Easier to shoot?

[Gary O]

As it turns out I find myself with a tremor as I approach 70 years old. I have a CCW and squeaked by on my shooting test score with my Kahr CW9. I noticed the young man at the bench next to me was just laying his shots into a 6" group no matter what the drill was. He was shooting a full size auto (5"). I began to wonder if the larger autos were just "easier" to control? What say you about that? Thanks...

[TomReloaded]

For me they handle easier. They also aim easier and are faster to put shots where you want them.

Smaller guns seem to do everything worse, except conceal.

[whipkiller]

If it's just a shakiness issue (tremor) then a little extra size & weight might help to steady things out. For example, my SP-01 feels pretty heavy when I pull it out of the safe, but when shooting it feels perfect and it's pretty easy to hold on target.

Longer barrel & sight radius will help as well.

Conversely, if you find yourself losing arm strength, holding a heavier gun on target will cause fatigue sooner.

[Gary O]

should I stay with 9 mm?

[Citizen_B]

Yes, a full size will be easier to shoot. There's more grip space for a full strong grip and more weight for reduced lateral push recoil and lower muzzle flip. Psychologically, the lower perceived recoil could help reduce trigger flinching (if it's an issue). Try a larger one at the range side by side with your Kahr. Of course, a larger/heavier gun may make it more challenging to carry concealed.

[Citizen_B]

should I stay with 9 mm?

Given your situation, I wouldn't go more than 9mm. When it comes to caliber religion, I'm a 9 guy. I also think 380 auto has an appropriate place. Perhaps try a 380 and decide if the terminal ballistics are acceptable to you. It'll give you lower recoil if you need to carry a smaller framed gun.

[Gary O]

I carry in a map case; (man purse) over my shoulder. Works great.

[Bill Steele]

Hard to go wrong with a steel full sized 9mm, except perhaps weight and bulk.

[echoThreeOneSix]

love a full size firearm. everything seems to shoot better out of a full size.

[metalhead]

Gary,
I am in the area. Which range are you going to shoot? I am going to the new Sacramento Gun Club often. I am a big fan of full size semi-auto. I have some nice ones in .45 and 9mm if you want to try out.

[SonofWWIIDI]

A heavier gun should help a little bit. Then extra weight will cause your muscles to work harder, so until you build up some endurance, you may tire more quickly. Additionally, it will provide a longer barrel and sight radius that may improve your accuracy somewhat.

Shoot whatever caliber suits you best, but the larger calibers do also weigh more (ammo). Just food for thought.

[Erion929]

I carry in a map case; (man purse) over my shoulder. Works great.

A 70-yr. old with a man purse....nobody's going to bother you Just kiddin', I'll be there next decade, too....

If you don't like the heft of a full-sized SP-01 (for example), check out a P-01, the all-metal compact. It's still has some weight and is a soft shooter

[Fenr1r]

I'm a CZ fanboy but the CZ slides may be difficult for him to rack. They have a much smaller area to grab onto.

If you carry cocked and locked also check out the P-07. Its smaller than full size but not by much and is very light weight but very easy to shoot accurately with.

[Nrai2020]

A laser?