High cap semi auto for small shooter.

[Kachok]

I am looking for a modern high capasity semi auto pistol that would fit my small hands well, many double stack pistols are bulky in my hand and I am not comfortable shooting them. Any advise on what handguns I should be looking for? I am open to 9mm, 40 S&W, 10mm or 45 ACP (no 25s 32s or 380s not enough penatration). I know the .40s and 45 create aprox 20% more permanate wound cavaty then the 9, and would perfer that, but I am an exceptional shot with a pistol and could get by with the smaller caliber if needed. Recoil is not an issue for me, but muzzle flash is, so no sub-compact barrels (I get flash blind) This would be for personal defence/CC, home defence, and my sidearm in the woods (Feral hogs) Any sugestions?
BTW I am looking with a $600 budget, I am willing to pay for a quality handgun, but don't want to spend 2k on a custom piece either.

 

[Mr.Blue]

For a big gun the Springfield XD45 has a pretty manageable grip. It has a capacity of 13+1. My 115lb. wife can shoot it comfortably.

The S&W M&P is also a good platform. The pistols come with adjustable palmswells that make the gun fit most hands well. The 45 acp version only holds 10 rounds though, but the 9mm and .40 hold a more competitive number of rounds.

Why would you use a pistol on feral hogs? Do they attack people? There are no hogs where I live so I'm admittedly ignorant on this subject?

 

[DrewTheBrave]

Without getting into a caliber debate, shoot what you feel most comfortable with.

Shooters with small hands tend to have difficulty reaching longer triggers, so something with a slim grip and/or a short reach to the trigger would be very beneficial.

Several guns that I have experience with and found comfortable include the following: (I have medium-sized hands with relatively short fingers)

1911
Browning Hi Power
Sig Sauer P225, P229
CZ 75, P-01, 75 Compact, PCR
Glock 19, 23, 21sf
Ruger P95, SR9, SR40
Springfield XD
Beretta 92/96 Vertec

Try everything you can get your hands on! You won't know what fits your hand best until you try something out for yourself.

 

[56hawk]

I've found the Walther P99 fits small hands really well. You can get it in 9mm or 40. I have one in 9mm and it is really comfortable to shoot.

 

[Kachok]

For a big gun the Springfield XD45 has a pretty manageable grip. It has a capacity of 13+1. My 115lb. wife can shoot it comfortably.

The S&W M&P is also a good platform. The pistols come with adjustable palmswells that make the gun fit most hands well. The 45 acp version only holds 10 rounds though, but the 9mm and .40 hold a more competitive number of rounds.

Why would you use a pistol on feral hogs? Do they attack people? There are no hogs where I live so I'm admittedly ignorant on this subject?

I have shot the Springfeild XD in .40, it is the most comfortable of all the doublestack handguns I have tried thus far, and the tightest shooting as well. Still a tiny bit bulky for me but I could live with it if I cannot find anything better. The old Glock 22 I shot was way too bulky, I could hardly shoot it with one hand.
Yes the feral hogs here are dangerous, almost all my hunting buddies have been "treed" by an agressive hog at some point. Mature boars can have very sharp tusks 3" or longer and yes they will cut you to ribbons with them.
BTW I like 1911s just don't like the single stack 7 rd mags.

 

[marine 97-03]

Sig p250 sub compact

 

[Chronos]

I would definitely take a look at a Browning Hi-Power. Grip is quite slim, and the trigger is single action for a short reach. It was designed in an era when autopistol grips were much smaller, on average -- it was revolutionary at the time (1935) for its double-column, high-capacity design. Plus it's just an extremely classy weapon. I've always wanted one myself, but have never been able to justify it.

 

[Oceanbob]

Glock 27 with a grip reduction.

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=365473

 

[Kachok]

Sig p250 sub compact

I owned a sig 250C, was not impressed with the gritty trigger or overall roughness of the pistol, though in it's defence it never did jam on me like that dredfull Sigma did, and it shot as tight as any compact I had used before. My rifle of choice has a PERFECT single stage trigger so I am kind of spoiled on good that. Just wish Tikka made a handgun LOL
BTW I have shot a Browning Hi-Power before and liked it, I just don't like exposed hammers for CC, and last I checked they are kinna pricy ($1100 MSRP)

 

[Dr_2_B]

A short frame Glock would work

 

[Dr.Rob]

BHP, it seems to have the least metal for a full sized grip and you can get skinny grip panels that change the feel considerably. With the right grips the square magwell of the BHP can feel almost like a 1911.

While I'm not a fan of the new Walthers/SW99 they do have those interchangeble grip straps and panels, you could try one out at any LGS I'd bet.

 

[Husker_Fan]

I agree with the hi-power. I have smallish hands and love the gun. There are also some very serviceable clones on the market that are inexpensive.