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1911 smallest width and trigger pull length?
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Robert Hairless
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Grip width will be more or less standard on all 1911s. There will be variations, of course, but the variations will be too small to determine without measuring.
Forget about that stuff and appreciate the full beauty of the Model 1911. Get a good quality 1911 and you can't get stuck with one that is too big for your hands.
You use two variables to adapt any 1911 to your small hands: the grips and the trigger, both of which are replaceable.
There are a great many kinds of 1911 grips. They're easily replaced because they screw on and off. You can get very thin grips, thin grips, medium grips, thick grips: whatever your heart desires and your hand requires is available. If the 1911 you like feels too thick for you, change the grips. The thinnest grips I know are made by Altamont. Alumagrips makes a more substantial thin grip: aluminum. Put either of those on any 1911 and it becomes thin.
You might not have to further adjust the 1911, so get the grips first and try them.
If you do need to adjust further, there are different trigger lengths too. You can have a short trigger installed to replace the factory trigger. This is not a do-it-yourself job for most people. A good 1911 gunsmith can do it at reasonable cost. Again: with the right grips you might not need a short trigger.
The 1911 is an excellent choice for someone with small hands. It's also an excellent choice for someone with huge hands. It's an infinitely variable handgun: a beauty for sure.
As a prospective 1911 owner you need to know about Brownells: http://www.brownells.com. Begin by searching for "1911 grips" and then go onto "1911 triggers." Those searches will give you a clue to the dizzying varieties available. Brownells is a gunsmith supply house but you don't have to be a gunsmith to get its printed catalog for free. And you don't have to be a gunsmith to own, shoot, and enjoy a 1911. My recommendation about looking through the Brownells catalog (and ordering one of your very own) is so you can get an idea of the scope of what's available.
Me, I wouldn't buy a 1911 based on the thickness or trigger length because they're so easily changed. I'd buy on the basis of quality and suitability for my purpose. Get the best quality you can afford, break the gun in lovingly, learn to use it, shoot it often, give it reasonable care, and bequeath it to your favorite heir. I own one that's almost exactly 90 years old and still is absolutely reliable and accurate. It should outlast the next few generations, Obama permitting.
Forget about that stuff and appreciate the full beauty of the Model 1911. Get a good quality 1911 and you can't get stuck with one that is too big for your hands.
You use two variables to adapt any 1911 to your small hands: the grips and the trigger, both of which are replaceable.
There are a great many kinds of 1911 grips. They're easily replaced because they screw on and off. You can get very thin grips, thin grips, medium grips, thick grips: whatever your heart desires and your hand requires is available. If the 1911 you like feels too thick for you, change the grips. The thinnest grips I know are made by Altamont. Alumagrips makes a more substantial thin grip: aluminum. Put either of those on any 1911 and it becomes thin.
You might not have to further adjust the 1911, so get the grips first and try them.
If you do need to adjust further, there are different trigger lengths too. You can have a short trigger installed to replace the factory trigger. This is not a do-it-yourself job for most people. A good 1911 gunsmith can do it at reasonable cost. Again: with the right grips you might not need a short trigger.
The 1911 is an excellent choice for someone with small hands. It's also an excellent choice for someone with huge hands. It's an infinitely variable handgun: a beauty for sure.
As a prospective 1911 owner you need to know about Brownells: http://www.brownells.com. Begin by searching for "1911 grips" and then go onto "1911 triggers." Those searches will give you a clue to the dizzying varieties available. Brownells is a gunsmith supply house but you don't have to be a gunsmith to get its printed catalog for free. And you don't have to be a gunsmith to own, shoot, and enjoy a 1911. My recommendation about looking through the Brownells catalog (and ordering one of your very own) is so you can get an idea of the scope of what's available.
Me, I wouldn't buy a 1911 based on the thickness or trigger length because they're so easily changed. I'd buy on the basis of quality and suitability for my purpose. Get the best quality you can afford, break the gun in lovingly, learn to use it, shoot it often, give it reasonable care, and bequeath it to your favorite heir. I own one that's almost exactly 90 years old and still is absolutely reliable and accurate. It should outlast the next few generations, Obama permitting.
allain
Member
1911 short triggers
Like Robert said, if your hands are small like mine,
I would go with the thin grips first, then a Greider short trigger next. I did it the other way around, but no big deal.
The short Greider trigger is 2" long. All other triggers are longer, some much longer. Get the Brownell's book and look at the specs. Their web site has the same info.
Roy Allan
Like Robert said, if your hands are small like mine,
I would go with the thin grips first, then a Greider short trigger next. I did it the other way around, but no big deal.
The short Greider trigger is 2" long. All other triggers are longer, some much longer. Get the Brownell's book and look at the specs. Their web site has the same info.
Roy Allan
I agree with above posters. All M1911s will be roughly the same in basic 5" Govt. specifications.
Just change the grips to thin ones. I currently have VZ thin grips (2 sets) and a set of Carbob Creations. You will need to change the grip bushings and screws to fit thin grips.
Secondly you can add a short trigger. I also suggest the Grieder short trigger ($16.98) from Brownells.
Change the grips first, it's easier than the trigger.
Almost forgot, buy a M1911 with a flat main spring housing. A curved MSH will add a little bit more girth to the gripsize.
Just change the grips to thin ones. I currently have VZ thin grips (2 sets) and a set of Carbob Creations. You will need to change the grip bushings and screws to fit thin grips.
Secondly you can add a short trigger. I also suggest the Grieder short trigger ($16.98) from Brownells.
Change the grips first, it's easier than the trigger.
Almost forgot, buy a M1911 with a flat main spring housing. A curved MSH will add a little bit more girth to the gripsize.
steelyblue
Member
I just ordered thin grips. Are the bushings easy to replace without screwing up, or should I get a smith to do it?
AndABeer
Member
I just ordered thin grips. Are the bushings easy to replace without screwing up, or should I get a smith to do it?
It is not uncommon to mangle the grip bushings when removing them as they are often set with loctite. You will need to heat them a bit with a handtorch or soldering iron tip to loosen the loctite first. -I just messed-up set to the point where it was faster to remove them with some grip clamps (that's why I have 4 extra sets in my kit).
tinygnat219
Member
Springfield makes an Enhanced Micro Pistol in 9MM, and Kimber had something similar I believe.
These are smaller, thinner 1911s.
These are smaller, thinner 1911s.
Check out the springfield armory EMP. The grip is smaller from front to back and is ideal for smaller hands. You can find them in 9mm pretty easily. They have come out with the pistol in .40 and .45, but I have yet to see one in a store on a shelf. Would be worth the wait if you really need a good 1911 style, small pistol in a potent caliber. It is advertised as the smallest 1911 style .45 available.
Good luck!
Good luck!
XDKingslayer
member
hopefully, that will come down in price sooner than later.
Don't hold your breath...
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