Polymer Pistols - Comfortable Grips?

[Jaywalker]

I put a high value on comfortable grips of semi-autos, and my two favorite are my Browning Hi-Power and my Kahr K-9. Both of these are steel, and I'm thinking about buying a plastic pistol when the current crush settles down, but I haven't looked at them much and could use some suggestions.

Those of you with experience with several poly pistols, how do you rate the grip comfort (for medium-sized hands) of the pistols you've looked at? (As an example, I respect the Glock for its design, but I'd never buy one - the grip doesn't feel right to me.)

For the few I've handled, my list looks like this:

1. Smith M&P Full-Sized
2. Walther P99 Full-Sized
3. Walther P99 Compact
4. Smith M&P Compact (Didn't care for the extended magazine feel)
5. Glock - every model I've tried

Your list and suggestions?

 

[The_Armed_Therapist]

Walthers are great for comfort, at least the ones that I've tried. The M&Ps also have more of a rubber grip which is nice for comfort; but for me, even the smallest of the three grips is a little big.

Have you tried Gen 4 Glock grips? Gens 1-3 aren't particularly comfortable, but Gen 4s are an improvement.

 

[mesinge2]

My list for poly guns:

1. S&W's M&P Series
2. Ruger SR Series
3. SA's XD Series
4. SA's XDm Series (I find the grip texture more aggressive than the standard XD line)
5. CZ's Poly Line
6. Walther's Poly Line
7. Glock gen4 and Short frame
8. Glock - other models

 

[mljdeckard]

For Glocks and the Springfield XD I have, I find a slip-on Hogue grip does a lot to inprove comfort and control.

 

[Billy Shears]

The Steyr has about the most comfortable grips of any of the polymer pistols I've shot. Although I haven't fired it yet, I've handled the new Ruger SR45, and it has a very comfortable grip. Ruger managed to make it not appreciably bigger than the 9mm/.40S&W version. The Caracal is supposed to have a very comfortable grip for small-handed shooters, but the first problem is even finding one. The second problem is two safety recalls, one for a drop-safety problem, and the other for one recorded instance of catastrophic slide failure that resulted in a serious injury to the shooter when the broken rear portion of the slide catapulted back into the shooter's face. I would cross the Caracal off my list until those problems are resolved.

 

[mesinge2]

For Glocks and the Springfield XD I have, I find a slip-on Hogue grip does a lot to inprove comfort and control.

I may have to try that because I do want a G20 but the 'feel' always turns me off.

 

[PO2Hammer]

I like the XD grip, similar to the BHP in shape.
Also curious about the Walther PPQ and the Beretta PX4.
If I had more money I would be looking at the HK P30 or HK45.

Living in a cold climate I've learned that polymer grips are nice in the winter, as long as they don't get slippery.

 

[blackrussian]

Steyr M A1 series
Caracal
CZ SP01 Phantom
S&W M&P

 

[Coop45]

I have a Kahr P45 that feels good.

 

[Jaywalker]

Coop, I'm considering a Kahr P-series, but don't much care for the grip. It doesn't rule it out, but I'd sure like to hear about the things I haven't tried.

mesinge2, thanks - nice list.

PO2Hammer, I hadn't considered the XD grip as being similar to the BHP. I'll try it. Problems with Springfield models in the past have led me away from the XD, but I expect they work okay.

Billy and others, I'll look for a Steyr.

Therapist, nope, never looked at the Gen 4. I'll look at them.

blackrussian, I'd like to like the CZ, but while I can make my fingers stronger, I can't make them longer, so they're no-go for me.

Anything else?

 

[TechTarred]

I handled quite a few of the above mentioned pistols while shopping for mine. Most comfortable grip, for me, was one I didn't see mentioned - Sig SP2022.

Sent from my LG-E970 using Tapatalk 2

 

[blackrussian]

Where in TX are you, btw?

 

[Autolycus]

I shoot Glocks right now. The more you use the gun, the more comfortable you will get. As far as comfortable guns go, my list would look similar to yours. I would suggest checking out the HK P2000, HK P30, and the HK45. They are very nice and comfortable guns as well.

 

[HKGuns]

This one is the most comfortable grip you will find on a pistol and by a very wide margin. I own and have shot lots of different pistols and if you find a grip more versatile and comfortable it will be news to quite a few.



If you can't afford the P30 you should look here next.

 

[Kiln]

The S&W M&P line has very comfortable grips. Same with the XDM. Both are excellent firearms.

I still prefer the CZ75B and my Canik C100 but polymer guns are a lot of fun too.

 

[Jaywalker]

blackrussian - San Antonio area.

I've never had a polymer firearm, so I figured it was time to move into the age of the lightbulb and try one...

 

[KTXdm9]

blackrussian - San Antonio area.

I've never had a polymer firearm, so I figured it was time to move into the age of the lightbulb and try one...

Variety is the spice of life

I would second Kiln's suggestions. I have a Pachmayr grip glove on my XDm and I love it.

 

[matrem]

As for grip texture/comfort:

1. Gen 3 G 19 with "sandpaper" texture. Not good for owb ccw IME though.
2. XD, M&P, HK USP. No real favorite between those.

Don't have extensive experience with any other poly pistols, so have to stop rating there.

FWIW, My best "feel" in grips, isn't usually the one I shoot best with.

 

[usp9]

The HK P30 is some Area 51 alien technology... it's that good.

I enjoy the Kahr TP9 but with a grip sleeve added.

 

[g_one]

I'm not sure what Glocks you've tried, but I'll throw my two cents in -
I have relatively big hands (not huge, but bigger than average), and I've found that on the smaller-framed glocks (the 9mm/.40 frames) my hand fits perfectly - I wish every gun I owned felt that good. However, the .45/10mm frame just doesn't feel right. It's not that it's too big (the Desert Eagle is comfortable for me with the right two-handed grip) it's just... not quite right.

On the other hand, every Walther I've ever put in my hands felt GREAT. The only thing I don't like about most Walthers is the trigger guard mag release. Nothing wrong with it - just a personal preference.

 

[rswartsell]

Well, IMHO you have put your finger direcly upon the weak spot of all tupperwear wonder nines. The HP is indeed a hi-cap 9mm (the first I believe) but as noted a steel construction handgun and has little in common with the ergos and grip feel of modern polymer high capacity pistols. What will be "best" in this category will be highly subjective with the Glock being something of an "acid test" or separating factor.

Grip angle, width of grip, texture, relation to sights (bore axis) all have significant impact on this consideration to me. BTW I find it a "make or break" consideration in selection. None of them will duplicate (or even remind you much) of a Browning HP. They are a category unto themselves at least in this regard.

So you start from scratch. I finally landed on the Springfield XD and thats no guarantee you will. I found that I am not a Glock guy and that I probably would have preferred a lower bore axis than I have. I have resolved that this ain't no HP (or 1911) and as the dinosaurs failed to do, endeavored to adapt. Get as much trigger time as you can with the entire spectrum and be ready to be surprised with your conclusions. My best advice.

P.S. add the Sig, HK and CZ, make no premature conclusions.

 

[Fishbed77]

1. Smith M&P Full-Sized
2. Walther P99 Full-Sized
3. Walther P99 Compact
4. Smith M&P Compact (Didn't care for the extended magazine feel)
5. Glock - every model I've tried

I would put them in this order:

1: Walther P99 Full-Sized. There is no more ergonomic polymer service pistol grip on the planet. The Walther PPQ is a close second. The HK P30 is a distant third.

2: Smith M&P Full-Sized. Feels great in the hand, but the "cheapish" feel of the polymer used lets it down compared to the pistols I've noted above.

3: Walther P99 Compact. A great feeling subcompact.

4: Smith M&P Compact. Again, a great-feeling pistol, but not up to the level of the Walthers.

5: Glock. Doesn't even compare. There are any number of poly pistols the OP didn't mention (Ruger SR9, FN's various pistols, CZ's various pistols) that have better ergonomics.

 

[Jaywalker]

True - I only mentioned the ones I've tried. I'm looking for suggestions (in priority list form) for those I haven't yet tried.

 

[chris in va]

I'll be honest, none of the plastic guns do anything for me. The Walther is certainly ergonomic but my CZ P01 with aluminum frame is right with it IMO and is just about as light. You have the added bonus of switching grip panels if you so choose and the bore axis is considerably lower.

 

[bannockburn]

1) Steyr M9
2) Walther P99 Compact
3) Ruger SR9c
4) H&K P30
5) S&W M&P Compact