What gun for my dad?

[GreyAwakened]

Hi!

My dad has been shooting for a couple of years with a 9mm pistol, but he's starting IPSC shooting now, and he doesn't like his current gun - Para 18.9 LDA Ltd, since the grip is too big. Small hands, as are mine.

Here's some requirements:

- He likes the way 1911 feels, slim and strong feeling grip

- Must be 9mm

- It also has to be reliable, since the Para has been very sensitive and troublesome. I don't want him to get frustrated with the entire hobby because of that

- He doesn't like Glocks too much because of the trigger and light weight (jumps on recoil)

- It should double as a target gun for informal paper punching. Accurate, but not bullseye-accurate needed

- He likes single-action trigger best

- Slide-mounted safety is not an option because of the reach

- as said earlier, very importantly, must have a small grip/trigger reach

I know, I know. Buy a 9mm 1911. But are those really reliable? Does the weaker cartridge have enough power for the design?

What would you pick for him?

Thanks!

 

[Steve F]

That sounds like a recipe for a Browning Hi-Power to me

 

[only1asterisk]

GreyAwakened,

You read Bill Whittle?

There several guns that make the list, including the BHP. Check out the various Star 9mm's and don't count out the various 9mm 1911's.
STI made/makes a little gun called the LS 9. It is as skinny a single action 9mm as I have seen, but a little short of grip and barrel as it if intended for carry.


David

 

[10-Ring]

My 1st 2 thoughts were of the Browning Hi-Power or the Browning Hi-Power! Can't go wrong there!

 

[MICHAEL T]

I was looking at a high power couple days ago I belive it fits the bill perfect.

 

[Srigs]

I would suggest a BHP or a 952 S&W Performance Center or a 39xx S&W.

 

[ugaarguy]

Ok, I don't own one because I've never had the funds for a pistol that expensive, but I've always admired the HK USP compact variant I. I like that it can be carried cocked and locked (never been a fan of DA for one shot then SA the rest), but it does offer DA restrike capability (and a decocker for those who like that). Its always felt good and my smallish hands and all controls are easy to acess. I think they're worth a look. I do have to agree that a Hi-Power is an excellent idea as well. Just my thoughts.

 

[dcm]

You may consider the following:

• SIG P210
• Walther P5
• Browning Hi-Power
• HK P7M8 or PSP
• STI Ranger II
• STI Trojan
• SIG P225
• SIG Pro with 'small grip and short trigger installed'

or if he can handle a slide mounted the I would consider the Smith & Wesson 952.

FWIW and respectfully submitted.

 

[FlaChef]

all the above mentioned, but the CZ' 75 seems to be missing from the list.

 

[gazpacho]

I also have small hands.

Take a look at the XD-9 Tatical (5"). The grip angle is different than the Glock, the trigger is long pull SA. If recoil is a problem, you might consider attaching a weight to the front rails.

 

[GreyAwakened]

Thanks for the replies.

We're going shopping soon, and we try to check out the different options.

BTW, who's Bill Whittle?

 

[only1asterisk]

Bill post essays at ejectejecteject.com. Your user name reminded me of the linked essay.

David

 

[Northslope Nimrod]

My picks:

1. Kimber 1911 in 9mm
2. Springfield 1911 in 9mm
3. BHP (great for small hands.....but 1911's have better triggers IMO)
4. CZ 75 (But trigger is pretty far forward for small hands)

 

[Coronach]

1. BHP. Great ergos, very very good trigger (second only to the 1911, and with proper tweaking, not second by much). You cannot really go wrong with one.

2. 1911 in 9mm. No experience with them, but if he already likes a 1911 and wants a 9mm, a 9mm 1911 would seem to fit the bill.

3. HK P7. Good trigger, squeezecocker design. Low bore axis and pretty mild recoil for a fixed barrel. The gun will get hot during long stages of fire, though...how many rounds will he be shooting at a go, in competition? Also, they can be expensive (though, compared to tweaked 1911...).

Mike