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AR15.COM
12/15/2008 3:43:19 PM EDT
Let me start by saying I have pretty small hands (yet I'm pretty tall......hmm.....). This makes hitting the mag release on some pistols annoying. For example, while holding a Sig P226 I find I have to readjust my grip to get to the mag release with my thumb. Not a lot, but just enough that I think it becomes a tactical disadvantage. I don't want to have to do this. I'm considering the Sig 229 as an alternative but don't have the option to test one out. You think the 229 will be better? How about a G19 (another one I haven't handled)? Or an XD?

I'm open for suggestions, but I'm looking for a 9mm.
12/15/2008 4:17:07 PM EDT
[#1]
I'm not sure how it compares to those mentioned but the S&W M&P comes with three different backstraps for the grip. This allow adjusting the grip diameter. You might want to at least check it out
12/15/2008 4:18:01 PM EDT
[#2]
I would look at any gun that has replaceable back straps, like the S&W M&P series.

I can't think of what others have the replaceable back straps, but I know there are few out there.
12/15/2008 4:23:52 PM EDT
[#3]
Best advice is to go to a well stocked gun store/gun show or very active range and put you're hands on as many of the guns you're interested in.  Then let you hands tell you wallet which to buy.
12/15/2008 4:29:18 PM EDT
[#4]
Yeah, I know that I really have to go hands on but want to get a couple good ideas so I don't waste time while there.

How are the M&P's reliability.... (as say compared to the glock or sig)?
12/15/2008 4:41:27 PM EDT
[#5]
From the research I've done and what I have read they are a good gun. Can't speak from personal info though
12/15/2008 4:42:30 PM EDT
[#6]
I would consider the M&P.  I have one in 40 and it is awesome.  Very reliable and better ergos than Glock.  I like my Glock 19 but it does not feel as good as the M&P.  It also has a fully supported barrel (does not matter as much in 9mm but...).

It come w/ 3 backstrap choices as well.
12/15/2008 5:01:57 PM EDT
[#7]
I have pretty small hands too.  I liked how the p226 fit but the trigger reach was too long for me, the glock 19 didn't feel quite right (although it did fit my hand well, just a little too square), I LOVED the M&P 9mm, and surprisingly the XD45 fit my hand very well so I imagine a XD9 would fit too.  I have a ruger p95 that actually fits pretty well, but is a lot heavier than any of those other guns.
12/15/2008 6:32:29 PM EDT
[#8]
The 229 is actually a hair wider in the grip than the 226.  A slight adjustment in grip is no big deal.  I don't know that I have ever had an auto that didn't require some minor change in grip to depress the mag release.  If trigger reach is an issue in a Sig, you can get a short trigger which will reduce the trigger reach by probably an eigth of an inch.  

The Ruger P95 is a good fit for average sized hands.  It is smaller in grip and shorter in trigger reach than the Sig.  Same is true of Glock, though I don't personally like them.
12/15/2008 7:11:09 PM EDT
[#9]
I've never found a gun (H&K P7 PSP being the only exception) where I can hit the mag release without adjusting my grip.  I always have to shift a little bit.  With my G19 I have to take my index finger off of the pistol on my strong hand, with my USPc I have to twist ever so slightly.  An extended mag release may be a ticket to helping my problems as well as yours.
12/16/2008 11:26:40 AM EDT
[#10]
The S&W M&P 9 is the only gun where I'm able to reach and press the mag release without changing hand position.  I can not reach/press the mag release on the Glock 19, Sig226, CZ P-01, CZ SP-01 without repositioning.
12/16/2008 2:42:47 PM EDT
[#11]
P99 or HK USP, use your trigger finger to drop mags with the mag paddle.

or 1911 they have a grip button combo that will work (non stock).+
12/16/2008 3:11:32 PM EDT
[#12]
I have small hands and recently purchased a CZ 75 Compact 9mm - feels better in my hand than the "blockier" glock/M&P/XD.

I suggest that you give one a feel in your local gun store.
12/16/2008 3:12:49 PM EDT
[#13]
Quoted:
I have small hands and recently purchased a CZ 75 Compact 9mm - feels better in my hand than the "blockier" glock/M&P/XD.

I suggest that you give one a feel in your local gun store.


+1
Try the grips on Compact or P01.
12/17/2008 1:09:24 PM EDT
[#14]
I've got a similar problem. the Browning HP was the only full capacity 9 that felt good to me until i picked up a Springfield XD today. the .45 fit my hand better than my Glock 19.

the 9mm felt great, too.
12/17/2008 1:28:14 PM EDT
[#15]
shifting the gun slightly to engage the mag release is a good thing.  It keeps your trigger finger out of the trigger guard so you don't dro the slide and fire a round unintentionally.
12/17/2008 3:59:07 PM EDT
[#16]
Small hands = 1911

If still to large, install short trigger and/or thin grips.
If problems reaching the mag release add grips with depression for the release or taller release.

Personally I don't mind having to (slightly) shift my grip to reach the mag release.
12/17/2008 4:04:49 PM EDT
[#17]
A 1911 framed gun would be good.  Also the Browning Hi-power is good too.
A step down to .380 would get you into a Walther PP, PPK or PPK/s pistol.  Those are great for smaller hands.