[Rich_J]

For personal interest, I'm doing a small research study on the relationship (if any) between hand size and pistol size, defined as grip circumference. Based on the responses to date, most seem to prefer a grip circumference of about 0.90, or 90%, of their hand size.

Would you agree with that?

For purposes of this study, I defined Hand Size as the distance from the base of your palm, to the tip of your middle finger:

I defined Grip Circumference as the distance around the grip, from the rear to the trigger, and back:

I'd love to get more input on this, and I know there are some experienced shooters on GlockTalk, hence this thread.

Here is what I've collected so far, which leads me to conclude the ratio is around 90%. Interestingly people with smaller hands seem to prefer a larger ratio, more like 100%.

If you would like to chime in, all I need is:

1) Your hand size and
2) For one gun that fits you well, what it is, and it's Grip Circumference.

Using me as an example:

My hand size is: 7.3". A gun that fits me well has GC of 6.6".

My ratio works out to be 90.4%. It's interesting (to me anyway) this ratio of 90% is almost identical for all four guns I own. They all fit me pretty well, but they are no where close to being what you might think as the same "size" (a full size single stack, two micro-compacts and a small revolver).

Thanks!

Rich

 

[pgm74]

97-100% with 7.5" HS and 7.25-7.5" GC, according to you specifications.

Measured using USP 45 full size, G32/19 with large beavertail, and a full size M&P 2.0 45 with largest factory fat backstrap.

 

[0311INF]

HL: 7.6in

Sorry I couldn't do one gun...but do offer an average.

CZ P-01: 7.6in - 100%
Beretta M9: 7.5in - 98%
Colt 1911: 7.2 in - 95%
Sig P229: 7.7in - 101%

For S#!ts & giggles, Colt Python: 7.4in - 97%

Average of 98.2%, or 9.82/10 ratio

It'd appear I prefer a handful. In fact I dont think I have anything with a 90%. What pistol is that?

 

[rustygun]

Interesting idea. Are you in the process of manufacturing a firearm by chance?

A firearm that fits me nicely is a g20.5. Online I found a number of 7.31 or 7 5/16. My mitts are 7.8. I wear an XL glove. Some little guns like a 365 are too small to shoot comfortable for me. The only firearm I own that doesn't really fit is because I've got short fingers. That is a 220 legion in 45acp. The reach for the trigger is just a shade too long in da. Years of turning a wrench has gifted me with working hands I suppose. Other contenders for a very nice fit is a 1911 a g19x and a g26.5 with the large back strap with beaver tail.

Good luck on your research.

 

[Rich_J]

Interesting idea. Are you in the process of manufacturing a firearm by chance?

Nope, just a retired Engineer with too much time on my hands.

Thanks for the data so far. Much appreciated.

 

[Rich_J]

What pistol is that?

For me, it's my full size 1911 (thin grips, short trigger), a Ruger LCR, and two micro-compacts; a P365X and P365XMacro (small backstrap). You wouldn't think of these as the same "size", but they have very similar grip circumferences, oddly enough. They all fit me pretty well.

Here are my numbers in full:

This is where I started to notice the 90%. And then I started getting data, a good number of which echoed this, which is what got me started down this path.

 

[Cambo]

Years ago, I taught a class on how to choose a handgun, and then I wrote an unpublished book on it. I tried to do something similar to your method, but couldn't pull it off at the time. Instead, I measured the space between the index finger and thumb running parallel, and would measure grip thickness of various brands of handguns to see how they would fit inside of the index finger / thumb space. If you'd like me to send the book to you, PM me.

 

[MaDef]

My hand size is 6.5"
the 2 handguns that fit me the best are:
GC:
Beretta 92FS - 7.0" DA / 6.375" SA 93% / 85% (respectively)
Thin grips & short reach trigger has been installed on this pistol
Colt 1911 - 6.5" 86%
pachmayr grips are installed (slightly thicker than stock.)

 

[mj9mm]

Grip strength is a big part of our selection also.

 

[peng]

Interesting. I do love charts and regressions.

Why are you using a polynomial trend line?

Are you measuring around a reset trigger? My number is 69% when I just measure the grip circumference behind the trigger, and 93% if I measure "around" the (reset) trigger.

It may be useful to develop a bell curve and then look at standard deviations since you are trying to capture a population here.

 

[MaDef]

Are you measuring around a reset trigger? My number is 69% when I just measure the grip circumference behind the trigger, and 93% if I measure "around" the (reset) trigger.

that's the way I read his first post.
"I defined Grip Circumference as the distance around the grip, from the rear to the trigger, and back:"

 

[mj9mm]

back in her prime, my wife a phenomenal grip strength,, where she worked, they had some strength tests trough a Physical Therapy company. her measured grip strength was higher than most men. she had not trouble shooting my G30sf. he hand length is just under 6 inches, mine is 7inches.. at the time she weighed under 140#. i believe grip strength is more important than hand size,, to a certain degree of course.. a person with 5.5 inches probably will not usefully handle a glock 21...

 

[Syclone0538]

I'll get numbers tonight.

To me grip circumference is more important at the middle finger. I don't really care where the trigger is.

 

[Whodo]

Title had me wondering if this thread was going to be about loneliness posters.

 

[rustygun]

back in her prime, my wife a phenomenal grip strength,, where she worked, they had some strength tests trough a Physical Therapy company. her measured grip strength was higher than most men. i believe grip strength is more important than hand size,, to a certain degree of course.. a person with 5.5 inches probably will not usefully handle a glock 21...

I agree. Another factor along with grip strength is distance to trigger and how much of the finger they prefer to engage the trigger. Whether it's pad only or the first joint. Everyone is different.

 

[rustygun]

That and one more thing hand size alone using the middle finger as your metric doesn't account for trigger finger distance from palm. My middle finger is like .5 longer. Everyone is different.

 

[Mayhem like Me]

My hand 8 7/8 I like full size Glocks and 1911's my trigger finger is much shorter than my ring or middle.

pinky to thumb spread is 10 1/4

 

[SixAddict]

That and one more thing hand size alone using the middle finger as your metric doesn't account for trigger finger distance from palm. My middle finger is like .5 longer. Everyone is different.

Good point.
My Hand length is 8.0” I have a Springfield Echelon that is 7.25” with large backstrap installed, fits great and feels just right.

 

[pgm74]

i believe grip strength is more important than hand size,, to a certain degree of course..

I think grip technique is more important than either grip strength or hand size, also within reason. Engage larger muscle groups like shoulders and lats and hand strength becomes much less important.

To me grip circumference is more important at the middle finger. I don't really care where the trigger is.

distance to trigger and how much of the finger they prefer to engage the trigger. Whether it's pad only or the first joint.

When it comes to grip circumference, I really only pay attention to how much support hand meat can be applied directly to the grip, and what size backstrap I require to naturally land my trigger finger onto it's optimal slow fire position for the specific gun but off the draw and at speed.

 

[boilergonzo]

Grip strength is a big part of our selection also.

Agreed!!!