[Dean407]

I have small hands. Such is life. I've seen threads start and putter out without every option being mentioned.

I'll mention what I know and if I missed some let me know.

I lean more towards ccw guns and therefore they should be able to control with 1 small hand if required. Most larger guns can be handled ok with two hands.

Prefer 9mm and up, but we can't be picky. :)

After most options have been mentioned I'll sort them and slap links in.

Add 'em if ya got 'em...comments if you've had 1st hand experience with the guns below would be good. If you have small hands all the better.

Many revolvers such as J-frames.

Most 1911 makes

SIG 239

SIG 220 (kind of)

SIG 225

SIG 232

Springfield XD9/XD45

Springfield EMP

Kahr guns

HK P30 with smallest inserts

HK P2000 with Small backstrap

HK P2000SK (kind of-more yes than no)

HKP7 (?) not sure- never held it.

Not sure of HK45 and HK45c

Some think CZ's are good for small hands. I found the trigger reach pretty far on the P-01 and not much different than the SIG 229.

High Power (probably thinnest and overall nicest grip I've felt for my hands)

Browning BDM/BDA

Can someone take a tape measure and measure the grip circumference just under the trigger guard of a BHP or clone? Just curious if you have a few minutes.

S&W M&P

S&W 3913 and 908 (not sure if the 40's are still thin as well)

Walther PPS (?) Haven't felt this, but being single stack- probably good for small hands unless shaped odd.

Walther PPK

Walther P99 with small backstrap. Haven't held it, but in searching it came up.

Some say G26. Maybe other Glocks if you pony up for a grip reduction.

Steyr M9

Ruger SR9

Beretta PX4 and PX4c when it's out

Taurus - MilPro some say. I'm sure the PT709 will be nice for us small handed people when it comes out.

Kel Tek PF9

[sm]

Great thread idea!

You mentioned many of what I would have listed.

Colt Detective Specials and others on that frame.

-
.22 Pistols:
Affords quality practice and a gun that those with detached retina, neck, back, and similar surgeries a Doctor will allow one to shoot with a No Recoil order.
You gotta do what you gotta do, and sometimes only a .22 rim-fire will do.

Ruger Standard, MKI, MKII, Buckmaster, Duramatic, Colt Woodsman

-

Charter Arms , Taurus 85, .3*spls

[lg&m]

I have small hands my 642 fits great after that is the 1911 and my Glock 30 with a grip reduction. I don't have one but the CZ & Browning Highpower always felt good in my hands. Hope this helps.

[ldp4570]

Even though they are old, they are still viable for CCW;
Colt 1903 .32ACP
FN 1910 .32ACP
Saur H38 .32ACP
Mauser HsC .32ACP
S&W Topbreak revolvers exposed or hammerless in .38S&W or .32S&W
Mauser 1910 in .25ACP or 1914 in .32ACP

[woad_yurt]

I know I've been repeating myself around here but check out a 9X18 Makarov IJ-70. I got one recently and it's my new religion. Fairly small, flat, indestructible, & cheap (both the gun and the ammo.)

[spwenger]

...a 4' 11" 103-pound woman, had hands so small that a three-inch S&W M-640 with Pachmayr Compac Professional grips was beating the base joint of her shooting-hand thumb by ten rounds. She loves her Kahr K9, so long as she does some minimal grip-strengthening exercise, to allow her to rack the slide without struggling.

(In the attached photo you can barely make out the ejected case, not quite at the apex of its arc, as she is already back on target.)

When I had her shoot her own K9 side-by-side with the lighter P9, her main comment was that the sharp checkering of P9 bothered her hand. (The K9 has a "soft-rubber" wrap-around grip.) According to Vicki Farnam and Diane Nicholl, in their book Teaching Women to Shoot, this is a common complaint from female shooters.

[Red Tornado]

I currently have a Mak for my 'carry' gun. However, I rarely carry, so it's mostly academic. But it's fairly small, and fits me pretty good.

I know it doesn't fit the caliber requirement, but the Beretta Tomcat in .32 is a great feeling little gun, if you're considering sub-compacts.

The new PF9 also feels great, but I haven't fired one.
RT

[Bearhands]

Grab a Ruger SP101.... hard to beat for durability and versatility

[possum]

i am in the same boat as you i have small hands, and any defensive gun should be able to be used strong and weak hand only. my opinions below.

Springfield XD9/XD45(i own 2 xd's a .40 service and a .40 sc model they are both outstanding handguns and i have no issues firing and manipulating them one handed.)

Springfield EMP(another great choice, and a good fit for small hands, i am not a big fan of manual safeties on ccw guns but the 1911 in the emp makes it all worth it, great looking concealable, and a sa what else could you want.)

Kahr guns(i own a k-40 and i love it, you can definetly manage it with one hand)


S&W M&P(interchangable backstraps, makes good for smaller hands, i have held em and shot em and i love the ergo's)


Ruger SR9 (havent held one but from the look and the reports they are the thinnest hi-cap 9mm on the market, i think this would be a good choice, plus you don't sacrifice capacity.)

[kirkcdl]

Taurus Millenium Pro PT-745 single stack,much smaller grip than the PT-145...

[Exmasonite]

if you're gonna throw in the PPK in .380, you should mention the Bersa .380: a better gun at 1/2 the price.

[nero45acp]

Not yet mentioned:

Beretta 92SB Compact Type M
Beretta 1934/35
Remington 51
S&W 3906
Colt Mustang
Colt Pocket 9



nero

[Mastiff]

I have extremely small hands. I can not shoot the Mak, too much trigger reach. Glocks are hopeless. I pretty much can not shoot any double action pistol. I can shoot the CZ-82 in single action. The 1911 and its clones are right at the edge of what I can reach. The Tokarev is the best fitting pistol I have come across, because of it's slimness.

[ryan in maine]

What qualifies hands as "small" in gun culture?

[Mastiff]

My hands are the exact same size as my 70 pound 12 year old nephew. That , I think, qualifies as small in the gun culture.

[Butter]

I have the same problem...or rather, the same situation (it's not a problem if you can deal with it), as many of you. Small hands. :) A buck fifty and 5'7" doesn't necessarily mean that you got a paw to hang onto a Beretta 92, let alone some of the larger gripped pistols. And lately, I have been on a quest for something that will fit my hand extremely well.

Like many of you, I can fire most DA Sigs in SA, but the trigger press for the DA first shot is at the tip of my trigger finger and so to accomodate it I have to tilt my hand slightly. I really wanted to like Sigs, but for the P225, I haven't found one to fit comfortably. The P237 just feels odd in my hand for whatever reason.

I really wanted to like the CZs as well, noting all the praise they've been getting, but similarly, the trigger reach is just a little beyond me and so it doesn't feel as comfortable.

Snubby revolvers like the Ruger SP101 or the S&W 640's and their ilk seem to comfortably nestle back into the grip of my hand. I also have handled, but not shot the EMP...and that grip in particular seems to fit me well with no stragling fingers haning off the grip. But at a grand plus in my neck of the woods, is beyond what I can afford to pay...but my eye is on it.

I own four XDs and 1911 and a few assorted other handguns. The 1911 is also at my limit of what I consider a nicely handling pistol. I have to have the thin grips to appease that particular gripe my hands have...and then all's well. For the XDs, I like them, but feel that if the grip was just a little smaller in diameter, I would even have a better purchase on the gun with my mitts. I would love to see a combo platter of an XD subcompact with a single stack in 9mm that had just a bit more removed around the grip. The subcompact is nice, but if it was just a bit thinner and a tad bit longer in the grip area, it would be more ideal for me.

I have handled, but not shot the S&W MP auto in 9mm. It seems almost ideal in ergonomics with the small backstrap in place. I think this will be my next foray into pistoldom. :)

Nice topic, by the way. :)

[tinygnat219]

I can empathize with your problem, but I am on the other end. I have LARGE hands.

Beretta 85 in .380
It's a Single Stack .380 with a decent trigger.

Beretta 86 in .380.
This is a Single Stack .380 with a tip-up barrel. Much less of a need to rack the slide.

Beretta 3032 in .32ACP
This is a Single Stack .32ACP pistol with a tip-up barrel. Grips are definitely small.

If you can handle the Recoil, there is always the Kel-Tec P3AT, or PF-9
Very thin grips, Single Stack .380 and 9MM pistols. However recoil is annoying if you aren't prepared for it.

You might try the CZ-82 or 83.
These seem to have a smaller grip face than the big 75s, and have a double stack capacity of 12 rounds. Trigger on these is excellent, especially on the 82.

You might also want to try the S&W M&P series: They have interchangeable grip panels from Small, Medium, and Large.

Another one is the Walther PPS. Very slim single stack 9MM Pistol.

Handgun feel is VERY subjective. See if you can find examples of these and see if they can be allowed to be fired.

[woad_yurt]

Well, if you're ok with a Tokarev, at least you won't be lacking in the firepower department. How about an older S&W revolver with the the smaller grips?

[Dean407]

Very good responses, folks.

I posted this on many gun boards.

I'll pull together every suggestion then edit my 1st post and slap a bunch of links in when I get the time.

And yeah- handgun feel is very subjective. At least this will point a newbie with small hands in the right directions.

[The Wall2]

Don't know if it's been mentioned already. My wife has small hands and does great with a Springfield XD9 sub-compact.

[1SOW]

Every body has their gun preferences, but I like semi-auto.

A "cocked-and -locked" SA will generally provide the shortest possible reach for a semi-auto.

9mm CZ 75B SA: VERY short reach needed. Really good buy and I agree with FEG on the CZ forum, that it may be CZs best NIB pistol buy. Also buy the Ghost Products thin aluminum grips to get even more trigger finger.

9mm Sig 239: with the short reach trigger option works well. Sig also offers an additional short-reset trigger option.

[Mastiff]

My hands are so small that I can barely reach the trigger on my 1911.
I just got a hold a Star Modelo Super A from Sarco for $139. It fires the 9x23 Largo, which is the exact same size as the 9x23 Winchester. Three quarters of them can also fire the .36 Super without modification. Of those that can't the barrel shroud needs to be opened up a bit.

I found this firearm to be much more comfortable to hold than my 1911. It is that much slimmer. I think I've just found my new carry gun, if I could carry a gun in Illinois.
I really hope that the Supremes decide DC vs Heller correctly.

[LUPUS]

Hello. I have pretty small hands and short fingers.
I have tried many pistols through my shooting life.
I have found the single stack 1911s to be very comfortable.
When I needed a high capacity pistol, the BHP is hands down the winner.
I have found the CZ pretty usable with the condition one option, especially with the slim aluminium grips.
HK P2000 was one of the most comfortable pistols I have handled.
A friend's Steyr M9 A1 was also a very comfortable pistol, but I hesitated to own one due to the many extraction and magazine problems circulating on the net, even my friend's pistol is totaly reliable.

Other than those pistols, I have always had trouble in handling, especially in the trigger reach.

Regards.

[The Wall2]

Take up bowling! It will stretch your fingers out.

[hecate]

I have small hands, and have experience with the following from your list:

Most 1911 makes: I currently carry a Wilson 1911. All my 1911's have thin grips. I found all-steel guns are easier on the hands than lightweight alloy-frame models. I was running into tendonitis and carpal tunnel issues until I finally tracked the problems down to my Kimber Compact CDP.

HKP7: Mine's a P7M8, and it's wonderful. I tried a P7M13, and it was too big to get my hand around.

CZ: I have a P-01 that I bought for the ergonomics and rail. I shoot it very well, except I dislike the DA/SA transition and am not crazy about the decocker. The first DA shot is a bit of a reach, but I can handle it.

Hi-Power: These guns are my first loves, and I collect them. My shooters all wear the thin Navidrex micarta grips. If I had to own only one gun, it would be my 1969 T-series that was reworked a number of years ago by Cylinder & Slide.

For my small hands, I find a wedge hold is the most comfortable and secure.
http://www.test.bobcathill.org/image/P7HAK3.jpg

[Brenainn]

I am 4' 11" with VERY small hands...

The Kahr was the pistol that always came to mind when I was shopping for a 9mm, because of the small grip. But then I shot one and found the sharp recoil wasn't something I wanted to put up with - especially as much as I like to practice. I also had jamming and FTF issues, so I passed. Since then, I haven't found anything that fit my hand better, so in the end I decided to give up a "perfect" fit for for less of a recoil. I'd rather shoot a 5"+ barrel gun than the under 3-4" barrels with the nice small grips. Of course, I am not talking about concealed pistols.

This does not mean I am not still looking, but I did compromised a little. I also have very strict requirements for my next 9mm. It has to be ALL METAL! Try finding one of those in 9mm and small enough for my hands... I haven't had much luck yet! :D

[wrench]

All metal 9mm for small hands?
Try the S&W 3913, or for a nice range gun, the lovely Beretta compact L type 'M':D
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v280/choppermitt/pistols/120_2033.jpg

[glordburton]

So I have contacted this and many other forums... I have really small palms and normal trigger finger length....
Before I begin this: in looking for a gun I set 3 criteria:
1. FITS MY HAND: listed what I wanted and what I would settle for.
2. I WILL CARRY (because what is the best gun you can have...the one that you have when you need it.)I like to carry in the small of my back.
3. ONE TO SHOT IN THE IDPA (my husband is a member: who better to have my back, thus who better to have his?) AKA accuracy in high stress situations of higher caliber handguns.
With that said I will indicate the # 1 #2 or #3 the gun that I tried I will () (#1, #2, &/or #3-if they DON’T MEET THIS CRITERIA:
• I have been carrying a S&W .38 +P revolver Ultra-lite sub nose.... The SIZE was GREAT...the FIT was okay (#1) (still hit my knuckle of my thumb-{this is my husband's pocket rocket}) and the RECOIL was CORRECTABLE (#3) (but and forget the +P) to a certain extent.
• I shot a Walther P99... very smooth.. still big... (#1) and a random single stack .45..not so bad recoil and decent with the grip (still couldn't reach everything) (#1 & #2)
• So I went to my local gun shop the first one was not every lady friendly(went with my husband)... the 2nd was much better (i went alone) I went in with my list (of 7) they had 4 of them.
• I tried the S&W M&P with the interchangeable grips I loved the small (the guy was not thrilled with changing it but YOU ARE BUYING AN EXPENSIVE ITEM!!! You are not a king but come on...) (#2 GRIP SAFETY)
• I also tried a Taurus 1911, single stack .45- WAY TOO HEAVY (#2)
• I just feel in love with the Springfield XD9 Subcompact.... I just want you small handed folks to know though I just bought the last one in a 2 county area in north Georgia. None of the distributors know when they will get anymore.... sorry. NOW.... Oh my Gosh....this gun... after a 100 rounds 1st my hand didn't hurt 2nd my aim was right on 3rd heavy enough to carry the recoil (along with the double spring) I am in LOVE!!!
I know this is forum is old and I know this entry is long but if any of you have any questions (ladies I am tried and true about the gentlemen the sell guns to gentlemen. We must know what we are talking about to be heard.) Contact me here if you have more questions.

[GRIZ22]

I don't think small hands has anything to do with being able to shoot a gun well. My hands are pretty normat but I have short fingers. Yes, I have to shift my grip to operate some controls (mag release, slide lock) when I'm only using one hand but I don't feel that's too much of a burden.

I was a LE firearms instructor for nearly 30 years. When we all used revolvers you could always go to a round butt for smaller hands. The agency I worked for went to S&W and later Glock 9mms. We had more than a few agents (the smallest 4-10 and 85 lbs) with small hands. There was no way the agency would allow them to carry "a small hand handgun". With some work and proper instruction they all shot well.

You can adapt to any grip if you work at it.

Just my take on the issue.

[boyanzhu]

My wife is petite, she has small hands and very short fingers.

By far, the best semi that fits her is Kahr K9

She tried SIG 239, HK P7 PSP, M&P C, and HK P2000 (the last 2 with small backstraps) and her fingers were way too short to reach the trigger.

[Samuel Adams]

Has anyone seen this?

http://www.mouseguns.com/

[hso]

SA CZs work fine for small hands and DA CZs do when carried cocked and locked.

We have CZs, 1911s and BHPs around our house. Go figure.;)

[searcher451]

The Walther P99C is a good choice for folks with smallish hands. The Walther comes with interchangable backstraps to adjust to the size of your hands. The smallest one of the bunch makes a nice fit for those who use cadet golf gloves. It's actually a little better fit than the new Walther PPS, though you may want to give both a trial run (if you can find a PPS to wrap your mitts around).

[Lonestar49]

...

You can have the best of both worlds, small SAO, cocked and locked, 3" SA EMP 9mm, 9+1 single-stack mags, with a full size, natural, thin, grip for support while shooting with either a 2-hand grip, or one hand grip, without worry of jams..

Ours, the wife and my, EMP 9mm, has shot 1200 rounds to-date without any failures, along with, for her, 115gr JHP, and when I'm using it, 124gr JHP..

Being an all metal gun, it is balanced which helps in both natural, point to aim accuracy and makes it forgiving in recoil for better, quick, follow-up shots.

Check one out if you can,



Ls


http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc306/Lonestar49/Picture224.jpg

http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc306/Lonestar49/Picture231.jpg

[kludge]

So I have contacted this and many other forums... I have really small palms and normal trigger finger length....
Before I begin this: in looking for a gun I set 3 criteria:
1. FITS MY HAND: listed what I wanted and what I would settle for.
2. I WILL CARRY (because what is the best gun you can have...the one that you have when you need it.)I like to carry in the small of my back.
3. ONE TO SHOT IN THE IDPA (my husband is a member: who better to have my back, thus who better to have his?) AKA accuracy in high stress situations of higher caliber handguns.
With that said I will indicate the # 1 #2 or #3 the gun that I tried I will () (#1, #2, &/or #3-if they DON’T MEET THIS CRITERIA:
• I have been carrying a S&W .38 +P revolver Ultra-lite sub nose.... The SIZE was GREAT...the FIT was okay (#1) (still hit my knuckle of my thumb-{this is my husband's pocket rocket}) and the RECOIL was CORRECTABLE (#3) (but and forget the +P) to a certain extent.
• I shot a Walther P99... very smooth.. still big... (#1) and a random single stack .45..not so bad recoil and decent with the grip (still couldn't reach everything) (#1 & #2)
• So I went to my local gun shop the first one was not every lady friendly(went with my husband)... the 2nd was much better (i went alone) I went in with my list (of 7) they had 4 of them.
• I tried the S&W M&P with the interchangeable grips I loved the small (the guy was not thrilled with changing it but YOU ARE BUYING AN EXPENSIVE ITEM!!! You are not a king but come on...) (#2 GRIP SAFETY)
• I also tried a Taurus 1911, single stack .45- WAY TOO HEAVY (#2)
• I just feel in love with the Springfield XD9 Subcompact.... I just want you small handed folks to know though I just bought the last one in a 2 county area in north Georgia. None of the distributors know when they will get anymore.... sorry. NOW.... Oh my Gosh....this gun... after a 100 rounds 1st my hand didn't hurt 2nd my aim was right on 3rd heavy enough to carry the recoil (along with the double spring) I am in LOVE!!!
I know this is forum is old and I know this entry is long but if any of you have any questions (ladies I am tried and true about the gentlemen the sell guns to gentlemen. We must know what we are talking about to be heard.) Contact me here if you have more questions.

Thanks, that might be the best #1 post I've ever seen... I'll have to have my wife look at an XD subcompact. Her hands aren't too small, but she has a very difficult time with the slide.

[lanceman193]

Kahr MK 9 Elite or any J frame with any of several good grip choices.

[Quoheleth]

Glordburton,

Congrats on a fine firearm choice. XDs have a good reputation, have a good service record, and the 9mm is a good choice. HOpe you enjoy it.

Q

[peabo]

Hi All,

I have small hands, and recommend the following (grip size listed after each gun):

1. Colt 1911 Series 80 .45 (5 1/2")
2. Keltec PF9 9mm (4 7/8")
3. S&W 642 .38 revolver (4 3/8")

Peabo

[MCgunner]

Well, i'm sure he's found something by now, 2 year old thread.

He says he wants 9x19 or bigger, but I'm really getting into the 9x18 Makarov lately. The little P64 Radom I picked up for 200 bucks is just a little gem, I'm so impressed. It's very accurate, reliable, and PPK in size. I would imagine it'd fit like a glove in PPK leather, unless the trigger guard is bigger or something, not sure there. I just got this thing last Saturday and just got home from my second range trip with it, so I'm sorta gettin' off to it at the moment. I'll admit, my Kel Tec 9 makes more sense as a carry, just like this thing. :D I have quite a few choices in my carry collection. But, I don't have small hands, just like to carry small guns. :D

[JTQ]

I like the fit of the already mentioned 1911, Hi-Power, Ruger SR9, and S&W M&P's.

I also like the Ruger P345.

There is no pistol I want to like more than a CZ75. However, in DA the trigger reach is too much to be comfortable/natural and in SA mode the reach to the thumb safety also gives me problems. The CZ75 SA, with the larger safeties may be a pretty good choice, but I don't have any experience with them.