Looking for recommendations 22lr pistol for small hands

[Jerry Snyder]

My wife has started shooting with me each week. She has been shooting 22lr, using a SW MP22 full size. She is having difficulties keeping a positive grip and reaching the trigger with the pad of her index finger, so I think she might need a smaller framed pistol.

I am looking for recommendations for a smaller framed 22LR pistol. Since we have been married 45 years, no budget limit.

Thanks all

 

[Steve Donlon]

I have a Ruger Bearcat 6 shooter. It's very small and very well made and accurate. I use it while horseback riding and hiking. https://www.google.com/search?clien...ate=ive&vld=cid:7b553eaf,vid:QpIQHh3pP_0,st:0

 

[Hipshoot]

S&W use to make a J frame 6 shot revolver called the .22 Kit gun I believe. 4 inch barrel and either a square butt or round butt. Get Herrett grips.

Hip

 

[STOMP442]

I love my Walter P22. Its a small frame and has extra pieces to modify the grip if needed. All the nieces and nephews love that one as well, it's their go to plinker when we go.

 

[Dgd6mm]

Keltec P17.

 

[dusterdave173]

My wife just Loves her H&R model 929 it looks way bigger than it feels --she said it was the most balanced , best feeling pistol she has used--and her results show
They are USA made and silly cheap if you shop around--The 929 with 6 in barrel has the best balance--They made the same pistol with a pin pull cylinder--they are even cheaper than the 929 with swing out cylinder
early ones had firing pin on hammer later units had transfer bar so you can keep the full 9 rounds in it
Delightful shooting cheap pistols--I got one at an auction the other day for $130, local shops always have one for around $200--ignore the stupid $599 ones on Gunjoker and keep an eye out you can score for under $200 Again the grip is very comfortable for my wife with small hands--the 6 in barrel is key for good balance and decent sight picture Good luck

 

[Intheshop]

4" Colt Diamondback

 

[Forum Boss]

4" Smith 617. A past girlfriend shot mine. She was 5'3" 115 and could put all 10 shots inside an inch at 7 yards shooting single action with both hands. (She had been a winter biathlete so she understood front/rear sights and trigger control). Shown below is the standard grip. If your wife has very small hands you can fit a smaller grip, but my friend had no problems. This will likely be much more accurate than a Ruger.

 

[Tommie]

Since “pistol” indicates an autoloader (versus a revolver) I’ll suggest the small block Chevy of 22 pistols: Ruger MK series.

 

[kkeene]

Ruger SR22

 

[LuvDog]

Ruger SR22 is tiny

 

[K22]

See post # 3.

Back in the late 70's, I purchase a Model 34 S&W, 4" barrel, 22 LR for my wife. I replaced the factory issue stocks with rubber Packmeyer stocks. She became quite proficient with this revolver since it fit her small hands perfectly. This revolver was amazing accurate.

The only compliant I have of this model is the front sight blade is very thin. That's great if you have young eyeballs, but for older folks, it's difficult to see. And as you probably know, if you can't see the front sight, you ain't going hit anything.

If they still make this model it probably will cost a small fortune. Therefore you may want to consider a Ruger Single Six in a 5" barrel. The factory issue stocks fit a small hand nicely and the revolver isn't too heavy. The adjustable sight is also important for accurate shooting.

 

[kkeene]

Ruger SR22 is tiny

OP said “so I think she might need a smaller framed pistol”. Hence my recommendation of the SR22. It is a great little pistol for anyone with small to medium sized hands.

 

[drewh]

I have the Smith & Wesson M&P compact .22 and my wife loves shooting that.

 

[LuvDog]

OP said “so I think she might need a smaller framed pistol”. Hence my recommendation of the SR22. It is a great little pistol for anyone with small to medium sized hands.

I'm in agreement with you. It's very small and should fit even the smallest hands

 

[jds holler]

Suck it up, and go find a nice first gen Colt Woodsman. Grip is slim and comfortable for small hands, and a better balanced and shooting target 22 has never been made. ALSO she will have an all steel American classic, antique, with cool factor off the charts. jd

 

[Knotwild]

Suck it up, and go find a nice first gen Colt Woodsman. Grip is slim and comfortable for small hands, and a better balanced and shooting target 22 has never been made. ALSO she will have an all steel American classic, antique, with cool factor off the charts. jd

I stopped what I was doing just to sign in and "like" this post. Great advice.

 

[B23]

I have the Smith & Wesson M&P compact .22 and my wife loves shooting that.

X2!

The M&P 22 Compact 22LR (see below) is a family favorite and probably gets shot more then any other 22 pistol we have. They're a great little gun and a lot of fun to shoot. Screw a suppressor on the end of one and they get even more fun to shoot!



Older daughter bought a Ruger SR22 years ago and it too has been a great little 22 pistol I just like how the M&P Compact feels better. Ruger also has their line of 22/45 Lite that is always a crowd favorite.

Best thing to do is take your wife to a gun store near you and let her handle a variety of them so she can decide which one feels best to her.

 

[jds holler]

This is my old Woodsman. Mechanically perfect, cosmetically -- seasoned.
I inherited another of these last year, actually nicer with 4 digit serial number. It belonged to to a beloved friend who was like a step mom to me. We had many friendly shooting competitions with these pistols, with no definite winner, until she became age challenged with a form of Parkinson's.
When it was time for me to take it home, I got crazy, and let it stay with her sister and husband. Like I need two of em?? jd

 

[bpd459]

Another vote for the S&W MP 22. I have had mine for 6yrs, and have shot thousands of rounds through it, with and without a suppressor. My 8yo grand daughter loves it.