Single Stack 9mm

[needmorecowbell]

Ruger SR9c would be a great choice too. Grip almost feels like a single stack but it's double. Pretty good for CCW too. Like others have said though, she needs to decide what she likes best.

 

[DairyVet]

I can't speak from experience, but based on specs a sig p239 may be worth looking at. Slim grip with a steel frame for managing recoil.

 

[ritepath]

Check out the Ruger SR's they have a nice "slim feeling" grip.

 

[SnowBlaZeR2]

The Springfield EMP is what I'd suggest looking at. You'll have to do some searching and it'll be close to your budget, but well worth it in my opinion.

 

[GLOOB]

This sounds like a great idea. I think it's much better than trying to find a 9mm small enough to fit her hands.

The biggest driving factor for single stack 9mm's is for concealment, and that means more recoil and less fun/accuracy. There aren't that many options for a full size 9mm single stack, unless you include relics. If you could find one, a P225 might fit the bill. Or a P7. But considering parts/mags/support, a current production gun like an EMP really seems ideal.

 

[Purpkw]

My other half (5'2") small hands said she would rather shoot my Kimber ultra in 45 than my kahr pm9

 

[wgp]

Finally some one recommended the Springfield EMP in 9mm. Wonderful pistol, well-made, accurate, and a great idea to shrink the 1911 to a 9mm size. The only downside I know is they aren't lying around in every gun shop and you'll pay $1100 or so for one.

An alternative might be the Para Ordnance Carry 9 (they have other models that are about the same gun with a different name). A plus for those who like a 1911 but don't like cocked-and-locked carry is that it has the LDA trigger system. I've had one for several years and it's a good gun, again it seems they are not easy to find. Personally, I prefer my EMP.

 

[Goju]

I am also going to suggest a Sig P6. A fantastic shooting pistol with very little recoil, and easy to reach controls for those with small/medium hands. And the fact that it is not a current model in the Sig line is a non issue, as they are fully supported by the factory. A recent sale from Sig allowed me to return a couple of my P6s for a detail strip, complete spring replacement, and factory nite site install for a vey reasonable price of $100 per.

 

[vongh]

My wife carries a Sig p6 and she really like the way it feels. The only drawback with this pistol and I believe it has been mentioned is parts and magazine availability, I've seen people trying to sell mags for $80 at gun shows. We also looked at the Ruger LC9 she had a hard time with slide.

 

[jon_in_wv]

Even though the S&W 3913 is no longer in production it is a fine pistol and many would argue it is one of the best single stack 9mms you can find. I would be one of those people. I carry a 3913 (non-Lady Smith) and it is a superb shooter. Very reliable, very accurate, slim, light, and has light recoil.

 

[Willie Sutton]

Think out of the box...

$250-$350 will buy a lovely Star Model B-Series 9mm these days. All steel, single stack, 85% 1911 size in the same pattern. Very nice piece, sorely undervalued due to it's not being a 14-shooter. Just get one... you'll thank me after you do.


Willie

.

 

[Lucky Derby]

Why would anyone suggest a Browning Hi-Power for a shooter with small hands?

Features of the BHP:

• just about the fattest 9mm grip that ever existed
• extremely heavy recoil spring
• very-difficult-to-reach safety lever
• horrible factory trigger
• frequently equipped with tiny sights
• expensive

I can hardly think of a worse choice for a diminutive novice.

Respectfully disagree:
The grip may be fat, compared to single stacks, but with the right grip panels (often this means the stock plastic panels) it is not at all fat when compared to other double stacks, and the short front to rear measurement makes it ideal for many small handed shooters. Better than other double stacks, and most single stacks. Smaller than a 1911, that she already likes.
The MKII HP introduced the exended ambi safety that all current HPs have. That is no longer an issue, and hasn't been for at least 3 decades.
Current production HPs have excellent sights, and have had since the MKIII version was introduced in 1989.
Admitedly HP triggers aren't the best SA trigger out there, but are far better than many DA triggers, and can easily be improved by either removal of the MDS, or polishing the front face of the mags, or using Mecgar mags that come polished.
Yes, compared to plastic guns, and metal guns with lots of MIM componants they are pricey. They are priced about the same as any pistol made with compareable quality componants.

To the OP:The HP doesn't fit your criteria, as it is a double stack. But it's not nearly as far off as some would have you believe.
That said, I would recommend a Sig P225/P6. Great gun that fits your criteria. Best would be have your wife try as many models as possible, and let her decide.

 

[Pilot]

My favorite single stack 9MM is the HK P7. The problem is they are getting very expensive, even the surplus police pistols that came in from Germany a few years ago.

They are a bit heavy, but that helps them to be easy to shoot well, and a good range gun. I carry mine a lot, and it is fine with a decent belt, and holster.

Walther is coming out with the CCP, a polymer framed, single stack, gas retarded blowback 9MM. From what I read Umarex is going to produce it, so I will have to wait, and see what the quality will be like, but it may be a lighter, less expensive alternative to the P7.

 

[bannockburn]

When I use to take first time shooters to the range I use to take along a couple of .22s (typically a semi-auto and a revolver), and a S&W K frame and a Star Model B for the when they were ready to move up to centerfire guns. The Star was a great fit and easy to shoot for nearly ever boys, especially for those shooters with smaller size hands and also sensitive to recoil.

 

[Djay]

The Sig 239 in 9mm is indeed a highly accurate handgun suitable for both range and carry. I have had hands in experience and it is a superb firearm.

The standard 239 is a stainless slide with a nitron finish over a high grade aluminum frame rather than steel frame.

 

[Willie Sutton]

With illustrations this time:

Star B series (there are several versions), are an approximately 85% scale 1911 sharing the same manual of arms save fpr not having a grip safety. They are a single stack 9x19, all steel construction means it's relatively heavy with the resultant low recoil, and available for between $250 and $300 in excellent shape.

"Full Sized" is the Model B, "Commander Sized" is the BM.

They fit smaller hands like a glove, no pun intended. They are a superb value.


Often the best designs are not the ones in current production. Save some money and look at the classics.



Willie

.

 

[rodinal220]

Originally Posted by W.E.G.
"Why would anyone suggest a Browning Hi-Power for a shooter with small hands?

Features of the BHP:
just about the fattest 9mm grip that ever existed
extremely heavy recoil spring
very-difficult-to-reach safety lever
horrible factory trigger
frequently equipped with tiny sights
expensive

I can hardly think of a worse choice for a diminutive novice."


I must disagree with all but the expensive part. The MKIII BHPs are the best of the breed out of the box. Usable,but not great trigger pull,usable sights and safety.
Yes,the early BHPs had teeny sights and small safeties I agree. These can be upgraded by a good BHP smif.

My picks for a single stack 9mm:

HK P7
SIG P225/P6
Colt Defender
Colt New Agent
Older Colt 1911's(FS and Comdr) made in 9mm if you can find them.
Yes,the older S&W 3900 series or Smith & Wesson CS9

 

[meanmrmustard]

How's about the RIA Tac II in .22 TCM? Little recoil, tons of fun.

Then, once she's comfy shooting it, get the 9mm conversion. Or better, save the money and reload 22 TCM!

 

[snooperman]

My wife and I also have the S&W 3914 and 3913, as well as the SIG P225 and P239. We have been shooting them and carrying them for many years and you can still find these guns on Gunbroker used in very good condition. Recoil is mild and easy to shoot and rack the slide as well.

 

[Lonestar49]

Both single stack mags

...

My wife's 2 guns -

Sig DA/SA P225/9mm 8+1 and SA EMP SAO 1911 9mm/9+1

I would also recommend taking a look at Sig 239 9mm







Either/all, mentioned, have full thin grips and are single stack mags

Luck,



Ls

 

[stressed]

the only single stack 9mm I own is a PO 8 Luger. is there a reason that you want single stack?

 

[greyling22]

"Why would anyone suggest a Browning Hi-Power for a shooter with small hands?

Features of the BHP:
just about the fattest 9mm grip that ever existed
extremely heavy recoil spring
very-difficult-to-reach safety lever
horrible factory trigger
frequently equipped with tiny sights
expensive

I can hardly think of a worse choice for a diminutive novice."
-WEG


Really? I was going to suggest it as a possibility myself. in my hands it feels very small. Much smaller than a 1911.

but for 1911's in 9mm I'd look for a RIA, a taurus, or ever an sti spartan if money allowed it.

I would also take a look at a cz-75. They seem to fit a wide range of hands. My wife likes mine.

 

[ifit]

when you decide on your second unit for your wifes concealed carry, take a look a the new bersa BP 9 CC. you can find great reviews on you tube, but some pics to show its slim grip single stack 8+1 and very surprisingly comfy. all my friends like this CC pistol

next to my P07 for comparo

 

[hAkron]

The Sig P225/P6, S&W 39/X39/39XX (1st, 2nd, & 3rd generation) guns are good choices for single stack. Some good double stack choices are CZ 75B (full sized or compact) with VZ grips, CZ SP-01 Phantom, or CZ P-07 Duty. CZ's with VZ grips, or the polymer versions have a nice thin profile. My wife shoots all of the above comfortably. She has smallish average hands.

 

[ProPhetiQ]

I highly recommend the Walther PPS.......it is probably one of the softest shooting single stack 9mm out there.....extremely reliable and durable.....Sig 239 is also soft for a single stack 9, but grip is fatter like a double stack.