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Posted: 4/25/2002 9:33:51 PM EDT
Hey all!

I am in the mood to buy a handgun.  I have previously owned a Browning Hi-Pwr Blgm made, and it was a nice unit.

I would like something in a larger calibur.  Something like a .40 minumim, yet more like a .45 cal.

The problem I face is my hand size.  I am not a large guy (5'6), and my hands aren't large enough to fit around MOST .45 in a comfortable way.  Sure I can hold it, but its all awkward.

What semi-autos are out there that would work with this situation?  Thanks in advance.
Link Posted: 4/25/2002 9:45:34 PM EDT
[#1]
Mhy not a slim-line singled stacked 1911?     45 acp, slim enough for your hands and there is many different grips avaliable for it.
Link Posted: 4/25/2002 9:45:44 PM EDT
[#2]
A 1911 would probably work really well for you.
Link Posted: 4/25/2002 9:47:33 PM EDT
[#3]
Link Posted: 4/26/2002 12:25:07 AM EDT
[#4]
The BHP comes in .40S&W
Link Posted: 4/26/2002 12:41:05 AM EDT
[#5]
A single stack 1911 is a great choice.  

If you are looking for a double stack in .40, try the Springfield XD (HS 2000) on for size.  It comes in .40 and because of the design it fits smaller hands better.  I have smaller hands, and my HS2000 9mm (same frame) is quite comfortable for me.

Link Posted: 4/26/2002 5:26:09 AM EDT
[#6]
One of the nice things about the 1911 is that you can customize it to fit your hand.

The combination of thin stocks and a short trigger should provide a good fit for someone with small hands.
Link Posted: 4/26/2002 5:42:27 AM EDT
[#7]
Link Posted: 4/26/2002 5:57:15 AM EDT
[#8]
kahr makes a .40,  i prefer the 9mm in a gun it's size, but it does fit the hand nicely.
Link Posted: 4/26/2002 8:06:05 AM EDT
[#9]
Link Posted: 4/26/2002 8:13:47 AM EDT
[#10]
i'm the same height as you and I don't have a problem with my 1911. It fits well.
Link Posted: 4/26/2002 8:33:01 AM EDT
[#11]
Link Posted: 4/26/2002 8:59:56 AM EDT
[#12]
Thanks for the input.  I have taken note of all the options listed, and plan to head to the local gun store for 'Fitment'.

I will let you know which one comes home with me! :)

Link Posted: 4/26/2002 9:05:56 AM EDT
[#13]
1911 and SigP220: Both guns have single stack magazines with slim grips. My sister who is rather petite and is at: 5'4" likes shooting both since they have a low recoil and fit her small hands.
Link Posted: 4/26/2002 9:36:15 AM EDT
[#14]
I would also reccomend a 1911.  I am around 5'6" and have pretty small hands.  I have a Kimber Ultra CDP that is very comfortable to shoot.
Link Posted: 4/26/2002 11:41:23 AM EDT
[#15]
First let me say I am an avid 1911 and browning fan.

I also like big handled guns...heck I put a sleeve on my G21.

Having prefaced that let me tell you I shot a P99 last night and it was too small for my hands.

They also come with three different inserts for the grip to change its size.

Just a thought.
Link Posted: 4/26/2002 5:49:41 PM EDT
[#16]
I’m the same height as you and, for me at least, the 1911 Government Model grip is absolutely perfect.  Frankly, it might be a matter of getting used to it.  

As mentioned above, you can get thinner grips for a 1911 (though with some of these you do have to replace the screw bushings).  If it’s got an arched mainspring housing, replacing it with a flat housing can also help.

Other handguns that come to mind:

Sig P239 in .40 S&W.

Walther P99 in .40 S&W (however, you may find the trigger a bit of a reach).

Glock single stack .45 ACP (I forget the model).  Also, any of the Glock .40 S&W’s.

Sig P220 in .45 ACP (though I don’t think it’s any smaller than a 1911).

S&W also makes several single stack 40 S&W and .45 ACP pistols.  (Though, personally, I’d take any of the above before I’d get a S&W.)
Link Posted: 4/29/2002 5:32:20 PM EDT
[#17]
You do not need a handgun! If you own an AR-15 and you expect the a SHTF situation, you would be better off with 2 extra 30 round mags. The purpose of a pistol is to fight your way to a rifle. Chuck the pistol idea and buy more AR15 ammo and mags!
Link Posted: 4/29/2002 6:44:18 PM EDT
[#18]
Get Glockasized Dude...   They're comfortable, dependable, accurate and nearly indestructable..
Link Posted: 4/30/2002 3:47:13 PM EDT
[#19]
Red: Kinda have the same problem...Luckily, I was able to change the mag release on my Beretta from "right hand" to "left hand"-I now release the mag with the index finger of my right hand. Life is much better now. I wonder if this conversion can be done on a 1911 type... At any rate, I SECOND the Sig P239 in .40S&W. I bought one of these beauties on 4/25 and JEEZ what a great gun! Fits my hand extremely well, and the felt recoil is LESS-for a smaller, lighter gun-than my buddy's Browning HiPower in .40S&W. Mag release is easy to reach, VERY accurate, easy to break down and clean. Check it out if you can.
Link Posted: 4/30/2002 5:02:38 PM EDT
[#20]
I highly suggest the Glock 30.  I have small hands too, and it fits really well.  Even though it's a double stack mag, it is not too large.  It feels really good with the mag extnsions on.  It gives you more capacity than the single-stacked Glock .45, is well balanced, has manageable recoil, and is both accurate and reliable.  It's small enough for efficient concealed carry aw well.
Link Posted: 4/30/2002 5:19:34 PM EDT
[#21]
In my opinion the best larger bore auto handguns for smaller handed people would be either a Sig P229 .40 cal or a Glock 22/23 .40 cal.  As for .45's, I have normal sized hands for a 5'10" guy and most double stack .45's are uncomfortably big for my tastes.  Kind of like firing a .45 ACP brick.  That's not to say I can't fire them well, but they don't feel right.  I hate to say this (I'm a huge Glock fan) but the Glock 30 feels like a brick to me... I know, blasphemy.  The Glock 36 is the single stack .45 and it feels much better ergonomically but it has very limited capacity.  Also, I prefer the .40 S&W to the .45 ACP (flame suit on )

Over all, I'd say my favorites are a tie between the Sig Sauer P229 and the Glock 23.  Either one of these is awesome.
Link Posted: 4/30/2002 5:58:45 PM EDT
[#22]
I know that it is not a 45 acp but the Walther P99 is a fine gun.  It comes with interchangeable backstraps so you can almost form fit it to your hand.  The fit and finish on the gun is excellent.  If you shop around you can find it for under $500.  thegunsource.com has them for $493 plus $15 shipping and handeling.  You won't be sorry about the purchase + you need a 40 S&W and a 45 anyways.  Just my 02.  
Link Posted: 4/30/2002 7:55:41 PM EDT
[#23]
Link Posted: 4/30/2002 8:10:13 PM EDT
[#24]

Quoted:
handguns.ar15.com/




Go here and see about a Colt Offocer size 1911 or maybe even a slim Glock.
Link Posted: 5/1/2002 4:13:48 PM EDT
[#25]
If you like .40, the Browning Hi-Power and CZ-75 are slimmer-gripped than some autos.
Link Posted: 5/3/2002 3:26:27 PM EDT
[#26]
Thanks for all the input.

I went with a new Walther P99 .40 cal in a "T" finish.  I also purchased two 12rnd preband hicap mags.
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