Best Pistols for Large Hands
By Dan Kidder |
Smaller guns are easier to conceal than larger guns, and can be more comfortable to carry. However, not all pistols (and especially concealed carry pistols) can accommodate people with large hands.
If you have large hands, you’ll need a pistol that is large enough that you can wrap your hand around it without your fingers slipping off the end of the magazine. Good options for those with long hands include the Ruger Super Redhawk, Glock 17, and FN FNX-45.
Before you make your next purchase, make sure you understand exactly the type of grip you should have on your pistol. Good grip impacts your ability to draw, shoot, and manage recoil – all of which can make a crucial difference in your ability to respond to an emergency situation.
Gripping the Pistol with Large Hands
You need to be able to press the trigger smoothly, cope with the recoil so that you are ready to shoot again if needed, and change the magazine without changing your grip on the pistol. Your facility with these actions may vary based on the specific size and shape of your hands.
For some, gripping the weapon with the full hand comfortably is most important. You may want a gun that is thick enough that your hand doesn’t wrap too far around it, while also being long enough that your fingers don’t slip off the end of the magazine. You can test out this kind of hand placement in the store.
Gripping the gun tightly enough keeps it from squirming around in your hand during recoil. Make sure you get a pistol that is large enough that you can effectively hold onto it and keep it in place.
Grip Features & Types
Size isn’t the only thing to consider when you’re checking out a pistol grip.
A contoured grip may also help increase your comfort with your pistol. If your knuckle is squished up against the bottom of the trigger in an uncomfortable way, a contoured grip can create more space for you.
Adjustable backstraps are available on many models. These allow you to change the grip’s circumference so it is the perfect size for your hands. When you are trying out pistols at the store, ask whether they have adjustable backstraps that can help create more space for your larger hands.
Rubberized sleeves fit over the grip and can add a bit of thickness.
Concealed Carry for Large Hands
If you are looking for a concealed carry pistol, you may have to opt for a slightly larger model to accommodate the fit. After all, the larger grip for your hand size is going to add ounces to your firearm.
Still, many pistols can still be concealed within loose clothing even if they aren’t the smallest on the market. The important thing is that you can shoot the pistol effectively; it’s no use concealing it wonderfully if you aren’t able to gain tight control of the firearm quickly.
Below are a few options of pistols that will work well for shooters with larger hands.
Revolvers
A revolver may be a more comfortable fit in your hands than a semiautomatic pistol. Though these take longer to reload, they remain reliable even if you don’t touch your firearm for several months. This is thanks to their simple design, which also makes them a good fit for new shooters.
If you are looking for a gun to keep in your home for your protection and don’t intend to use it often, a revolver may be an excellent choice. Revolvers can also shoot very large rounds for a pistol, such as a .44 or .357, which might be helpful if you need that extra power in shorter distances.
Ruger Super Redhawk
The Ruger Super Redhawk comes with a unique cushioned grip system that will leave room for larger hands to wrap around without butting up against the trigger. This revolver holds six rounds with a 7.5” barrel and is chambered in .480 Ruger, making for an excellent handgun for wilderness defense.
Smith & Wesson Model 66
If you’re looking for a revolver with a shorter barrel, the Smith & Wesson Model 66 should satisfy you with a barrel of just 2.5”. The ability to conceal this firearm comes at the price of smaller grips – but many consumers have found that Smith & Wesson’s finger grooved target grips can be added to make this a perfect fit for larger hands.
9mm Pistols
The 9mm pistols offers a compact firearm with a higher magazine capacity than similarly sized pistols. These extra rounds can make a big difference, especially if you are choosing a firearm for protection against emergencies. Just make sure your state doesn’t have magazine capacity restrictions that will make this benefit meaningless!
9mm pistols have long been used by the military, and have excellent stopping power. However, they are also an excellent beginner firearm thanks to their lighter recoil and more affordable ammunition pricing.
Glock 17
The Glock 17 is a 9mm offering from one of the most famous handgun manufacturers on the market. The thick grip on this pistol will help those with large hands find stability. It holds 10+1 rounds, making it compliant with magazine restrictions in states such as California.
Ruger SR9
The Ruger SR9 offers a 9mm pistol with a 4.14” barrel and a sturdy, ergonomic grip. This is a budget-friendly option with a glass-filled nylon grip frame that helps to reduce recoil through its rigid structure. This pistol also has a reversible back strap and ambidextrous safety and magazine releases.
.45 Pistols
If you are looking for a concealed carry pistol, you may be able to find one that is small enough to conceal while being large enough for your hands in the .45. This extremely reliable caliber has inspired handgun enthusiasts for over a century and served the US through two world wars.
The .45 is a popular choice for home defense thanks to its shallower penetration than comparable calibers such as the 9mm. While this sounds like a defect, it actually reduces your chances of hitting innocent parties. The .45 excels in smaller distances such as those usually required for home defense.
Glock 21
The Glock 21 comes with a 4.61” barrel and 13+1 rounds. It has a low recoil and a customizable grip thanks to its Modular Back Strap system. It also has a reversible magazine catch, making it ideal for right- or left-handed shooters.
FN FNX-45
The F FNX-45 series was originally modeled after the FNP-45 service pistol, and maintains the smooth shot and high power of that line. These pistols offer multiple interchangeable backstraps with checkered, ribbed grips.
Full-Size 1911 Pistols
Plenty of 1911 pistols will be large enough for your hands, especially if you look for full-size and larger firearms. These are the original, classic pistol, and remain popular today thanks to their serious stopping power in a small instrument.
The 1911 is generally a heavier pistol than the others on this list – but this also makes it more shootable. Heavier guns produce less recoil, and the stainless steel of a traditional 1911 will also give you a durable firearm for years to come.
Even with larger hands, you should still have plenty of options in 1911 pistols thanks to their heftier makes. But if you want even more space – and live in a state that allows you even more rounds – you can always opt for a double-stack 1911 pistol, which will hold 13-21 rounds instead of 7-10.
Here are a few of our all-around favorite 1911 pistols.
Springfield Armory 1911 Mil-Spec
Springfield Armory’s modern take on the 1911 offers stainless steel with a polished finish for flat surfaces and matte on the rounded edges. This pistol comes with a pair of cocobolo grips emblazoned with a design of crossed cannons.
Kimber 1911 Stainless II
The Kimber 1911 Stainless II offers a classic pistol with dependable, straightforward design. It holds 7+1 rounds with a 5” barrel featuring match grade bushing and an aluminum, match grade trigger. The grips are Black Synthetic Double Diamond.
Parting Thoughts
If you have had issues with pistol size before, it’s very important that you try out different models at your local store. Make sure that you can grip the pistol consistently and comfortably, and change the magazine easily. These factors will help you draw and use your pistol efficiently should an emergency situation arise.