If you’re considering what weapons to carry into a zombie-fueled apocalypse, you may be wondering if your standard CCW is sufficient. People use all types and sizes of firearms for CCW and home defense. Because of the convenience of small and compact firearms, many shooters tend to be drawn to them. But what if an incident unfolds, and you find yourself in a real combat situation?
A small, pocket-sized handgun is better than nothing when you’re out shopping or running errands. But is that what you plan to use if things get worse? Even a compact PCC is great for home or self-defense, but that may not be the best option for other incidents.
Even though full-size guns are not always practical for everyday carry, they do have their place. Larger firearms offer more room for accessories, such as lights and optics, which can be critical in various combat scenarios. They also hold more ammo, which can be a game-changer when you need to sustain fire. Their larger size also makes them easier to control, especially under rapid fire, providing better accuracy and stability.
There are a ton of options out there when it comes to full-size firearms, and everyone will have their own preference and reasons behind their choices. At the end of the day, all you can do is find out what works for you and go with it. When things get really bad, the rule of thumb may be, “Go big or go home.” That said, here are three of my favorite full-size handguns and rifles.
Top 3 Combat Handguns
When it comes to prolonged incidents, having a full-size handgun can make all the difference. Full-size handguns offer several advantages that are crucial in these scenarios:
Increased Capacity: Full-size handguns typically have a higher magazine capacity, allowing you to carry more rounds. This can be a lifesaver in prolonged engagements, where reloading can put you at risk.
Better Control: A full-size handgun’s larger frame provides a more substantial grip, which helps control recoil and improve speed. A good grip makes a good shooter.
Enhanced Accuracy: Full-size handguns generally have longer barrels, which can improve accuracy and sight radius, making it easier to hit targets at varying distances.
Durability and Reliability: Full-size handguns are often built to withstand the rigors of combat, offering greater durability and reliability under harsh conditions.
Glock 17
The Glock 17 is a prime example of why simplicity and reliability often triumph over bells and whistles in combat scenarios. Known for its reliability, the G17 is about as basic and reliable as they come. Holsters, magazines, and every other accessory you could want are easy to find for this iconic gun.
- Caliber: 9mm
- Capacity: 17 rounds
- Barrel Length: 4.49 inches
- Weight: 22.05 oz (unloaded)
The Glock 17 uses the “Safe Action” system, which makes it safe to carry but easy to use in stressful moments. It sounds a little silly, but it’s not uncommon for people to forget to turn their safety off during a heated moment. They don’t figure out why their gun isn’t working until it’s too late. Glock is the king of polymer frame pistols, a feature that makes them light and durable. It has a medium texturing on the grip to help keep control. For a bare-bones handgun that will take a licking and keep on firing, the Glock 17 is your go-to.
Walther PDP Compact 5-Inch
The Walther PDP Compact blends precision and power into a sleek, modern design. It’s a combat-ready pistol that offers impressive accuracy and is comfortable to shoot. Like a 1911, the PDP has a grip angle that makes the gun easy to “point and shoot.” This is one of the smoothest shooting guns I have.
- Caliber: 9mm
- Capacity: 15 rounds
- Barrel Length: 5 inches
- Weight: 26.1 oz (unloaded)
The PDP has a 5.6-pound trigger pull, and it’s about as smooth as an off-the-shelf gun comes. I like the blend of the full-size, 5-inch barrel on the compact frame. This model was originally only available to law enforcement, but I believe it is now sold to the public. On this gun, I like to use my Surefire X300 Turbo and the Swampfox Liberty II red dot.
Sig Sauer M17
The Sig Sauer M17 is the official sidearm of the U.S. military and, of course, a full-size handgun. It comes with two 21-round magazines and one 17-round magazine. Any primary military sidearm will have plenty of options for duty/combat holsters, and Safariland makes many tactical holsters that accommodate lights and optics. I’ve found the M17 to be accurate and smooth shooting.
- Caliber: 9mm
- Capacity: 17 rounds
- Barrel Length: 4.7 inches
- Weight: 29.6 oz (unloaded)
The M17’s modular design allows for customization to fit different roles and preferences. It features a striker-fired system with a clean, crisp trigger pull. The slide is optic-ready for those who want to attach a red dot. A unique feature of the M17/P320 is the interchangeable grip module. This allows you to change the grip’s size and color. I purchased a Wilson Combat black grip module that I use from time to time. It only takes a couple of minutes to switch it out, but it’s a worthwhile upgrade.
Top 3 Combat Rifles
Just like handguns, it’s good to have the option of grabbing a full-size rifle as well. I like PCC weapons and all the cool, modern, sub-gun-style firearms currently available. When it comes to AR-15s, though, there are far too many options to even try and mention them. So, I’ll list one of my favorites and then throw in some rifles that are not AR-15s. Here are some full-sized rifles I think would make great options.
Daniel Defense DDM4 A1 RIII
The Daniel Defense DDM4 A1 RIII is a beast of a rifle known for its precision and durability. In fact, the Daniel Defense name is synonymous with quality. Built to withstand the rigors of combat, this rifle delivers exceptional performance and reliability.
- Caliber: 5.56mm NATO
- Capacity: 30 rounds
- Barrel Length: 14.5 inches (pinned and welded flash suppressor to 16 inches)
- Weight: 6.28 lbs
The rifle features a chrome-lined, cold hammer-forged 4150 Chrome Molly Vanadium steel barrel, and the free-floating RIII handguard provides ample space for mounting accessories while improving accuracy by reducing barrel distortion. The rifle also includes an ambidextrous control, including the charging handle. This is great for shooting from either hand during stressful incidents.
WASR-10 AK-47
Ah, the AK-47. Few rifles are as iconic or as widely recognized as the “mud gun.” Known for its rugged reliability, this rifle has been a staple in combat zones worldwide for decades. If any rifle can hold up to a harsh environment, it’s the AK. For price vs quality, I like the WASR-10, but like AR-15s, there are a ton of options on the market. You can choose the AK in its “classic” form or select a more modern version with a synthetic stock and rail.
- Caliber: 7.62x39mm
- Capacity: 30 rounds
- Barrel Length: 16.3 inches
- Weight: 7.7 lbs
The AK-47’s gas-operated system and loose tolerances allow it to function reliably under less-than-ideal conditions. The AK platform is simple to use and ideal when you don’t want to worry about keeping your rifle clean and oiled. While it’s good to maintain any rifle, the AK will function for an unbelievable amount of time without any attention.
PSA JAKL 5.56
The PSA JAKL 5.56 is a rifle that shows some remnants of the AR-15, AK-47, and FN SCAR. I got my hands on one of these a while back and have been putting ammo through it every time I hit the range. It’s built around an AR-15 lower receiver and uses AR mags, which is nice. I haven’t had any issues with mine, and it’s fun to shoot.
- Caliber: 5.56mm NATO
- Capacity: 30 rounds
- Barrel Length: 10.5 inches
- Weight: 7.9 lbs
The JAKL features a monolithic upper receiver with an integrated M-LOK handguard, providing a solid platform for accessories. Its short-stroke gas piston system helps make it reliable and reduces recoil, making it easier to control during rapid fire. The JAKL’s folding stock adds to its versatility, allowing for easy transport and storage. If you are looking for something besides an AR or AK, this is a great option.
Do you have a full-size rifle and handgun combo?
There are plenty of other full-size handguns and rifles out there to choose from when picking your favorite combo. These are just some of my favorites. I’ve used them all a great deal and haven’t had any issues with them. I’m not saying I wouldn’t take a sub-gun or PCC-sized weapon with me, either. But if things get bad, a handgun and rifle from the list above would be with me as well. What’s your favorite handgun/rifle combo?
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