Having small hands and being a shooter can be tough. Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Admittedly, sometimes it feels like a lot of guns are built for giants, but that’s not always the case. If you have small hands, you still have options, lots and lots of options.
Today, we are going to address the small-hand conundrum and discuss the best guns for shooters with small hands, as well as what you should consider when purchasing a firearm.
What to Consider For Small Hands
There are some bare-bones and basic configuration questions we have to address when shopping for shooters with small hands. If you’re shopping for a handgun and have small hands, here is what you should look into regarding any gun you’re interested in.
- Grip Circumference: How thick is the grip?
- Trigger Reach: Can you comfortably reach the trigger and pull it straight back without straining or shifting your grip?
- Slide Release/Magazine Release: Can you operate these controls without breaking your shooting grip?
- Slide Racking Force: Some pistols are easier to manipulate than others. The S&W EZ series excels here.
- Interchangeable Backstraps/Grip Panels: Look for pistols that offer customization for a better fit.
The Revolver Angle That’s Best for Small Hands
Revolvers offer a worthwhile advantage to shooters with small hands over automatics. Unlike semi-automatic handguns, a revolver doesn’t have a magazine in the grip. This means the grip can be fairly small and easily customizable with a variety of aftermarket grips, allowing for greater customization of grip size and shape.
Revolver shooters don’t have to worry about operating slide or magazine releases either so that consideration is off the table. Due to the nature of the design, trigger reach isn’t going to be a big deal either. Most of the problems small shooters have are cured with a revolver.
However, revolvers have their disadvantages. First, they have limited capacity. A standard centerfire revolver will often hold between five and seven rounds. Some rimfire guns can hold more. That’s still less than an automatic, especially when size is considered.
Revolvers are also slower to reload and have a more complicated manual of arms. Double-action triggers can take additional time to master, and if you have smaller hands and poor hand strength, the DAO triggers can be tiresome.
With that said, which revolver would I suggest for small hands?
Ruger LCR
The Ruger LCR works as my revolver suggestion because it comes in all sorts of sizes, configurations, and calibers. You can get the standard .38 Special, but you can also use .22LR, .22 Magnum, .357 Magnum, 9mm, .327 Federal Magnum, and .32 H&R Magnum. You can get a snub nose carry gun, an enclosed hammer, an exposed hammer, and even a three-inch barrel model. All those different cartridges and configurations mean there is something for everyone.
Traditional DAO revolver triggers, especially on small guns, can feel like you’re dragging a brick through sand. They often “stack,” meaning the pull weight increases significantly as you near the break. The LCR, thanks to the friction-reducing cam, is remarkably smooth from start to finish.
The LCR series has a price that varies, but they tend to be on the budget-friendly side. The use of polymer keeps them light but makes them cheaper to produce. This gun won’t win any beauty pageants, but if you’re chasing performance and looking to outfit small hands, it’s the gun to go with. Most revolvers would fit the small hands requirement, but the LCR is a workhorse.
The Best Automatics for Small Hands
Semi-automatics do present some challenges depending on the gun. Some guns just have big grips. I’d never suggest a Beretta 92FS for someone with small hands. Magazine size and caliber can often determine the size of the grip. If you have small hands, then a 10mm double stack isn’t for you.
Luckily, there are plenty of automatics out there that offer you a small, thin grip. With semi-autos, a shooter does need to be able to work the slide confidently and correctly, as well as reach the slide release and magazine release. You should factor that in when you consider an automatic.
I have more than one automatic to pick from, so let’s dive into my choices.
SIG P365 (And Variants)
The P365 revolutionized the micro-compact market. Its incredibly thin grip profile makes it exceptionally comfortable for small hands. Plus, you aren’t sacrificing capacity for size; the gun can hold anywhere from 10 to 17-round magazines. The trigger reach is short, and controls are easy to reach. The P365 is highly shootable for its size.
There are several variants, like the XL and X model with longer grips, but they all manage to stay very thin and svelte. The P365 is open to all modern accessories, including lights and optics. It’s extremely modern and very capable.
Glock 43X or 48
Glock produced the 43X and 48 as a response to the micro-compact market. They produced single-stack 9mm handguns with extremely thin and comfortable grips. The 43X offers a shorter slide and barrel, but a full-length, svelte grip with a 10-round capacity. The 48 adds a longer slide for better sight radius and velocity and has a grip identical to the 43X.
Both have the signature Glock simplicity and reliability but work much better for shooters with small hands. The MOS models introduce a rail for micro-sized lights and an optics cut for those who want to keep things modern. The 43X and 48 series are a great choice for both new and experienced shooters with small hands.
Walther PDP F Series
Walther is one of the few companies who saw that women, in particular, needed a gun designed for them. “F” stands for “Female,” but it’s really for anyone with smaller hands. Walther specifically re-engineered the grip circumference and trigger reach based on extensive ergonomic research. The grip angle is optimized, and the slide is 20% easier to rack.
This is a full-featured, duty-sized pistol designed for smaller hands. This isn’t the smallest gun, but it does come ready for red dots and is built around red dot usage. It’s also light-ready and makes for one helluva duty pistol or home defense option. The PDP series is one of my favorite modern guns.
HK VP9
The VP9’s highly modular grip system, made up of multiple interchangeable backstraps and side panels, allows for an incredibly customized fit. You can make the grip surprisingly slim and comfortable. It’s got like 27 different grip configurations. That’s absurd, but awesome at the same time. A friend of mine’s wife turned me on to the VP9 for smaller hands, and she’s right, it’s been a big hit.
I find the trigger guard magazine release to be a great choice for smaller hands. It’s ambidextrous and easier to engage with a natural grip. Plus, the slide has mini wings that make it easier to rack. Predictably, it’s optics-ready and uses a plate system to accommodate a ton of optical systems.
READ MORE HERE: Guide to Buying Second-Hand Handguns
Never Compromise
Finding a handgun that works in your hands isn’t just a preference; it’s a non-negotiable for effective personal defense. You need to be able to get a full, secure grip, reach the trigger, and manipulate the controls without contorting your hand or breaking your shooting position. It needs to be the gun you can draw quickly, aim naturally, and put rounds on target with confidence. A handgun that fits is a handgun you’ll train with, and most importantly, carry.
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