Best 9mm semi choice for large hands
- Thread starter sturg
- Start date
I concur with nearly all of the advice given above. I will point out that the CZ75 has a very different trigger mechanism than the Glock. The Glock is a striker-fired pistol with no external safety. The CZ is a traditional double action pistol (DA/SA) with either a decocker or a safety.
I have moderately large hands with longer than average fingers and a significantly wider than average palm. I have owned or shot quite a few of the pistols mentioned.
If you are looking for or willing to consider a DA/SA pistol and the CZ is comfortable it would be a fine choice. I have never owned one but I have shot a CZ P07 Duty and I have handled several all-steel CZ 75Bs which feel great in my hand. CZs have a wide and avid following and are undoubtedly quality pistols.
Other DA/SA pistols that have been favored by those with larger hands include the Berettas. I own a Beretta 92FS and it is a comfortable fit. I also own a Stoeger Cougar and it is perhaps more comfortable still. Academy Sports was selling new 9mm Stoeger Cougars last year for $299, a tremendous deal. The Cougar 8000F is a 9mm with a slide-mounted, ambidextrous, safety/decocker lever just like that of the Beretta 92FS. I have handled the Beretta PX4 Storm full-size several times and dry-fired it and it too is comfortable. The Storm can be had with the slide-mounted lever as either a safety/decocker, or a decocker alone.
The SIG Sauer P226/229 is also a popular choice. I own the P229 which has a grip length just big enough to accommodate my hand with my little finger resting on the magazine base plate. The P226 has a slightly longer grip but the P226 grip does not fill my palm quite as well width-wise. SIG P series pistols are DA/SA with a frame-mounted safety.
You could also consider a Taurus PT92 which is like a Beretta 92 with a frame-mounted safety that also functions as a decocker. Taurus pistols in general do not have a good reputation, but the PT92 seems to be liked by nearly all who own them. I have shot one and it was very pleasant.
If you would prefer a striker-fired pistol like a Glock, you should definitely look at the full-sized SIG P320. The P320 has a choice of three different grip module circumferences and the grip modules are relatively inexpensive (around $40). The pistol comes with the medium-sized grip module stock, but you could swap it for a large if you needed a fatter grip. The P320 also comes in a "carry" model that has a shorter barrel and slide (like that of the compact P320) but uses a full-length grip and magazines. I own a full-sized P320 and the grip feels as if it was molded for my hand.
I have shot a HK VP9 and it is definitely a high quality pistol. It comes with interchangeable grip side panels and backstraps allowing a custom fit. But I had the same issue with trigger finger irritation due to a trough at the bottom of the trigger guard that DHart already mentioned, and I would not describe my fingers as particularly fat. I would definitely try shooting this pistol first in live fire before you considered buying one.
I have little experience with S&W M&Ps or with Springfield XDMs. I have shot a few. Never cared much for the M&P trigger although many seem to like them. The XDM felt pretty comfortable to me but not as good as the SIG P320.
I have moderately large hands with longer than average fingers and a significantly wider than average palm. I have owned or shot quite a few of the pistols mentioned.
If you are looking for or willing to consider a DA/SA pistol and the CZ is comfortable it would be a fine choice. I have never owned one but I have shot a CZ P07 Duty and I have handled several all-steel CZ 75Bs which feel great in my hand. CZs have a wide and avid following and are undoubtedly quality pistols.
Other DA/SA pistols that have been favored by those with larger hands include the Berettas. I own a Beretta 92FS and it is a comfortable fit. I also own a Stoeger Cougar and it is perhaps more comfortable still. Academy Sports was selling new 9mm Stoeger Cougars last year for $299, a tremendous deal. The Cougar 8000F is a 9mm with a slide-mounted, ambidextrous, safety/decocker lever just like that of the Beretta 92FS. I have handled the Beretta PX4 Storm full-size several times and dry-fired it and it too is comfortable. The Storm can be had with the slide-mounted lever as either a safety/decocker, or a decocker alone.
The SIG Sauer P226/229 is also a popular choice. I own the P229 which has a grip length just big enough to accommodate my hand with my little finger resting on the magazine base plate. The P226 has a slightly longer grip but the P226 grip does not fill my palm quite as well width-wise. SIG P series pistols are DA/SA with a frame-mounted safety.
You could also consider a Taurus PT92 which is like a Beretta 92 with a frame-mounted safety that also functions as a decocker. Taurus pistols in general do not have a good reputation, but the PT92 seems to be liked by nearly all who own them. I have shot one and it was very pleasant.
If you would prefer a striker-fired pistol like a Glock, you should definitely look at the full-sized SIG P320. The P320 has a choice of three different grip module circumferences and the grip modules are relatively inexpensive (around $40). The pistol comes with the medium-sized grip module stock, but you could swap it for a large if you needed a fatter grip. The P320 also comes in a "carry" model that has a shorter barrel and slide (like that of the compact P320) but uses a full-length grip and magazines. I own a full-sized P320 and the grip feels as if it was molded for my hand.
I have shot a HK VP9 and it is definitely a high quality pistol. It comes with interchangeable grip side panels and backstraps allowing a custom fit. But I had the same issue with trigger finger irritation due to a trough at the bottom of the trigger guard that DHart already mentioned, and I would not describe my fingers as particularly fat. I would definitely try shooting this pistol first in live fire before you considered buying one.
I have little experience with S&W M&Ps or with Springfield XDMs. I have shot a few. Never cared much for the M&P trigger although many seem to like them. The XDM felt pretty comfortable to me but not as good as the SIG P320.
Aguila Blanca
Staff
Another vote for the CZ-75B. You obviously cannot trust that gun store clerk, he's not giving you honest information. He's pushing what the store has in stock rather than trying to help you find the gun that's best for you. That's okay if he's honest about what he's doing, but to lie about the quality of the CZ-75B, which is one of the world's best (and most widely adopted) 9mm semi-autos is just plain silly.
I am 6'6". My FiL is 6'8". We have enormous hands. I own six 9mm pistols. I think he has four. His favorite is his CZ75. My favorite is my CZ75 "clone" made by Tanfoglio. I think it is sometimes called the EAA Witness in this country. We both slightly prefer the Tanfoglio because it is based on a slightly larger frame. They are both excellent pistols. I think he got his NiB for $450 or something like that. Mine was Israeli military surplus and cost me $330. Their slides run inside the frame, rather than outside like all of my other pistols. IMHO this helps the accuracy.
Likewise, he has a Beretta 92 and I have the Taurus clone. They are both good pistols, we just like the CZ75's better. Another one we both have is the old-fashioned single-action Star Super B. They look like 1911's and are fun to shoot. I bought the CZ75 and Super B first, and in each case he liked mine so much that he bought one for himself.
Likewise, he has a Beretta 92 and I have the Taurus clone. They are both good pistols, we just like the CZ75's better. Another one we both have is the old-fashioned single-action Star Super B. They look like 1911's and are fun to shoot. I bought the CZ75 and Super B first, and in each case he liked mine so much that he bought one for himself.
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marine6680
New member
CZ is definitely not well known outside the enthusiast community.
They have a good reputation for a reason.
They have a good reputation for a reason.
rt11002003
New member
My hands wear a size 8 glove. They fit a 1911, or a 2011 perfectly. My CZ75 SP-01 Shadow Target ll feels a bit small. The CZ Tactical Sport feels a bit large as do the Wilson Beretta 92G, the SIG X-Series pistols and all of the HK USP models. The HK Mark 23 feels big!
The clerk was out of line. CZ has an excellent reputation, and many devotees. It is hard to find a bad word said about them. You found a high quality pistol that fit your hand and he steered you away from it for no reason, or at least none that benefited you.
I don't own a CZ, but I would love to pick one up for a good deal soon - a 75B is on my short list. I certainly would not be dissuaded by that clerk - he is either ignorant or deceitful.
I don't own a CZ, but I would love to pick one up for a good deal soon - a 75B is on my short list. I certainly would not be dissuaded by that clerk - he is either ignorant or deceitful.
The gun show was NOT great. They had more t-shirts, fudge, and salsa than handguns.
Went back to that gun shop. Picked up a CZ SP-01 Tactical. Felt fantastic. The big, 18 round mag., and the rubber grips. It was a better fit than any other handgun I have held. Looking forward to shooting it sometime soon.
Went back to that gun shop. Picked up a CZ SP-01 Tactical. Felt fantastic. The big, 18 round mag., and the rubber grips. It was a better fit than any other handgun I have held. Looking forward to shooting it sometime soon.
DubC-Hicks
New member
The SP01 is one of the best, softest shooting pistols I've ever fired. I've been wanting one ever since I tried it. But my 75B SA has been holding me over until I can get one.
Cheapshooter
New member
Find another store!!!!!
Preferably one with sales people that actually know what they are talki g about.
In addition to CZ there are several.Turkish made clones that are quite good.
But don't overlook the Beretta 92/M9 line as well.
PACraftsman
New member
Yes the Sigs are a bit more but they are fabulous weapons. If they felt right seriously consider spending a little more to get the right fit. You won't be disappointed.
marine6680
New member
The SP01 is awesome... I need to get one one day. Fill out my CZ collection a bit.
armoredman
New member
Welcome to the addiction! 
There is a wealth of knowledge about CZ firearms in various places. I personally have carried almost nothing else for the last 16 years, (notable exceptions, Smith and Wesson Model 10 .38 Special revolver and a Beretta PX4 Storm. Still have the Smith sold the Storm), and feel perfectly fine trusting my life and my family's lives to CZ pistols. Here is my current favorite carry sidearm, the full size P-09, pictured after it came back from it's trip to Cajun Gun Works in Monroe, LA. Incredible pistol and yes, I can also carry it concealed. May I recommend High Noon Holsters for your holster czoice? Great stuff made for dang near every CZ pistol ever made.
Once again, welcome to the addiction - warning, you will likely want another before too long.
There is a wealth of knowledge about CZ firearms in various places. I personally have carried almost nothing else for the last 16 years, (notable exceptions, Smith and Wesson Model 10 .38 Special revolver and a Beretta PX4 Storm. Still have the Smith sold the Storm), and feel perfectly fine trusting my life and my family's lives to CZ pistols. Here is my current favorite carry sidearm, the full size P-09, pictured after it came back from it's trip to Cajun Gun Works in Monroe, LA. Incredible pistol and yes, I can also carry it concealed. May I recommend High Noon Holsters for your holster czoice? Great stuff made for dang near every CZ pistol ever made.Once again, welcome to the addiction - warning, you will likely want another before too long.
ammo.crafter
New member
meat hooks
I'll add my $0.02.
Have you tried to wrap your mitts around a Hi Power?
I'll add my $0.02.
Have you tried to wrap your mitts around a Hi Power?