Pistols for Smaller Hands

[60 Deluxe]

The wife and I will be getting our CCL this year. I do not own any pistol suitable for this purpose unless I carry my old .38 snubnose. That really isn't too appealing, so I will be looking for two pistols. I want these pistols to "fit" our hands so they will be natural to point and aim.

I have a Ruger P85 that is hard for me to shoot. I always pull to the right with it and think that is because my trigger finger is about 1/4" too short for me to grip the pistol correctly and pull the trigger straight back. So, my somewhat sideways trigger pull torques the gun to the right.

I am sure that there is a term used to describe this measurement just as there is for draw length in compound bows or setting up a trap gun stock. When looking at the various makes and models of pistols I have seen one where there are different plates for the rear of the grip to adjust front to rear thickness of the grip, but I am not finding the information in the specifications.

Is there a system for measuring hands for the purpose of fitting pistols?
What are some of the best makes and models for small hands?

[wsteffen]

The best thing to do is go to a gun store and try different guns. See how they feel in your hand. If they don't feel right, you probably will never shoot it right. A store with a range would be best so that you could shoot the ones that you like the feel of.
When you ask about best makes or models you open up a whole new can of worms. All most all guns made today will go bang when you pull the trigger, but every one has their favorite. You'll get the 1911, Glock, Sig and about any other make of gun "fan" that will say their chose is the best.
Friends and fellow members on here are another good option to get a chance to try different makes and models.
Take your time. Handle as many makes and models as you can. Shoot the ones that feel good and then decide.
If you decide on any of the Semi-autos, make sure that neither of you have any problems with the slide operation. My wife has trouble with my glock, but not the Sig P238 or my 1911's.
Hope this helps some. Keep asking questions, I'm sure you will get a lot of opinions on here.

[deano70]

^what he said. I'm in the market for one for my wife and will be going to a few stores to look at a list I've narrowed down a bit for her grip.

[DOUBLE.A]

Got my mother in law a Bersa Thunder 380. She loves it

[Mac...]

I'm not the best person to ask, but I'll give my opinion.

Depends on what you're looking to buy, full size, pocket size, and caliber, there are a lot of different options out there.
My suggestion is to go to a gun store and find one that fits.
But it sounds like you'll need a single stack pistol and not a double stack for sure.
Pretty much any "pocket pistol" would probably fit your hand.
LCP 380
Keltec 25, 32, 380
Sig 238

Full size for small hands.... I'm sure there are some out there, but I haven't gone out searching for a small grip/full size weapon, so I'll tell you about the one I have held.
SR22 it has the slip on adjustments to fit the contour of your hand.
Con, it is a .22 cal.
Pro, it handles very nicely.

[AJMag]

Gonna have to go feel them. I've always liked the S&W m&p for it's backstrap pieces that you're talking about. Most other guns with interchangeable backstraps only change the very back, where the m&p wraps around the side to change the whole palm swell. The only other than come to mine are glock gen 4s and ruger sr series. There may be more. But small hands seem to find these small single stacks comfy, such as the shields or sig p938, bersa thunder, etc

[super_dave]

Sig 238 or 938.

[bwssr]

Khar
And Beretta..my wife likes her .32

[wsteffen]

Sig 238 or 938.

Good guns. My wife won't ever let me get rid of the P238.

Glock 42 or 43 are also good for smaller hands.

[super_dave]

Good guns. My wife won't ever let me get rid of the P238.



Glock 42 or 43 are also good for smaller hands.

I like carrying my wife's 238 and that little rascal is a shooter and smooth. Also doesn't feel like it's gonna fall apart in your hand.

[BmacBmac1]

Kahr will fit. CW9 is a good little gun...

[60 Deluxe]

Problem is, Sigs are expensive, especially when I need to buy two pistols.
Full size is out of the question for concealed carry for me so that eliminates a bunch. The double stack on the P85 seems to be the problem. I never had a problem with my 1911 nor do I have a problem with my S&W revolvers. I never dreamed that the Ruger would be a problem but I knew the first time that I shot it that it didn't fit my hand with the fat grip. That was twenty or twenty five years ago. It is probably time to give that gun away or trade it in on something that fits.


I have looked at several websites and am rather amazed that I haven't found a measuring system used to get you into the proper ballpark for this game. I will be in town today so I can go to a shop or two and see what fits.

[Mike D]

Pistols for Smaller Hands

Kahr should have several pistols that meet your requirements.

Also Glock 42 and/or Glock 43 would be good choices.

[onetondodge]

Like stated above get into a shop and get hands on the different ones. Our top selling small pistols are the Glock 42, 43, shield, Lc9s, and lcps. The sigs are great pistols. Very accurate and smooth slides. The draw back that most people say is the price. But the biggest thing is finding something that is comfortable. And keep in mind just because one feels great to you wont be the same for your wife. People that take my chl class I always tell them not to buy handguns for carrying for their spouses. If you don't like the way it feels you won't carry it.

There's no good way to get you into the ball park. It all depends on hand strength to run the slide. Length to the trigger, can you reach the slide release. All different factors in the handgun game. Everyone one is made slightly different.

[Texastaxi]

My wife favored the Beretta Pico.