[the naked prophet]

In the quest to find a gun that my wife can shoot with her tiny 5-year-old-girl hands, we have looked at a Kel-Tec P32, a Glock 27, and others. We have thus far been unsuccessful. Even though she can hold and fire some of them, either the trigger pull is so long that she can't really reach it (P32) or she can't get a full grip on the gun and therefore can't control the recoil (Glock 27, although it's her favorite after the Browning Hi-Power).

She recently read that for a proper gun-hand fit, the center of the guns backstrap should fit in the web of the hand, and the first joint of the finger should fit on the trigger (http://www.corneredcat.com/ - thanks Pax!). Apparently I never got around to telling her this? So we try on every gun in the house and every gun store within 100 miles, and they're all too big for her.

The guns we've tried are a .45 1911, Browning Hi-Power, Glock 9mm/.40, Kel-Tec P11 and P32, Spanish Ruby, a Makarov, a J-frame S&W revolver, a K-frame S&W revolver in single-action mode, and others that we don't remember.

We measured from the middle of the web of her hand to the crease of her last/first (whichever is closest to the fingertip) knuckle, and we get right at 3 inches. I measure 4 inches.

If you could please break out your tiniest guns and measure them! She likes big calibers, and if we can find one that fits her hand, she can handle it, even in a tiny size. Single action guns come closer, because the trigger pull is not as long. The 1911 comes pretty close because of its short trigger and single stack grip, but it's still too large, even with the ultra-slim carbon fiber grips.

To measure your gun, take a thin strip of paper, or a string etc, and wrap it around the grip through the trigger guard. Measure how long the string is, and if the total circumference is 6 inches or less please let us know what gun it is so we can try it out! We had been thinking about the new Springfield EMP (micro-1911, short action 9mm) but we can't find one in any gun stores, or anyone who owns one who can give us the measurements.

We greatly appreciate any help on this issue! Incidentally, there may be a Glock 27 up for sale to help pay for any gun we may find that works...

The guns that have been measured and suggested so far include:

Kahr PM9 or PM40 - exactly 6 inches
Ruger SP101 - just under 6 inches
S&W Lady Smith model 60 .38 - 5 3/4 inches

Guns that have been suggested but no measurements so far include:

Colt Mustang .380
Springfield EMP 9mm
Glock 36 (slim .45)

Thanks to anyone who helps us out!

[owen]

If she is interested in semi autos, the S&W 3913 has a rather petite grip.

[461]

I think the measurement idea may be well grounded, but the key ingredient is feel. If it feels good in her hand, then that is her gun. If a gun doesn't feel right when you first pick it up then it never will, obviously some revolvers can be made to fit the hand with custom made grips, in general they only make a good fitting gun fit a bit better.

If a J-frame Smith is too big for her with all the grips offered, then she's got some real problems. Maybe a Bearcat, but that's not a defensive type weapon although it's a dandy plinker.

[Jim Watson]

Colt Government .380 @ 5 5/8" around trigger and backstrap.
This is the "full size" version of Mustang, two more shots, more sight radius, conventional recoil spring, but no bigger butt. One trainer used these for ladies to give them a gun they could grasp but still be a "real gun" = centerfire. It is recoil operated and kick is light for its weight and caliber.

Colt 1903 .32 @ 5 7/16"
Also applies to 1908 .380 but that is a bit of a kicker being a blowback.

Charter Arms Pathfinder @ 5 5/16" cocked, 6 1/16" DA with old small grips.
Also applies to older Undercover .38 and the occasional .32. Dunno about the new stuff, old style grips might well fit instead of the rubber.

S&W Kit Gun @ 5 1/4" cocked, 5 7/8" DA with old small Magna walnut grips.
Also applies to any J-frame Smith with the old small wood grips.
This was my petite Mother's personal weapon.
A Model 60 3" or the odd 5" shot with those grips, shot single action, would be a very small handling gun for .38 Specials.

Revolver grip circumference with the old small walnut grips is less than current models with fat rubber grips. Grips are mostly interchangeable within frame sizes.

Colt SAA is hard to measure, the plowhandle grip does not have an obvious minimum that a DA revolver or auto does. Depending on how high a grip you take on the gun, the circumference would be 5 5/8" - 6". There are several current clones with smaller grips that would take a bit off of that. The USFA Rodeo feels thinner than a real Colt and the EMF Evil Roy Special is advertised as having slim grips.

Guns to get a look at but I do not have to measure:
Ruger made some Single Sixes in .32 H&R Mag that are smaller all over than Blackhawks.
Uberti makes SAA clones with the grip of a Lightning that I know several CAS Cowgirls to shoot. They have one small frame gun that is even littler.
http://www.emf-company.com/1873-stallion-single-action-revolvers.htm

Sig-Sauer P239; a single stack auto that is one of the few guns on the market that feels too small for my rather small guy hands.

461 is right, of course, but some measurements will let you and her know where to start.

[pax]

Springfield EMP sounds like a good bet. Don't have one on hand (wish I did!), but have a friend who owns one and can ask her to measure if no one else pipes up here after awhile. Remember that with any 1911 type you can get a custom trigger job to make the trigger even shorter to reach.

Melting the Glock grip for an overall grip reduction can make a world of difference, too. Dane Burns, at Burns' Custom, does a nice-looking grip reduction; you might be able to get someone at that shop to measure one for you if that interests you.

Remember that almost everything you measure or she tries on can be customized in some way or another to make it more fit for small hands. If a gun is just a little too big "as is," and is otherwise pleasing, it's time to ask what alterations could be done to it to make it perfect.

pax

[GRIZ22]

The proper grip would be with the backstrap in the web of the thumb. I have short fingers and need to wrap more of my hand around Glocks, Berettas, and other double row magazine handguns to reach the trigger. By wrapping my hand around I shoot a Glock 21 (45ACP) well. Your wife will find something that works for her. Have her try wrapping more of her hand around the grip to reach the trigger.

As long as it's safe who cares what technique you use.

[Bullet Bob]

Ruger Bearcat. Try one in a store; plus, she gets to learn on a .22, the beginner's best friend.

[Car Knocker]

The Colt Mustang Plus II measures 5-9/16". 7+1 rounds of .380ACP.

[usmccpl]

Im in the same boat as you. So far the only thing I found that the missus can hold and shoot right is a Raven 25. So when you find a good 9one pass the info on please.




one shot one kill

[Mercury]

The EMP measures 6 1/4 inches with the silly long trigger that the factory sends them out with.

If you have a short trigger fitted, it should be right around 6".

Good luck in your quest.

[ugaarguy]

Find a place with a large selection of revolver grips and pull the K frame back out. Grips of more differnt sizes, styles, and materials have been made for the K/L S&Ws than probably any other gun. Older magnas, magnas with a Tyler T or (no longer made) Pachmayr grip gapper, and "boot grips" are a good place to start.

The Springfield EMP, as well as STI's LS9 (talk to Correia about these) look like good ideas. I don't know about the P32, but the Kel-Tec P3AT has a much shorter trigger than the P-11. The new single stack PF-9's trigger is based off the P3AT's.

On a standard 1911 you might look into a short trigger, flat mainspring housing, and the ultraslim grips that require new slim bushings.

If I was at home I'd try a few different grips on my K's and let you know, but I'm deployed. Sorry I can't help more.

[Brian Williams]

How about an STI LS9

http://www.stiguns.com/guns/ls/ls.html
http://www.stiguns.com/guns/ls/images/LSweb_800w.jpg

Look a a 642 with a set of Magnas and a T grip

[Gord]

if a P32 is too big... I dunno.

Have you considered a derringer? There are many out there in .45LC, and then there's the NAA Mini-Mags/Black Widow, though .22WMR isn't exactly a "big" round...

You may have to compromise on firepower to get something that actually fits her hands if they're that small. The NAAs are pretyt much the smallest I can think of.

[the naked prophet]

Jim Watson, we've got a Colt 1903 hammerless that's also too big for her. Sorry. And I should be clear that she tried a S&W J-frame (Model 642, etc) with NO grips on it at all, and it was well too large for her.And the SIG P239? That thing is FAT, it feels bulky in my hand, bulkier than my Glock 19.

uaarguy, the J-frame with no frame is too large, the K-frame is waaaaaaaaay out of the question. The Kel-Tec P32 that she owns (it's pink) is too large for her due to the long double action trigger. She can't reach the trigger at all with a proper firing grip.

Thanks for the suggestions, we're open to any more suggestions!

[ugaarguy]

And I should be clear that she tried a S&W J-frame (Model 642, etc) with NO grips on it at all, and it was well too large for her.

TNP, the gap between the frame and trigger guard of S&W revolvers is quite large and my hand rides up into it. With magnas only the reach on a K frame is way too long for my short fingers. With magnas and a T grip type device installed the K frames are very comfortable for me. It's a quirk of the S&Ws but just try it, trust me. A slim boot grip alone will act in much the same way. Hope that helps.

[Caimlas]

Try out some of the Taurus pistols (such as the PT145 and PT111). They've got a good feel for both me (measured at 4.5") and my wife (3").

[BilboTN]

Sounds like she just needs a
http://www.mushingsupplies.com/images/products/leash.jpg

attached to a

http://www.dogbiz.com/dogs-grp3/mastiff/images/mastiff-300x270-tig-128.gif

[mdao]

S&W 3913: just under 6"

I have much the same problem as your wife (web of hand to 2nd knuckle is right at 3"), and after much buying and selling of guns to get a good fit, I've found that the P3AT, Kahr P9, S&W 3913, 1911s (VZ Ultra Slims, short trigger, flat MSH, and grip safety sans speed bump), and J-frames with slim boot grips are optimum for me. K/L frames are on the edge of comfort when used with slim boot grips.

I'd try to find a 3913 for her to try out. To my hands, they're significantly slimmer than the P239, and a much better fit.

[gazpacho]

LLama Micromax (http://www.gundirectory.com/more.asp?gid=20110&gun=Pistol), no longer in production but they can easily be found at gun shows.

If not, then NAA Black widow.

[Monkeybear]

I had the same problem with my Fiance'.

Solution: Walther. Either the PPK or the P22.

[MPanova]

A few my wife thought fit well were.... (she also has tiny hands and stubby fingers)

http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/cPath/21_51/products_id/27894

this is what she carries

http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/cPath/21_50_495/products_id/13493

another one she liked

http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/cPath/21_50_495/products_id/32428

single stack .45 so its thinner

http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/cPath/21_50_495/products_id/11873

heres a small 1911

http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/cPath/21_53/products_id/32939


this one fit my wife perfect

http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/cPath/21_52/products_id/25340

[evan price]

Beretta Tomcat .32 might be just the thing.

[MPanova]

The only downside I can see with the Tomcat is.. The trigger pull is heavy and it has a thin trigger which can start to hurt after 50+ rounds. There are a few owner reviews on gundirectory.com that might help you out.

http://www.gundirectory.com/more.asp?gid=20162&gun=Pistol

[the naked prophet]

We tried both the Beretta Bobcat and Tomcat, as well as the Walther P22. All too big.

We did just pick up an Italian air force marked Beretta M1934 that she's really excited about. If that is reliable, it'll be her new carry gun until we can find a major caliber piece, which we're still looking for.


Can anybody measure a Glock 36 for us?

Thanks to everyone so far!

[TX1911fan]

Wow, she does have small hands. The P22 fits my 8 year old son just fine. I guess I won't ever complain about my small hands again.

[Jim Watson]

G36 is not a particularly slim gun, just short, even with single stack magazine.

I would have thought a 1934 Beretta to be bigger than a 1903 Colt, but if she likes it, she likes it.

She may have to make do with a less than optimum grip on the gun.
Yes, you are best off with the backstrap up the palm into the web, and the barrel in line with the forearm, but that is not always possible. I knew one lady with larger hands than your Mrs but way smaller than mine, whose favorite piece was a LAR Grizzly. She could hang on and get her hits with what looked like a faint grasp on the big gun.

[pax]

She may have to make do with a less than optimum grip on the gun.

Jim's right. As long as she can reach and use all the controls, a slightly too-large gun is not a bad thing. Perfection is not always attainable.

If she goes that route, she'll probably do better using the Iso rather than the Weaver stance, because Weaver works best when the gun aligns with your forearm. Iso is just slightly more friendly for folks whose guns are a little too large, once you start shooting fast & under pressure.

pax

[Brian Williams]

How about a 1st series Colt woodsman, My son measured the distance from the trigger to the back of the grip frame as 2 5/8s, I will measure the true circumference tonight. It is a great gun and one my daughter loved to shoot.

Edit to add
I measured the circumference of the grip thru the trigger guard and it is 6.5 inches. The length of pull is 2 5/8s. It will not be a very powerful defensive gun, but it is very accurate.

[JN01]

I no longer have one to measure, but how about a Star BM?

They are a smallish 9mm single action auto, and are available at reasonable prices.

[denfoote]

I like the Idea of the custom grip reduction for the Glock.

Robbie Barrkman works wonders with his reductions. I'm sure his custom shop will work with you to get the right fit!! At least he will be the one to tell you if the gun can be made to fit or not!!

http://www.robarguns.com/

[Monkeybear]

If a p22 is too big then Im not sure how shell ever carry a larger caliber than a .22

[the naked prophet]

Monkeybear, it's not just the size of the gun. It's also the reach to the trigger. The P22 is indeed quite small. However, the trigger is quite a ways away from the grip. The Beretta M1934 that she picked up has a small grip AND a very short 1911-looking SA trigger. Many of the guns we tried, if they were SA instead of DA or DAO, would have worked fine.

She told me to post the pink Kel-Tec P32 for sale, now that she's got a new favorite that she can actually fire...

[TimboKhan]

I am kind of with Pax and Jim Watson. It sounds like she now has a gun that will fit her, but if she wants to step up in caliber, she may very well have to make do with one that doesn't. I don't have one to measure, but what about the Rohrbaugh 9mm? Expensive, and I worry that the recoil will be too much for her, but I suspect it might fit.

[cpileri]

If a 25 Auto is not something you've ruled out on caliber alone, i can get the measurements to a CZ DUO which is basically a copy of the baby Browning in 25.
Let me know if you'd like me to do that.
C-

[the naked prophet]

Well, she's got a .380 now that she likes, and that's about the minimum she's willing to go (she was uncomfortable with the .32), and since she's already got a .380 she wants to step up to at least a 9mm (but she prefers .40 over anything else).

We're working on finding a Springfield EMP to try out.

[Bobo]

The Kahr PM series (9 mm and .40) have quite a short reach for larger than .380 handguns.

The Jiminez JA-.380 and Patriot Cobra CA380 have a VERY short reach. Not considered top quality guns, but many people carry them. I'm pretty sure the reach won't be problem with either of these.

[Falconeer]

I don't have one to measure, but the Sig P239 with the short trigger is a nice package for smaller hands. Plus you can choose 9mm, 357Sig, or .40.

[Waywatcher]

How about a 'cowboy' revolver?

I dont have any measurements though.

[ArchAngelCD]

HEY, a .380 she can shoot well and she will carry is better than any other piston she won't carry. Nothing wrong with well placed .380 rounds. The Walter PPK in .380 is still a very popular gun and wouldn't be if it couldn't get the job done. After all, a .380 is just a shorter 9mm round.

[Monkeybear]

Ahh true, diddnt think about the reach.

If its for practice and its a semi just cock the hammer and see where her finger is. She will have to do it the the first time she fires but it may open up her options for a plinker.

[ArchAngelCD]

Prophet,
Have you looked at a .380 in Bersa http://www.bersa-sa.com.ar/bersa.asp or even one from thier other company, Firestorm? I think the Bersa autos are larger than the Firestorm models. They have a small reach, so small I didn't buy one because it was too small. You really should go to the store and check out the Firestorm 380 http://www.firestorm-sgs.com/380.htm or even the Mini Firestorm in 9mm or .40 S&W. http://www.firestorm-sgs.com/minispecs.htm

(and keep that M1934 as a collectors piece especially since it's so inconvenient to handle)

[the naked prophet]

Our pastor has a Bersa. Way too big. We tried out a firestorm at a gun store, also way too big. It's the DA/SA trigger that's the problem - it starts too far away for her to reach it.

[ArchAngelCD]

WOW, if the Firestorm trigger is too hard for her to reach then she has very tiny hands for sure.

Good luck...

[mountaindrew]

Have you tried a Llama .380? I have small hands for a guy, but that gun has a grip almost too small, thin. feels smaller than a ppk. I dont own one, just looked at them in stores.

[kmrcstintn]

I have a few...not sure if it'll help...

1) new Smith & Wesson M & P compact in 9mm

2) Springfield XD compact in 9mm

3) new Kel-Tec PF-9 single stack 9mm cousin to the P-11

4) Springfield 1911 Micro Compact in ? 9mm ? or ? .45 GAP ?

5) Smith & Wesson 3913 single stack 9mm

6) SIg Sauer P239 single stack 9mm or .40 S&W

Good Luck...I don't like the idea of someone not being able to arm himself or herself due to anatomic limitations

[ArchAngelCD]

I measured my S&W .38 Special but I'm not totally sure how you want it measured. I ran the string through the back of the trigger guard and directly around the handle straight back and got 5.25". When I did the same around the trigger to the back of the handle directly behind the trigger I got 6" exactly. If you measure up to where the top of your hand would rest the distance is even less.

I know you have been talking about autos but have you considered a snub revolver? IMO that would solve the size problem and allow your wife to carry something with a little more punch than a .380 considering you can shoot either a .38 cal or .357 Mag from a snub.

[the naked prophet]

I know you have been talking about autos but have you considered a snub revolver? IMO that would solve the size problem and allow your wife to carry something with a little more punch than a .380 considering you can shoot either a .38 cal or .357 Mag from a snub.



And I should be clear that she tried a S&W J-frame (Model 642, etc) with NO grips on it at all, and it was well too large for her.

I realize this thread is getting long, especially with the list of guns that have been tried and don't work. Maybe I should so an updated list of guns that have been tried and don't work?

[ArchAngelCD]

Sorry, I did miss your post about the J frame...

[StexFJR]

I have a Kahr PM 9 and just got the SA EMP. I'm at work at the moment and don't have them with me, but I put them side by side last night and the EMP is larger than the Kahr. I don't know about trigger measurements and such but the gun itself is larger and heavier.

[the naked prophet]

Interesting about the EMP and the Kahr. One thing about the EMP is that we can get a shorter trigger (the EMP comes with quite a long trigger) and if necessary we could make slimmer grips. We'll try one out at a stocking dealer this week.


I am perpetually amazed though, at the people who suggest the SIG P239. It is huge. It feels larger in my hand than my Glock 19. The grip is plenty large enough for a double stack mag.

We did go to a gun store and try out the SA XD subcompact. Way too big. Also tried the S&W M&P compact. Also way too big.

[Jim Watson]

One thing about the EMP is that we can get a shorter trigger (the EMP comes with quite a long trigger)

Don't bet on that, unless SA offers it. The EMP has a shorter -front to back- magazine well for 9mm and it sure looks to me like the stirrup length would be shorter than for a real 1911. I fear a short trigger for EMP would have to be made or modified from stock.

Somebody who has one, please confirm or correct.

[miko]

I have a small hand for my size and my wife's hand is smaller than mine, so we had to go through quite a few guns when selecting. Reaching the trigger was most important, after that, reaching any othe controls with the thumb.

Here are my sugestions for you:

3" S&W stainless J-frame (M60) with Hogue Bantam (strapless, very compact) rubber grip. Usually such M60 comes with a great but bulkier grip with closed backstrap.
Stainless because strapless Bantam is not practical on lightweight models - just too painfull.

S&W K or L frame with Hogue Bantam grip.

Kahr 9mm or .40. Better all steel rather than plastic.

H&K USP Compact or P2000 or P2000 SK.

I ended up with all the above revolvers (J, K & L) and P2000 DA/SA.
Besides the reachable trigger, the mag and slide release can be conveniently operated with the trigger finger if the thumb is not long enough and the decocker is on the back next to the hammer (in models that have hammer and decocker).

miko

[ArfinGreebly]

My girl has small hands, too.

She picked the Taurus PT111.

Local shoppe recently got a couple of unfired Seecamps (.32) in.

http://seecamp.com/LWSCherryPhone.jpg

also

http://seecamp.com/LWS32Keys.jpg

Way too small for my (small-medium) hands.

[-terry]

One firearm I've not seen mentioned yet is a Walther P99c. It comes with three grip back plates so you can (to a certain extent) size the grip. About 6 inches when in SA mode. They are 9mm and very nice guns.
-terry

[Car Knocker]

Saw this comment on MadOgre.com today:

This Wilson Combat ADP. Man, I have to hand it to Wilson... they transformed the old Stealth into a pistol that is actually worth having. It's smooth and it hits. I've been packing it around... it carries like I left it at home. The gas system allows the slide to be pulled back easily and smoothly. Smooth because there is no mechanical hitch from a barrel disengagement and light because the gas system doesn't need a heavy recoil spring like a straight up blow-back action. This gun is good for those looking for a decent CCW option that is small... for women who can't jack the slide on a regular auto... for those with small hands... for those who like Wilson Combat... or for those who just like cool guns. Because the ADP is a very cool little gun. If you are a petite woman with small hands who likes cool guns and wants a full power 9MM with decent mag capacity – the ADP is your next gun. Being a full sized male, the ADP feels like a toy in my hands. But man... it shoots! I love this pistol. I shot it again today...

[tinygnat219]

Some suggestions:

Taurus Millenium Pro 140 in both 9MM and .40 S&W

Beretta 84 Cheetah in .380.

Sig P232 in .380.

CZ-83 in 9MM Makarov

Just off the top of my head. Sounds like the slightly larger mouse guns would be perfect.

TJ

[Jim Watson]

You guys need to read the older posts. The Lady apparently cannot comfortably reach ANY make or model of DA trigger.

[carpettbaggerr]

Dan Wesson revolvers allow greater customization of the grip. The grip has no backstrap so you can sculpt them to whatever size you want. CZ makes them new in some ridiculous SuperMag, but for a useful caliber, I think you'd have to buy a used one.
http://www.notpurfect.com/main/dwrev.htm

[Sport45]

How much finger is she trying to get on the trigger? Can you post a picture of one of handguns in her grip?

Maybe a picture like this one that Jackal posted.
http://www.thehighroad.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=49147&stc=1&thumb=1&d=1165856004

[the naked prophet]

Sport45, if you imagine the backstrap of the gun pressed firmly into the web of her hand (between the thumb and forefinger - a good firing grip), the very tip of her trigger finger reaches only the side of the trigger on her P32 (which has been sold).

http://web.umr.edu/~ikellogg/gunfit.jpg

Where the red thing would be her finger. The ideal fit for a gun that we are comparing to is from http://www.corneredcat.com/FirstGun/TryOnGun.htm

In order to easily pull the trigger, you should be able to place the backstrap of the gun in the web of your hand, and comfortably put the first knuckle of your trigger finger on the trigger. To actually pull the trigger, you use the pad on your trigger finger, but you need a little extra room.

http://web.umr.edu/~ikellogg/gunfit2.jpg

If the P32 had a single action trigger, she could reach it and fire it just fine. If you'll notice the Seecamp .32 and the Rohrbaugh R9 both have tiny little grips that everybody sees and suggests, but nobody seems to notice that the trigger is a million miles away, and is designed for the average male hand.

[Mat, not doormat]

I recall picking up a cut down springfield 1911, recently. I'm sorry, as I don't recall the model name/number, but it was a shock to my hand, as the trigger and backstrap were much closer together than any other 1911 style gun I'd ever picked up. Turned out that it was built around the .45 GAP, rather than .45 ACP. the round is shorter, therefore the front to back size on the grip was smaller. also, 1911 style, so it's SA.

Also, there are a lot of SA revolvers out there nowadays with itty bitty grip frames on them. Ruger's Single Six, in .32 H&R Mag, and a host of smaller model Ubertis. Don't discount the .32 H&R, it's a pretty potent little round, unlike the .32 ACP, and others. Only downside to the SA revolver is that they are slower to reload. not necessarily slower to shoot, though. With proper technique, numerous cowboy shooters can get off ten rounds, out of two pistols, in the four second range.

Hope that helped.

~~~Mat

PS: I don't have a ruler handy, but a side by side comparison has revealed three things.

1: Your wife has very small hands (I realize that this is obvious to you, but, being a visual person, just became obvious to me). My trigger finger, when fully extended, is long enough to reach the muzzle of my P32. This places the trigger at about second knuckle, (from the fingertip.)

2: For a Single Action Revolver comparison, I picked up one of my match guns, and found the reach to the trigger to be nearly 3/4" shorter, using my normal grip. That should buy her enough room to get on the trigger. Also, bear in mind, this is a full sized Peacemaker clone, with fairly fat grips. It is available in calibers ranging from .22 LR all the way up to .45 Colt. Ruger's New Vaquero has similar size grip frame, with slimmer grips than mine have. It would also allow the gun to be carried fully loaded. If that's not small enough, you can still look at the small framed SA's.

3: You might try going to a SASS match. Take her along, and you'll have cowboys tripping over themselves finding guns for her to try, and showing her how to shoot them.

4: I'll never, ever complain about having small hands again.

[wildburp]

I've an S&W model 36 .38 special that measures 6.5 inches with oversized rubber Pachmyr (spelling?) grips. Unfortunately, the original walnut grips for the little 5 shot round butt snub nosed revolver have submerged :banghead: in my nest somewhere some 30 years ago, but I'm fairly certain it would measure less than 6 inches.

I have not read the entire thread, so I apologize if this info is redundant. Good luck with your quest.

wb

[Blue .45]

I have no personal experience with AMT products, but the trigger on this "backup" looks like it has a short trigger reach.

http://www.gunsamerica.com/guns/976735855.htm

[great2bme]

I'm confused. The range in size of the guns suggested varies from a P-32 to a full frame 1911, and operationally from DA to SA only. I've owned many of them and aside from the P32 toy, the gun that will likely fit her right out of the box is a Colt Mustang .380. It's SA, short pull. Try it, she'll like it.

[migoi]

the Glock 27, you might check into a grip reduction by Robar. http://www.robarguns.com/

migoi

[Darth Muffin]

I have a friend who's wife has the same problem. It's not so much small hands as it is short fingers--not much pull length.

She ended up getting an HK P2000SK in .40 with the LEM trigger. The first DA shot on the V3 trigger (she tried mine) was too stiff for her to comfortably work at maximum finger extension without moving her grip. The different backstraps that come with the gun help. A S&W M&P .40 also sort of worked for her. She heard that Sig will do a trigger modification which places the trigger farther back, but she didn't want to mess with returning a gun to the factory.