Author Topic: The problem with big hands (Read 13782 times)

Xpiatio · « **on:** December 12, 2013, 08:32:44 PM »

I was looking at 3 guns for my next purchase. Initially I was going to OC my PX4 Storm and CC a smaller gun. Initially I was thinking of these (all of which had a some sort of recall when they first came out)

Springfield XD-s
S&W Shield
Beretta PX4 Storm Sub-compact

My boss CC's the shield and let me hold it today. So today I have to redo my list. My big hands were just way too big for the Shield. I had trouble fitting both my middle and ring finger below the trigger. They grip was not secure enough. So right now I'm thinking about:

S&W MP Compact
Beretta PX4 Storm Compact

Knowing that a gun size equivalent to the Shield is just too small and that I want to spend between 500 to 600. Wanting to stick with 9mm. What else would you recommend I check out?

gryphon · « **Reply #1 on:** December 12, 2013, 08:59:22 PM »

Not having held any of those I can't speak to comparisons, but I will tell you that the crop of newer "easily concealable" pistols is crap IMO. The grips are way too small if you don't use the extended magazines, and that defeats the purpose of the cut down grip. But many people freak out over "printing" and take hack saws to Glock 19s and such. It's just stupid beyond belief.

My back-up is a Kahr K40 and I can put my entire hand on the grip. Don't know how a K9 compares, but I think they are similar. I don't have HUGE hands, though, so YMMV.

Your best bet is to go into a store with a large selection, like Guns Galore in Fenton, and try them all out.

Xpiatio · « **Reply #2 on:** December 12, 2013, 09:01:41 PM »

Theres a Gun and Knife show happening in Grand Rapids this coming weekend. Should be great time to compare sizes. *that's what she said

Smashfacekrav · « **Reply #3 on:** December 12, 2013, 09:03:51 PM »

Not to much experience with a 9mm but I just bought ruger1911 for under 700 out the door. I absolutely love it. Just under a 1000 rounds through it and not a single hiccup. My only other firearms are a glock 22 and 21 and love them as well. OCing them is easy, considering their size. Best of luck. If you live near silver bullet firearms in grands rapids visit the store. They have a huge selection of firearms. I have always been treated nice there and they allow OC.

"May God have mercy on my enemies, because I won't."
General George Patton

Smashfacekrav · « **Reply #4 on:** December 12, 2013, 09:04:32 PM »

Quote from: Xpiatio on December 12, 2013, 09:01:41 PM

Theres a Gun and Knife show happening in Grand Rapids this coming weekend. Should be great time to compare sizes. *that's what she said

Roflmao

"May God have mercy on my enemies, because I won't."
General George Patton

TheQ · « **Reply #5 on:** December 12, 2013, 09:12:57 PM »

I wish I had bigger hands. If what "they" say is true......

Smashfacekrav · « **Reply #6 on:** December 12, 2013, 09:23:57 PM »

Quote from: TheQ on December 12, 2013, 09:12:57 PM

I wish I had bigger hands. If what "they" say is true......

Thought that was feet

"May God have mercy on my enemies, because I won't."
General George Patton

gryphon · « **Reply #7 on:** December 12, 2013, 09:43:20 PM »

Quote from: Smashfacekrav on December 12, 2013, 09:23:57 PM

Thought that was feet

Doing it with your feet? Kinky.

Ezerharden · « **Reply #8 on:** December 13, 2013, 01:48:50 AM »

Quote from: gryphon on December 12, 2013, 09:43:20 PM

Doing it with your feet? Kinky.

Never heard of a foot fetis?

fsr402 · « **Reply #9 on:** December 13, 2013, 09:51:31 AM »

My recommendations are

Sig SP222
Glock 19 Gen4 or 3

Both are about the same size. The glock is a little more money but is 5oz lighter when loaded.

TheQ · « **Reply #10 on:** December 13, 2013, 10:20:03 AM »

Quote from: Ezerharden on December 13, 2013, 01:48:50 AM

Never heard of a foot *fetish*?

"FIFW"

TheQ · « **Reply #11 on:** December 13, 2013, 10:20:51 AM »

Quote from: fsr402 on December 13, 2013, 09:51:31 AM

My recommendations are

Sig SP222
Glock 19 Gen4 or 3

Both are about the same size. The glock is a little more money but is 5oz lighter when loaded.

Why stop at Glock 19? I own a Glock 17...full sized.

bigt8261 · « **Reply #12 on:** December 13, 2013, 10:44:03 AM »

To me it's all about philosophy of use (POU). My XD-S fits my hand without a grip extension, but just barely. It's not as comfortable as a full size gun, but it works, and that's the point. I don't have a small gun for comfort in my hand, I have it for comfort inside my waistband and ease of concealment. It's not my ideal gun for a fight, but it helps me carry more and into more places.

Jeff · « **Reply #13 on:** December 13, 2013, 10:53:15 AM »

Because Glock 19 bigger number then 17. It two better. waugh-waugh-waugh-waugh

Xpiatio · « **Reply #14 on:** December 13, 2013, 02:02:30 PM »

I understand philosophy of use. But having one finger below the trigger isn't good for aim or control. For me its a safety issue. Personally I would sacrifice size for ease of mind. Knowing I can hit my target and minimizing risk of anyone outside of my target.

Besides, we know 2 fingers are better than 1.

bigt8261 · « **Reply #15 on:** December 13, 2013, 02:06:19 PM »

All admirable goals.

It sounded in the OP as though you were looking for a good backup or BUG. To me a backup is likely only going to be used a very close range. Your POU may vary.

fsr402 · « **Reply #16 on:** December 13, 2013, 03:53:43 PM »

Quote from: TheQ on December 13, 2013, 10:20:51 AM

Why stop at Glock 19? I own a Glock 17...full sized.

Because he was looking at compacts. Recommending a 17 would be as logical as recommending a 1911, it's not what he was looking for.

Smashfacekrav · « **Reply #17 on:** December 13, 2013, 06:53:21 PM »

Quote from: fsr402 on December 13, 2013, 03:53:43 PM

Because he was looking at compacts. Recommending a 17 would be as logical as recommending a 1911, it's not what he was looking for.

I'm going home

"May God have mercy on my enemies, because I won't."
General George Patton

Xpiatio · « **Reply #18 on:** December 15, 2013, 10:59:04 AM »

I might as well give you guys an update: after drueling over the guns I wish I could get this past weekend. Gun show. Gander Mountain and Cabelas. I've made the decision to replace my OC gun. I was carrying Beretta PX4 Storm (full size). Since its still in the shop. And with Grand Rapids Gander Mountain master Gun Smith of Gander Mountain (28th street location) being diagnosed with cancer, they are shipping all guns up to Traverse City that need work (outside of cleaning).

But refocusing to the topic on hand:

In time, my replacement for OC: Sig SP2022.
While I have some time before I can conceal, it gives me time to dig into my short list for a BUG:
Springfield XD-S (After actually holding it, I was able to get 2 fingers under the trigger. And yes I know about the recall)
Glock (not sure model yet)

bigt8261 · « **Reply #19 on:** December 15, 2013, 11:53:53 AM »

FWIW, any XDS that you see in a LGS should be updated. Look for the roll pin in the grip safety.

I just got my XDS back last week. I intend to take it to the range this week. I've heard good things about the updated versions. I hope my experience will be similar.

fozzy71 · « **Reply #20 on:** December 15, 2013, 01:18:40 PM »

I absolutely hate shooting my DB9 and I do not have what I would consider to be big hands at 5'9" and 180#. I am considering a boberg as it has significantly reduced recoil from what I have read but I really want to at least hold one before I spend 1k+ on a pocket pistol - http://www.bobergarms.com/

gryphon · « **Reply #21 on:** December 15, 2013, 01:25:35 PM »

My son bought an XD-S .45 ACP a couple of weeks ago. It is post-recall.

gryphon · « **Reply #22 on:** December 15, 2013, 01:34:21 PM »

Quote from: fozzy71 on December 15, 2013, 01:18:40 PM

I absolutely hate shooting my DB9 and I do not have what I would consider to be big hands at 5'9" and 180#. I am considering a boberg as it has significantly reduced recoil from what I have read but I really want to at least hold one before I spend 1k+ on a pocket pistol - http://www.bobergarms.com/

K9

Xpiatio · « **Reply #23 on:** December 15, 2013, 01:56:40 PM »

BigT let me know how it goes. I have yet to go to Silverbullet to see if they have a XD-s I could try out.

fozzy71 · « **Reply #24 on:** December 15, 2013, 02:25:00 PM »

Quote from: gryphon on December 15, 2013, 01:34:21 PM

K9

.....

Can this actually be carried in a pocket holster? Can you get all 3 fingers on the grip below the trigger guard?

My DB9 is 4" tall with mag. Boberg XR9-L is 4.2". Kahr K9 is 4.5" which might be a bit tall for pocket carry. I really want something I can pocket carry for a BUG and still get my pinky finger on the grip if possible.

I have been drooling over the boberg for a year or two now. It is very innovative in it's design to shorten the OAL and maintain a full length barrel while reducing recoil at the same time.

gryphon · « **Reply #25 on:** December 15, 2013, 03:50:04 PM »

Quote from: fozzy71 on December 15, 2013, 02:25:00 PM

Can this actually be carried in a pocket holster? Can you get all 3 fingers on the grip below the trigger guard?

Yes and yes. I carry the larger K40 in my pocket or on my ankle. Although some people only want something as small as a Kel-Tec P3AT for a pocket gun. I want something substantial I can grip easily, securely, and with confidence.

Glock9mmOldStyle · « **Reply #26 on:** December 15, 2013, 07:29:16 PM »

Quote from: gryphon on December 15, 2013, 03:50:04 PM

Yes and yes. I carry the larger K40 in my pocket or on my ankle. Although some people only want something as small as a Kel-Tec P3AT for a pocket gun. I want something substantial I can grip easily, securely, and with confidence.

I want to see those 1970's bell bottom pants you wear with the ankle holster..

Just kidding ...some of the pocket guns have extended mags that give you a decent grip. Kel-Tec P32 has a extended 10 round mags available that work well. Browning 7.65mm ( 32acp) has good penetration in ballistic gel testing (15 inches). The problem with pocket guns is people try to use hollow points in them - which cancels the penetrative benefit and causes feeding issues in some models. I would rather punch a hole deep in a attacker and have a FMJ round "tumble & bounce" than a jhp that stops after four inches or so. This is a common mistake made by novices IMHO. 9mm / 357 sig/ 357 mag/S&W.40/10mm all have the velocity where one can benefit from the expansion of jhp's. .

gryphon · « **Reply #27 on:** December 15, 2013, 08:32:09 PM »

Quote from: Glock9mmOldStyle on December 15, 2013, 07:29:16 PM

I want to see those 1970's bell bottom pants you wear with the ankle holster.

That's true. With ankle holsters you have to wear loose pants. I don’t care how small your BUG is, unless it is the size of a Kel-Tec P3AT you will need to wear pants with loose pant legs. That is no problem for me because I like loose slacks, but if you are young and wear skin-tight pants this won’t work for you.

I also agree with your position about not using JHP for .380 and below. You need as much penetration as you can get.

bigt8261 · « **Reply #28 on:** December 16, 2013, 09:13:32 AM »

Quote from: Xpiatio on December 15, 2013, 01:56:40 PM

BigT let me know how it goes. I have yet to go to Silverbullet to see if they have a XD-s I could try out.

I guarantee they have an XDS you can try. That's where I got mine and I shot their rental before buying one (one of the first off the shelf). I was just in there Friday and they had 3-4 in the case.

Xpiatio · « **Reply #29 on:** December 24, 2013, 02:33:34 PM »

Since I'm looking for a BUG, would caliber really matter? Grant it if I'm reaching for my BUG then probably the assailant would be close to me. I would think a 40 or a 45 would stop the assailant more quickly than a 9 would. Or perhaps it wouldn't matter. I'm just thinking outloud.

Jeff · « **Reply #30 on:** December 24, 2013, 04:37:32 PM »

Quote from: Xpiatio on December 24, 2013, 02:33:34 PM

Since I'm looking for a BUG, would caliber really matter? Grant it if I'm reaching for my BUG then probably the assailant would be close to me. I would think a 40 or a 45 would stop the assailant more quickly than a 9 would. Or perhaps it wouldn't matter. I'm just thinking outloud.

It wouldn't matter. The only way to stop a threat dead in it's tracks guaranteed is a head shot. And a heart shot from any caliber they will still be alive and functional until their brain loses oxygen. They could keel over from pain or shock though and stop.

A BUG is always a good idea, just have to practice drawing with it, should also place your firearms in a position that allows you to draw from either hand.

Just when considering a backup gun, if you wouldn't consider it for a primary then it's probably not a good choice for a backup.

Xpiatio · « **Reply #31 on:** February 27, 2014, 12:29:14 PM »

Just an update - (I know this is thread necromancy)

Ended up taking the glock plunge - owner of a new Gen 4 Glock 27.

SD40VE · « **Reply #32 on:** February 27, 2014, 12:35:27 PM »

went to a LGS and looked at the glock 42. holy crap that thing is tiny, smaller than the 27/26 etc. new meaning to "baby glock"

ghostrider · « **Reply #33 on:** February 27, 2014, 02:16:48 PM »

For anyone reading this:

You don't need your pinky finger on the grip when shooting. It is neither a safety issue, or a accuracy issue. It's a training issue.

I trained myself to shoot that way and can tell you it probably tames recoil better than you people who think the pinky grip is important. The higher your grip, the better you will handle the recoil.

It's no different than "grip angle". Learn to run the gun you got. (It also opens up your options more).

gryphon · « **Reply #34 on:** February 27, 2014, 02:45:28 PM »

Quote from: Xpiatio on December 24, 2013, 02:33:34 PM

Since I'm looking for a BUG, would caliber really matter?

I carry .40 S&W BUG, although I would have no compunction whatsoever about carrying a 9mm. I would not carry a .380 Auto, though, but that's just me.

SD40VE · « **Reply #35 on:** February 27, 2014, 02:49:12 PM »

my bug is a a .40 as well as my main. love that round

i carry my 14+1 SD everywhere

i also carry my CC BUG in places you would not want to try to retrieve it from!!

glaco king butt tuk hahahaha

Jeff · « **Reply #36 on:** February 27, 2014, 02:51:10 PM »

Shoot a Glock 20, then a Glock 29 and tell me the pinky doesn't help.

I don't really "need" my pinky but it is more comfortable. I know people who buy dumb guns just so they can fit their pinky on the grip though. CRAZY.

Jeff · « **Reply #37 on:** February 27, 2014, 02:52:16 PM »

Quote from: SD40VE on February 27, 2014, 02:49:12 PM

i also carry my CC BUG in places you would not want to try to retrieve it from!!

glaco king butt tuk hahahaha

Colon carry is not recommended.

SD40VE · « **Reply #38 on:** February 27, 2014, 03:36:54 PM »

god forbid i have a ND while colon carrying $:-\$

ghostrider · « **Reply #39 on:** February 27, 2014, 04:26:47 PM »

Quote from: Jeff on February 27, 2014, 02:51:10 PM

Shoot a Glock 20, then a Glock 29 and tell me the pinky doesn't help.

I don't really "need" my pinky but it is more comfortable. I know people who buy dumb guns just so they can fit their pinky on the grip though. CRAZY.

Never said it wasn't comfortable. It's about training. You shouldn't miss the pinky.

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Author Topic: The problem with big hands (Read 13782 times)