Best Handguns For Large Hands: Ultimate Guide & Recommendations

Introduction

Do you ever feel like your hand is swallowing your pistol? If you’ve got large hands, you know the struggle. Trying to wield a handgun that’s too small can be a frustrating and even dangerous experience. The inability to achieve a solid grip can lead to a host of problems, impacting everything from accuracy to safety. This article is dedicated to those seeking the perfect firearm fit, the ultimate guide for the best handguns for large hands. We’ll explore the critical aspects of handgun selection and provide informed recommendations to help you find the perfect sidearm that truly feels like an extension of your own hand.

The safety and effectiveness of a handgun hinge on a simple yet often overlooked factor: fit. A handgun that feels comfortable and natural in your hand directly translates to better control, improved accuracy, and ultimately, a more enjoyable and safer shooting experience. Conversely, a handgun that’s too small can introduce a series of challenges that severely hinder your ability to shoot effectively.

Imagine trying to steer a race car with gloves that are several sizes too small. You’d struggle to reach the steering wheel, maintain control, and respond quickly to changing conditions. The same principle applies to handguns.

If your hands are on the larger side, you might find yourself grappling with a firearm that feels unstable or difficult to handle. You might experience issues like:

• Difficulty obtaining a proper grip: A small grip prevents a secure and consistent hold, making it hard to control the firearm. The weapon can shift during recoil, reducing the chances of making accurate follow-up shots.
• Limited control of the firearm: A loose grip also impacts your ability to manage the recoil, and can significantly reduce accuracy.
• Muzzle flip: This describes the upward movement of the barrel during firing. A small grip exacerbates muzzle flip, making it harder to maintain your target and to get back on target quickly.
• Difficulty manipulating controls: Reaching the slide release, magazine release, or safety lever can be a struggle with a grip that doesn’t properly accommodate your hand size. This can delay your reaction time in crucial situations.
• Potential for injury: The “slide bite,” where the slide of the gun nips at the web of your hand, can occur with improperly fitted handguns, especially those with shorter grips.

The solution, of course, is to choose a handgun that provides a comfortable and secure fit. A properly sized handgun will not only address these challenges but will also enhance your shooting skills. You can anticipate:

• Enhanced grip and control: The ability to get a full, secure grip directly translates to greater control over the firearm, which helps manage recoil and keep the gun on target.
• Improved accuracy and faster follow-up shots: With a better grip and more control, you can fire more accurately and make quicker follow-up shots.
• Increased confidence and safety: Knowing you have complete control over your firearm creates a sense of confidence, which is essential for safe and effective shooting.

Key Features to Consider When Choosing a Handgun for Large Hands

Finding the perfect handgun requires careful consideration of several key features that will impact the overall fit and feel. Here are the most important aspects to consider:

Grip Size and Ergonomics

The grip is the heart of a handgun’s relationship with your hand. It’s the primary interface, so the grip size and overall ergonomics will either make or break your experience.

• Grip Circumference: This is the most critical measurement. A larger grip circumference provides more surface area for your hand to hold onto. Consider the diameter of the grip, and evaluate whether your hand can comfortably wrap around the grip, allowing you to fully engage your fingers and thumb.
• Backstrap Size: Backstraps are interchangeable parts on many handguns (or built-in) that affect the curvature of the rear of the grip. Choosing the right backstrap ensures the back of your hand rests comfortably against the frame. Some handguns have adjustable backstraps, allowing you to customize the grip size to fit your hand perfectly.
• Palm Swell: Some grips have a subtle bulge or swell in the palm area. This feature helps fill the hand and offers an enhanced purchase. Some users with larger hands find this aspect particularly beneficial.
• Trigger Reach: The distance between the back of the grip and the trigger is an important measure. This will determine whether you can comfortably reach the trigger with your finger. A trigger reach that’s too short can force you to alter your grip or use the tip of your finger, which can negatively impact accuracy.
• Modular Grips: Many modern handguns offer grip modules. These allow you to swap out different grip sizes or shapes, without purchasing an entirely new firearm. This feature is very helpful, as it allows you to modify the grip to the ideal size.

Frame Size and Design

The size of the frame itself influences how comfortable you’ll find a handgun. The frame provides the base for the action, barrel, and grip, and the overall size of the frame helps determine the handgun’s ergonomics.

• Full-Size Handguns: These offer the largest frames, typically accommodating the most comprehensive grip sizes. They usually offer the most comfortable and secure grip for those with large hands. They generally offer the most magazine capacity, which is often desirable.
• Compact Handguns: These are smaller than full-size handguns, offering a good balance between concealment and shootability. While some compacts may not feel as comfortable as full-size options, many offer features like interchangeable backstraps, making them suitable for larger hands.
• Subcompact Handguns: These are designed for maximum concealment. They often have very short grips, which make them less ideal for shooters with large hands. They may not offer enough surface area for a comfortable and secure grip, but some users find them acceptable, especially if they choose accessories like extended base plates.

Trigger Reach

The distance between the back of the grip and the trigger is critical. If the trigger is too far away, you may have trouble reaching it properly, which can cause accuracy issues and even affect your grip. Adjustable triggers offer a way to change the distance to the trigger.

Slide Manipulation

The slide must be manipulated (pulled back) to load and unload the firearm. Large hands often benefit from features that make this easier.

• Slide Serrations: The grooves or serrations on the slide provide a better gripping surface, making it easier to pull the slide back.
• Ambidextrous Controls: Ambidextrous slide releases and safety levers can be advantageous, allowing for easier operation for both right-handed and left-handed shooters.

Best Handgun Recommendations

Here are some excellent choices for shooters with large hands, categorized by size and features:

Full-Size Handguns: Maximum Control

These handguns offer the largest frames and grip sizes, making them perfect for those with large hands.

• Glock 17/Glock 19 (with extended grip): Glocks are renowned for their reliability and simplicity. While the original Glock grips may feel a little slim, you can often add extended grip base plates or aftermarket grips to increase the circumference and make them feel better in your hands. The Glock 17 offers a full-size frame, while the Glock 19 is a slightly more compact version that still works well for larger hands. Glocks also offer a huge array of customization options, enabling you to tailor the gun’s fit and feel. However, some people dislike the grip angle and trigger feel, which are somewhat subjective.
• Sig Sauer P320/P320 X-Five: The P320 is a modular handgun with an easy-to-swap-out grip module. This makes it simple to change the grip’s size. With a large grip module, the P320 is very comfortable for shooters with large hands. The P320 boasts an excellent trigger, and is incredibly accurate. Some users still find the profile a bit small.
• CZ-75/CZ-75 SP-01: CZ handguns are well-known for their comfortable grip design and superior ergonomics. The CZ-75 family offers a natural pointability, which allows shooters to quickly acquire their target. The SP-01 is a heavier, all-steel version that is extremely stable, but may be less desirable for concealed carry.
• 1911 Variants (Full Size): The classic 1911 is a time-tested design that’s a favorite among many shooters. The 1911’s grip is designed to fit a wide variety of hand sizes, and the platform has great ergonomics, a smooth trigger, and is very customizable. However, they can have lower capacities, and the price can sometimes be more expensive than polymer-framed options.

Compact/Mid-Size Handguns: Balance of Size and Grip

These guns offer a compromise between size and grip, suitable for those who want something that is easier to carry.

• Sig Sauer P320 Compact with Large Grip Module: The P320 Compact, using the large grip module, provides a good balance of compactness and comfortable grip. This gun offers great versatility, with an easy-to-swap grip module.
• HK VP9: The HK VP9 is designed for a very ergonomic fit. The VP9 offers a comfortable grip, with excellent ergonomics and ambidextrous controls.
• Smith & Wesson M&P Series (M&P9/M&P40): Smith & Wesson’s M&P series also offers a versatile design, featuring interchangeable backstraps. This allows users to adjust the grip for a more secure fit. The grip angle is one of the more divisive issues with this line.

Handguns to Potentially Avoid

Choosing the right handgun is crucial, and it’s equally important to be aware of options that may not be the best choice for someone with large hands.

• Very small subcompact pistols: Many subcompact pistols are made with extremely short grips. This can be difficult to grip, making it difficult to control the firearm. This can compromise accuracy and make the firearm uncomfortable to shoot.
• Handguns with overly short grips: Even on larger handguns, some models may have shorter grips that don’t provide sufficient surface area for large hands. In these cases, the grip circumference and ergonomics may not be ideal for a secure and comfortable grasp.

Tips for Finding the Right Handgun

Choosing the right handgun is about more than just reading reviews. There are several practical steps you can take to find the perfect fit.

• Importance of Trying Before Buying: Handling a handgun in person is the most important step.
  • Go to a gun range that rents handguns. This will give you the opportunity to fire different models and feel how they perform.
  • Handle different models in person if you do not have access to a gun range.
  • Pay close attention to how the handgun feels in your hand. Consider the grip size, the reach to the trigger, and how the gun balances in your hand.
• Proper Grip Technique:
  • Develop a firm grip. Make sure your dominant hand completely wraps around the grip, and that the support hand supports and helps stabilize the firearm.
  • Focus on a high grip, placing your hand as high as possible on the backstrap. This helps control the recoil and pointability.
  • Make sure your finger rests naturally on the trigger, so you are using the correct part of your fingertip.
• Consider Accessories:
  • If you find a handgun that is almost perfect but the grip is a bit too small, consider aftermarket grips. Several options exist that can increase the grip circumference.
  • Extended magazine base plates can add more surface area for your little finger to grip, improving stability.
  • Consider a trigger that may be adjustable.

Conclusion

Finding the best handgun for large hands can seem like a journey. But the payoff—a more comfortable and effective shooting experience—is well worth the effort.

Remember to take your time, handle different handguns, and prioritize the models that feel the most natural and secure in your grip.

Before you make any decisions, visit a gun range and try out various options. This hands-on experience is invaluable and will help you find the ideal handgun that suits your hands and your shooting style.

Do you have any questions, or perhaps some personal recommendations for the best handguns for large hands? Please share your thoughts and experiences in the comments section below.