Suggestions for sidearm for a new shooter with BIG hands.

[pblanc]

I would concur with the suggestion that your friend try the Beretta 92. I have only moderately large hands and the 92 fills my hand very nicely. When I put Beretta factory walnut grip panels on it, the reach to the DA trigger was actually a bit too much, so that combination might work very well for someone with huge hands.

My GI model Springfield Armory 1911 had the original, very short GI issue trigger and I found it quite a bit too small for my hand. I had to change out the trigger for a longer one and put spacers under the grip panels. Since 1911s are so easy to modify, that would also be an option.

I haven't shot a CZ75 but have pawed over a few and they are very comfortable as well.

I recently shot a Sig P320 with a medium grip module and found it comfortable, so perhaps a P320 with the large grip module might be ideal for your friend. I also shot the HK VP9, found it a bit less comfortable than the P320, but I don't know what size backstrap or grip side panels it was sporting. Perhaps a VP9 with the largest backstrap and side panels would be a good fit?

Someone mentioned an FNH FNS. I recently shot an FNS-9 and found it to be a pretty good fit, so you might add that to the list.

 

[Storm]

The Walther PPX. Perfect for big hands. Outstanding ergonomics. 9mm and very soft shooting. Outstanding trigger. 100% reliable and dead accurate. True Walther quality. It can be had for under $300 new. Magazines are as low as $20 a pop. Although some question its looks Walther hit it out of the park with this one.

 

[giggitygiggity]

Glock 21.

 

[bigleverman]

I like the fit of the 3rd gen Glock 21. The grip seems slightly larger than gen 4

 

[KCabbage]

Other than a Desert Eagle I would say the Glock 21/20 is the biggest grip I've handled. The Gen 4 21/20 comes with a large backstrap for a even bigger grip.

 

[Kookla]

I am 6'5" with banana hands. The suggestions for a beretta 92 are spot on. If you like old guns, a Colt New Service had a big grip if I recall right.

 

[thewillweeks]

The most important thing I think for larger hands is width of grip. Full size Glocks and M&P's both cover that (I think M&P's have a slight edge in width, as in they're wider).

If he's interested in smaller guns, the SCCY CPXx line is wide for it's size, might be worth considering.

Also of interest may be guns where you can adjust the grips, which gives you the Glock's again, and the XD and XDM (I think...it might just be XDM) from Springfield which are both comfortable in larger hands.

 

[Dr.Rob]

Glock 21 is one of the largest without having anything 'in the way'.

I've seen a very odd malfunction with HK's .. fat fingers can trigger the mag release with an improper grip.

 

[jmace57]

If his hands are really huge, look for a FEG GKK-45. You still see them around for reasonable prices. I have big hands and it's all I can do to reach around the grips.

 

[45ShooterRFB]

Like the title suggests, I'm looking for suggestions for a sidearm that will be used for home defense and may even see some use as a carry piece. The caveat is the that the new shooter, my brother in law, is a dude with huge hands.

I am not a small guy, but my fingers and hands are, delicately sized.

I love my 1911, and carry it regularly. I also sometimes carry my Kahr MK9. I also suggest these to most folks who are looking into firearms for the first time. The weight of the steel guns tames recoil and their sizes feel good in my hand.

His hands make mine look like a childs. We plan to go to a range that will have quite a few rental guns this weekend or next, and he's going to shoot all of my guns, and rent some of theirs to shoot. I'd appreciate some input from some of you guys with big paws and fingers that look like more like summer sausages than smokey links. What guns feel good in your hands?

I'm going to have him try the usual suspects like Glock, CZ75B, and M&P. Are there any others that you'd suggest him try out?

He has stated a preference for a semi-auto, but if there are any revolvers that may fit the bill I'll get him to try them out too.

Correct training can allow anyone over the age of 9-10 to shoot almost any gun. My son learned to shoot my AM-180 when he was 10. huge grip, high recoil, huge muzzle blast and his first magazine were all in the black but one.
I recommend the Ruger .22 military grip angle pistol as a first gun. You can learn to shoot it well for pennies and shot placement is INFINITELY more important than any conventional pistol caliber!
After you learn to shoot well, if not great, then buy a Para-Ordinance P-14 LTD! It is the best side arm on the planet for the money and if my 102 pound girl friend can learn to shoot a fat grip .45, so can you!
It's advantages are;
1. Great single action trigger.
2. Total reliability.
3. Great strength and a fully ramped BBL that allows you to convert from ultra low recoil .45 wad-cutter target ammo, 185 grains at 750 FPS, to .45 Super and any thing in between and back WO tools just by changing the spring and shock-buff.
No other side arm combines so many good attributes into a single weapon, for so little money, and it holds 16 rounds of .45 ACP/Super!

 

[Vern Humphrey]

Look for a Colt New Service, or Model 1917 (which is the .45 ACP version of that revolver.) The New Service was made for a REAL man, with man-sized hands.

 

[rugerman]

I have pretty big hands, all my revolvers have hogue grips . I have very few auto's but a 1911 fits pretty good as does a sig sp2022 with a 15 round double stack mags.

 

[PowerG]

M92.

 

[Old Checkered Wool]

I have big hands. Although I don't have sausage fingers, I have a very wide and thick palm with good length fingers. Almost every handgun that isn't a true full size will leave my index and pinky fingers hanging off the slabs. There are even some full size pistols that I have added a slam pad/ mag extension to fit better.

The handguns that really fill my hand nicely are the Beretta 92, CZ 75 SP-01, CZ 97B and the FNX 45. And for revolvers, the Ruger Super Redhawk fills em out pretty well too!!!

Almost every full size 1911 fits my hands well also, as does Sig 226 and Sig 220. Although I do like the slam pads on the bottoms of their magazines so my pinky doesn't occasionally nick off in the event of sweaty hands after long sessions at the range.

 

[Lord Teapot]

something like an m9 or a 1911 would do you good if your hands are too big to easily grasp smaller guns.

 

[Tom Fury]

ditto:

G-21
J; Big hands too. S&W 4506?