5 Best Full Sized Pistols Tested and Reviewed by GunCritic Experts

Looking for the 5 best full sized pistol options? This guide covers top-rated 9mm handguns for duty, home defense, and range shooting based on expert and user reviews. When performance matters, full-sized pistols remain the go-to choice for many shooters. Whether you're defending your home, working in law enforcement, or competing at the range, a full-sized handgun delivers better recoil control, higher magazine capacity, and longer sight radius than smaller alternatives.

In this guide, we’ll cover the 5 best full sized pistol options, chosen based on expert reviews, user feedback, and practical performance across home defense, duty use, and competition.

Quick Comparison

5 Best Full Sized Pistol

Here’s a detailed look at the five top performers.

1. Glock 17 Gen5

Key Specs:

• Barrel Length: 4.49 inches

• Capacity: 17+1

• Weight: 24.97 oz

• Price: $500–$600

Why It Stands Out:
The Glock 17 Gen5 is one of the most widely used pistols worldwide. Renowned for its reliability, simplicity, and durability, it's the standard-issue sidearm for many law enforcement agencies.

The Gen5 model offers improved grip texture, an ambidextrous slide stop lever, and a Glock Marksman Barrel for better accuracy. It also supports a vast aftermarket, making it ideal for upgrades.

Best For: Home defense, duty carry, training

2. Sig Sauer P320 Full-Size

Key Specs:

• Barrel Length: 4.7 inches

• Capacity: 17+1

• Weight: 29.5 oz

• Price: $500–$700

Why It Stands Out:
The Sig Sauer P320 features a modular fire control unit (FCU) that lets users customize the grip, slide, and caliber. It won the U.S. military’s XM17 contract for a reason it's a durable, accurate, and highly adaptable pistol.

Its full-sized frame provides excellent recoil control, and newer models are optics-ready for red dot sights.

Best For: Duty use, tactical customization, home defense

3. CZ Shadow 2

Key Specs:

• Barrel Length: 4.89 inches

• Capacity: 17+1

• Weight: ~46 oz

• Price: $1,400–$1,500

Why It Stands Out:
The CZ Shadow 2 is built specifically for competitive shooting. It features a steel frame, low bore axis, and one of the best factory triggers available. Its weight and balance reduce recoil to almost nothing, making follow-up shots faster and more accurate.

While heavier than most, its performance is unmatched in precision shooting sports.

Best For: Competition, advanced training, target shooting

4. Smith & Wesson M&P 9 M2.0 (Full-Size)

Key Specs:

• Barrel Length: 4.25 inches

• Capacity: 17+1

• Weight: 30 oz

• Price: $500–$600

Why It Stands Out:
The M&P 9 M2.0 offers strong ergonomics and multiple backstrap options for a tailored grip. Although its barrel is slightly shorter than others on this list, its full-sized frame and performance earn it a spot.

Newer models include optics-ready slides and an improved flat-face trigger. The grip angle makes it especially natural to point and shoot.

Best For: Versatile range use, tactical training, personal defense

5. Walther PDP Full-Size

Key Specs:

• Barrel Length: 4.5 inches

• Capacity: 18+1

• Weight: 24.4 oz

• Price: $600–$800

Why It Stands Out:
The Walther PDP (Performance Duty Pistol) delivers innovation in both ergonomics and red dot integration. It’s optics-ready, comes with a smooth and short trigger pull, and features Walther’s Performance Duty Texture for a secure grip.

It’s also lighter than many full-sized competitors, offering high capacity without the bulk.

Best For: Tactical users, home defense, all-purpose shooting

What Qualifies as a Full-Sized Pistol?

A full-sized pistol is characterized by:

• Barrel length of approximately 4.25 inches or longer

• Magazine capacity of 17+1 in most 9mm variants

• Larger frames for improved control and sight alignment

• A primary use case that includes open carry, duty carry, or static defense

These handguns are not intended for concealed carry but offer maximum capability in high-performance scenarios.

Choosing the Right Full-Sized Pistol

While all five pistols on this list perform exceptionally well, your personal needs and budget should guide your decision.

• New shooters may prefer the Glock 17 for its simplicity and reputation.

• Tactical professionals often opt for the Sig P320 for its modularity.

• Competitive shooters will benefit from the CZ Shadow 2’s unmatched trigger and accuracy.

• Value-focused users will appreciate the balance of price and features in the M&P 9 M2.0.

• Modern shooters looking for red dot readiness should consider the Walther PDP.