Gun for (seriously) tiniest female hands you've ever seen
- Thread starter lilcris
- Start date
Kreyzhorse
New member
Look at the Ruger LCP, Walther PPS, Ruger SP101 and any S&W snub nose .38. All are guns that should fit even the smallest hands and are well made, accurate and reliable.
thedudeabides
New member
I think the guys here don't realize how small is small, and how we were having this same discussion a few months ago with my wife.
She is 5' and 90 pounds. Her hand is the size of my palm, her WHOLE HAND fits in my palm. There are a few guns she can handle and actuate the trigger pull, and some tiny guns are DAO and have a long weighty trigger pull.
I got her a P250 subcompact...
Now here's the rub on tiny guns. While the recoil on a full frame poly or metal 9mm is NOTHING, especially to a 6'3'' adult male, a 9mm or 380 sub kicks like a mule, and isn't necessarily the "scaled down" gun we'd like it to be. While recoil is to a large extent not related to the physical strength of the shooter, most guns are still man-sized.
I can't shoot the P250 subcompact effectively. I can't get my hands around it to grip it properly, even with the grip extensions, but my wife can get both hands around the gun and control the recoil. She doesn't like it, but can hit center mass over and over again on the silhouettes.
I had to buy 115 gr Walmart Browning ammo to reduce the kick (I shoot 147 subsonic and NATO +P), and she's accurate enough to defend herself in the critical 5-10 yard range. I thought about a plinker, but 22LR isn't that useful in self defense, and I'd rather have her in a reliable centerfire than a rimfire.
So, in short...
Get a gun you can hold with both hands and pull the trigger, and reaching it isn't enough, you have to be able to pull it effortlessly. Make sure that you can chamber a round/clear a round (some guns have very beefy recoil springs), and shoot the gun.
The only way you can really do this if you have a friendly range/store that has used guns/rentals that you can cycle a few dozen rounds through. We tried the LCP, LCR, P250, P238, and P239...
And FWIW, don't get a subcompact 40 or 45, you won't be able to manage the recoil. Honestly, I don't know why anyone, big or small, would want such power in such a small gun.
She is 5' and 90 pounds. Her hand is the size of my palm, her WHOLE HAND fits in my palm. There are a few guns she can handle and actuate the trigger pull, and some tiny guns are DAO and have a long weighty trigger pull.
I got her a P250 subcompact...
Now here's the rub on tiny guns. While the recoil on a full frame poly or metal 9mm is NOTHING, especially to a 6'3'' adult male, a 9mm or 380 sub kicks like a mule, and isn't necessarily the "scaled down" gun we'd like it to be. While recoil is to a large extent not related to the physical strength of the shooter, most guns are still man-sized.
I can't shoot the P250 subcompact effectively. I can't get my hands around it to grip it properly, even with the grip extensions, but my wife can get both hands around the gun and control the recoil. She doesn't like it, but can hit center mass over and over again on the silhouettes.
I had to buy 115 gr Walmart Browning ammo to reduce the kick (I shoot 147 subsonic and NATO +P), and she's accurate enough to defend herself in the critical 5-10 yard range. I thought about a plinker, but 22LR isn't that useful in self defense, and I'd rather have her in a reliable centerfire than a rimfire.
So, in short...
Get a gun you can hold with both hands and pull the trigger, and reaching it isn't enough, you have to be able to pull it effortlessly. Make sure that you can chamber a round/clear a round (some guns have very beefy recoil springs), and shoot the gun.
The only way you can really do this if you have a friendly range/store that has used guns/rentals that you can cycle a few dozen rounds through. We tried the LCP, LCR, P250, P238, and P239...
And FWIW, don't get a subcompact 40 or 45, you won't be able to manage the recoil. Honestly, I don't know why anyone, big or small, would want such power in such a small gun.
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I wouldn't discount revolvers or a 22. Statistically speaking, chances are you'll never use it for home defense(of course chances change dramatically depending on where you live). And a 22 is certainly better than nothing. But you will want to use your gun at the range. A mouse gun in 380 won't get shot much because ammo is expensive, they aren't the most fun to shoot due to recoil(although they aren't as bad as many make them out to be), and they are difficult to shoot accurately. But a 22 is always fun. If the store has one, check out a Ruger Bearcat(I might take some heat for this one). They are quite small, almost kid sized. But they are really cool. I've never actually shot one, but handled them numerous times, and it looks like it would be really fun to shoot. The downside is that it is single action only, meaning you have to pull the hammer back for every shot, but they have a very nice trigger pull. Another option may be the new SP101 in 22. The 22 is a great round to learn with and it will got shot more since ammo is so much cheaper than anything else.
http://www.ruger.com/products/newBearcat/models.html
http://www.ruger.com/products/newBearcat/models.html
I just picked up a Beretta Nano. That might fit the bill for your needs.
http://www.berettanano.com/
http://www.berettanano.com/
Aguila Blanca
Staff
I'm a 1911 guy, and I don't think a 1911 is going to do it for you. Try it, by all means, but I don't think so. If you do try one, be advised that there are multiple trigger lengths for 1911s, and most come from the factory with a medium or long trigger.lilcris said:
In 9mm, the Springfield EMP is a 1911-style pistol that has been shortened fore-to-aft between the trigger and the back of the frame by 1/8" to 3/16" -- of any 1911, I would expect that to be the one that's best suited to tiny hands.
There's also the Colt Mustang in .380 ACP (and the SIG P238, which is a clone of the Mustang). Not exactly a 1911, but similar in a very small package.
Then there are the small pistols from Kahr, Kel-Tec, and Ruger. All generally seem to get decent reviews. In addition to those, the shop at the range where I shoot sells a lot of Bersa .380s to women, and the owner says they virtulally never have any warranty repairs on them.
Doc Intrepid
New member
Like some other responders, I would recommend you take another look at a .22 cal auto-pistol.
People who are eager to hurl hate at the .22 LR are curiously reluctant to stand up and take ten .22 rounds square in the chest.
In a home defense situation to some extent it depends on whom you're defending against. If there is someone specific who is trying to get in to get at YOU specifically, then perhaps a .12 ga shotgun makes a better choice.
But if you're scaring off the neighborhood meth head on a hot prowl, a few shots from anything would likely remind him that he has urgent business somewhere else.
As the others said above, a .22 LR that you can shoot very well, very accurately, and that you feel comfortable practicing with several times each month, is going to do you much more good than a larger caliber that kicks like a mule, is expensive to practice with, and that you're scared to shoot. A hit with anything beats a miss with a more optimal caliber. And as said above, any little tiny pistol is going to kick pretty good - its a function of physics.
There are all sorts of opinions out there, and some are better informed and more experienced than others. Regardless of which way you lean, recognize that using a firearm well also involves a psychological element that comes from knowing that you are proficient with whatever you select. Select something, then, that you can become very proficient with.
There is nothing wrong with a .22 LR pistol, if thats the pistol that lets you hit what you aim at every time, in light or darkness, whenever you need to.
Here is one to take a look at:
http://www.ruger.com/products/sr22Pistol/index.html
Just another opinion!
Best of luck to you.
People who are eager to hurl hate at the .22 LR are curiously reluctant to stand up and take ten .22 rounds square in the chest.
In a home defense situation to some extent it depends on whom you're defending against. If there is someone specific who is trying to get in to get at YOU specifically, then perhaps a .12 ga shotgun makes a better choice.
But if you're scaring off the neighborhood meth head on a hot prowl, a few shots from anything would likely remind him that he has urgent business somewhere else.
As the others said above, a .22 LR that you can shoot very well, very accurately, and that you feel comfortable practicing with several times each month, is going to do you much more good than a larger caliber that kicks like a mule, is expensive to practice with, and that you're scared to shoot. A hit with anything beats a miss with a more optimal caliber. And as said above, any little tiny pistol is going to kick pretty good - its a function of physics.
There are all sorts of opinions out there, and some are better informed and more experienced than others. Regardless of which way you lean, recognize that using a firearm well also involves a psychological element that comes from knowing that you are proficient with whatever you select. Select something, then, that you can become very proficient with.
There is nothing wrong with a .22 LR pistol, if thats the pistol that lets you hit what you aim at every time, in light or darkness, whenever you need to.
Here is one to take a look at:
http://www.ruger.com/products/sr22Pistol/index.html
Just another opinion!
Best of luck to you.
Edward429451
Moderator
I think the suggestion for a 1911 may indeed be a good idea. It's a big gun but with the different triggers available for it you can get one with a short trigger that may let you be able to reach it even with the small hands. The grip is fairly big on them and yet on the thin side too so you may be able to make it work for you.
Once you have it in your hands, the bigness of the pistol makes it easier to shoot well as you'll have lots to hold on to. With a proper two thumbs forward and two palms against the grip, you may find that you can indeed shoot it well.
They sound like good suggestions to get a mouse gun, but there are detractors from guns with such a small frame. Increased recoil and muzzle rise are the big ones with accuracy problems following a close second. If you actually needed to protect yourself, being a small easy to carry gun would be one of your last concerns. At that point, being able to shoot under stress is the main concern. A large frame 1911 is easy to shoot well and so would be easier under stress also. Not many question the stopping power of a 45 ACP and there's a good reason for that. Perhaps a short trigger and a flat mainspring housing would make it shootable for you. As odd as it may sound, a large pistol may be what you need.
I also second the motion for a 22 pistol. Everyone should have a 22 pistol even if you do have a 1911 or whatever. That's the only two semi-autos I own in pistols. A Government model 45 and a 5.5" Ruger MK II.
Once you have it in your hands, the bigness of the pistol makes it easier to shoot well as you'll have lots to hold on to. With a proper two thumbs forward and two palms against the grip, you may find that you can indeed shoot it well.
They sound like good suggestions to get a mouse gun, but there are detractors from guns with such a small frame. Increased recoil and muzzle rise are the big ones with accuracy problems following a close second. If you actually needed to protect yourself, being a small easy to carry gun would be one of your last concerns. At that point, being able to shoot under stress is the main concern. A large frame 1911 is easy to shoot well and so would be easier under stress also. Not many question the stopping power of a 45 ACP and there's a good reason for that. Perhaps a short trigger and a flat mainspring housing would make it shootable for you. As odd as it may sound, a large pistol may be what you need.
I also second the motion for a 22 pistol. Everyone should have a 22 pistol even if you do have a 1911 or whatever. That's the only two semi-autos I own in pistols. A Government model 45 and a 5.5" Ruger MK II.
I don't usually recommend a .22LR for self defense, but the Beretta Neos has about the smallest grip I have come across in a pistol. I have taken lots of young women (friends of my daughters) shooting for the first time. Everybody can reach the trigger, everybody enjoys it, and everybody has some pretty immediate success with it (which has a lot to do with enjoying it).
The problem with larger calibers is that to get a pistol small enough for tiny hands, the overall size and mass of the pistol may very well make recoil objectionable.
One centerfire pistol you might consider is the Beretta PX4 Compact. It is interchangeable backstraps, and the smallest one may allow you to reach the trigger. If so, it also has a rotating barrel system that tames recoil pretty significantly.
The problem with larger calibers is that to get a pistol small enough for tiny hands, the overall size and mass of the pistol may very well make recoil objectionable.
One centerfire pistol you might consider is the Beretta PX4 Compact. It is interchangeable backstraps, and the smallest one may allow you to reach the trigger. If so, it also has a rotating barrel system that tames recoil pretty significantly.
These are the two I got for my lady.
Aguila Blanca might be right about the 1911 but it was one of the first that pops into my head because MY girl loves hers but she isn't quite as small as you. Its big and heavy and soaks up the recoil of 9mm.
PM9 (this is a Pm7 cause I couldn't find a PM9, PM7s are .45s not 9mm and have different sights.)
Kahr T9
Also this isn't a great CCW persay but given your size and such I might make a Really good range gun because its big enough to enjoy shooting it at range. It feels great in hand.
This also popped into my head. It is a S&W model 60. J frame five shot .357 also can fire .38 specials less recoil, noise and cost. Hopefully you'll find that small boot grip to be comfortable.
The issue for you is while most smaller guns should fit you they are not especially fun or easy to shoot. For newer shooters I always try giving them a .22 then a heavier centerfire gun to start out. Sadly all three of these guns are not particularly cheap... But I hope it gives you some ideas.
Let us know what you decide!
Aguila Blanca might be right about the 1911 but it was one of the first that pops into my head because MY girl loves hers but she isn't quite as small as you. Its big and heavy and soaks up the recoil of 9mm.
PM9 (this is a Pm7 cause I couldn't find a PM9, PM7s are .45s not 9mm and have different sights.)
Kahr T9
Also this isn't a great CCW persay but given your size and such I might make a Really good range gun because its big enough to enjoy shooting it at range. It feels great in hand.
This also popped into my head. It is a S&W model 60. J frame five shot .357 also can fire .38 specials less recoil, noise and cost. Hopefully you'll find that small boot grip to be comfortable.
The issue for you is while most smaller guns should fit you they are not especially fun or easy to shoot. For newer shooters I always try giving them a .22 then a heavier centerfire gun to start out. Sadly all three of these guns are not particularly cheap... But I hope it gives you some ideas.
Let us know what you decide!
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Biggest problem with a .22 is unreliable ammo, not its lack of power. Use CCI MiniMags and most of that problem goes away. It's still not a great defensive round, but it's not terrible. Longer barrel is better than shorter; .22LR is really a weak rifle cartridge.
You might try a Keltec K32, or a small .38 Special revolver (you can use wadcutter ammo to reduce the recoil), or a single-stack 9mm.
Good luck
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thedudeabides
New member
I don't question the effectiveness of 22LR. I just question its reliability in a small semiautomatic pistol in defense situations.
I've had all sorts of plinkers over the years, none have been reliable for any situations outside of a range and no 22LR ammo has been, either.
I've had all sorts of plinkers over the years, none have been reliable for any situations outside of a range and no 22LR ammo has been, either.
mrbatchelor
New member
...Please don't make me purchase a teeny tiny pink gun.
Thanks for the help!
Nothing wrong with a pink gun. What matters is what comes out the barrel and where they go.
MB
NC Cruffler
New member
Smith & Wesson Airweight and a couple of speed loaders.
Then, practice, practice, practice.
Then, practice, practice, practice.
Father Time
New member
I will echo the statments of others.
DO NOT use a .22 lr for self defense.
It can be letal when shot placment is good. The problem is that rimfire rounds generaly are not anywhere near reliable enough for self defense. You don't want to get a "click" when you NEED a "bang".
DO NOT use a .22 lr for self defense.
It can be letal when shot placment is good. The problem is that rimfire rounds generaly are not anywhere near reliable enough for self defense. You don't want to get a "click" when you NEED a "bang".
CCI MiniMags are reliable, and they are not light target rounds. I've never met a gun that didn't like them. I'm not sure they are reliable enough for an autoloader for self-defense. They might be, but I wouldn't want to depend on it
There is only one sound louder than a "BANG" when you didn't expect: its "click" when you were expecting a BANG. At least in a revolver you can just pull the trigger again.
There is only one sound louder than a "BANG" when you didn't expect: its "click" when you were expecting a BANG. At least in a revolver you can just pull the trigger again.
My advice would be to contact a local private gun range or club. This is where you will meet people who shoot. You'd be surprised how many women shoot for both self defense and for sport. The number of boys and girls attending shooting events are our club has been rising for a couple of years now. Public ranges can be really good or really bad depending on location and who's shooting.
If you find yourself unable to handle and fire specific firearms you might try going to youtube and watching video demonstrations of people actually shooting the weapons under recoil.
Also there are a number of firearm websites devoted to women and guns which might be of help.
If you find yourself unable to handle and fire specific firearms you might try going to youtube and watching video demonstrations of people actually shooting the weapons under recoil.
Also there are a number of firearm websites devoted to women and guns which might be of help.