Best Pistols for Small Hands
By Dan Kidder |
For people with small hands, choosing a handgun can be tricky. Your gun’s fit can make a huge difference in the efficiency of your draw, target acquisition, and accuracy. In a self-defense emergency, every second counts.
When shopping for a pistol designed for small hands, you want to make sure fingers can reach the trigger quickly and effectively, and that you can grip the pistol comfortably. These features can be found in pistols and revolvers including the Ruger LCR, Sig Sauer P320, and Springfield 1911 Enhanced Micro-Pistol.
When a handgun fits your hand, it’s easier to shoot accurately and the recoil is reduced. This can mean a faster time between shots, and greater enjoyment in target practice. The more you enjoy practicing with your firearm, the more likely you are to do it, and the better shooter you will become.
Myth Alert: Smaller Handguns are Not Easier for Smaller Hands
A smaller handgun is not necessarily easier to shoot. Smaller handguns are often more challenging than their larger rivals. Many of these firearms have considerable stopping power for their size, which means managing recoil can be an issue.
What to Consider When Buying a Handgun for Small Hands
When you are choosing a handgun, consider:
- Trigger position
- Shape of the grip
- Overall footprint of the handgun
- Weight of the handgun
Trigger Position
The pad of your trigger finger should rest on the trigger itself. Your finger should have a slight curve in it – you shouldn’t have to stretch your finger to reach the trigger. If this happens, you will not have the range of motion needed to work the trigger.
Shape of the Grip
Many square grips make it more difficult for people with small hands to fully grip the pistol. A contoured grip will have less total circumference and may be easier to achieve a good hold.
When you grip the pistol, your thumb should rest just next to your fingers. You should not have a large space between your thumb and fingers. If that happens, it means the pistol is too large for your hands.
Overall Footprint of the Handgun
The three dimensions of height, length, and width are important whether you’re using a large or small handgun. A gun that fits your hand with the proper height and width will be more accurate regardless of the length. Longer handguns are more accurate, but they are harder to draw, aim and fire as well. It is a balance you must determine.
Weight of the Handgun
A lighter handgun is harder to control. A little heft aids in guiding, aiming, and in reducing recoil when the gun is fired. Light guns move too easily and are harder to gain a target with. The extra weight is a positive attribute for almost every shooter.
Adjusting Your Grip with Small Hands
If you are working with a pistol with a grip that’s slightly too large, you can adjust your grip and still use the pistol effectively. Rotate your shooting hand toward the trigger, but not so far that your thumb comes around the back of the gun. Make sure this rotation is not interfering with the comfort of your grip or causing you to hold the gun at an angle.
You may also want to hold your firearm with two hands, especially if you have opted for a smaller gun with a greater recoil. Your non-shooting hand should go underneath your grip, with the heel of this hand resting against the heel of your shooting hand. This will help you support the gun.
Neither of these adjustments is ideal. A two-handed grip may not be possible in a self-defense emergency, when one of your hands may be injured. These grip adjustments can be useful if you are borrowing a pistol or have no other option, but it’s best to find a pistol that fits your hand size.
We’ve assembled a few pistols that work well for shooters with small hands.
Full-Sized Pistols
You may think you need to give up owning a full-size pistol if you have small hands, but some options allow you to still reach the key parts of the gun. A full-sized pistol is a great option if you are sensitive to or just learning how to cope with recoil. The extra weight helps manage and distribute the recoil.
A full-sized pistol will also typically have a greater magazine capacity – though magazine restrictions can vary by state, so be sure to check your local laws before you pick a favorite. Many full-sized pistols can be used for concealed carry or open carry, which can make them appropriate for a variety of purposes.
If you want extra power without sacrificing your shoulder, full-sized pistols are a great option. Many of these models also come in compact designs and have aftermarket grip options that you can explore if the factory model doesn’t quite work for you.
Sig Sauer P320
The Sig Sauer P320 is a full-sized semi-automatic pistol with a modular grip that can be fully replaced based on the size of your hands. With the small grip option, this pistol will give you one of the shortest trigger reaches on the market in full-size pistols. This model also comes in compact and subcompact, if you would rather opt for something smaller.
Smith & Wesson M&P M2.0
The Smith & Wesson M&P M2.0 is a full-sized pistol holding 15+1 rounds. It is designed for self-defense, hunting, and target practice. While you can’t fully replace the grip as with this pistol, Smith & Wesson does offer four grip insert options in different sizes so you can see what works for you. The textured grip aids in managing recoil and keeping your hands on the gun when you shoot.
HK P30
With 17+1 rounds, the HK P30 delivers plenty of power in a full-sized pistol. It comes with small grip panels, which can be significantly more comfortable for those with small hands. This pistol also comes with interchangeable backstrap inserts and ambidextrous controls.
Compact Pistols
Compact pistols are often easier for those with smaller hands to grip. They are also usually lighter and easier to carry, making them a popular option for concealed carry.
Be prepared to trade cartridge size (and therefore power.) Compact pistols are typically chambered with smaller bullets than full-sized pistols. If you’re carrying a pistol for emergencies, a smaller caliber may still be plenty to slow down or threaten your target. If you’re hunting, likely, these won’t work.
If you go with a compact pistol, make sure that you are ready to deal with the recoil. A smaller gun is often more difficult to shoot, even if you have a much easier time gripping the pistol.
Springfield 1911 Enhanced Micro-Pistol
1911 pistols are fairly bulky and are therefore challenging for those with smaller hands. If you’ve dreamed of having your own 1911, this compact offering from Springfield is one of the smallest currently available. If the grip is still too thick, this model has aftermarket pieces available, that you can swap out with a smaller grip.
Glock 42
Like the 1911 pistol, Glock is an iconic presence in the world of handguns. If you’re concerned about their larger size and trademark square grips, you might try out the smallest pistol they make: the Glock 42. This pistol holds 6+1 rounds of .380 ACP and comes in at a length of just 3.25”.
Ruger LCP 2
If you like the sound of the Glock 42 but you want a lighter trigger, the Ruger LCP 2 might just be the perfect fit. It holds 10+1 rounds, quite a bit for a pistol that measures just 2.75”. The grip is textured to help manage recoil.
Revolvers
Smaller hands don’t mean revolvers are not an option. There are full-size revolvers that are small enough to operate, but there are compact revolvers that might offer even better proportions for smaller hands.
Revolvers have maintained their popularity thanks to their simplicity and reliability. Because of the old-fashioned design, a revolver is highly unlikely to break down. You can leave a revolver in a safe for months without shooting it, and it will still be ready to go at a moment’s notice. This makes a revolver an excellent choice for home defense.
Ruger GP-100
The Ruger GP-100 is an excellent full-size revolver that is still manageable for smaller hands. This model comes in several barrel lengths, which may affect how easily you can balance the gun. Check out its grip options as well and choose the one that works best for you. If none of them do, you can find aftermarket options to replace the grip. This grip frame was designed specifically by Ruger so that it could be compatible with these aftermarket products.
Ruger LCR
If a smaller revolver has an appeal, Ruger also makes the LCR, available in a variety of calibers including 9mm, .38 Special, and .22 LR. These small revolvers are under 2” long and hold 5 rounds. Many people praise this model for the smooth trigger and manageable recoil.
Smith & Wesson Model 642
Chambered in .38 Special, this double-action revolver comes in at just under 2” total. Its J-frame grip gives it an accessible shape for smaller hands – though if you prefer, they also offer a laser grip option. It holds five rounds and weighs 14.5 ounces.