Small Hands Can't Reach the Magazine Release On a Semiauto

[Crash]

I want either a 9MM with a a double-stack mag or a .357 Mag, but here's he problem: I have small hands and short fingers, so short, in fact, that I have trouble activating the mag release on my Kahr PM9. I guess I could try a Kel-Tec P3AT, but I really don't want to go smaller than a 9X19. And I don't want to shift my grip on a semiauto so that I have a better reach on the mag release because that usually results in the bore axis not being aligned with the forearm bone. Either that, or I can't get a good grip on the trigger.

I guess I could use my weak hand to depress the mag release and then reach for a second magazine, as that wouldn't be any slower than reloading a revolver. Recommendations--.357 Mag or 9MM?

Crash

[CompVest]

I have the same trouble. I have fixed the problem by shooting a S&W M&P with the small grip. (Any gun with an ambidextrous or reversible mag release will work.)

I put the mag release on the right side and use my middle finger of my right hand to release the mag. I save half a second on every reload and I do not have to re-adjust my grip after the reload.

PM me me if you would like more detailed info.

[Kalrog]

I guess I could use my weak hand to depress the mag release and then reach for a second magazine, as that wouldn't be any slower than reloading a revolver. Recommendations--.357 Mag or 9MM?

I see many people faster than me use their weak hand to hit the mag release and then go for a second mag. I also see many people with ambi handguns use their middle finger on their strong hand to get to the mag release. Try them both and see what works for you with a semi auto.

Now, the revolver vs. pistol decision. Pick the one that you feel most comfortable with. I have (and carry) both. Neither is bad.

[Longtooths]

Might try a Kel Tec PF9 or a P11 both are 9mm and rather small.pf9 is single stack and p11 is double.

[texasag93]

Try the 1911 micro compact, it is a .45 and with the single stack, very manageable.

I also own a P3AT and the PF9. The P3AT is MUCH smaller, but the PF9 and the 1911 Micro Comact is very close.

The main thing is that the 1911 is about $800 to $950 while the KelTecs are 250 to 350.







The keltecs are also not as easy to shoot. The Micro kicks about the same as the P3AT.

texasag

[Sarah81]

Taurus Millennium Pro, maybe? It's available in 9mm, .45, et cetera. Nice, affordable gun that's easy to conceal. I have small fingers and hands too, but the mag release is easy to reach with my strong hand.

Your mileage, of course, may vary. :)

[PhilR.]

I want either a 9MM with a a double-stack mag or a .357 Mag,

Get a Walther P99 (or PPS if you change your mind about the double-stack thing). The mag release is on the trigger guard, and can be actuated by your index finger. Very quick, and very easy...

PhilR.

[DFWCHLer]

I want either a 9MM with a a double-stack mag or a .357 Mag,

Get a Walther P99 (or PPS if you change your mind about the double-stack thing). The mag release is on the trigger guard, and can be actuated by your index finger. Very quick, and very easy...

PhilR.

Or an HK USP... ambi mag release on the trigger guard. Class weapon too.

[Renegade]

And I don't want to shift my grip on a semiauto so that I have a better reach on the mag release because that usually results in the bore axis not being aligned with the forearm bone..

As a lefty, I find that a very unusual requirement.

[JLaw]

Crash,

Where do you live? (Feel free to P.M. me if you want) If you live anywhere near the Spring/Woodlands/Conroe area I'll be happy to let you try out a S&W J-frame revolver, S&W K-frame .357 Mag revolver, and a compact 9mm single stack S&W 908. I have a very close friend whom I could persuade to meet us and bring his Kel-Tec .32, it's very close in size to the P3AT. All the double stack 9's I own are pretty large guns.

You'd really be much better off trying any gun on for size, ergonomics is a HUGE factor.

JLaw

[Crash]

[quote="Kalrog
I see many people faster than me use their weak hand to hit the mag release and then go for a second mag. I also see many people with ambi handguns use their middle finger on their strong hand to get to the mag release. Try them both and see what works for you with a semi auto.

Now, the revolver vs. pistol decision. Pick the one that you feel most comfortable with. I have (and carry) both. Neither is bad.[/quote]

Kalrog,

Thanks for the support on using the weak hand to release the mag. I've tried using the strong hand middle finger to activate an ambi mag release and it worked OK. However, on this particular weapon (don't remember which one), the trigger reach was too long.

What brought this all on is that I want something for open carry that has more capacity and/or more power. My original choices were a 1911 in .45 ACP, a Glock 17, or a Ruger GP100 in .357 magnum.

[CompVest]

Crash, look at the M&P series. They accomodate small hands better than any other gun out there. They come in 45, 40, and 9 - full size and compact.

If you would like to try one PM. Like JLAW I am in The Woodlands/Conroe area.

[Crash]

Crash,

Where do you live? (Feel free to P.M. me if you want) If you live anywhere near the Spring/Woodlands/Conroe area I'll be happy to let you try out a S&W J-frame revolver, S&W K-frame .357 Mag revolver, and a compact 9mm single stack S&W 908. I have a very close friend whom I could persuade to meet us and bring his Kel-Tec .32, it's very close in size to the P3AT. All the double stack 9's I own are pretty large guns.

You'd really be much better off trying any gun on for size, ergonomics is a HUGE factor.

JLaw

JLaw,

Sorry it took me so long to reply--been busy with other stuff. I live in Fredericksburg, which is a pretty good drive from the Woodlands. And I agree with you completely on ergonomics being a HUGE factor. By the way, we used to own a house in The Woodlands, but never lived in it....

Crash

[Crash]

Crash, look at the M&P series. They accomodate small hands better than any other gun out there. They come in 45, 40, and 9 - full size and compact.

If you would like to try one PM. Like JLAW I am in The Woodlands/Conroe area.

CompVest,

As with my reply to JLaw, sorry it took me so long. I live in Fredericksburg, which is a fairly "fur piece" from The Woodlands, but thanks for the offer. I'm going to try both the S&W M&Ps and the new Walther with the mag release as part of the trigger guard...

Crash