What Is Best Weapon For Small Hands?

[LauraJordan]

Hello LEOS:

I have small hands. Recently, I was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis.


Some of my fingers are affected and I can't grasp objects that formerly were no problem.

I carry a 9mm. The recoil is too strong for my wrist.

Is there a better choice for a Senior Lady?

Carrying an "Annie Oakley" type six-shooter is not an option, although I am nearly as old (as Annie, not her gun).


I prefer the clip.


Advice from Senior Law Enforcement is most appreciated.


Laura

[sw2copgirl]

Laura, I had the same concern you have (my hands being on the small size). I do not have a problem with arthritis, however, so I hope this will still help you.

I was issued a Sig .40 semi-automatic, and it was surprisingly easy to wrap my hand around it. Also, the kick was nothing like I expected; it was minimal, and even after practicing for several hours, my wrist (and trigger finger) was still doing okay. I noticed after about the 300th round or so, my wrist was starting to bother me, but it was minor and I was able to continue. It really is a nice weapon to handle.

[warlock]

You may want to look at some smaller calibers. Starting with the 22LR, 25acp, 32 acp, and 380acp. If the 9mm is to powerful, you may want to tone it down a bit.

I would recommend tryinging a snub-nosed 38 special as well, and see how you like the feel. Baretta and taurus make quite a few pistols in those lower calibers.

Bottom line: Go to the gun store and trying holding different guns in your hands. Once you find a feel that you like, then look for the caliber you want. Dont let them try to sell you something you dont like the feel off. Any one of those calibers, used correctly, can be affective.


Warlock

[Dan]

Def. go for a smaller round if 9mm is to much recoil, as sad before, Berretta and taurus make several semi-autos in small calibers, and this is one of my pet peaves, its magazine, not clip, sorry

[jonesg11]

Another gun you might want to look into is the Bersa .380. A friend of mine had one and I would like to get one myself it is really small and although I have not fired it, I dont imagine that the kick would be too much. It also is fairly cheap, around $200, but not cheaply made, probably worth your while.

[Mac]

If you have arthritis, you may want to go to a revolver. A lot of autoloading pistols have slides that can be quite stiff and difficult to operate for some elderly people or those with a debilitating disease. Someone mentioned a .38 snubnose, ordinarily I would agree however keep in mind that a lot of snubnose pistols are built on alloy frames and not steel. A gun built on steel will have less recoil than an alloy based pistol. Thats due to the mass of the gun. A steel handgun has more mass than alloy based guns and therefore have less felt recoil. What I recommend is that go to a dealer and try out the different types that he may have. Better yet, if you can fire the different types, you can make a better selection based on experience. However, you prefer an automatic. The Bersa can be a good choice, but a Walther would be better. Specifically the Walther PPK or PP. The PPK can be had in .32ACP or .380ACP and the PP in .32ACP. Both of those guns are perfect for small hands and very concealable and have negligible recoil. By the way the Bersa and others like it are close clones of the Walther so I, personally, would go with the Walther. Good luck.

Mac

[Samuel]

LJ,

You didn't say how much firearm experience/training you have. Good technique/form (hand positioning, stance, etc) can make a night/day difference. If you are already doing things "properly", then I'd suggest going to a range where they rent guns (a good selection) and try a bunch out...

[LauraJordan]

My Thanks to all of you for your suggestions.

Now I know which way to go (with my cane and gray hair).

Laura

[warlock]

Mac you have some good points. I just remembered the slide on my sig232 380acp is so stiff sometimes that I have to get my whole arm into chambering a round.

I revolver may be easier for you. As far as alloy and steel, I've only shot steel snub-nosed. I shot a women's version of the 38 special snub in taurus, and I remember it being quite reasonable in price(around 250 I think).

Like he said, you want to see if you can find a dealer that will let you fire the handguns. I personally have never been to one that will allow you to do this. But the more I hear about your wrists, the less I think you would be able to pull the slide back on some of these pistols without some pain involved.

Keep looking and see what you can find



Warlock

[Stump]

Originally posted by warlock
Mac you have some good points. ... I shot a women's version of the 38 special snub in taurus, and I remember it being quite reasonable in price(around 250 I think).

Mac ALWAYS has good points. :D

What exactly is a "women's version"?

[warlock]

Well they called it a womans something, I cant remember because it was my moms carry pistol, and she has small hands(I have big hands, for shooting, piano, and guitar)
The grip was quite small, but nicely modeled and rubberized too!

Btw stumpy I'm still waiting for that pm to see that pic of me lol


Warlock

[Stump]

*** Secret message to warlock *** LOL ...


Does anyone know what a "woman's version" is in a pistol?

[warlock]

Lol perhaps my wording is off, maybe someone can help me here? Its a little early in the morning for me to be able to articulate words well.

Stump I'll empty my pm box and pm you


Warlock

[jonesg11]

Oh yea I did forget about the Walther. MAc is right the Bersa is probably a clone of the Walther. I have another friend who bought a Walther in the .22 cal. The grip is quite small, too small for my hands and I did not shoot it so I'm sure on recoil. But another advantage to the Walther is the interchangable grips that you can switch to suit your specific hand size and grip preference.

[Zantar]

The "women's model" revolver being referred to is likely the Smith & Wesson "Ladysmith" revolver. If I remember correctly it is just a normal snub nose in either .38 or .357 and has "Ladysmith" written on the side.