The Down Range Forum
Member Section => Handguns => Topic started by: MikeBjerum on November 19, 2011, 10:24:26 PM
-
Looking for more advice on a semi-auto for small hands. This isn't a problem I have, but the wife and son both do.
The M&P is too large (even with the smallest backstrap). The LC9 fits better, but the gun is so light the recoil is not appreciated by the bride.
I'm looking to stay with 9mm, but fit and reliability is the most important. I'd like to try the older generation Glocks, but haven't been able to find any handy.
Suggestions of what to try when we hit the range.
Thanks
-
2 words, single stack.
-
Three more, Browning Hi-Power. Its not the slimmest thing out there, but its darn close. Its is a 1911 clone so the drawbacks of an external safety apply. Its also got a #$$%^ magazine disconnect safety, and they aren't exactly giving the guns away, but I'd trust my life to one any day of the week, and they are tack drivers and fun to shoot. Failing that, if its a case of seriously small hands the kel tec PF9 in 9mm (not pretty, but reliable) or the LadySmith in .38 are worth a look.
FQ13
-
some of the 3rd gen smiths had very small grips. plus you can most likly pick up LEO trade in.
while not exactly a single stack, they have a very narrow off set.
-
I have small hands and even the 1st gen. Glock seem clunky big to me. Several people do grip reductions but they cost$$$$. That being said, I am looking for one anyway. Also, I compete with a Para P14 and have recently purchased a M&P...go figure. Now to your question. The SA EMP9 is pricy but slightly scaled down SS. It has a few sharp points that can be addressed (grips mostly). Speaking of grips...it comes in 2 versions...the grips being the only difference. One is thicker than the other and does make a difference. The HP is another option. I also like the feel of the original Colt Series 70 and yes they did make it in 9mm but they are hard to find. Maybe the bigger Kahr models.
FWIW
Richard
-
Does the new Colt Mustang come in 9mm? I think it is all (or mostly) steel so it weighs more.
-
I'm hoping the Beretta Nano will fit my daughter's hand...and...she can control it.
-
The Ruger SR9 has a fairly slim grip. And the triggers don't suck nearly as bad as they used to. ;D
-
My daughter has small hands as well and she prefers a double stack Sig P228. She doesn't carry it much, if at all though!
Go figure!
-
You also might wanna look at a Kimber Pro Carry II in 9mm. 4" Bull Barrel, single stack, and msrp $850 so not one that will totally break the bank. Definitely a tack driver! I have one and it eats any kind of ammo I feed it so you don't even have to worry about it being picky that way either. FWIW
-
Take a look at the Para Carry 9.
MB really likes his with the LDA trigger and you can use most any 1911 holster for it as well.
-
Try looking around to see if anyone has a SIG 225/P6 that they can try out.
(Or come to AZ this winter and try mine) ;)
-
Try looking around to see if anyone has a SIG 225/P6 that they can try out.
(Or come to AZ this winter and try mine) ;)
We'd love to, but have I pointed out our new money pit and the son's new time consumer
(http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e330/m58/Davy.jpg)
Shameless photo post, but I've waited a long time for this day!
-
Congrats on the grandkid! ;D
-
Try looking around to see if anyone has a SIG 225/P6 that they can try out.
(Or come to AZ this winter and try mine) ;)
Or the P239, also a single stack..
-
Did I mention, revolvers ?
Alf [who is on a revolver kick this quarter....duh.]
-
My wife and son both really like Walther auto pistols. It may be because they both learned to shoot with a P22 but the PPS-9, PPQ & P99 are all favorites. They also both really like the Springfield EMP-9 but aren't real thrilled with my "regular" 1911's just yet. They also both like the Sig 239 quite a bit.
-
if you are not comfortable with a single stack 1911 pattern pistol, perhaps something with a tip up barrel like a Beretta M86 (.380) would be easier to handle... several older ladies I've worked with at the range can work the slide of my autoloaders to charge the pistols, but have considerable difficulty in carefully unloading a chambered round... the tip up barrel might be helpful... for a thin grip, single stack, but in double action/single action an older SW M39 might work...
-
I have small hands and a 1911, (Kimber Tactical Pro for me..) is a perfect fit for me. If .45 is too big a boom to begin with, some 1911s come in a 9mm..
FWIW..
-
It's not a problem if you're handling small stuff. Just sayin' is all....
-
If this is still an issue see if you can find a S&W 3913, it's the single stack version of the 6906 and they're a bunch out there on the surplus/trade-in market. I just picked one up for $275 and it is now my wife's favorite carry gun.
-
Guess I should have updated this - Ooooops :-[
We were in Kansas the weekend before Christmas, and the three of us went to the range. Shot M&P, XD, 1911, and LCP. He handled a few guns at a gun shop first and did not like the XD-M, but he liked the XD. He shot all four guns like he had been shooting for years, but his favorite was the M&P with the small backstrap.
Neither the son or s-i-l liked the XD trigger, and I have heard that from several others that own or have shot XD's. I don't notice it, but some people say it feels "weird." I haven't heard any complaints on the M&P, and I don't even notice the flex. After shooting the other three, both guys thought the LCP would never go off as they pulled the trigger. S-i-l stopped and started over three times thinking he was doing something wrong, and son, with his short fingers, had to reposition his grip part way through the first shot.
-
I was shopping for a .40 a few years ago and had an XD, M&P, Sig, Beretta, and Glock all lined up. After trying them all I instantly excluded the XD and Glock because of the "feel". I wasn't sure at the time what it was, but they felt awful in my hand. The Beretta went out because the trigger pull is several miles long. The Sig felt great, as did the M&P.
I spoke to a guy at the shop and he said what I felt on the XD and Glock was frame flex. The M&P is has rails on the inside that prevent it, so it feels more like and all steel with the weight of a polymer. I'm a happy owner of an M&P in .40 and don't regret the choice at all. I use the middle backstrap, but my brother has smaller hands and feels a significant improvement with the smaller one.
I also have an LCP, and yeah the trigger is long.
One suggestion for carry gun for small hands, you might have them try some revolvers.
-
I just purchased a 3rd gen Smith a 3913 for my girlfriend. It is single stack aluminum frame with a stainless slide. They made a Lady Smith version of this gun. These guns are great from everything I read and I have 2 other 3rd gen Smith's I love. I got mine for $300. There are good deals out there. My ex had small hands and she could not grip a Glock even the 9mm's. She shot an all stainless 3rd gen Smith and loved it but we split before I ever got one for her. Just another option.
-
Fiveofclubs,
I tell many students and gun shoppers that guns are like girls - It is all about how they feel ;)
If that don't get me escorted to the corner by the flying monkeys nothing will!
-
Gotta disagree with ya m58...never felt a gun that was soft and cuddly!
Richard
-
Remember ellis, I'm a member of the Shower With Your 1911 Club ;D
I would try to claim being the founder, but MB lurks around here.
-
Don't think I'll respond to that... LOL
Richard
-
Don't think I'll respond to that... LOL
Richard
LOL...going to avoid the usual Worthless without pictures response, are we?
-
I tell many students and gun shoppers that guns are like girls - It is all about how they feel ;)
I think I will definitely need to borrow that line from time to time.
-
Try out a KAHR K9 Small yet weight aids in recoil.
See: http://www.kahr.com/Pistols/Kahr-K9.asp (http://www.kahr.com/Pistols/Kahr-K9.asp)