A handgun is a tool of convenience and not a weapon of serious contention, I think that it is important to understand the strengths and limitations of those pistols in the context of mission. I believe that I have opined prior, that handguns really come in five distinct sizes that are reflective of their missions.
From smallest to largest, the first size is the pocket carry gun, also known as the “mouse” gun. I could not tell you for sure if the mouse represents the strength of the piece- or its intended use as a mouse for game- like an elephant gun or a bear gun, etc. Since these little pieces are underpowered, I really have no use for them, although I have known an operator or two that did, namely the Seecamp 32, or the little Beretta. The phrase is bandied about the most when talking about these pieces is “better than nothing”, and I suppose they are.
The second size are those pistols that are really too large for a pocket, but ride well in an ankle holster. Frequently called “micro” or “deep concealment” pieces, these little guns are of modest size but are generally in the low range of service calibers, namely 38 or 9mm. As such, they are popular, and deservedly so. I consider these pistols to be a reasonable and minimal standard for one to carry that is interested in self-defense.
The third size are those “mid” size guns, that are designed to wear on the waist, under a wind breaker or sport coat, pullover, etc. They are “chopped” versions generally of the fourth/ the duty belt/ service guns, and as such they can be found in larger calibers, although the 9mm is still the most popular, and fits the bill nicely. The Glock 19, is the most prolific of these windbreaker/ sized 3 pieces.
Fourth is the duty belt guns, or “full sized” pistols. Government model 1911, Glock 17/22, Sig M17, etc. Generally, not meant to be concealed, and also not as comfortable to wear or portable as their chopped counterparts. They excel in being portable enough, while giving good service to those soldiers or police that carry one on duty in a heavy and wide Sam Browne or Military web belt.
The biggest are those guns that are really too big for a service belt and are more short rifles than pistols at this point. Smith and Wesson model 29, and those bigger Smiths in 460 and 500, Ruger Redhawk, Desert Eagle, etc. Not easily concealable, really at all, and while they can be pressed into service as a defensive piece, this function is not really their forte’. Naming them is enough for today’s purpose, as we are talking about guns that are actually carried. When I carry a big sized 5 gun, I feel like the pistol is carrying me.
All said, size matters in the handgun world. Smaller guns that are easier to carry can be more difficult to shoot, and a light and small gun in a service caliber can be obnoxious in a recoil sense. They can be quite a handful. It would be a great world if a mouse gun would hit with a 1911, or a size 2 suitable for bears, etc.
The purpose of this essay is to highlight a pistol that I have recently become accustomed to, and the one that bridges this gap the most wholly. In the last year, I have picked up a pair of Sig Sauer P365’s, and the one that I will be speaking of for the remainder of the essay is the standard, sized 2 pistol. Up to this point, service grade accuracy and effectiveness were possible from, well- service sized guns. The Sig is a real exception.
It is rare to me to pick out a pistol and state that this gun is a “favorite”- as I am totally of the mind that it is the operator, and not the tool that makes the difference. This philosophy called in less woke times as “it is the Indian, and not the arrow”- found its origins in golf, with the notion that a five thousand dollar set of clubs will not improve a golfer’s handicap if he has a five-cent swing.
So, calling this pistol out as an outlier is something that I do not take lightly- and do so with some trepidation. This little gun does deserve such an accolade.
A legitimate ankle piece, this standard and inexpensive pistol will legitimately shoot with a full-sized service gun. The good folks at Sig really knew that they had a winner here, and in a recent (awfully shot) I Phone video. sig 365
The amazing thing to me is how little this very compact and lightweight pistol bucks the hand. Non-existent muzzle flip, it recoils straight back, and is not obnoxious. Considering that this gun carries like a lightweight 38, while holding twice the rounds more worthy than the 38- I think that it is a winner.
I am breaking a loose rule not to recommend an particular pistol, as I do believe it is the “Indian and not the arrow”- but in this case I certainly will. This Sig 365 is a dandy.