Best pistol for small hands for target practice?

Question

I have had experience with revolvers and pistols in .22, 45 and 9mm but still have not found the gun for me. Any suggestions for a gun that I will use for target practice at a firing range that will best fit a beginner female with small hands? I do know that I want a pistol, just not sure on caliber or brand. Thanks!

Answer 1

Have you tried Rugers line of 22 pistols I have a Mk2 that my wife loves to shoot. It is chambered in 22 long rifle. She also enjoys shooting her Kahr K9 and Glock 19 both of which are 9mm's.

My best advice is to go to a gun shop and ask to handle different pistols, tell the dealer what you are trying to do and he/she will be more than happy to assist you!

Answer 2

My daughter, an experienced shooter even at the tender age of 13 picked up a Walther's .22 and chose it over several others to include the Ruger MKII. The grips simply fit her small hands better and she chose the one with the factory comp because she liked the slightly longer sight radius and the extra weight at the end of the barrel. It's been a good little plinker for her over the last three years.

In larger calibers, the Kahn in 9MM is also a pretty good choice. While expensive, the Springfield EMP is a fine 9MM in a 1911 format but everything has been scaled down to the smaller cartridge.

Good luck.

Answer 3

Kacy,

The best handgun for you is the one that fits your hand best.

As a general rule, I've found that females with small hands tend to do better with either K-frame Smith & Wesson revolvers with slim service grips, and 4" barrels, or J-frame revolvers with 3" barrels.

I suggest you go to a well stocked gun shop and try different handguns to see which fits your hand best.

For fun shooting, you might want to especially check Ruger's Mk II Target Pistol, S&W's M-17 or 617, and a Taurus M-96, all are in .22 LR which is mild in recoil and cheap to shoot.

Doc

Answer 4

Kahr p9 or cw9 is great for small hands but its a concealed carry gun not a target gun, i.e. its accurate but small and light meaning more recoil less fun. so you might want to also try:
walther ppk
sig p232

also I know of two handguns that have adjustable grip size that would be:
sig pro sp2022 (sp2340, 2309)
smith&wesson M&P

I have both, the sigs small grip is slightly larger than that of the smith but in terms of relability it has beat the smith by 10000 rounds and still counting.

in general anything with a single stack mag has a smaller grip so maybe try one of the 1911 clones.

one mistake I've seen many begginner make is an incorrect grip on the fire arm, you dont need a death grip this will just increase inaccuracy and you will tire quickly, a firm but relaxed grip with weak hand pulling the weapon back into the strong hand is much better. many experianced shooters (myself included) find a wider grip easier to control as it can reduce felt recoil, the wider grip is a little deceptive to begginers as they often feel as though they dont have a good grip.

Answer 5

I would suggest you try the Ruger MKII it works very well in small hands and is very accurate and cheap to shoot.
My daughter spends a lot of time in my back yard range shooting mine for hours on end.
Look over the link attached to get an idea about the Ruger MKII.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ruger_MK_II



D58


Hunting with Rifle, Pistol, Muzzle loader and Bow for over 3 decades.
Reloading Rifle, Pistol and shotgun for over 3 decades.

Answer 6

Maybe a Ruger MKIII/45 might do the trick. They have very slim grips. I handled one some time ago and my hands are large. I cannot imagine anyone with normal man-sized hands liking the feel of that frame.

Answer 7

Hi Kacy. Strictly for target practice (and perhaps as a defensive weapon of opportunity only) consider the Walter P-22. This one comes with adjustible grips for small to larger hands. Mine likes the hotter .22s best and the larger grips fit my hand just right.

Best.

H

Answer 8

Ruger MK 2 or a Lady Smith

Answer 9

Try the Ruger Bearcat 22. I'm guessing it'll feel great in your hands.

Answer 10

I have small hands and I really like my Taurus 9mm millennium edition. There are smaller hand guns out there, but they cost so much. The Price on mine was reasonable and I can handle it well. My husband likes it so much he wants it... (his sux, lol)