the difinitive help a woman choose a pistol thread

[usmcdoc14]

ok guys I am growing tired of fawkers recommending DE 50 cals to women (and small handed men) and other outrageous shit that they cant fawking get their hands around to comfortably shoot.:laughing:
So here is what I need from you:

measure the greatest average grip circumference of your pistols you own and post it up here.

any handling quirks of whatever round that weapon fires

control features of that weapon and ease of operation for people with short fingers.(have someone with short fingers try to use them ya fuckers :laughing: )

mine:
S&W (sigma series) 9mm
grip circumference: 6 inches
handling: normal 9mm recoil (little if any)
controls: will be a reach for the mag release and slide stop for a short fingered person

typical 1911 variant with flat mainspring housing and Alumagrip grips
grip circumference: 5.7 inches
handling: typical 1911 .45, firm recoil
controls: slide stop and mag release will require hand reposition for small hands.

Bersa Thunder .380
grip circumference:5.25
handling: .380 is a "crisp" recoil but not harsh.
controls: no issues for any with short fingers

[Cue-Ball]

I'm not measuring it but I like my Kel-Tec .380

It can't be too big for anyone's hand.

[GRIDWNC]

I've got small hands and have always wanted a Kimber for obvious reasons. MY former boss brought his to work for me to check out and while it was nice, I don't know if I could have handled it accurately.

So thanks for this thread! But I still want a Kimber, just because!

[usmcdoc14]

Remember:

A person will become more proficient and accurate with a weapon they ENJOY to fire. It does not matter the round size if a person is not willing to practice and enjoy shooting the weapon they own.

so dont get all hung up on caliber. yes, caliber plays an importance in a defence weapon but ACURACY is more important !!!

It would be better to have her put 7 well aimed shots of .380 into center mass of a home intruder instead of 7 shitty half ass shots of .45 .

[Hef]

http://www.taurususa.com/products/product-details.cfm?model=745SS&category=Pistol


That's mine.

[Cue-Ball]

Remember:

A person will become more proficient and accurate with a weapon they ENJOY to fire. It does not matter the round size if a person is not willing to practice and enjoy shooting the weapon they own.

so dont get all hung up on caliber. yes, caliber plays an importance in a defence weapon but ACURACY is more important !!!

It would be better to have her put 7 well aimed shots of .380 into center mass of a home intruder instead of 7 shitty half ass shots of .45 .
Well said, quoted for accuracy:D

[usmcdoc14]

http://www.taurususa.com/products/product-details.cfm?model=745SS&category=Pistol


That's mine.
well get out a piece of string and the ruler from next to your bed and measure the fawking grip of the pistol and give a review :flipoff2:

[Jonboy4542001]

Remember:

A person will become more proficient and accurate with a weapon they ENJOY to fire. It does not matter the round size if a person is not willing to practice and enjoy shooting the weapon they own.

so dont get all hung up on caliber. yes, caliber plays an importance in a defence weapon but ACURACY is more important !!!

It would be better to have her put 7 well aimed shots of .380 into center mass of a home intruder instead of 7 shitty half ass shots of .45 .


I agree! If shes afraid its gonna bust her face, then she probably going to miss the face that really needs busting! My g/f carries a para-ordinance .45. She can drive nails with it.... but hand her a regular 45 and its like wtf are you shooting at?? lol....sometimes size does matter...

[Priest]

I was talking to my uncle about this. He is a range master and teaches personal defense classes. He strongly discourages people who infrequently shoot, especially women who infrequently shoot from using semi-auto handguns for home defense. He said that in most of his experiences women have weaker wrists and in a panic/crisis situation they fail to provide the weapon with a solid base thus causing jams. When you may only get one shot...that's not a good thing.

[basketcasejeep]

Using Doc's post as a template:

mine:
Colt Pony .380 "Series 90-380 Auto"
grip circumference: 4 3/4" near butt(widest), 4.5" at narrowest
handling: haven't fired it in recent times, just got it recently.
controls: will be a reach for the mag release and slide stop for a really short fingered person(maybe?)
capacity: 6+1
weight: 19 oz., loaded

I'll have to find time to do some firing this weekend to see how it goes. Got a good deal on it through family... fired it a few years back but have no memory... :(

Edit: :laughing: If anyone thinks this gun is a piece of junk, feel free to let me know. If there are any quirks to them, or anything at all that you feel is important for an owner to know, tell me.

[SanDiegoCJ]

ok guys I am growing tired of fawkers recommending DE 50 cals to women (and small handed men) and other outrageous shit that they cant fawking get their hands around to comfortably shoot.:laughing:
So here is what I need from you:

measure the greatest average grip diameter of your pistols you own and post it up here.

any handling quirks of whatever round that weapon fires

control features of that weapon and ease of operation for people with short fingers.(have someone with short fingers try to use them ya fuckers :laughing: )

mine:
S&W (sigma series) 9mm
grip diameter: 6 inches
handling: normal 9mm recoil (little if any)
controls: will be a reach for the mag release and slide stop for a short fingered person

typical 1911 variant with flat mainspring housing and Alumagrip grips
grip diameter: 5.7 inches
handling: typical 1911 .45, firm recoil
controls: slide stop and mag release will require hand reposition for small hands.

Bersa Thunder .380
grip diameter:5.25
handling: .380 is a "crisp" recoil but not harsh.
controls: no issues for any with short fingers



Doc, don't you mean circumference on the grip instead of diameter ?
I ain't seen too many handguns with a 6" diameter grip. :flipoff2:

[bigun]

Using Doc's post as a template:

mine:
Colt Pony .380 "Series 90-380 Auto"
grip circumference: 4 3/4" near butt(widest), 4.5" at narrowest
handling: haven't fired it in recent times, just got it recently.
controls: will be a reach for the mag release and slide stop for a really short fingered person(maybe?)
capacity: 6+1
weight: 19 oz., loaded

I'll have to find time to do some firing this weekend to see how it goes. Got a good deal on it through family... fired it a few years back but have no memory... :(

Edit: :laughing: If anyone thinks this gun is a piece of junk, feel free to let me know. If there are any quirks to them, or anything at all that you feel is important for an owner to know, tell me.

I used to carry one as a hideout/back up I never had any problems with it other than it was kinda small for my paws. It grouped well and I never had a feed problem with it in fact I wish I still had it.

[bb93yj]

Hey Doc, check out this thread from The High Road BB,

Has dimensions of a lot of smaller pistolas:

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=171820

http://www.mouseguns.com/PocketAutoComparison.jpg (this is jpg link in the thread, click the mouse to enlarge)

[Napoleon047]

1911 .45 acp

my hand:
http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=235319&stc=1&d=1142917611

my girlfriends:
http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=235320&stc=1&d=1142917611

comparison:
http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=235321&stc=1&d=1142917611

1911 shoots comfortably for me, although i still have to slide my hand around to release the mag and slide

for my g/f its not even close, it kicks too much for her and she pretty much has to use her left hand to drop the mag and release the slide to keep from dropping it.

[Spaceman]

mine:Colt Frontier Model manufacture date early 1890s
grip diameter: 5.5 at the base
handling: shoots black powder loads, not much recoil I believe (have not actually fired this :D )
controls: pretty darn easy to reach the loading gate and work the ejector...

http://www.bsatroop640.org/images/colt1.jpg

http://www.bsatroop640.org/images/colt2.jpg

(sorry, couldn't resist) :flipoff2:

For the real pistol - I Can't get to the ruger P85 right now, but it has a double stack mag and has a pretty darn big grip. Safety and mag release easy to get to with bigger hands...

[LandCroozer]

Is there anything in .25 ACP that is worth a damn?

Years ago a buddy and me rented some little cute thing in 25 for fun, it looked more like a keychain fob than a semi-auto handgun, and it had trouble hitting a sheet of typing paper at 4 yards.

-t

[ogreshooter]

More than you asked for, but thought that this was all pertinent info.

Weight-Unloaded: 14.7 ounzes
Weight-Loaded: 1 pound 2.87 ounces (with Winchester hollow points)
OAL: 5.5"
OAH (With Short 6 round mag): 4"
Width: .9" (As per Kahr website)
Grip circ. at grip base: 4-13/16"
Grip at trigger guard: 4-1/2"
Grip at highest point - around trigger: 6-1/2"
MADE IN USA! (Just a side note)
Caliber: 9x19

[jstandle]

For size comparison, here is my S&W .38 Bodyguard next to a 4" S&W .357.

Any short fingered midget could hold this gun;

http://198.237.72.28/guns/357_3.jpg

It's not built for +P rounds so it's recoil isn't bad, comparing to the 1911 .45 Ultra-compact I'm used to shooting.

14 oz unloaded
Hold 5 rounds

[YotaRedneckGirl]

Hey Doc! Great thread!! And thanks to those that are responding!

I'm looking to buy my first handgun in less than a month and have been having a hard time making the final decision. I really like the S&W Sigma .40 and I've heard a lot of good things about the Bersa Thunder .380, just haven't held one yet. Hard to find a guy that feels comforatable in my hand.

Thanks for the good info guys!

[chris408]

I have shot many many rounds from a .380 SW recoil was low and crisp, i did not like the constant jamming. i would say 1 out of 30 jammed...

[Fisheadgib]

I was talking to my uncle about this. He is a range master and teaches personal defense classes. He strongly discourages people who infrequently shoot, especially women who infrequently shoot from using semi-auto handguns for home defense. He said that in most of his experiences women have weaker wrists and in a panic/crisis situation they fail to provide the weapon with a solid base thus causing jams. When you may only get one shot...that's not a good thing.
I totally agree with this. For someone who isn't extremely well practiced with autoloading handguns, a hammerless snubnosed .38 is probably the most recommended handgun for CC. With the average 12lb trigger pull, very little risk of an adrenalin induced AD, and it won't jam with lint or whatever other debris is floating around in a purse, pocket, or glovebox. Snubbies aren't as glamorous as an autoloader, but no ones carrying it to be cool, right?

[kodiak1232003]

hey wasn't it the sas or american "clandestine" or special forces that used silenced .22's for their work? very quiet, small package that would do the job when on target.
if im remembering that correctly, it further's docs case that a comfortable well placed shot(s) is WAY more effective than an uncomfortable gun left at home.

i don't know what people think about them, but i like walther's. the new ppk is a very slick gun. seems much like doc's recommendation of the bersa. probably a 380 as we..

i've held the compact xd, too. and that one is definitely small for my big hands....i think xd's come in 9mm and 40s&w. the polymer might come in hand if they are up against your..lol, sweaty skin...:shaking: sorry .
those guns have proven to be more resistant to corrosion simply cuz of materials.

[kodiak1232003]

I totally agree with this. For someone who isn't extremely well practiced with autoloading handguns, a hammerless snubnosed .38 is probably the most recommended handgun for CC. With the average 12lb trigger pull, very little risk of an adrenalin induced AD, and it won't jam with lint or whatever other debris is floating around in a purse, pocket, or glovebox. Snubbies aren't as glamorous as an autoloader, but no ones carrying it to be cool, right?

good point

[DMG]

5 Shot S&W. It will fit small hands and disappears into my pants pocket for concealment. The trigger is good for a revolver and it is fairly accurate. This one is 20-30 years old.
Also, the Star Firestar single-stack 9mm has a relatively small grip and these work very well.

[NastyNate]

I think the S&W 642 is the perfect handgun for self defense for a smaller person. It does have a sharp recoil with +p, but standard velocity is very manageable. Easy to fit in pocket, purse, or iwb. My wife could shoot it, but didn't like too because she is a little recoil sensitive. YMMV.

http://www.fototime.com/%7B00BDF8BA-CC32-4EA0-A575-896CDA49AB01%7D/picture.JPG

[usmcdoc14]

Doc, don't you mean circumference on the grip instead of diameter ?
I ain't seen too many handguns with a 6" diameter grip. :flipoff2:

I would but I cant edit the fucking post for some reason :confused:

[usmcdoc14]

ok and that post is not showing. WTF?

[BajaCherokee92]

Is there anything in .25 ACP that is worth a damn?

Years ago a buddy and me rented some little cute thing in 25 for fun, it looked more like a keychain fob than a semi-auto handgun, and it had trouble hitting a sheet of typing paper at 4 yards.

-t

I have a Browning .25ACP

Benzz0 and I shot it this past Sunday. It hadn't been fired in probably 20 years, but did fine.

We shot a few pieces of tile from maybe 8 yds, and had a helluva time hitting them.

I can only get my middle finger around the grip. You also have to watch the webbing between your thumb and index, so it doesn't get pinched. :laughing:

http://www.gunsworld.com/world/graphs/br25s.gif

[basketcasejeep]

ok and that post is not showing. WTF?

I edited mine right after that. :D Your first post is showing, and the one above the one I quoted.... ("I would but I cant edit the fucking post for some reason ") Is that what you're talking about?

[0ILBURNER]

.. strongly discourages people who infrequently shoot, (especially women) from using semi-auto handguns for home/self defense...

Quality advice right here...

.38 cal revolver w/ molded grips. Hard to beat for safety & reliability.

[fullygruntled]

I have a Browning .25ACP
http://www.gunsworld.com/world/graphs/br25s.gif

Looks like that'd stop a charging hamster in its tracks at 10 paces

[BajaCherokee92]

Looks like that'd stop a charging hamster in its tracks at 10 paces

You're welcomed to borrow it if you think it'd make your workplace safer.

:flipoff2:

[Fisheadgib]

Even a lot of guys that carry autoloaders aren't as proficient with them as they think they are. Years ago I was very heavily into USPSA competition and ran at least 500 rounds a week through my .45's for probably six or seven years. Frequently several of us would practice together and set up stages and drills. One of my favorites is very applicable to CC. We would set up two targets at 15 feet, place the gun unloaded with 3 clips on a table in front of them, and when the buzzer went off, they had to load and fire two rounds apiece into the two targets as fast as they can.
The kicker was, the clips were sabotaged. They had combinations of live rounds,dummy rounds, and blank cases. This was good training to learn how to clear a jam in a pinch. You'd be amazed at how many closet Rambo's would go totally brain dead when their gun jammed. This is also a good drill to help someone decide wheather they should be carrying an autoloader in the first place.

[Disco]

My sister-in-law has a S&W Sigma series 9mm and she loves it. She can handle it with no problem and it's a fun gun to shoot!! ;)

[usmcdoc14]

Ok I fixed it to read "circumference" :flipoff2
But now i cant delete/edit my other posts.

fuckit :D

[SilverZuk]

I have a keltec 9mm.
It is not a pleasure to shoot. Short auto = quick muzzle flip. Long deliberate DAO trigger. Short sight radius.

My wife doesn't like it. She shoots it several times a year. Usually one magazine (or partial) and then she re-informs me that she doesn't like it. Biggest complaint is the DAO trigger.

I shot a smith air weight this weekend. I like the pistol, but as soon as I shot it, I knew my wife wouldn't.
The recoil is sharp into the ball of your hand with standard 38 loads.
I would feel fine carrying it, but it wouldn't be a pistol that I would take to the range and shoot much.
My wife is very competent with her fullsize S&W 357 and enjoys shooting it.
She won't shoot a gun that she doesn't like.

She also has a Berretta Tom Cat in 32. It is not much of a pistol as far as ballistics. It is small, carries well, handles/points/shoots well, the barrel flips up to load and unload the chamber. She likes it and is comfortable with it.
i would rather have a 32 that she shoots confidently than a 38 that she doesn't. That makes the difference between a hit and miss, and hesitation before a shot when it counted.

Edit: her favorite gun is the Walther PPK (because James Bond). I like them, but not much on concelament due to heavy wieght compared to modern compacts. I prefer a 1911 over PPK.

[deadmeat]

Even a lot of guys that carry autoloaders aren't as proficient with them as they think they are. Years ago I was very heavily into USPSA competition and ran at least 500 rounds a week through my .45's for probably six or seven years. Frequently several of us would practice together and set up stages and drills. One of my favorites is very applicable to CC. We would set up two targets at 15 feet, place the gun unloaded with 3 clips on a table in front of them, and when the buzzer went off, they had to load and fire two rounds apiece into the two targets as fast as they can.
The kicker was, the clips were sabotaged. They had combinations of live rounds,dummy rounds, and blank cases. This was good training to learn how to clear a jam in a pinch. You'd be amazed at how many closet Rambo's would go totally brain dead when their gun jammed. This is also a good drill to help someone decide wheather they should be carrying an autoloader in the first place.


I used to do the same, as well as hang with friends that new the rules of a gunfight (Have a gun, hell have two)

We set up a shooting scenario and took out turns.
One of my friends showed up late, and missed all the set up, but took his turn shortly after showing up.
At the rail his auto loader jammed, he dropped the mag, cleared, reloaded, and tried to continue, jam again. He put the auto down on the table and pulled a revolver out of it's holster (non of us observing knew he had this with im) and finished the course. We laughed our asses off. Everyone was impressed at how he handled the stress of the malfunction AND his readiness to defend himself.

[TLCObsession]

I am watching this thread for the opposite. I tried every handgun my little brother owns, and all of them were too small for my paws. The surprising thing is his hands are meatier than mine, and I guess the extra padding made them fine for him.

I did get PO'd at him when his Korean 1911 copy slide chewed up my hand - I cussed, and he said "Oh yeah with big hands you have to watch the slide on that gun!"

[indulf]

astra a75l 9mm

easy to conceal, easy to shoot, great beater gun.

grip=6" circumference

will add a photo tonight.

[Hef]

Taurus PT745C
$488 for pistol, 2 6-rd mags, Fobus molded, paddle holster 20 rounds of Hydrashocks and 50 rounds of target ammo.


Caliber: .45 ACP, DAO
Barrel: 3.25"
Grip diameter: 5"
Weight: 20.8 oz.
Stainless slide, polymer frame, fixed sights, integrated locking system

Controls are RH only. No ambi options. No accessory rail. Takes alot of practice to get comfortable with RH controls shooting LH'ed. Shoots comfortably and reliably. I consider it a very good carry gun.

[Dieselmh]

http://gettochildz.tripod.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/glock.26.jpg




Glock 26
Caliber: 9mm
Grip circumference: 6 inches
Weight with a full magazine: approx 26 oz
Handling: Normal 9mm recoil (if you can call it recoil with a 9mm :D)
Issues: Mag release is not what I'd consider user friendly in stock trim. No place to rest pinky finger in stock trim. Both are easily remedied with aftermarket parts and a few minutes of time.
Pros: No external safety to fumble with. Small, light, and easy to conceal. Accurate for it's size. Reliable.
Cons: No external safety, which freaks a lot of people out. Longer and harder trigger pull than some people find comfortable. "Tupperware." :laughing:

Overall: It's been a very reliable carry weapon, with only one jam in almost 8 years, which was due to a bad cartridge. It's easy to disassemble, easy to clean, and not overly complicated. There's also a large amount of aftermarket support for any changes you want to make.

[aloharover]

1911 with Pachmeyer rubber slabs 5-5/8
1911 with stock wood grips 5-1/2
1911 with Hogue finger grips 5-3/4
Ruger P85 5-3/4, SWMBO's gun, 9mm, easy recoil
Ruger Vacquero, .45lc, stock grips 4-1/2
Ruger Vacquero with hard rubber grips 4-3/5
Ruger Black Hawk rubber grips 5-0
Taurus .357 snub revolver 4-1/2
Remington 63 4-3/8s

[usmcdoc14]

BTT for Gipper.

[jstarnes]

ok guys I am growing tired of fawkers recommending DE 50 cals to women (and small handed men) and other outrageous shit that they cant fawking get their hands around to comfortably shoot.
I think its time for you to search for a post by some average jackass I think the title was "FUCK YOU"

[usmcdoc14]

I think its time for you to search for a post by some average jackass I think the title was "FUCK YOU"

I think its time for you to find a gun barrel that is of correct size for you to lick. :flipoff2: :laughing:

[Mohadeab]

http://img274.imageshack.us/img274/2884/dsc13069sy.jpg
My hands are small and I have no problem with my gun...it's all about what you can handle comfortably and accurtly(sp).

[KILLERXJ]

Sig saur P239. Comes chambered in either 9mm or .40 cal. Great little compact gun. Throw a set of houge grips on there and it will fit like it was molded to anyones hands.

[sparkmechanic]

Check out the Sig, Pay the rental fee and give a sig .40 a run, I prefer a DAO, but that is just me, a .45 is too much to run 100 rnds a month thru, it kills my wrists, the .40 is just right, lotsa knock down and still able to work a full day using my hands. If you can go over to VA Beach Blvd (while house hunting in the tidewater area) and rent one, you may be suprised.:smokin: :smokin:

[featherflicker]

Sig saur P239. Comes chambered in either 9mm or .40 cal. Great little compact gun. Throw a set of houge grips on there and it will fit like it was molded to anyones hands.

x2

I have an EX Large hand and my .40 p239 fits my hand well, but is still small enough to fit every woman I have let shoot it.
The only thing I don't care for is its 7+1 capacity.

[Weasel]

SIG 229 .357Sig

Grip circumference: 5.75"

Handling: About the same push as a .45 but much more snap or barrel lift. It's a bit strong but not uncomfortable

Controls: A reach for short fingers. I have small hand and drop the mag, slide and decocker with my left hand, although I can use my right but I have to shift my grip slightly. I've heard a shorty trigger does great wonders but yet to install one.