Training with Micro-Compacts

Training with Micro-Compacts: Teaching Skill Over Size

Micro-compact pistols are everywhere — and for good reason. They conceal easily, are comfortable for everyday carry, and give people confidence to carry a firearm. But they also change how we teach. At Cajun Arms in West Chester, PA, we’ve trained hundreds of new shooters with subcompact and micro-compact pistols, and we’ve adapted our curriculum so students gain real proficiency regardless of the pistol size they bring to class.

Why Micro-Compacts Are Popular — and Problematic

Micro-compacts (think Glock 43X, SIG P365, or similar) excel at concealment and comfort. For many CCW holders they’re the ideal daily carry. However, their small size creates trade-offs:

• Less mass to absorb recoil → snappier muzzle rise.

• Shorter grips → limited hand purchase and reduced leverage.

• Lower magazine capacity → more frequent reloads on the line.

• Smaller sight radius → a greater demand on sight alignment and trigger control.

These limitations aren’t deal-breakers — they’re training opportunities. A student who masters a micro will find larger, more controllable pistols easier to shoot.

Our Teaching Philosophy: Start With Fundamentals, Then Adapt

At Cajun Arms we still recommend starting formal instruction with a pistol that fits and offers some margin for error. That said, many students arrive with micro-compacts and we teach to the pistol in hand. Our approach:

Build a Strong Foundation

Before you chase speed, we reinforce basics: stance, grip, sight alignment, trigger control, and follow-through. These fundamentals are non-negotiable and translate from a full-size pistol to a micro-compact.

Grip and Wrist Strength Matter More Than Ever

Small pistols amplify flaws. Limp wrists and weak grips create exaggerated muzzle flip and poor recovery. We teach students how to:

• Crush the grip with supporting-hand pinky pressure,

• Lock the wrists and forearms for recoil control, and

• Maintain consistent finger placement on the trigger.

Drill for Capacity Management

Bring extra magazines. If your micro holds 10 rounds and your classmates’ pistols hold 17+, you’ll need at least two spares to keep up with live-fire rotations. We teach efficient reloads and mag-management so students stay in the drill.

Practical Adjustments for Micro-Compact Shooters

Here are specific technique tweaks we coach for micro-compact proficiency:

• Short, aggressive grips — ensuring the web of the hand is high on the backstrap for better leverage.

• Compact follow-through — quick sight reacquisition after recoil.

• Reduced aiming time — relying on combat-effective sight pictures at typical defensive distances (3–7 yards).

• One-hand and support-hand drills — handgun control when your primary hand is compromised.

• Concealed-carry presentation practice — drawing from common concealment positions without muzzling yourself.

These are practiced in scenarios, not just dry-fire. You’ll learn what works on a timer and what’s situationally appropriate.

Why Micro Training Makes You a Better Shooter

A micro forces discipline. If your grip, stance, and trigger control are clean with a small, snappy pistol, larger handguns will feel easy. Many of our students who begin on larger frames eventually bring their micro to the follow-on class — and their performance improves faster than those who only ever shoot micros.

Class Options & Local Training at Cajun Arms

We offer training pathways that fit micro-compact shooters:

• Beginner Pistol Fundamentals — best for shooters transitioning to formal training.  Pistol Fundamentals Class

• Defensive Carry / Concealed Carry Classes — includes CCW mindset, draw from concealment, and micro-specific presentation work. Defensive Carry Class

• Private Pistol Training — tailored sessions to address grip, reloads, and concealment with your exact carry set-up. (Internal link: Private Training)

All classes are taught by experienced instructors who adapt drills to the equipment students actually carry.

Gear & Retail Guidance

If you’re shopping for a micro-compact, we’ll help you find one that balances concealment and shootability. In our store we test ergonomics, discuss holster options, and recommend magazine capacities that match real training drills. 

Safety & Practical Tips

• Always bring 2–3 spare magazines to class.

• Train with the holster and belt you actually carry.

• Dry-fire practice at home accelerates live-fire progress.

• Consider a follow-up class to bridge fundamentals to micro-specific skills.

• If you carry concealed, pair training with local CCW rules and legal education.

Ready to improve your micro-compact skills?

Book a Private Pistol Training session or join our next Defensive Carry class to train with your actual carry setup and build practical, repeatable skills. Contact Cajun Arms for scheduling and retail fittings.

---