A pretty common question that comes up when folks are looking to purchase a new firearm is "I have small hands, what would be the best handgun for me?" Well, this is a subject that I am personally very experienced with, and while I will give you a few of my favorites, my answer to that question is that it is not a specific make, model, manufacturer, or even caliber that I would recommend. I would recommend a good, comfortable fit that you can control. You know, the same answer that I give to almost every "what's the best" question. To me, those are two important elements to apply to any firearm selection.

ANATOMY LESSON

For those of you who like facts, and not opinions, okay, I will play along. There is science, actually, anatomy and gene pool, associated with hand size. You don't need a Ph.D. to see that hand sizes vary, usually by biological sex and age. Females generally have smaller hands than males, and children have smaller hands than adults. Now there is evidence that suggests that there is a direct correlation between one's height and hand size. More often than not, hand size comes down to family genetics. There are practical applications for knowing your hand size. Picking out gloves and selecting a tennis racket are a couple. The criteria for measuring your hand is:
  • Length: This is the distance from the wrist to the tip of the longest finger.
  • Breadth: This is the measurement across the widest part of the hand.
  • Circumference: This is the measurement around the palm, just below the knuckles, and excluding the thumb. (medicalnewsdaily.com)
I know you want to know, so here you go: According to NASA, the average adult measurements are as follows:

Males

  • Average length: 7.6 inches (in)
  • Average breadth: 3.5 in
  • Average circumference: 8.6 in

Females

  • Average length: 6.8 in
  • Average breadth: 3.1 in
  • Average circumference: 7.0 in
Another measurement that you can get from your hand size is your grip size. Tennis players rely on this measurement when selecting a tennis racket for comfort and to prevent injury (ohhh, the agony). So if you want to try it out to assist in your grip selection of a firearm, I will tell you how. -Measure from the top horizontal line that runs across the palm to the tip of the extended ring finger of the dominant hand. As for me, I just pick it up and see if it feels right :)

DOWN TO BUSINESS

1 - Bersa Thunder - Chambered in .380 ACP, this has all of the features of an expensive defensive pistol, but with a lower price point. This blowback-operated .380 pistol is fun to shoot, comfortable for concealment, and is a reliable defender. Some of the smaller .380's come with a magazine with a 6 or 7 round capacity. The Bersa Thunder comes with an 8 round magazine with an extended finger rest, which makes the total assembly fit comfortably, firm, and secure in the hand. Safety features mean that your first pull will be double action with an incredibly light trigger pull of just 8lbs. 10oz, compared with some double-action trigger pulls around 12 to 15 pounds. The pull is smooth and consistent throughout. After your first shot, the hammer is cocked and ready to operate in single-action mode. In single-action mode, the arc of travel is reduced and the trigger pull drops to only 3lbs. 12oz. I highly recommend this pistol for a few reasons; It is comfortable, clean, smooth, accurate, and reliable, with a great price point. Accessories for the Bersa Thunder are available at an equally low price point.

Bersa Thunder

2 - Springfield XD Mod.2 in 9mm and 40S&W - If you are looking for something a little more substantial that is still a great concealed carry pistol, I recommend the Springfield XD Mod.2 in your choice of 9mm or .40S&W. Springfield's claim to fame is Point and Shoot Ergonomics. I have to say that Springfield got it right with the XD Mod.2. I can sum it up in two words - "effortless shooting". This pistol is a great daily carry. This sub-compact design has a grip system that enhances control. The GripZone technology creates advantages that you can truly feel. This pistol is naturally comfortable and feels more like an extension of your hand rather than an object that you are holding. This pistol gives you the sensation that it was made specifically for you. When aiming, you are in solid and comfortable contact with this pistol. It nestles in your hand and stays comfortably positioned, keeping you on target in a defensive situation or while sending rapid-fire downrange. The High Hand grip relief and High Hand beavertail that Springfield incorporates into this subcompact design keeps the hand as high as possible toward the bore. This feature reduces the recoil that you will feel and helps improve accuracy. A low profile rear combat sight and fiber optic front sights allow for quick target acquisition and accuracy. The safety features on this firearm go above and beyond the industry standard. A loaded chamber indicator and striker status indicator give you an immediate indication of if the gun is ready to fire. The Ultra Safety Assurance (USA) trigger system also includes a firing pin block and grip safety that make the XD's easy and safe to use.

The Springfield Armory XD Mod.2 in .40 S&W

3- Sig Sauer SP2022 40 S&W - I may have small hands but I still like a large frame firearm. I have a secret to share with you!! I have never heard too much bad about the Sig Sauer P226, I enjoy a day at the range with my P226 as well. I debated the purchase but I knew the quality and reliability that I would get from this firearm. After all, the entire Sig Sauer line is geared toward military and law enforcement use. I made the $900.00 purchase and have been happy with it ever since. My secret is that manufacturers frequently market their more expensive firearms and that's what has made the well-deserving P226 as popular as it is. I have recently been introduced to the Sig Sauer SP2022 in 40 S&W. It actually looks very similar to the P226 and just like the P226, it has a 1911 style shooting platform. However, I found the SP2022 to be a smaller and lighter weight pistol than the famous P226. As a female, I can tell you that the grip was incredibly comfortable, it wasn't too small or too bulky, it was honestly, just right! The firing action was smooth and consistent. The SP2022 instantly felt durable and reliable in my hands. That feeling added to my confidence in firing this gun. My arms did not get tired after running about 100 rounds through it. My first shot felt just as good as my last shot. So what's the difference between the famous P226 and the SP2022? The short answer is.... several hundred dollars! This model is one of Sig Sauer's more inexpensive guns to purchase. In the $500.00 price range, there is not another gun on the market that compares to all of the features, reliability, quality, durability, and comfort that this fine piece of firearm engineering offers at this price point. The Model SP2022 is perfect for open carry, home, and personal defense, or a day at the range.

Sig Sauer P226

  4- Smith and Wesson Bodyguard - Let's add a revolver to our list. For a small frame self-defense revolver, you could easily make this gun your go-to concealed carry firearm. At only 6.6 inches and an empty weight of 14.2 ounces, you can comfortably carry this revolver and know that you have Smith & Wesson reliability by your side. The Bodyguard is a simple five-shot revolver with a 1.875-inch barrel that is capable of firing .38 Special + P ammunition. It has a hammerless presentation that prevents snags and external cocking. With the knockdown power of a full-size revolver, what's not to love about this piece? Revolvers in general have smaller grips than semiautomatic pistols. The ammunition supply of a revolver is stored in the cylinder instead of a magazine located in the grip like a semiautomatic.

Smith & Wesson Bodyguard

TAKE AWAY

In all honesty and full disclosure, I will pick up anything and shoot it. Most of the time, just to prove a point. But when it comes to my personal firearms, comfort and control are king. Ergonomics are especially important features to look at if you have smaller hands. I said I will shoot anything, and I will, but maybe only once. Your personal firearm should allow you to run at least 100 rounds through it in a range session without your body feeling much impact. Shop All Handguns
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