Looking for a .40 automatic to fit my wife's small hands

[Jason_2111]

Hello Calgunners!

I've been planning on buying my wife a gun for about the last 6 months, and need some advice.
We've gone shooting several times, and she has fired my guns and various rental guns, and we're getting closer to finding out what she likes/dislikes. I'm just worried that a really great option might not be available at our local gun store/range, and she ends up settling for something that isn't optimal for her.

Initial parameters: Looking for .40 S&W, not 9mm, not 45 ACP. Price is not an issue at all. Lighter is better.

Originally, I'd planned on a his and her set of HK USP pistols, full size .40 for me, and the 9mm USP compact for her. However, she's decided that she wants to go with .40, and the USP grip is a little too big. Thankfully, I had her test fire one at the range before buying it as a surprise for her birthday.

Here's what she's fired, and her feedback so far:

Glock 23: Grip too big, didn't even want to shoot it.
Beretta M9: Grip too big, gun was too heavy. After about 4 magazines, her arm got tired.
HK USP Compact: The grip wasn't too bad, but I'd like smaller.
Springfield Armory XD: The grip felt good at first, but she didn't like the way it shot, and didn't like the grip safety. It's the only one she's given a definite "NO" to.
Smith & Wesson MP: The grip was ok, same as the USP Compact, but the brass kept hitting her in the face, and it jammed a lot.

All in all, she liked the Smith and HK about the same, but wasn't wow'd by either.

She hasn't tried any Sig's yet... but since me and my big hands really like them, I doubt they will fit her small hands.

However, I've never tried any smaller ones.

So if you have small hands and shoot .40, what is your favorite gun?

If the local store doesn't carry it, I'll make sure to get one in her hands to try out the feel. I'm hoping to find the Goldilocks gun for her that feels "just right" so we can shoot often.

Thanks in advance for your $.02!

--- Jason

[Creampuff]

Remember HK 2000 series has adjustable backstraps to fit smaller (or larger) size hands.

Welcome to calguns (you might want to drop the "automatic" from your title

Is she very set on the 0.40? The 0.40 is a bit too snappy for my wife particularly the compact size handguns.

[w55]

Glock 27 is pretty small, check one out.

[BlackICE]

How about Kahrs?

[Jason_2111]

Yes, she is set on going with .40, and it's not really a matter of a "tiny" gun, like the HK 2000sk, but a matter of grip size.

I hadn't considered swapping out the backstrap, brilliant! (This is why I asked!) An off-board friend has suggested I have her try out a Walther PPS as well.

I'll put the Kahr TP40 and the Glock 27 on the must-try list too.

Thanks!

(sorry for the title... doh! It's monday.)

[irsasc]

I have small hands and i have the S&W M&P 40 compact. I just use the smallest grip for it so it works out perfectly.

[-R-]

What about a sig sp2022? They have interchangeable grips for small hands.



Also the Walther PPS isnt on the california roster.

[9mmepiphany]

it funny but i never thought of the H&K P2000 as a "tiny gun" as they based their new P30C on it

if she didn't like the Glock G23, it's unlikely that she'd like the G27...i'm thinking she's objection the to depth (front to rear) measurement of the grip.

you might take a look at the just rostered Sig 250, you can switch frames and calibers at will because the Fire Control Group is the serial numbered part.

i can also highly recommend the Springfield EMP. it is currently on the roster in 9mm, but there is a .40 on the market waiting to be approved...and it has a steel frame also

[Sheepdog1968]

I'm going through the same thing with my girlfriend and got her a gift certificate for Christmas. How about a 1911 in 40 cal? Weight might be a factor per OP. At least can try and 45 1911 for finger reach. The Sig P250 was added to CA DOJ list at the end of 2009. Totally adjustable in every aspect for size and caliber one you buy on. Just a thought. I love Sigs as well but too big for my girlfriend. Looking forward to trying the P250 to see if it works for her.

[BossHog]

Sig P239 in .40 would be perfect. I have one and it fits my wife's hand like a glove.

[SDJim]

+1 on the Kahr PM40 http://www.kahr.com/PA-1_40sw_pm.html It was my CCW gun when I was up in Washington. My daughter who has small hands was able to keep 10 rounds in a 10" circle her first (and only) time shooting. It is a little muzzle whippy but due to the design it sets itself up well for follow up shots.

[Big Jake]

I have a Glock 27 and it is great. Very small and lightwieght! Great gun for small hands.

[Doheny]

Most small .40's kick more than a female might appreciate. Before you buy, make sure you rent the model you're thinking about at your local range. Personally, I'd talk her into a 9mm.

.

[Trapper]

+1 for the Sig 239

[Steyrlp10]

If price isn't an issue, you could always commission an expert to make her custom grips out of whatever wood she deems to be "pretty." I shoot offhand, so all my grips are custom except for the 1911s. That's my suggestion if she wants something that is specifically tailored to her and not to a man. (It has assisted me greatly in discouraging my husband from walking off with any of my toys since he can't even get two fingers wrapped around!)