When choosing a handgun, there are many factors like brand, type, and size to consider. But one often overlooked aspect is a firearm’s weight. A pistol’s weight not only helps create a comfortable shooting experience by reducing recoil, but also impacts performance and handling. Both light and heavy handguns have their own set of advantages and disadvantages that can make or break a practice session. Let us explore which option is the most beginner-friendly.
“Heavy” vs. “Light”: How the Weight of Your Pistol Affects Recoil and Handling
For the purpose of this article, it is important that I clarify what exactly a heavy and light handgun is.
A heavy handgun typically features a large frame and often includes specialized sights, larger magazines, and larger-caliber rounds. These pistols usually weigh anywhere between 3 and 5 pounds unloaded and are often constructed with heavier materials such as all-metal frames to increase their weight.
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As for lightweight pistols, these firearms typically weigh anywhere between ten and twenty ounces when empty. To reduce their weight, lighter handguns are commonly made with polymer or aluminum frames and feature a smaller, less bulky design.
Taming the Recoil
For many new shooters, the sensation of a handgun’s recoil (kick) can be startling and overwhelming. This can lead to obstacles such as flinching, improper trigger control, and shooting fatigue. To overcome recoil fears, it is highly recommended that a beginner start with firearms where the “kick” is not as intense.
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When I first started shooting, I assumed that the lighter a handgun was, the less recoil that would be felt. However, I quickly learned it was the exact opposite. Essentially, pistols that are on the heavier side typically have less felt recoil, due to their larger mass, which in turn creates less energy transference into a shooter’s hands and body.
Muzzle Rise
Like recoil, controlling a handgun’s muzzle rise—also known as muzzle climb—is another challenge for many new shooters. Muzzle rise is the upward movement of the front of the barrel after a handgun is fired. It is caused by a combination of the recoil and gases that are exiting from the muzzle.
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Lighter handguns are more likely to experience muzzle climb and lead to a “snappier” sensation. This is because they have less inertia (an object’s tendency to resist changes in its state of motion) due to their lighter mass. Heavier handguns have more inertia, which allows them to absorb more recoil energy. This allows a shooter to gain better control of their pistol.
Accuracy + Follow Up Shots
Since heavier handguns generally have more inertia, they are more stable to shoot and less likely to move while firing. This stability helps with quicker follow-up shots and increases the accuracy of your firearm.
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In contrast, lightweight handguns have less inertia, which makes them less stable and more prone to intense recoil and muzzle climb. In turn, this can negatively impact accuracy and follow-up shots.
The Tradeoff for Concealment
If you plan to use handguns for defensive purposes, it is essential to understand that the weight of your firearm can significantly impact the comfort of your carry experience. A handgun that is on the lighter side will be much easier to carry all day compared to a heavier pistol. This is especially true with concealment options like pocket carry and ankle carry.
Concealing a heavier pistol can be seen as a big disadvantage for some people. However, belly band holsters, inside-the-waistband holsters, and shoulder holsters are great options to help distribute the firearm’s weight.
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Comfortability
When judging a firearm based on comfort, one of the first features to focus on is the size of the grip. A handgun with more weight will typically come with a larger grip to accommodate the heavier weight and larger magazines. However, lightweight pistols tend to have smaller grips.
Generally, people with smaller hands typically prefer smaller grips while those with larger hands usually enjoy grips that are a bit bigger. However, it is important to note that finding and determining the best grip size for you all boils down to personal preference.
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Final Thoughts
In my opinion, heavier handguns are more beginner-friendly and a better option to start with compared to lightweight pistols. Lighter pistols are great to carry concealed and hold. However, a handgun with more weight to it is more stable, providing less recoil and muzzle rise. This can help a shooter’s performance and, in turn, create a better shooting experience.
