Big hands.....small autoloaders.

[ezenbrowntown]

So, I've been researching various smaller sized handguns (I already own a Ruger P89) for the potential use of concealed carry. Some that have come to mind are the Kahr's (MK9 and PM9), Seecamp's 380 or even some of the 3 inched barrel .45's.

However, I'm curious how these smaller guns will work with someone with larger hands. I'm about 6-4, 245lb., while I haven't measured my hands, I can palm a basketball. Any other "big handers" out there with small guns? If so, is it working for ya?

 

[Weedmonk]

For a very concealable handgun, I think you would be happier with a Glock G26 or G27 than the Kahr or Seecamp - especially the Kahr which has a reputation for needing to go back to the factory before they become "reliable". While some people love their stubby 1911s, others feel the short slide compromises reliability. I sold my Kimber Ultra Carry because of reliability issues and now carry a Glock G26 with a 15 round G19 backup magazine.

 

[rockinrussky]

I've had the same problem about having large hands for small handguns.

With 1911s, for instance I wind up having to really hook my trigger finger so as to actually use the tip and not the first knuckle because my hand wraps to much around the single stack grip.

Whatever you get, I would recommend a double stack magazine. There are plenty handguns out there that you can easily conceal if you're big enough (G26 and XD 4in come to mind).

For the record, the ideal handgun for my hand size is a Glock 20, now if only I could conceal and carry that

 

[raz-0]

I've got big hands. Can palm a basketball wear a size XXL or 12 glove and usually find the fingers too short.


Anyway, surprizingly really small guns don't seem to be much of an issue.

I have an LS-9 that is easy to shoot, tried out a kahr MK9 and it was nice. walther PPK worked fine.

Walther p-22 is a no-go, as is the kahr p9. Both for largely the same reason. They are way too small a circumference around the grip and trigger at the top. The p9 is borderline, but I find it difficult to get any kind of a grip on it without canting it. With the p-22 I have my fingers so curled up, actually getting the trigger to break is a PITA.

Snubby .357 magnums are also a mixed bag for those of large hands. If you ahve big hands, the web of your hand tends to ride up on to the frame in the back. For me, without the grip playing interference, full zorch .357 loads tend to really pound on the pressure point there and it becomes quite painful after 6 shots. I'd never practice with the things.

G26 is middle of the road, I can shoot it and it is reasonably accurate for me, but it suffers from design. They should have just left the finger groove off of the 26, as it forces some people to get a kind of awkward grip. Teh same problem exists with all their guns, but with the compacts, your whole hand isn't contributing to your grip and it matters more.

XD compact is actually a pratty nice little gun. Handles nicely and is accurate.

Sig p239 is borderline. Much like the g26 I CAN shoot it accurately, but it a bit too much work to do so. For a skinny single stack grip, I don't think the sig control layout works very well. The one I tried also had the short trigger installed.