9MM Range pistol for small hands

[Kevinch]

What is an appropriately sized 9MM semi-auto for a smaller hand?

This gun would be for range work - so a small, light-weight compact would not be the best choice here. The gun is for my wife - and, if I've learned anything, my daughter would be next. I want to stay away from a 1911 for now. I'm looking more for a striker-fired pistol, or possibly a DA/SA. I know there are some short barrel single stacks, but does anyone produce a 4" or 5" barrel single stack, or a double stack with a small grip circumference?

Any help is appreciated here folks...thanks...

 

[daysleeprx]

HK P7M8 is a single stack 9mm, with a 4 inch barrel. Sweet gun.


A sig P225 also is a single stack 9mm, but the barrel is just a hair under 4in at 3.9in.

 

[Greybeard]

I bought a Kahr (steel) 9 years ago for a "women training gun". It's worked out quite well. Slim grip and good weight for recoil absorption. Loaded, the little K-9 weighs 2 pounds! And is amazingly accurate.

 

[Litlman]

How about a S&W 3913 LS ? Or regular 3913 , they are single stacks.. I have handled them but not shot them. Always here good things about them. I opted for a 6906 , double stack, but would like a 3913 for myself & if I could get my wife to try it.

 

[gezzer]

The Smith single stack DAO are nice small guns for smaller hands.

 

[modifiedbrowning]

Walther P99 AS trigger (da/sa). Three different backstraps to adjust the grip.

 

[gc70]

S&W Model 3906 - a full sized 9mm with a 4-inch barrel, all stainless steel weighing 35 ounces, and with one of the slimmest single-stack grips ever produced. The 3906 was only produced for three years and is a little difficult to find, but is an ideal range gun for small hands.

 

[10-Ring]

Check out the single stack 1911 from Springfield Armory...in 9mm Nice piece!

 

[ParChaser]

HK P2000 or P200sk for really small hands!!!

 

[G95]

+1 on the p2000, very small grip, also the full sized IMI baby eagle is a pretty big and heavy pistol with a small grip circumference

 

[03Shadowbob]

Check out Taurus' 24/7. I believe the grip is very similar to the Millenium Pro PT series and those are relatively small compared to other firearms. My wife who is not a big girl can comfortably hold my PT140.

 

[Navy87Guy]

I'd look into any of the pistols with interchangeable backstraps - Walther P99, S&W M&P or Beretta PX4. My wife (5'2") loves my PX4 with the small backstrap installed.

Jim

 

[SeanSw]

Yes, the full size IMI Baby Eagle has a well contoured unisex grip in a double stack package. I've read that it was designed to be comfortable for use by both men and women in the Israeli military. It is a very heavy and soft shooting pistol but be prepared to encounter a heavy double action trigger, the single action was very good straight out of the box.

It is smaller than the S&W M&P pistol with the smallest backstrap installed but does have a different grip angle than the other pistols mentioned. The natural fit of the gun shouldn't be discounted but I'd probably choose a model with the trigger you like best.

 

[DennisE]

Except for the HK P7M8 You won't fin anything that shoots better in small hands than the Springfield 9mm EMP. Se the cover of the new (July/August) American Handgunner. Dennis

 

[Extremist]

I concur! Second to my P7s, the EMP is now my favorite small 9mm.

James

 

[Pilot]

Browing Hi Power may work along with the P7.

 

[tostada]

I'd say Hi-Power or one of the CZs if you want something kinda heavy with lower recoil for the ladies.

But since you said striker-fired, that makes me think you like the Glock-type action. Even though I have medium-large hands, I think the P99 is a very comfortable smaller grip (and has interchangable backstraps). I think the P99 QA is the one with the Glock-like trigger.

So, I'd try out the P99 and the Smith M&P. They can both be found at a lot of shops. You can even go get a $19.99 Walther P99 Airsoft gun which is a good replica at Wal-Mart or Dick's or tons of other places (although it doesn't have the interchangable grips).

A lot of people with medium/smallish hands love the Glock 19. The Glock 19 is 21oz. and has a 4" barrel. The Walther P99 is 25oz. and has a 4" barrel.

 

[Johannes_Paulsen]

I second the Kahr. Try the CW9 -- very light, has a good length handle and relatively inexpensive (selling for ~$399 in the Pittsburgh area. Sportsmen's Warehouse and Braverman both have one for this price -- I think Ace Sporting GOods in Washington, PA sells it for $20.00 more.) I test fired one today, and it fit very nicely. I own an MK9, although because the handle is so short, it may not be ideal for a range pistol (I don't have any trouble shooting it at all, but it's primarily a concealed piece, and if this is going to be an exclusive range piece, it might be nicer to have a bit of extra length there.)

I do not have large hands, and also found the Glock 19 very comfortable/enjoyable to shoot. However, I found that I could not hit the magazine release switch on the Glock without rotating the pistol in my hands. I do not have that trouble with the Kahr. Something to keep in mind.

Note: Recoil is not much of a problem at all with the lighter Kahrs, either, just so you know.

And those prices were good as of today -- a buddy of mine is looking to buy one, so we were checking a few places out.