.45 Handgun for (Very) Small-Hands

[Paul von Lettow-Vorbeck]

Being a Californian, I've decided that it might be good for me to get a .45 caliber handgun as I am unable to capitalize upon the 9mm's key advantage--large mag capacities. Since I can only go 10+1, I might as well get a .45. This would be a home defense weapon.

Anyways, the crux of my dilemma is that I have hands that are positively diminutive--as defined as a woman's medium or small just in (case) glove.

I have a CZ-75B, and it is just slightly too large for me to properly grip the weapon (seating it solidly in the base of the web of my hand) and place my first finger pad on the trigger (even when SA) while being able to flip the safety. The mag release isn't much of an issue because I can use my left thumb.

I've been considering an XD45, the M&P45, and the Taurus 24/7--although I'd certainly be open to other suggestions. When selecting my CZ, I handled a XD9. I found it slightly uncomfortable to grip (I don't know if the grip was too large) and I can't remember if I was able to reach the trigger.

I was wondering if anyone here had any opinions about the above weapons (or any other suggestions) and some idea as to which is the smallest/which would fit a woman's size medium (or small) glove. Too bad they don't make a .45 that has a Buckmark-like grip. That and an early generation G19 are the only handguns I can think of that actually fit my mitts.

Three more qualifiers: I'm not considering a 1911 at this point, I'd like 10+1 capacity if possible, and I would like an affordable weapon.

Thanks in advance!

[Knauga]

Standard size 1911 should do you just fine. I have small (venturing into the range of girlie) hands myself and have no problems with my 1911's. Go to a gun store and pick one up.

[timmy8151]

If you have small hands then you may want to stick to a single stack .45ACP handgun. Some suggestions would be a 1911 variant, Ruger P345, Sig P220.

I have a M&P45 and use the smallest backstrap. It works well for me.

[Paul von Lettow-Vorbeck]

Knauga: D'oh, I edited my post to exclude the 1911 too late. I want to make sure I choose a top-notch 1911 when I do, and I envision this weapon as more of a high-capacity workhorse that I'm not going to shed too many tears over if I, God forbid, ever have to use it and it gets taken into the tender care of the authorities. Oh, and as for girlie hands--I'm there already.

timmy8151: I was afraid I'd have to go single-stack. Optimally, I'd like to have something that's 10+1 (does this eliminate single-stacks?). I'd prefer to have double-stack, however, in the event that Californian voters have a sudden onset of clarity (or if I move). Did you also try out any other poly-frame .45s comparable to the M&P before selecting yours?

[timmy8151]

If 10+1 is a necessity then the M&P 45 should fit the bill. I have smaller hand and the smallest backstrap fits me well. I've also read of people not using any backstrap.

[Bucc]

Chip McCormick make excellent 10 round mags for a 1911.
You might try a Taurus millennium pro

[Knauga]

Knauga: D'oh, I edited my post to exclude the 1911 too late. I want to make sure I choose a top-notch 1911 when I do, and I envision this weapon as more of a high-capacity workhorse that I'm not going to shed too many tears over if I, God forbid, ever have to use it and it gets taken into the tender care of the authorities. Oh, and as for girlie hands--I'm there already.

There are "lower end" 1911's that are just very plain jane guns that are very functional. You don't need a Les Baer or Wilson combat to have a good quality 1911.

As far as I'm concerned there aren't any guns in my inventory that I am likely to use for self defense that I would not mind walking away from if I had to. I wouldn't like it, but the idea of not being able to walk away for them pains me more The ones that hold great sentimental value to me aren't loaded and are only safe queens/occasional plinkers.

Happy hunting!

[troyus]

The IAI Baby Eagle? It is based on the CZ75B.... Same dimensions.

[RT13]

Try the P220 Carry. Single stacked and pretty slim as far as grip size. Not sure how familiar you are with shooting .45's, but you should be able to handle the gun you choose. A polymer frame .45 like a Glock will recoil more. I siggest possibly sticking with a .40cal or 9mm despite your feelings on the 10 round capacity. The HK P2000 is slim and fits very nicely and just about anyone. And it comes with three backstraps sizes S, M, L, XL.

[What Just Happened?]

A 1911, Sig P220, and the GLOCK 21 are all fine single-stack pistols. If you have small hands, have you tried looking at revolvers. I'm sitting here dry-firing one, a little upset at how small the handle is, but that's just me. Maybe one will fit you just fine. Many like revolvers for home defense because they don't misfeed and if it doesn't go bang, you can just pull the trigger one more time.

But yes, Chip McCormick makes some nice 10 round magazines for the 1911, so that shouldn't preclude you from purchasing one.

Just some food for thought.

[Blackflag]

Small hands and double stack .45 do not go together...

[Slick]

A "commander-sized" 1911-type gun with some "slim-line grips" sound like the ticket for you..

[aplinker]

+1

Single stack .45s are the only way to make the grip slim enough.

The best doublestack option is the M&P45

10rds of .45 just take up a lot of space.

I'd say HK45, but, "No KOCH for you!"

Small hands and double stack .45 do not go together...

[stevie]

Glock 36

I have small hands and went with a Glock 36 or 1911 with slim grips and short trigger.

[Quiet]

The S&W M&P-45 and Glock Model 21SF are the slimmest of the 10+1 .45ACP handguns currently available in CA.

If those are too big for you, check out the Glock Model 37, which is a 10+1 .45GAP, or go with a single-stack .45ACP handgun, such as the SIG P-220.