Hd .45

I have a USP .45 that I love for this same role, but the grip is pretty wide being double-stacked. I do have small hands and I can manage it however.

What type trigger?

A SIG will be DA/SA
S&W Stryker fired (I think technically a DA)
HK, well the HK45 or USP could be; SA or DA/SA, or DA (LEM) and all 3 with or without safety

I used to keep a SIG 220ST, problem was my wife really didn't like the DA/SA, wouldn't train with it. Since there's a high probability she'd have to use whatever we kept for HD, the SIG wasn't a viable option.

I've got an HK45T with the LEM trigger, which I highly recommend. The grip is smaller than most double stacks and the LEM trigger is very, very good for an SD pistol. It and mags are expensive though......

I've got a couple M&Ps (9mms) and I find them to be very good pistols. From what I've read on their .45ACP it gets good reviews.

Chuck

private snowball

For home defense are you thinking about mounting a flashlight or laser on the gun? If so you might want to look at models that have an integral light rail. I found a SIG P229R in 9mm. that gave me a very comfortable and ergonomic grip (I also have small hands), night sights, and a rail for a light/laser module. I think something like a SIG P220 or P220R Compact would serve you well in a .45 for home defense. If you prefer a SA trigger set-up then possibly a Colt Rail Gun would work for you.

You might also consider a Sig P320 (striker fired) or P250 (true DA). The full-sized versions are available with a small grip frame and have a rail for mounting a light, if you'd care to.

The benefit you will get from a polymer gun is interchangeable grip panels, which may help with your smallish mitts.

I'd look at the XDm line, the HK45, Beretta PX4, with the HK45 being my top pick. I use the largest backstrap and mine sits next to my bed. I actually wish it had the interchangeable side panels like the P30 and VP9, as I could use a bit larger grip myself.

I don't dig them, but the S&W M&P line as well as numerous Glocks all have good reputations as well. The Sig 320 is supposed to be good too. The FNX45 is getting good reviews too, but the grip is pretty big on that one. I had an FNP45 at one point.

If you want a metal gun I'd look at the Sig 220 and 227's.

Good luck.

I owned an hk 45 for several years. Highly recomended. Utterly reliable, tough as nails, fairly accurate and at least in my hands very comfortable. IV swam rivers with it, literally ran over it (i was 19, left it on top of my s10. It slid off and ended up under the tires). Very good gun.

Downsides are hard to find and expensive mags and parts as well as the less than optimal trigger pull.

I had a P250, and while the grip was very comfortable and the trigger was very smooth - the trigger pull was super long and made it not enjoyable to shoot at all. For me, it would be very difficult to use in a defense situation, which is why I got rid of it.

They can be difficult to find, but a Jericho 941/Baby Eagle has a steel frame, can be had in .45 ACP, and has a very comfortable grip that should be about as good as it gets for people with small hands that want a full size 45. There is also the EAA Witness, which is very similar to the Jericho 941, since they are both CZ clones.

Sig 220ST or elite.

I have small hands and trigger reach is not a problem for me at all.

They even make a 'short reach' trigger. Its simply a slimmed down version of the standard trigger. Some people don't like them. I do.

ETA: Pretty much what 9mmepiphany said.

If you can find a CZ 75 or clone in 45, it will probably fit your hands better than most on the market. They are not common but they are out there.

Guys--the USP 46 grip is exactly 1/8" bigger than the 9mm/40. I know, I was stunned too because it feels like a horse pistol, but it's not. I have 7 USPs and love them all. The USP 45 is incredibl accurate--right up there with my Mark 23!

Dan

Kp321 said:

If you can find a CZ 75 or clone in 45, it will probably fit your hands better than most on the market. They are not common but they are out there.

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I think that would be a CZ 97, yes?

Double Stack 45 acp made by CZ
http://cz-usa.com/product/cz-97-b-45-acp-black-aluminum-grips-fo-front-sight-10-rd-mags/

They can be difficult to find, but a Jericho 941/Baby Eagle has a steel frame, can be had in .45 ACP, and has a very comfortable grip that should be about as good as it gets for people with small hands that want a full size 45.

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That was going to be my suggestion, too. They are the heaviest .45 I've ever seen and have relatively thin grips. As noted, you'll probably never find one sitting on a store shelf, but if you sweet talk the dealer maybe they'll stock one so you can feel it out.

Friend of mine has an FNX 45, and his wife has smaller hands yet she has no complaints shooting it.

My hands are small to mid size, and the XD .45 tactical fits it well. I'd also take a look at the XDM version as well as the Glock 21 in either Gen 4 or SF.

Go to a gunstore and commit mass-molestation on all their .45 pistols.

Buy one or find one on the internet to buy.

Here are a couple of reviews from the late Stephen A. Camp that may be helpful.

SIG P220 http://www.hipowersandhandguns.com/LongTerm Observations and ShortTerm Hopes-SIGSauer P220.htm

Beretta PX4 http://www.hipowersandhandguns.com/shooting_the_45-caliber beretta PX4.htm

Knowing what you dislike about the 1911 might help us filter our suggestions.

Yeah, why no 1911?

Just about every other 45 has a thicker grip.

I second the FN FNX-45. I own one and also owned the FNP-45. 15-round magazines yet the grip is not too large. I have smallish hands myself and it fits me just fine. Also, it is hammer fired so you have second strike capability. In addition, has both manual safety and a decocker built in. Possibly the softest recoiling .45ACP I've ever shot and very accurate.

The HK45, or the HK45C are both exceptional pistols, they would work well for home defense and the grip can be configured to fit most any adult hand out there. I carry a HK45C. The HKs can be carried cocked and locked, or with a round in the chamber hammer down safety on and DA/SA. My wife likes my HK USP9 so that's in the nightstand on her side of the bed.

corruptone said:

I second the FN FNX-45. I own one and also owned the FNP-45. 15-round magazines yet the grip is not too large. I have smallish hands myself and it fits me just fine. Also, it is hammer fired so you have second strike capability. In addition, has both manual safety and a decocker built in. Possibly the softest recoiling .45ACP I've ever shot and very accurate.

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I gotta say I miss my FNP45. If it functioned reliably, I never would have ditched it.