When it comes to concealed carry and everyday defense, many shooters lean toward compact or subcompact handguns. While these smaller firearms are easy to conceal, a full-size handgun, quality holster, and reliable optic offer advantages that can’t be overlooked. If your mission is confidence, performance, and readiness, here’s why full-size setups should be considered.

The Benefits of a Full-Size Handgun

1. Better Shootability

A full-size handgun typically has a longer sight radius, more grip area, and increased weight. These characteristics translate to better recoil management, faster follow-up shots, and overall improved accuracy.

2. Higher Capacity

Larger frames often mean more rounds in the magazine. In a defensive scenario, having extra capacity on hand can be a decisive advantage.

3. Greater Reliability

Full-size handguns are engineered to handle higher round counts and extended training sessions without compromise. This makes them ideal for shooters who prioritize training consistency.

Why the Holster Makes the Difference

Even the best handgun is only as good as the holster carrying it. A quality OWB or IWB holster designed for a full-size gun ensures:

• Secure retention: The firearm stays locked in place during movement, training, or real-world use.
• Concealability: Modern holster designs hug the body, making even a full-size pistol manageable for everyday carry.
• Comfort: The right holster distributes weight and reduces hot spots so you can carry all day without discomfort.
• Consistency: A holster that places the gun in the same position every time builds muscle memory for a clean, repeatable draw.

At Tulster, we pride ourselves on having functional IWB holsters that easily conceal full-size handguns. Pair the Profile+ or OATH with your optic for all day carry.

Of course, we cannot ignore our obvious OWB holster options. For concealment, check out our Contour holster. It hugs your waistlines geometry and is easily hidden under a shirt. The Range+ serves as an excellent paddle holster, compatible with drop leg mounts.

Adding a Full-Size Optic

The rise of red dot optics on handguns has changed the concealed carry world. When combined with the stability of a full-size platform, an optic maximizes your shooting performance in both training and defensive scenarios. In the video above, we reviewed the Vortex Defender XL as an excellent big window optic at a great price point. Check it out if you are in the market for one!

Final Thoughts

Carrying a full-size handgun may take more planning and a commitment to the right gear, but the trade-offs are worth it. With a reliable holster and a full-size optic, you’re setting yourself up for better accuracy, greater confidence, and true readiness when it counts.