Want a Back up Pistol but with specific features

[Lonerider357]

OK, I want a back up pistol to the 1911. I have Big Hands and can't stand a short grip frame! all the small guns I've handled only 2 fingers fit on grip. Looking for a short barreled full sized grip pistol in .380 or 9.mm that will work as a pocket (Cargo Pants) or IWB carry. The 1911 is in a belt holster.

 

[Bobson]

Subscribed - I'm extremely curious what comes of this. Please be sure to tell us what you settle on after you get advice.

The grip of the gun is going to be the hardest part of a gun to hide in IWB carry. Why do you specifically need a short barrel? I'd recommend the G19, if the grip is big enough for you. I'm not sure you could conceal a G17 IWB, but I suppose it's possible...

What about a 9mm 1911 IWB? I'm firmly against pocket carry - too much of an access issue.

 

[grant1265]

Ruger LC9 or 380 with a magazine that has a spot for a 3rd finger are great options. I also have very large hands and my EDC is an MP40c with the 8rd mag in it with another for backup. G19 is probably too big for a backup, Springfield emp or Kimber solo, cdp maybe?

 

[Pukindog12]

Kahr CW9.

 

[2wheels]

Tried a Sig P238 with the extended mag?

Don't know how big your pockets are, but most handguns that I can fit all of my fingers on are difficult to pocket carry. Though it might be doable with just a +1 grip extension on some guns.

 

[HDCamel]

You could try a Makarov or a Cz 82/83.

 

[KZinOKC]

Ruger SR9c

 

[Loosedhorse]

IMHO...

Best back-up to a 1911 is a high-cap 1911.
Best small 9mms ("full size grip" pistols do not work well in pockets) for a 1911 user are the EMP and Solo (if they are dependable; I have no experience with either).
Best pocket gun is a J-frame .38.

Best I can do.

 

[mdThanatos]

The xd series can be used with mags that have a grip extension, maybe a cz compact, a stoeger cougar has a 3.6 inch barrel but a full grip.

 

[harmon rabb]

well, it won't work in a pocket, but a springfield emp would be a sweet backup to a full size 1911. plus you'd get to keep the same manual of arms.

or head down to the gun store and grip some kahr's and see which grip length works best for you.

 

[KenW.]

When I was a uniformed deputy sheriff, I carried a 5" Kimber with a Colt Defender 3" 1911 for backup on the ankle.

It was comforting to know I could use the full-size mags in the Defender if the Kimber gave up the ghost.

 

[Stringfellow]

I agree with the Kahr CW9. I have big palms, and few compact pistols fit. However, the Kahr fits fine. I am very impressed with the workmanship on it, and surprised about how pleasant it is to shoot. I think it is quite a deal if you can find one for ~$400.

 

[FMF Doc]

If you are good with .380, I would suggest Sig 230/232. Just big enough to get a full grip on but small enough to put it where you want it to go. As a bonus, it has a fixed, not tilting barrel, and I hve found it to be one of the most accurate handgun ever made. If you are looking for a little more power, you might try the Sig 239. Only slightly larger than the 232, and it is full 9mm. There are many other great options to be sure, but I find sig does a good job in sizing their "compact" guns to still be large enough to get a real fighting grip on. Good luck!

 

[ferretray]

You might try to find one of the discontinued Colt .380 Government pistols and see if that fits your hand.
The Colt Defender Plus had a full-size grip, but I believe it was only produced in .45 ACP.

 

[preachnhunt]

Ruger SR9c.

 

[bdb benzino]

That new Sig 938 might be just the ticket for you! (when it comes out!)

 

[MedWheeler]

Is the Kimber Solo too small?

 

[partricp]

S&W 325NG looks like it could fit the bill and allow you to share ammo.

 

[CZ223]

Kimber Ultra

or a lightweight defender is probably your best bet depending on where you carry it. It probably won't work in a pocket though. The Ruger LC9 mikght be a good choice, I love mine.

 

[huntsman]

If you are good with .380, I would suggest Sig 230/232. Just big enough to get a full grip on but small enough to put it where you want it to go. As a bonus, it has a fixed, not tilting barrel, and I hve found it to be one of the most accurate handgun ever made.

+1 and the blued model is about 1lb empty, to me the best shooting most comfortable gripped(I have big hands) .380acp is the BDA but pocket carry would be a stretch, with 11 rounds mine weighs about 1-3/4 lb half of what my .45acp weighs.

 

[86250rrippin]

the kahr cw9 is compact without being too small to hold it right. at least in my hand.it just feels right. go check one out for feel, you may like it

 

[SteampunkQueen]

Its not entirely a pocket pistol, but the Kimber Ultra+ models all have full grips with 3 inch barrels. Personally, i think the gun is a little "unbalanced" in terms of looks but thats just me personally. I hear they're good guns.