Shopping for a pistol that fits my hand

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drw2514

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I've been looking all over trying to find a new gun just 'cause. I haven't gotten anything new in over a year and well, I want something new :D. The trouble is, it's really hard to find a handgun that fits my hand. My mits are very small, with really short fingers, and I'm kind of embarrassed about it 'cause I'm 6'3". I've wanted a Glock forever but I just can't use them; the beavertail bashes my thumb joint upon recoil and I can barely reach the trigger.

Anyway, I went to a Gander Mountain today (super high prices, don't think I would ever buy there) and tried on a few for size. I've been looking at lots of different pistols, including some revolvers, and they actually had a very large selection, including all of the guns I wanted to see, so I was happy about that.

I first looked at the Ruger LCR... surprisingly good trigger, much better than my 642 but not as good as my 15. Felt really good in-hand, grips were a little harder than I had anticipated (they were the Hogue tamers), but overall a fairly nice little piece. It came in second place out of all the guns I looked at today.

Next were an LC9 and an SR9c... both of which had really hard and heavy triggers, the SR9c was way worse... the LC9 was more long than heavy I suppose, but still not quite what I was looking for. The SR9c fit my hand quite well, but the trigger was a let-down. And since I don't have a carry permit (YET), I suppose I don't need a gun that small (again, YET!)

I then had him pull out a Gen 4 Glock 19 just 'cause I was hoping the new backstrap would make it easier for me to grip... nope. Not even close. Couldn't even tell it was different. He was even nice enough to get the box for me so I could see if a larger backstrap was on it for some reason, but no... the smallest one was on. I was kinda bummed.

Then I had a look at the Springfield XD(m) 3.8 compact... Now, I've had XDs, the regular kind, before. Both a 9 and a .45, both 4". They were alright guns, the 9 was my first actually, but they were both a little large for my hand... especially the .45. The XD(m) compact, however, was like goldilocks... very nice. All of the little tests I have in place for seeing if a pistol fits my hand were passed with flying colors... the beavertail cleared my thumb joint with room to spare, I could reach the slide release (which I hardly ever use, but still...), I could reach the trigger and fully operate it while keeping the pistol in line with my forearm... I was quite pleased. Add to that the seemingly HUGE capacity of the firearm in 9mm and the XD series' reputation for reliability and durability, and I think I found my next purchase.

Anyways, I've read what seems like every thread on THR that is about or even mentions the XD(m) 3.8 compact or the XD(m) series in general, but I still thought I'd share my experience today and fish for some more input/opinions. I think I've got my mind made up, but hearing about other people's experiences with the pistol always makes me happy, and I always want to learn more.
 
Try a full size Beretta PX4 or the compact PX4. They have changeable backstraps.
 
The backstraps don't seem to make much of a difference for me. They don't change the trigger reach so much as they change the "hump" on the bottom of the grip. I had a Walther P99 that worked pretty well for me as well as an M&P9... they both had adjustable backstraps and they didn't change my ability to reach the trigger at all. It just depends on the way the frame is shaped I suppose.
 
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I've been looking all over trying to find a new gun just 'cause. I haven't gotten anything new in over a year and well, I want something new :D. The trouble is, it's really hard to find a handgun that fits my hand. My mits are very small, with really short fingers, and I'm kind of embarrassed about it 'cause I'm 6'3". I've wanted a Glock forever but I just can't use them; the beavertail bashes my thumb joint upon recoil and I can barely reach the trigger
Click to expand...

I have the exact same problem, and have a rock hard callus on my strong-hand thumb knuckle from beavertail rub.

The XD was still slightly to big for me, but the M&P with the small grip insert felt perfect. I don't prefer striker fired, so I have a callus.
My grip is not correct, but I live with it. There are some 45ACP that also feel good in my hand.

My son shoots the XD 'Service' model 45 ACP, and I CAN shoot it well, it's 'close' to a good fit.
 
I have found that the M&P line with the small backstrap seems to be a smaller fit than the Glock frame....much more ergonomic (to me) as well, and worth a shot.
 
The older, all steel single row 9mm are often nice. Because the grip is much slimmer, fingers reach further.

Sig p210, H&K P7m8 or p9s, I don't know of any american but they should exist

or modern version like sig 232. (even JLO likes this one, and I suppose she has (lov..) small hands ;)

You could try a bhp, wich is pretty slim for a double row but you should be carefull for "hammer bite"
 
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SIG P239, may fit the bill, and your hands, incredible pistol. Another possible route to take, is start with a 1911 pistol in whatever caliber you want, straight mainspring housing, thin grips and a short trigger. 1911s even with a milspec trigger are better shooters than most stock strikerfired and DAO pistols, the trigger weight can easily be brought down to 2-3#s (too light for a carry pistol). But you owe it to yourself to first look at a SIG P239, single stack pistol with just under a 4" barrel, conceals well, shoots so good (it was my first SIG pistol), I had to buy another 7 SIGs.
 
For years, after maybe 50 rounds, my Glock 23 would knock a chunk of skin off the top of my thumb joint where it joins the hand. I tried gloves, tape, King Kong hold on the gun and etc. but nothing worked. Then, for entirely different reasons, I installed a Crimson Trace LG-619 laser.

Poof ... problem gone.
 
+1 on the SIG Sauer P239. Fits very nicely in my hand w/stock grips. SIG Lite Nite sights and no rail. Mine is a 357SIG. I can afford to shoot it; I reload.
 
I have never handle one but I hear some of the 3rd Gen Smiths can be real nice. Myself I have chimpanzee hands so large guns don't ever bother me... it the tiny ones like my P3AT that can give me fits. I just adjust my grip/trigger finger.
 
I had a M&P9 for a while, had the same problem with the thumb joint on that one as I did with the Glocks. The beavertail would be bloody after 50 rounds or so...

Like I said before, I don't really benefit from the whole backstrap thing for some reason... it changes the hump on the bottom of the grip and allows me to grip it better with the bottom of my hand but does not change the trigger reach at all. The only exception to that that I can think of is the large backstrap that comes with the M&Ps that actually comes up under the beavertail.

I've shot a Sig P239 on several occasions as well... super long trigger reach, but I was surprised could reach it in DA (barely)... single action was no problem. Surprisingly, the results have been the same with other Sig pistols as well. I think I would prefer more uniformity than that though, meaning striker fired consistent trigger pull rather than DA/SA... I prefer my DA/SA guns to be revolvers I guess.
 
Try another SR9c somewhere else. My father bought one a couple of months ago, and I find its trigger to be much lighter and smoother than the glocks I've tried. I wonder if maybe there was something a little "off" with the one you tried.
 
Try a 1911. Thin, and the trigger is too close. If you have trouble with a 1911 with thin grips, then there is something wrong going on.

Without actually seeing your grip, it's hard to judge. But it sounds like a trigger finger placement issue, or pistol alignment issue. It also sounds like the gun is jumping in your hands and hitting you. Feel free to crush the pistol grip and get your hand as high and tight as you can. Get as close to the slide as you can. I have a habit of actually having my thumbs on the slide from time to time, harmless on 1911's and Glocks.

I've had a Glock 23 tear me open in the web of my hand in about 30 rounds before due to really hot ammo. So even with a good grip, things can happen.

Note that many 1911 thumb safety paddles will dig into your thumb during recoil. That can be fixed with simple reshaping of the paddle.
 
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If you didn't have a double stack mag the grip would be greatly reduced. I'd go with 1911 9mm. It has a very good feel. I don't have big hands at all either and i love the feel of my xd tactical 45. Much better feel than glock.
 
Have you tried one of the pistols that have some "relief" cut just under the beavertail, so the web of the hand moves forward relative to the trigger? Browning Hi-Powers, CZ's, and Tanfoglio/EAA/Witnesses have this feature. With the CZ's and EAA's, some (all?) of the single action variants can be set up with shorter pull lengths.
 
i shot the full size XDm in .40 S&W recently and i thought it was an excellent pistol.this is coming from someone who has never liked the .40 S&W i always preferred the 10mm auto i mean it's a close as you can get to a magnum round in an auto but i digress.over all i loved it and shot it better than my sigma:D
 
I think this thread warrants a huge plug for the Kahr K9. In my experience, Kahr's metal framed guns fit small hands very very well.
 
I also have small hands with relatively short fingers, so much so that most DA semi-autos can be a bit of a stretch for me with my trigger finger. I have found that any M1911 gun is a great fit. In a double stack 9mm. the Browning Hi-Power is my all-time favorite in that configuration. I also have a Ruger SR9c and a CZ P-01 that both fit my hand size very well.
 
Trying to reply to all points made since my last reply…

I've tried both an SR9 and an SR9c… both had equally heavy triggers. Tried them both at different stores and different times (SR9 earlier this year and SR9c just yesterday).

1911s aren't a problem for me, 'cept for the magazine release and the slide release. I can usually reach the trigger unless they have super thick grips on. I already have the 1911 base covered, though.

As far as grip, I'm not a complete novice and I've had some training. I like to think I know how to grip a handgun appropriately. One of my instructors did comment about my inability to reach the trigger and still grip the handgun appropriately on a Glock 23 that was at the shop. And with most guns, getting a crushing grip on the gun is not really possible given the way that I have to hold it… I can't get enough of my fingers around the frontstrap of the pistol in order to really torque on it.

Never tried a Hi-Power, but I know for sure CZs are a no go, at least in DA. I've handled several of those because they are quite appealing to me but that DA trigger reach seems like a mile LOL. I'm pretty set on a striker fired action anyway, although single action would provide the consistent trigger pull I desire and the trigger reach wouldn't be a problem.

Never tried a Kahr, but I've heard lots of good things… at least after a break-in period. Expensive little buggers, but I suppose only marginally more than an XDM. They do have the consistent trigger pull I'm looking for, but I've never been able to handle one as none of the shops I have access to seem to ever have them in stock. Unfortunately, I live in the boonies of the upper peninsula of Michigan, so I don't really have a lot to choose from.

I wanted to try the new E2 grips which, if I understand correctly, are standard on all new double stack P series pistols (or at least most). Haven't been able to track one down yet though.

Thanks for all the suggestions, I really do appreciate all the input. I don't want to seem disrespectful or ungrateful, but I actually wanted input on the XDm compact more than anything. Again, thanks a ton. Every thread I've had or contributed to on this forum has never failed to be enlightening.
 
I have a Beretta Cougar and I have yet to meet anyone who does not like the feel and reach. Try the Stoeger Cougar.
 
Milamber said:
I have a Beretta Cougar and I have yet to meet anyone who does not like the feel and reach. Try the Stoeger Cougar.
Click to expand...
You know what, it's funny you mention that. I held one a while ago and I was impressed... I could reach the DA trigger and just by looking at it, I sure didn't think I would be able to. Well put together pistol and good price too. I might have to look at that again, I had completely forgotten about it. Thanks!
 
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