One thing I noticed while working in a retail gun store, was that many people disregard ergonomics for new shooters. This was especially evident regarding carry pistols. I will state for the record, the best way to determine a good carry gun, is to personally handle the guns. This first step will immediately tell you which guns do not fit your hand. Once the list has been narrowed down, rent the remaining guns and let the mechanics of shooting tell you which is best.
Another thing I noticed, men failing to take into account the smaller hands of their female compatriots. I have average-sized hands for a man. They are not huge by any stretch of the imagination. Many women have hands my size, but they rarely have as much hand strength. These two items have a huge impact on the ability to control a gun, especially when having to overcome a poor fit.
The size of a grip is not as simple as small, medium, and large. Each grip has a shape that can complement or hinder good feel. There are also areas on the grip that have a much larger impact. For example, Glock grips are a very square shaped. In the full-sized family, (G17/22) this makes it very difficult for people with short fingers to get a complete grip. In the Glock single stack family (G43, 42), this is much less of an issue. However, people with long fingers like the large block shape as it reduces excessive overwrap of the fingertips.
In contrast, the rounded grip sides on the SIG 938 / Kimber Micro families tends to create a more positive grip feel for those with small hands. The rounded contour provides for less total circumference and has the bulges in less hindering places.
Kel-Tec P3AT, Ruger LCP, Smith and Wesson Bodyguard 380
The progenitor of this category is the Kel-Tec P3AT. It is usually the least expensive and definitely the coarsest, and most heavily recoiling, option in the group. That is partly because it uses a heavier recoil spring and partly because it has the lightest weight. The original Ruger LCP was a P3AT clone.
Subsequent iterations provide an improved trigger, better ergonomics, and sight options. The Bodyguard 380 has the best sights, easier to rack slide, and for many people, has slightly less felt recoil. All three of these guns (and their variants) are very small, very light guns and are quite difficult to shoot accurately. Almost no one shoots these guns for fun. Anywhere beyond 20-30 rounds is punishing. The good news, capacity is limited to 6 or 7 shots and for defense, recoil-induced hand pain is a very low priority. These guns make it fairly easy to fulfill the first rule of a gun fight, have a gun.
SIG 238, Kimber Micro, Glock 42
The next step up in size is not that much bigger, but it makes a world of difference in recoil control. By many measures, the Glock 42 is the largest of this group. It is also the lightest and usually the least expensive. This is accomplished by using a polymer frame and polymer magazines. It keeps the weight down and with the slightly longer grip, gives the hand better leverage to fight recoil.
The SIG 238 and Kimber Micro are very similar guns, being based on the same earlier gun, the Colt Mustang .380. These two are smaller than the Glock, but being mostly metal construction, are heavier. This added weight helps to reduce recoil without the need for a heavy spring. The softer spring makes racking the slide easier for most people.
The Smith and Wesson J Frame and the Ruger LCR
The S&W J Frame and Ruger LCR are a completely different manual of arms and a different kind of small. They are significantly wider than any of the auto loaders; but, with the shorter grip, in many ways they are smaller. These options have the fewest shots on board and are slow to reload. Having said that, the average self-defense situation is done with two (or less) shots fired (FBI statistics). This means the difference between 5, 6, or 7 rounds is not likely to matter. The manner in which they are compact is a great fit for some people as the grip to trigger distance and manner of providing leverage is different. For others, they don’t fit at all.
The other aspect is they cannot suffer from many of the loading issues of a semi automatic. There is no slide to rack and they simply cannot have a failure to feed or failure to eject malfunction. If a cartridge does not go bang!, another trigger pull rotates the cylinder to a fresh case. With factory ammo, the odds of having two duds in a row is pretty close to the chance of winning the lottery jackpot. That doesn’t mean they can’t malfunction; they just do it differently and less frequently.
Glock 43, Smith and Wesson Shield .380, 9mm or .40 S&W, and Walther CCP 9mm
All of these semi autos are similar in footprint, but have very different attributes.
The Glock 43 is a smaller by a tad. The grip is slightly shorter and has the typical Glock blockiness. This is partially a result of choosing polymer magazines as they need to be significantly thicker than steel to not bulge under spring tension. The Glock also comes with two magazines, but the second one does not add an additional round. It only adds additional purchase with a “pinky extension.”
The Shield family has an organic shape to the grip. It also comes with two magazines, a flush and an extended magazine. The extended magazine provides more grip surface and at least one extra bullet. This makes the gun a fair amount less easy to hide. In this family, the .380 variant has significantly less recoil and the .40 S&W has significantly more. I would suggest the guns chambered in .40 S&W only for practiced shooters.
The Walther CCP has the most organically-shaped grip and is the narrowest where the thumb wraps around. This offers the ability to close the hand more at the strongest point of the hand and provides much better recoil control. This gun also has a built-in recoil compensation mechanism. It tames muzzle rise quite effectively and makes it feel more like the recoil impulse of a bigger, heavier gun.
All of the above mentioned firearms are good quality units from great companies with stellar reputations, customer service and warranties. The real deciding factor, beyond price, should be how well it fits the shooter and works for the desired purpose.
Do you have a favorite carry pistol for small hands? Share yours in the comment section.
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The last group should have also listed the Ruger LC9s, which is my top choice in hot weather, with IWB carry and lighter carry garments. My daughter, with a congenital defect with her right index finger, checked out many of the guns listed above, and really liked the S&W Bodyguard 380, finding the slide very easy to rack.
I wouls say that a handgun is like buying shoes. You have to find what you are comfortable with, comfortable carrying, and able to shoot well. The seller has to ask questions, and listen to what the female is telling him. Put her in charge, as much as possible, give her the choice. Answer all her questions truthfully and respectfully, never being condescending. And she needs to feel comfortable with the whole process. After the sale, she needs to train, maybe in a ladies only class, at first. After her confidence improves, she may want to get into a bit of competition. I guarantee she will tell all her friends, and you may wind up with a lot more sales and customers, as well as a reputation for being the go to guy for women looking to get into a firearm. You can’t buy that kind of advertising.
In addition, don’t overlook the Sig P365. I have one, and I am now selling my Springfield Xds, Walter PPS M2, and Kahr CW9. The Sig is simply smaller, thinner, has better sights (tritium night sights standard), and HOLDS 10+1 ROUNDS. I find it as accurate to 25 yards as my full size 9mms, and it just fits my smaller hands wonderfully.
25 yards?? Really?
And on the other hand …(pun intended)… If you have larger more manly sized hands and still want a compact size gun check out the Sig 320 sub-compact. It’s still pretty small but its 12+1 grip frame fills us bear paw types much better than the dinky little micros.
You are forgetting the Taurus 709 slim one of the best on the market today.
I have always felt that there are TWO distinct categories of small carry / pocket pistols people,
with preferences mainly for the the 380acp, 9mm Luger and 38 spec loads.
Or 22LR / 22Mag for the recoil fearful.
The first is for the SELF DOUBTING-SAFETY OBSESSED crowd that either don’t trust the gun or don’t themselves with a gun,
and prefers the DOUBLE-ACTION ONLY pistols.
Like the BodyGuard, the original LCP, the Diamondback, the HAMMER-LESS snub nose revolver..
These people like to put safety above their reaction time advantage and are usually the ones carrying an auto pistol with an empty chamber.
Then there’s the MORE CONFIDENT-TACTICAL ADVANTAGE crowd.
This is people who tend toward SINGLE-ACTION AND STRIKER FIRED pistols like the Glock 42 and 43, LCP2, Sig p2398 /p938, PPK, etc.
And hammered fired pistols and revolvers that have a hammer spur and can be placed on half-cocked or safely lowered onto a firing pin block, then cocked fully back to get single action shooting on the first shot, Giving the shooter the single or double action option.
These people place READINESS over safety, and are more confident in there ability to handle a pistol without an accidental discharge.
So, When you purchase a concealed carry gun you’ll need to decide if you are a SAFETY FIRST even at the risk of losing the upper hand over an immediate threat type of person.
Or a SELF CONFIDENT , always prepared for a quick draw reaction to a threat type of person.
Then just shop that particular type of gun to find the best one for you…
👎…not everyone fits into those categories!
I like my Kahr CW-9. It’s small, light weight, reliable and fits my smaller hand well. I’ve shot about 1000 rounds of various brands of ammo through the CW -9 with no problems at all.
Trigger pull force is a REALLY BIG issue with revolvers in smaller weaker hands. My wife suffers from Polymyalgia Rhumatica, which makes her very sensitive (I.E. PAINFULLY AWARE) to any trigger pull over seven pounds. That effectively eliminates most affordable revolvers. After trying many different configurations and brands, we lucked out on an almost brand new Remington 380. Good trigger pull, no major issues racking the slide, under $150.00 out the door.
My wife has small hands. Most of the “wheel guns” now have the larger, rubber grips. I tried an AMT .380 Backup but the trigger pull was way to heavy for her. I traded it for a Charter Arms Undercover .38 Special. It has small, wooden grips and 5 shot capacity. Fits her very well and NO safety to worry about if fast action is needed. I load 110 gr. jacketed H.P.s with Longshot powder; still get 1,000 FPS with mild recoil. As a former FFL holder, I sold many handguns to women. Many bought the revolver type for the safety issue. The WORST I ever advised against was the Phoenix Arms pistols: when you have 3 safeties, you can get killed in a hurry.
I have mid sized hands but due to arthritis I have trouble with recoil.
My favorite carry guns are the Browning 1911 380 and the Beretta 84,85 and my top the 86. These 380s fit my hand well, are large enough for a decent sight radius but easily concealed. I carry a magnum research micro eagle in a ankle rig.
Due to arthritis and a medium sized hand, I love the Bersa Thunder in 380.
I’m a guy cursed with short sausage fingers (yeah, I’ve heard all jokes) who can’t even reach the DAO trigger on the tiny KelTec PF9. Over the years, I’ve ended up with the following keepers that fit me:
Several versions of the S&W Model 36 in 2 & 3″barrel lengths; S&W Model 15 with standard grips; Taurus 709 Slim; Kimber Raptor .45 with a short trigger & slim grips; Sig P938; Kahr P380 shooting hot Buffalo Bore & Underwood ammo; and a Star Firestar .40.
Also, don’t let the overall size of the gun discourage you – it’s the trigger reach that matters. I can shoot my big Smith N frame .357 with exposed backstrap grips just fine. Regarding trigger pull, most revolvers ans some semi-autos can be customized. My mother has arthritis and has an S&W model 10 with a super light DA trigger pull. Hope this was helpful.
It is funny that with small fingers the M1911A1 with thin grips and the Browning Hi power P-35 fit. Of course their designs are over 100 years old, BUT the grip and trigger fit us with medium hands and munchkins fingers! Still looking for something in the new century.
One of the first, and most underrated concealable 9mm’s is the Walther PPS.
Too many people posting living in denial. I am a LifeNRA ,Certified trainer in three disciplines(23 yrs) and a CCW holder for over 40 yrs. I train people weekly. I work with Police, Civilians and Professionals(govt). First…to everyone who thinks yo need a Glock 17 with 4 mags…get areal life. For those who think caliber matters, get a real life. For those who think carrying 2 lbs of iron in 95 degree, 90 humidity weather is ok, get a real life. The firearm must fit the person as well as possible but understand nothing is perfect. it is all in the users mind. Next, caliber is irrelevant unless you are a door kicking trigger puller like I was way back..what matters is shot placement. If you think you are going to be in fast draw contest and use your 4 point Gunsite draw..think again. Won’t happen. You best defense is awareness and getting out of harms way. If you get caught having to draw you have already failed and it is 50/50 at best you will prevail. Crooks are stupid but not dumb, they will never give you the edge , never. You will be surprised, over whelmed or attacked by more than one. Car jackings, etc are rare , and using a handgun while driving, stopped ,in a seat belt , with kids in the car etc etc..please. Find a firearm that fits, then practice firearm manipulation until you can do it without thinking. Then get to the range and practice basic firearm handling and shooting drills. Forget the tactical reloads, and shooting around barricades etc unless you plan on looking for trouble. If you do not practice on a regular basis, leave the firearm home, yo will be doing yourself and everyone around you a favor. I can hear all the arm chair wannabes whining now, and really do not care. i spent 14 years in DOD overseas (Europe and SA) taking out the garbage on the streets. I know what works and what does not. You don’t, you just think you do because you attended a class or served at one time. Most of the training provided is not designed for the street. EX SEALS and SPEC Ops types did not work the streets (some did) like we did. It was our forte!. Hence the training focused on different aspect of the violence and mayhem, and were designed as much for offense as defense. Situational awareness, avoidance, understanding the firearm and its limitations, and what WILL happen if you use it or even take it out from the holster. You are liable, period. Get training from someone or group that specializes in street situations. Ask any cop if their training resembles that of someone in IRAQ or Afghanistan! A firearm is not your answer to every problem and may just make them worse. You had better know the difference between using appropriate force and not. Castle laws, Stand Your Ground etc will not save you if you screwed up, and you do not understand the nuances in the laws in each state. You can be arrested for just pulling your firearm…brandishing, threatening etc…happens every day. People go to jail.
I appreciate your great perspective and thank you for caring enough about humanity to take the time to write it. I want to be certain what you’re saying when you say, “Car jackings, etc are rare , and using a handgun while driving, stopped ,in a seat belt , with kids in the car etc etc..please.” It seems like you are using “please” in the way so many do today, as in please don’t have a handgun in a vehicle in such a scenario. You could, however, be encouraging those in that scenario to please have a handgun there. Please clarify for me so I can know if you are recommending not having a handgun in the vehicle at all. Thank you.
I don’t see that in this article. I think the comment went to the wrong article. But I can best answer that question by saying that I often have my carry gun and a truck or trunk gun at a minimum. When I have passengers, most often they are also armed it adults.
You’ve failed to mention several small, excellent choices for concealed carry for those with smaller hands – the SigSauer P365, the Taurus SPECTRUM in .380 ACP, the Taurus Slim 709 9mm, and any number of the Kahr CW series – .380, 9mm and .40 S&W. All the above are excellent pistols for smaller hands, and can easily be concealed either in the pocket, a purse, or on the belt/ankle, or other, more innovative holstering options for the ladies such as the “Flash-Bang” under-bra type holster situations, thigh holsters, or belly bands are readily available. There are so many ways to carry concealed for both men and women that aren’t going to stick the carrier with belt-only options. Whatever your choice, the biggest issue is this: get extremely familiar with your weapon of choice, and train, train, train. Take classes that focus on real-world training situations, and learn situational awareness – the best defense is to avoid a fight altogether if at all possible. And by all means, get carry insurance to cover you for the inevitable legal defense if you ever do have to pull your weapon in self-defense. I recommend insurance with USCCA – they’re one of the best out there, and will help you every step of the way should you have to defend your life with deadly force.