Choosing your everyday carry gun isn’t just about what feels good. It’s also about what works within the rules of your state and what helps you carry confidently. The size of your firearm and what it’s equipped with can affect not only comfort, but also how it performs when it matters most.
Let’s break down how size and capacity factor into everyday carry, and where accessories like lights or optics fit into the picture, all while staying within legal limits.
Table of Contents
Carry Size: What Matters for Practical Use
Most U.S. states allow you to carry a handgun if you meet permit or license requirements. The size of the handgun you carry is usually your choice, but it comes with trade-offs.
Compact and subcompact pistols are easier to conceal. They’re lighter, less likely to print under clothing, and generally more comfortable for all-day wear. But they often hold fewer rounds, have shorter barrels, and produce more felt recoil.
Full-size pistols like the Glock 22 offer better grip control, higher capacity, and longer sight radius, which can make them easier to shoot accurately. Some people use them for open carry or home defense rather than concealed carry.
Many Glock 22 owners also customize their guns to improve handling. Simple Glock 22 upgrades, like improved sights, smoother triggers, or recoil spring kits, can help make a big gun feel more balanced during training or home use.
Magazine Capacity and State Limits
Capacity is a key consideration. A higher-capacity magazine means you can shoot more rounds without reloading. For defensive use, that may offer peace of mind.
However, magazine limits vary by state. As of mid-2025:
These laws usually apply to what you can carry in public and sometimes what you can possess at home. In restricted states, carrying a magazine that exceeds the limit—even if your firearm can accept it—could be a violation. Always check local laws before traveling with a firearm.
Accessories: What’s Typically Allowed
Popular handgun accessories include:
Most states allow these items. There’s no federal law that bans common handgun accessories for personal use. However, some accessories may change how your gun is classified.
For example, adding a stock to a pistol generally turns it into a short-barreled rifle under federal law, which would require registration with the ATF under the National Firearms Act (NFA).
Stabilizing braces were also subject to changing federal guidance in recent years. If you’re considering a chassis system or brace attachment, make sure to check current ATF rules and any federal court decisions that may impact enforcement.
It’s your responsibility to verify whether an accessory is compliant before attaching it.
Practical Factors to Weigh
A smaller gun is easier to carry daily but may be harder to shoot well, especially under stress. A larger gun is easier to control and often holds more rounds, but can be bulky and uncomfortable in certain carry positions.
These differences become more noticeable during training:
Your decision should depend on your comfort level, how often you practice, and your intended use (e.g., home defense vs. daily carry).
Training Is as Important as Gear
Whichever setup you choose, regular training is essential. Familiarity with your gear makes a difference, especially when fine motor skills drop under stress.
Having a full-size pistol like a Glock 22 at home, even if you carry something smaller, can still help build confidence. Larger guns are great for range practice and allow you to refine fundamentals with easier control. Upgrades like a better trigger or new sights can enhance this experience.
Travel Considerations with Gear
When you travel, your carry setup may not be legal everywhere.
If you fly with a firearm, TSA requires it to be unloaded, locked in a hard case, and checked in. But after you land, state law applies. Always research laws in any state you plan to visit.
Why Gear Choices Matter Beyond Comfort
Gun modifications are a personal choice, but they can matter during legal proceedings.
If you’re involved in a defensive shooting, law enforcement may examine your firearm setup. There’s no rule that says you can’t have a red dot or aftermarket trigger, but it helps to be able to explain why you chose those features.
Were they for visibility? Safety? Control? These explanations matter.
Your goal should always be safety, function, and responsible use, not appearance or trends. If you use a handgun for self-defense, your setup should reflect thoughtful decisions, not just the latest gear on the market.
Many people treat handgun size, capacity, and accessories as personal preference, and that’s mostly true. But there are legal and practical layers that shouldn’t be ignored. A gun that’s comfortable to carry but hard to control won’t serve you well. One that handles great but breaks local laws can cause problems. And accessories that aren’t legally compliant can turn into major issues even if your intentions are good. Do your research. Train often. Keep your setup legal and practical.
And if you’re modifying your handgun, make sure you’re staying within current guidelines for your location and use case. The best carry setup isn’t the flashiest. It’s the one that works, that’s legal, and that you know how to use well.
