Long fingers- need advice

[KZinOKC]

Hi everyone,
I need advice on which autos (or even revolvers) have a longer than average trigger reach.

I had not shot a handgun in maybe 35 years, so last weekend we went to the range and we brought my son-in-laws .357 Dan Wesson, 8" barrel, and we rented a Beretta 92FS 9mm.

When firing the 92 it would bite my trigger finger at the pad. I think I was holding it correctly, and my trigger finger was at the first joint. When I had my finger pad on the trigger to evade the bite, the whole grip I used just felt wrong, and the gun felt too small.I think I did ok for a first time shooter, probably keeping everything in 4-5" at 20 feet. I heard the 92 is a large gun, but would I be a better fit to something larger? The length of my trigger finger is 7-1/2" from the tip to my wrist crease. I wear XL gloves.

There was no such bite with the Dan Wesson, it's just a huge revolver. I thought it would be too big for what I want to handle, which is a home defense and range gun. I would prefer an auto in 9mm, but a .40 or .45, if it fits better, would be ok too.

All suggestions are appreciated.

 

[NELSONs02]

Glock 21 or 20 - Regular size, not SF (slim frame)

The 92 does have a pretty large grip but the position of the trigger during single action pull is not well suited for you.

You should try shooting a Desert Eagle .357/44/50AE, I bet you'd like it.

 

[Magoo]

I'm 6'5" with large hands too. I feel your pain.

There are some guns that have interchangeable backstraps that allow you "customize" the gun a bit. I've got a Walther P99 with the largest backstrap installed. I also added a Hougue HandAll (or something like that) to enlarge the grip even more. Everyone else hates it but it fits my hand very well.
Similarly, with 1911s I like an arched MSH. You can also install "long" triggers that are ~.2 inch longer than standard.

 

[Just One Shot]

Get a bigger gun!

 

[wep45]

maybe a S&W "K" or "L" frame revolver with pachmayr "gripper" or "presentation" grips will fill your hand.

which ever you choose..........get grips that cover both the front and back strap.

 

[russ69]

Your trigger finger pad should be on the trigger not the joint, for single action firing. How about a 1911? They are on the long side and you can have a longer trigger added if you need still more reach. Happy shopping.

Thanx, Russ

 

[KZinOKC]

Thank you all. The guns you mentioned are all available to rent at this range. I'll try them in the next few trips and see what works.

 

[hardluk1]

Check out the witness line. All are all made with there full size frame that will accept 10mm on down to 9mm and even 22lr. + on the match the price is right. You can also buy them in SA and DA with different models.

 

[Furncliff]

CZ 97

 

[amflyer]

I have a Beretta 92, and I agree that in SA mode it is too short. I second the 1911 recommendation, but then that is what I am most used to.

Wrist crease to tip is 7 3/8" for me, so should be close.

 

[Freedom_fighter_in_IL]

I too am a large mitted fella and find the same problems from almost all the semi's. I have all my SIG's fitted with Hogue customs with oversized back straps to help.

 

[hammerklavier]

Most, if not all, of the double stack .45 acp or 10mm's will have a nice big grip for you.

I tried the three back straps on my M&P .40 and I could hardly tell the difference. I left it on the default medium, so don't expect back straps to solve your problem.

For defensive shooting, whatever happens naturally, which is usually your first joint on the trigger, is better.

For target shooting, you do want the pad, preferably.

 

[burley]

http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=hickok45&aq=0

Hi KZ. Check oiut the Hickok 45 vids. He's 6'7" and can palm a basketball. He also likes small guns, stock grips and might help you with some things.



I have long fingers too and like small guns, 642, glock 27, P22 etc

 

[Hardtarget]

How about the Grizley .45? It is big...maybe big enough.

Mark

 

[John Wayne]

S&W "long action" revolvers have a longer reach to the trigger.

Revolvers will allow you to put most any kind of grips on it to suit your taste. Semiautos are a bit more restrictive in that regard.

The Glock 20/21 are pretty large, as is the Desert Eagle.

 

[CZguy]

I have large hands with long fingers, and the only handgun that fit me with factory grips is my CZ 75B. Everything else has required aftermarket grips.

Which really isn't that big of a problem.

 

[rockinrussky]

Try any compact or full frame glock. Most people with *cough* average hands don't like them. I have rather large hands too and for some bizaare reason they fit me perfectly. I tend to dislike handguns with a long trigger pull and you shouldn't have that issue with glocks. The way I see it the longer you have to arch your finger back from that forward position the more of a chance that you might screw something up. Just my .02

 

[Ledgehammer]

Alright - Hickok is not 6'7 lol. He's about 6'4 if that. I'm 6'2 and can palm a basketball. The only reason the gun is biting you is because of thegrip you're taking. Fix that and you can shoot any gun. I've shot everything from a 500 s&w to a .22. And the pocket .380's are the worst. I think you may be up too high on the grip. Try lowering your grip a touch and see if that helps. The beretta has a rather large double stack grip, so I'm surprised to hear of the issue with that gun.

 

[KZinOKC]

OK, more good advice. I'll work on my grip, and try the Glocks on the next range trip.

It sounds like the CZ97 is a contender. Academy deals them, maybe they'll have one I can handle.

 

[Oyeboten]

Try a Colt 'New Service', and, you'll never look back...

 

[InkEd]

As mentioned, the Glock should work for you. Try the XDm and M&P with their large adjustable backstrap in place. Revolvers are easy to tweak by changing the grips.

 

[Messenger Guard]

Another vote for the original Glock 21. The complaint by many on this gun was the grip was too big. Do not get the SF (slim frame) version. IF the 21 is still too small, a Hogue hand all will beef it even further. If that doesn't do it, you were descended from Vikings and need to just carry a battle ax.

 

[svtruth]

A new ak on

"use enough gun"
But seriously, My Model 19 has a big, hand filling grip. I'm not big. but have big hands.
And M-19s are very lovely guns.
Good luck.

 

[raz-0]

6'7" where a size XXL glove. about 8.25" from the crease of my wrist to trigger finger.

1) you are supposed to use the pad of your finger to pull the trigger, not the distal joint.

2) Regardless of hand size, if you are getting bits of your finger pinched by the trigger, you are doing it wrong. Bit between on the web betweeen your thumb and forefinger byt the slide, sure some hand and some guns don't mix, but not the trigger.

Given the length of my fingers, the best fitting gun out there are the 1st generation para-ordnance with the square frontstrap.

Tier 2 would probably be the XDm, second generation paras, and 2011 format guns with an arched or wedge mainspring housing. the CZ97b, tactical sport, and other large frame CZ autos.

Tier 3 would be the S&W M&P with large grip, glocks, regular XDs, regular CZs, beretta 92.

Also, in general, the compact/sub compact version of guns works better than the standard size for most guns. Your pinkie really isn't involved, and thus the fingers you are using to fight with the gun have more brain dedicated to controlling them.

Really, the only thing I found that I ahve had a REAL problem shooting was the walther p22. The grip is so narrow that by the time I get the trigger back enough to trip it, I've basically locked up the joints on my finger. Also skinny handled revolvers like the S&W model 36 give me fits.

 

[russ69]

Hey, if the 1911 isn't big enough, see if you can find an Automag. That is one long grip frame, it feels like holding a 2X4. It's worth a try if you are freakishly big.

Thanx, Russ