Problem with small hands

[drw2514]

So I've got really tiny hands. And I HATE it. I'm 6'3" and I have these tiny, tiny hands that prevent me from being able to adequately use most pistols. I've only found one handgun that I've been able to use consistently well, and that is a S&W model 15-3 with stock grips (the kind that don't fill in the space behind the trigger guard).

I would, however, like to purchase a semi-auto as well, and I'm having severe difficulty finding one that works for me. All of the pistols listed I have trouble reaching the trigger on while maintaining a proper grip. If I shift my grip, I can barely reach the trigger with the tip of the pad on my index finger, but the rear of the frame bashes the base knuckle of my thumb. I've even received some one-on-one personal training from a local NRA instructor to make sure my grip was correct. These are the semi-auto pistols that I've actually shot that I had that problem with:

Beretta 92/92A1
CZ 75 (OMG how can anybody shoot this gun?!?!)
FNH FNP/FNP45
Glock 17/19/22/23/26/27 (very bad... )
Glock 20/21 (even worse )
H&K USP/USPc/USP45/USP45c/P2000/P2000sk/P30
Para LDA single and double stack
S&W M&P9/40/9c/40c
S&W M&P45
Sig P225/226/228/229/232/239
Springfield XD/XD45/XDm
Walther P99/PPK (PPK very bad)

So yeah... I've been busy. The only pistols I've shot that I haven't had a single problem with have been a Taurus 24/7 .45 (one outing) and a 1911 (various single stack with normal triggers on various occasions). Trouble is I don't really trust the Taurus as I may be carrying this pistol, and the 1911 just isn't for me. I appreciate it and may own one in the future, but personal preference. I have examined the SR9 by Ruger and it fits my hand wonderfully and I can reach the trigger, but I'm unsure of reputation, reliability, and durability. What I've read online has been all over the place. The range I go to does not have one to rent and told me they won't be making one available in the near future cuss:). Not to mention the SR9 I held had a really heavy trigger. I wouldn't call it gritty, just heavy.

Are there any other pistols that I'm missing? Criteria include 9x19 or .45ACP, compact or full sized. Thanks!

 

[kokapelli]

Try a Kahr and also a Ruger SR9. I have small hands and they both work well for me.

 

[smallbore]

I suggest taking a look at the Kahr line of pistols.

 

[majohnson]

Small Hands

My hands are on the small side as well. On the HK P30 did you have a chance to try some of the differant grip pieces. I like the mag release that HK uses, the placement on the bottom of the trigger gaurd, and that it can be used for both left and right hand shooters.

 

[Pizzagunner]

You need to track down a third generation S&W 3906 or 3913.

Single stack 9mm pistols. Nice reach for those with smaller hands. The 3906 is "full size" in the grip and the 3913 is the highly concealable model.

3906:

3913:

 

[Xfire68]

The SR9c Is a fantastic little 9mm. It shoots where you want it and the trigger is great. Oh they don't cost all that much either!

CZ 75 (OMG how can anybody shoot this gun?!?!)

LOL many of use have normal sized hands and this gun fits them perfect! It's the best gun I have ever fired.

 

[JTQ]

Ruger P345, SR9, SR40

Browning Hi-Power

 

[drw2514]

Hadn't thought about the Kahrs, I'll have to give those a try. Pricey little buggers though.

CZ 75 (OMG how can anybody shoot this gun?!?!)
LOL many of use have normal sized hands and this gun fits them perfect! It's the best gun I have ever fired.

LOL indeed... even the guy at the shop where I tried it out, who had fingers a good .75" longer than mine, said he had trouble with CZ double action trigger pull.

The P30 I tried had the small backstrap and the small palmswells installed. It belongs to my cousin, so he came prepared . I too like the magazine release on the HK and Walther, I could manipulate it with my firing hand trigger finger much easier than I could on a traditional ambidextrous magazine release with my middle finger. I've completely given up on the possibility of ever being able to manipulate a magazine release with my firing hand thumb .

The smiths look like super nice guns. I've seen reference to them multiple times but I've never been able to hold one. Not a lot of gun stores where I'm located. The pictures always made the trigger span look huge, but I guess on a single stack that can be misleading.

As far as the S9 goes, I've held one and I'm very intrigued by the pistol, but I don't have the opportunity to shoot one here in the upper peninsula of Michigan. Does anyone have any experience? The stuff I've read, as I posted originally, has been both good and bad, on this forum, other forums, and elsewhere. I would love it if it is truly a solid design.

Sometimes I wish I could just grow longer fingers and use a Glock like everybody else! LOL! As it is right now, I can barely hold on to the things!

 

[kokapelli]

Yes I have an SR9 and like it very much. I like it well enough to be considering selling one of my other guns so I can purchase an SR9C as well.

 

[Trigun]

I am not aware who has a smaller hand size than me, but I can shoot almost every pistol that sold in the market, it is depends how much you want to get over it. Here is what I found, 1911 single stack, Ruger SR-9 and BHP is very small hand friendly.

Edmond

 

[drw2514]

I am not aware who has a smaller hand size than me, but I can shoot almost every pistol that sold in the market, it is depends how much you want to get over it.

I suppose I can agree with that to some extent... Some pistols are just a no-go for me, at least in DA, such as the CZ. However, with most of the other pistols I listed, I could deal with them and use them if I had to but I would like to have a pistol that I don't have to compromise with. I have owned a P99, an M&P9, a Glock 23, and an XD9, all of which I could shoot, but I had to make modifications in how I gripped the pistol. For example, rotating my firing hand thumb upwards so it looks like I'm giving a "thumbs up" to the target . And even when I rotated my hand so that I could get enough of the pad of my trigger finger on the trigger, the bottom inside of the trigger guard still smashed the heck out of the side of my finger, especially on the Glock. And my "thumbs up" grip that helped me to avoid having the rear of the frame bash my thumb knuckle was putting said thumb dangerously close to a reciprocating slide.

Basically, I'm capable, and have put thousands (yes, ) of rounds through several different pistols on that list, but I'd like to find a pistol that fits me without having to change or compromise in some fashion.

 

[kokapelli]

I am not aware who has a smaller hand size than me, but I can shoot almost every pistol that sold in the market, it is depends how much you want to get over it. Here is what I found, 1911 single stack, Ruger SR-9 and BHP is very small hand friendly.

Edmond

I really have to disagree with you on that.

I really wanted to own a Beretta 92FS but I found that to reach the double action trigger I would need to shift the web of my hand around the side of the grip and then shift it back for the single action shots. Hardly what you would want to have to do in a serious gun fight.

 

[rellascout]

CZ P01
CZ PCR
CZ Compact
CZ Rami
Kahr PW9
Kahr MK9/PM9

And the King of them all for small hands

Browning Hi Power!

But honestly if you had trouble with a P225 and P239 single stack 9mms I am not sure you are going to find a semi auto that will fit. Good Luck.

 

[drw2514]

CZ P01
CZ PCR
CZ Compact
CZ Rami

Well, I've handled all four of those but I didn't include them in the list as they were in the same category as the CZ 75, feeling almost identical to me. DA trigger reach was laughable for me, single action manageable, but still, don't want to compromise...

The 225 and 239 weren't bad, except for DA (same as always!).

Would like to try a Hi-Power, but again, can't find them around here, not in stores and certainly not to rent, and I doubt a gun store would order me a gun just for me to look at!

Still contemplating the SR9. GunTests seems to thing okay of it, and they are pretty much the only gun rag that I would trust. And Jeff Quinn seems to like it, but he likes everything. Didn't seem like Ayoob liked it much... who knows, I suppose it just depends on me, I just wish I COULD SHOOT ONE!!!

 

[The Lone Haranguer]

Almost all of those guns have fat grips, long reach DA or DAO triggers, or both. But the one single-stack 1911-style was still too big? Usually these guns are tailor-made for smaller hands. There is still room to work with it, though. Usually they are equipped with a flat mainspring housing (which forms the backstrap of the grip) accompanied by a long trigger, in the style of the original 1911. You can keep the flat MSH but fit a short trigger (as found on the 1911-A1). There are also thin aluminum or wood grips available for them, with accompanying grip screw bushings. Also, did you try the CZ75 cocked and locked?

 

[rellascout]

Well, I've handled all three of those but I didn't include them in the list as they were in the same category as the CZ 75, feeling almost identical to me. DA trigger reach was laughable for me, single action manageable, but still, don't want to compromise...

Still contemplating the SR9. GunTests seems to thing okay of it, and they are pretty much the only gun rag that I would trust. And Jeff Quinn seems to like it, but he likes everything. Didn't seem like Ayoob liked it much... who knows, I suppose it just depends on me, I just wish I COULD SHOOT ONE!!!
drw2514 is online now Report Post Quick reply to this message

I have to ask then what grip are you using? The trigger reach on the PCR/P01 is completely different than the CZ75B. Not to be rude but I know of no one else who would say that they are the same. The P01 fits me perfectly the 75 is too long. What is the length of your pointer finger? Measure tip of the finger to web.

How close was the P225? Did it have a short trigger on it? This Sig p225 has a short trigger on it.



Also you can change grips as well on guns like the P01. This P01 has slim alum grips...

 

[2WheelsGood]

Take a look at a Walther PPS. Available in either a 9mm or .40, it's a single-stack designed for concealability. With the small backstrap, you may find it fits very nicely. And it's a great gun with a great trigger.

 

[drw2514]

Haranguer:
The single stack 1911 I included in the list had an LDA trigger, not a normal 1911 trigger. I understand all the modifications available for the 1911 platform and have immense respect for it, but it is not what I am looking for right now. I owned a 1911 in the past and was quite fond of it. And to address the CZ cocked and locked, yes I can use it then, sort-of. Can't reach the mag release, but hey.

Rellascout:
Grip is, well... normal? I don't know how to describe it. I've been shooting for 8 years now and received instruction when I began and about two years ago as a refresher specifically for my grip to make sure I wasn't doing anything wrong because I couldn't find a gun that I was comfortable with. The weird things I've spoken about in this thread (thumb up, rotated grip, etc.) were all in an attempt to better use the particular pistol I had in my hand at the time.

And I suppose I over simplified regarding the CZs and their similarity. The P01/PCR felt almost identical to the RAMI, which is to say better than the CZ 75. I could do them in SA, but not DA. Nothing against cocked and locked when it is applicable, but I would appreciate being able to use the gun in any state of readiness rather than only one.

225 had a normal trigger. 225 was alright as I remember, but it was a long time ago. I put it on my "trouble" list at the time, but haven't tried one recently (within two years).

Index finger on right (dominant) hand is 2 5/8" (two and five eights inches) or about 6.67cm. Something else I might want to add is that while that may not seem that small, the distance between my index finger and my thumb is quite short... making it difficult to get a grasp on the backstrap of the gun without the recoil impulse banging the rear portion of the frame/beavertail/etc into my thumb knuckle. I can either rotate my hand so I can get good trigger purchase or so that I don't get banged on the thumb knuckle, not both, at least not for most guns.

The PPS is indeed a nice little pistol, I've held but not shot one. I'll have to add that to the possibles list.

 

[JDGray]

+1 on the Ruger P345, so short of a SA pull, its almost uncomfortable for me. All them CZs fit me perfect in SA but not DA...The newer recurved trigger on the CZs does very little for DA length of pull, the only CZ left in my collection is a 75B-SA. Kahrs fit me well for DA only, as does the entire Glock line up.

 

[Sauer Grapes]

I am not aware who has a smaller hand size than me, but I can shoot almost every pistol that sold in the market, it is depends how much you want to get over it. Here is what I found, 1911 single stack, Ruger SR-9 and BHP is very small hand friendly.

Edmond

I have to agree with this. I have 14 different handguns and they all feel different in my hand\hands. I have fairly small hand but can adjust to shoot even the 92FS, and shoot it well. Maybe your just so used to the mod 15, everything else just seems "off".
Hitting the mag release can be a problem on some guns if your shooting run and gun games.
I can't believe your hand can't wrap a M&P with the small backstrap.

BTW, I carry 2 different Taurus handguns for EDC. I'll admit, Taurus can be hit or miss but these 2 go bang everytime.

 

[armoredman]

The Browning did come out in a DA version, don't know if they still make it. CZ75, well, the only one I could see you liking would be the CZ75 SA, sorry about that.
For 9mm, you might need to look at this new crop of mini 9s for a closer fit, like that new Ruger, or the huge crop of mini 380s. Can you wrap your hands around a Rorbaugh anyplace close?

 

[Nushif]

What I've read online has been all over the place.

Please don't base your decision on a gun in the hands of the internet. Find a gun that fits you, shoot it, see if it works reliably and if it doesn't trade it in or get a new one.

There is no substitute for your own expertise, limited as it may be. If the world was in line with the internet the .38 special never ever killed someone, but rather just <edited for the gentle souls> them off, all guns could double as handgrenades, the 1911 is the only gun with even a passable trigger, only US guns last longer than half a magazine and oh yeah ... no bad guy ever dropped from a shot from anything that didn't start with a 4 in the caliber name.

Go with what you like, and see if it's reliable, if not ... make it reliable.

 

[drw2514]

I can't believe your hand can't wrap a M&P with the small backstrap.

I don't believe I ever said I couldn't, per se, just that I couldn't do so comfortably. I owned an M&P9 for about 18 months during which I only utilized the small backstrap. After every shooting session, there was blood on the beavertail section of the frame and my thumb had the skin rubbed away on the knuckle. This gun, incidentally, is one of the pistols that I used during my last instruction session with an NRA instructor. And besides, the interchangeable backstraps on most (if not all) guns only change the lower portion of the grip, not the portion directly below the slide on the rear of the grip, which is a big problem area for me. As I stated previously, the distance between thumb and forefinger is quite short, so a large circumference in that area is quite a hindrance and leads to the above described bloody situations.

And to Nushif, I completely understand, and my experience/expertise isn't exactly limited, at least I don't think so. I'm just not that old to begin with . Nothing besides personal experience would seal the deal with me purchasing a new handgun, I was just coming here to seek any opinions that may point me in a different direction. The problem is that finding a gun in the first place is somewhat difficult where I live. All of the other guns I've shot were handled when I lived in southeast Michigan, where there are a lot more gun stores. Surprisingly, in the upper peninsula, there aren't as many! I'm trying though!

 

[rellascout]

Look at this video... How much trigger finger are you trying to get on the trigger? Maybe too much? Maybe its a matter of developing more strength and control with the tip of the finger. I see a lot of shooters resting the first joint of the trigger finger inside the trigger.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ysa50-plo48

Look at 37 seconds in.

have to agree with this. I have 14 different handguns and they all feel different in my hand\hands. I have fairly small hand but can adjust to shoot even the 92FS, and shoot it well. Maybe your just so used to the mod 15, everything else just seems "off".

I agree with this to a point but I often see way too many people adjusting their to fit the weapon they are shooting. IMHO you need to pick handguns that fit your hand and point naturally. In a defense situation you do not have time to adjust it has to be natural. The OP does not state what the gun is going to be used for but feel in the hand is the #1 most overlooked feature of handguns IMHO.

 

[drw2514]

IMHO you need to pick handguns that fit your hand and point naturally. In a defense situation you do not have time to adjust it has to be natural. The OP does not state what the gun is going to be used for but feel in the hand is the #1 most overlooked feature of handguns IMHO.

X1,000

This is PARAMOUNT in my search. I think people are reading what I wrote and taking it as me saying that I CANNOT shoot those guns at all. That is simply not the case. I am proficient with them, I just want something that actually feels, as rellascout so eloquently put it, NATURAL.

To clarify usage of desired firearm, lots of range shooting with potential carry in the future. I prefer larger framed handguns, hence the interest in the SR9.

As far as trigger finger, I never try and get more than the pad of the finger on the trigger. Any more or any less and you end up pushing or pulling the gun in either direction while attempting to pull the trigger straight back. I couldn't get the first joint of my trigger finger inside the trigger guard of most guns while maintaining a proper grip in the first place !