting Platform: Supports consistent grip and trigger control

Comfort That Keeps You Shooting Longer

A good range gun should make you want to keep shooting, not call it quits early. Full-size pistols tend to offer more forgiving ergonomics. The larger grip allows most shooters to get their whole hand in place, which spreads recoil across a wider surface area. This reduces hand fatigue during long strings of fire. You will also find that reputable handgun vendors tend to stock models with adjustable backstraps and other fit options, which let you fine-tune the feel.

Heavier pistols often mean less felt recoil. That extra weight, combined with a more substantial grip, helps you manage muzzle rise. For shooters who go through hundreds of rounds in a single range trip, that comfort can be the difference between ending on a strong note and stopping because your hands are sore.

Common comfort advantages include:

• Full Grip Contact: Allows better recoil control and less hand strain
• Reduced Muzzle Flip: Makes for smoother, faster follow-up shots
• More Weight: Helps dampen recoil impulse for a softer shooting feel
• Better Fit Options: From interchangeable grips and backstraps

Capacity and Customization for Every Session

Compacts and even some micros have made big strides—many now pack 10 to 15 rounds, with some compacts stretching up to 18. But full-size pistols remain the benchmark, with standard mags that reliably hold 15 to 20 (and often more with extended options). That extra breathing room isn’t just numbers on paper—it means you spend more time shooting and less time swapping mags, especially during longer training sessions or competition stages.

Customization is another area where size still matters. Compact and micro pistols now offer respectable upgrade paths—triggers, grip modules, extended mags—but full-size frames are still the true playground for aftermarket work. They’ve got the rail space and slide length to take optics, lights, compensators, and other accessories without crowding the setup. That freedom is why models like the Glock 17 or Smith & Wesson M&P full-size remain favorites among builders who want a pistol that can evolve with them.

Benefits you will notice in this category:

• Higher Standard Capacity: Less reloading, more focus on shooting.
• Accessory Space: Supports lights, optics, and compensators without crowding.
• Aftermarket Options: Deeper upgrade paths and broader compatibility than smaller frames.
• Versatility: For both competition and recreational range work.

Why Duty Pistols Set the Range Standard

The pistols trusted by police officers and military personnel tend to earn respect in the civilian shooting world. Law enforcement agencies across the country issue full-size models like the Glock 17 and M&P9 for duty use because they balance accuracy, capacity, and reliability. These same traits make them excellent choices for range practice.

Duty pistols must pass stringent testing for function under harsh conditions. That includes firing thousands of rounds without failure, maintaining accuracy after repeated drops, and operating in extreme weather. Civilian shooters can benefit from adopting the same commitment to safe firearm handling that professionals follow on and off the range.

Reasons duty pistols make great range pistols:

• Proven Reliability: Through rigorous military and law enforcement testing
• Consistent Accuracy: In both calm and high-pressure conditions
• Large Capacity: For extended engagement without frequent reloads
• Durability: Designed for daily carry and use in demanding environments

Choosing Your Full-Size Range Companion

If you are shopping for a full-size pistol, start with proven models that balance accuracy, comfort, and adaptability. The Glock 17 is known for its rock-solid reliability, straightforward design, and huge aftermarket. The Smith & Wesson M&P9 offers excellent ergonomics, with a grip that many shooters find more natural right out of the box. Both have versions with optics-ready slides, making it easy to add a red dot sight.

When narrowing your choice, think about how the pistol feels in your hand, how easily you can reach the controls, and whether the trigger suits your shooting style. If possible, rent or borrow the models you are considering before making a decision.

Points to guide your selection:

• Grip Comfort: And how well the pistol fits your hand
• Trigger Feel: And break consistency during dry and live fire
• Accessory Compatibility: With lights, optics, and extended magazines
• Ease of Maintenance: For cleaning and long-term care

More Than a Range Blaster: Why Full-Size Endures

The appeal of a full-size pistol goes beyond its raw specifications. It is the blend of control, accuracy, capacity, and adaptability that keeps shooters coming back. Whether you are learning the basics, competing, or refining advanced skills, a full-size model gives you every tool you need to perform well and enjoy the process.

Compacts may rule the concealed carry market, but at the range, full-size pistols still set the standard. They are built for comfort over long sessions, precision over distance, and the kind of reliability that makes each shot feel deliberate and controlled. For many shooters, that is exactly what makes them worth keeping in the safe—and taking out every chance they get.