Gun size and accuracy

[Mr.Lucky]

I am somewhat of a newbie to handguns but I have been reading for the last few weeks trying to decide which 9 mm to get. After much consideration the CZ 75B or the Beretta 92fs sounded like what I really wanted.

However, as many posts have suggested to hold them and/or shoot them. So I went to the gun show in Houston this past weekend and spent several hours holding many guns. To my dismay the Beretta 92sf and especially the CZ 75B seemed to be a bit too large for my finger to easily reach the trigger. I didn’t think I had a particularly small hand but they seemed big.

I tried the CZ 75 P-01 and the Beretta Px4 which really fit much better. Putting one gun on top of the other I couldn’t see any difference in distance between back strap and trigger, but there sure feels like there is a difference in my hand.

I thought this different feeling might be caused by a difference in weight, but even the somewhat heavier SP-01 feels better in my hand than the CZ 75.

I have two questions:

1. According to the stats there is 0.8 inch difference in barrel length between the 75B and the P-01 and 0.9 inches difference for the Berettas, therefore, I would like to know how much that extra length or lack of length will affect the accuracy?

As far as that goes for any gun, how much is accuracy affected by a half inch, or three fourths of an inch, or even an inch or more?

2. Is there a difference in size or trigger reach comparing the 75B to the P-01 or SP-01 or between the Berettas? Or is this just my imagination?

Thanks.

 

[jonsidneyb]

It is often very very little things that change the way a gun feels and the reach.

I have a set of Naverdex grips on a Tanfoglio and suddenly the trigger seems much closer.

I little bit of difference in grip thickness has a big difference in feel.

 

[johndoe1027]

Just to be clear, the length of the barrel doesn't change accuracy nearly as much as the sight radius does. That is the distance between the sights (which is directly related to the bbl length most times). Simple geometry. How far do you plan on shooting? Any sized handgun is good out to 15 yards (aside form micro revolvers). Anything past that is just showing off or for a challenge IMHO. That's what rifles are for.

Also, check out the S&W M&P and Walther P99. They have interchangeable backstraps which really help size it to your hand. They might not fit at first but ask to see the other backstraps and try them on, it makes a big difference. Just a thought.

Oh and welcome to the forum! You will receive a lot of good info on here. Also remember to search before asking a question since there are so many threads here, chances are good that someone else had the same question.

 

[JDGray]

I have a CZ75B 9mm, that I hate the trigger reach in DA mode, but it's my target gun, and I only shoot it in SA. Problem solved in my case The SP01, has a different trigger than the 75, its got a closer reach due to the curve, and the grip frame is different also. My CZ is my best shooter, very accurate, great trigger, but terrible DA reach.

 

[CountGlockula]

Welcome aboard.

Can I suggest you checking out a Glock model 34?

 

[glockman19]

Mr.Lucky, Welcome to THR.

Basically the greater distance between front & rear sights will give you better accuracy. Full size guns 5" barrel will be easier to sight than say a J frame with a 2" barrel.

Almost all guns today when shot from a secure bench rest will fire accurately. It's not the barrel it's the shooter.

+1 CountGlockula, a glock 34 or 17 will serve you well.

 

[armoredman]

Go CZ!

 

[M2 Carbine]

How accurate a gun is, is more determined by the shooter than the gun.

If possible try out as many guns as you can and get one you like.

As far as that goes for any gun, how much is accuracy affected by a half inch, or three fourths of an inch, or even an inch or more?

At 100 yards a decent shooter can put bullets in a silhouette target all day long with a 2-3 inch barrel handgun. Most guns are far more accurate than the people shooting them.

 

[Slamfire]

Having too many guns, I can say that too big of a gun is something that is undesirable. You will find among target shooters, that it takes a big hand to shoot a 92FS accurately. Most of the bullseye shooters I know prefer the smaller grips of a M1911. Puts their trigger finger in a better location, and the hand placement is more consistent.

If the grip is a little too small, you can usually compensate by buying aftermarket grips. There is not much you can do if the thing is too big. I had a Ruger Redhawk, the factory grips were uncomfortable wood things, the only available aftermarket grips were made for monster mutants, and in the end, I got rid of it.

That was a good learning experience. And I have found, that good ergonometrics should be higher on the priorities list than barrel length. For me, there is very little improvement on target accuracy between a four inch barrel and a six inch barrel. However the difference between a two inch barrel and a three inch barrel is very real, with the three inch barrel being remarkably more consistent.

 

[Mandirigma]

How accurate a gun is, is more determined by the shooter than the gun.

I totally agree. Get the gun that best suits your hand. Then run the gun. Meaning, Practice. If you are still unsatisfied with your accuracy get some training.

 

[Ala Dan]

Size vs. Accuracy

My West German compact SIG-SAUER P228 9m/m would absolutely out shoot
my German SIG-SAUER P226 all day long~! That's one reason I got shed of the 9m/m P226; besides the Euro grip angle~!

 

[philvis]

An uncomfortable or difficult grip will disrupt accuracy more than the barrel length in my opinion. If the P-01 felt better in your hand, I would bet you would shoot it better at the range. I shot the M9 (Beretta) in the Marines, and while I was able to shoot expert on the KD range, I would not want to stake my life on it in a stressful situation because with my smaller hands getting a quick grip and fire with it is a challenge. I am a big fan of the CZ P-01's, and from what I hear the Beretta PX4 is well liked by most everyone that has one.

 

[10-Ring]

For most newbies, the longer sight radius will be easier to shoot well...that and the right amount of trigger time to get your technique where it needs to be to get the results you're looking for.

 

[gudel]

I shoot better with bigger guns than little guns. My accuracy increase going from USP9 to USP45, and from G17 to G22 to G21.