Small Framed 44 mag for Small Hands?

[mr surveyor]

Does Ruger make anything in .44 magnum on the same size frame as the SP101? I just don't understand why the big time manufacturers think all high power weapons have to be made for folks with long fingers. Just because my fingers are longitudinally challenged doesn't mean I can't handle the recoil.

I want a 44, and apparantly options are limited, or none. I wonder if there's a such thing as viagra for fingers?

Sorry for the rant.


surv

 

[Yosemite Sam]

As for a DA on the SP101 sized frame, no.

How about a 4.62" or 5.5" Super Blackhawk with the standard grip frame?

Something like this:

In general, you want a bigger frame to absorb/dampen recoil, as well as to stand up to the hotter loads. A .44 mag would likely twist a SP101 into a pretzel. It is a shame "they" don't address the small hands issue. Maybe a Taurus Tracker?

-- Sam

 

[mr surveyor]

ok. .... let me clarify.

By "smaller frame", I was more referring to smaller grip with shorter length of pull - like the SP101. I have short, rather chunky fingers and thick palms. Cowboy style grips just don't work. Actually, the j-frames I carried for years didn't fit right. It wasn't until I bought the SP101 a couple of months ago that I found a .357 that fit perfectly. The concave upper grip fits the chunky part of my palm perfectly and actually allows me a perfect grip with my trigger finger actually depressing the trigger in a more horizontal direction. With the j-frames I had to hold such a high grip that I could barely bend my wrist enough to get decent vertical alignment.... which ain't a good thing for the metacarples with high powered rounds.


thanks for the reply


surv

 

[RonS]

The only thing I can suggest is that you find a Dan Wesson .44 Magnum and make a custom grip for it. The DW had a spike grip so you are pretty free to shape the grip however you want.

They were big guns though so I am not sure if you can shape the grip the way you want to shorten the LOP and still have any meat behind the spike.

Main problem is that the .44 is a big cartridge with a big cylinder, which calls for a big frame, and then they stick a grip on it that looks right and bang, there you are with a big gun with a big grip.

Good luck

 

[Glupy]

The 44 Special Blackhawks have New Vaquero-sized grips. You can't shoot mags. But the Specials are a lot more flexible and the hotter loads are almost as good. Would that work?

Dave

 

[dg101win]

The 44 Special Blackhawks have New Vaquero-sized grips. You can't shoot mags. But the Specials are a lot more flexible and the hotter loads are almost as good. Would that work?

Dave

Doesn't the 50th Anniversary 44 Flattop have the same size grip frame?
As the 44 special I mean.

 

[Jimbo357mag]

I have small hands (no piano lessons) and I find the Redhawk original grip to be just fine.

...Jimbo

 

[mr surveyor]

Jimbo

I may check that out. I've handled the Redhawk before, but my trigger finger just didn't want to co-operate.... but that does look like something to check again.

I really don't care how big the actual frame is... it's just a matter of grip size and lop.



thanks


surv

edit to add: as for the piano lessons... I usta think I wanted to play guitar like Jimi Hendrix, but since I didn't have the fingers....quality of instrument... talent..... :roll:

oh... wasn't left handed either :)

 

[Glupy]

Doesn't the 50th Anniversary 44 Flattop have the same size grip frame?
As the 44 special I mean.

Yes they do. Good point.
Both have a New Vaquero grip.

CDNN still has 44 Mag Anniversary Blackhawks for about $379.

 

[no5shooter]

Me too, Mr. Surveyor. Back in the Dark Ages when I started shooting .44's, the choices were S&W Model 29 (owned a couple), Ruger Flattop, or Ruger SBH. Owned them, too. I still have the Flattop and that grip (XR3) fits my hand the best so far. My own description of my hands is "normal size hand, stubby fingers." I owned a couple of Redhawks along the way too. The Redhawks and the Smiths are OK in single-action mode, way too long a reach in double-action. Having said all that, I think the suggestion of the new .44 Specials or the 50th Anniversary Flattop might be a good one. Don't forget, you can get grips made with the right side grip panel (assuming you're right-handed) slimmed down to reduce that backstrap-to-trigger measurement, or at least so you're not reaching around a gob of wood to get to the trigger.
There's my $.02 worth, and as they say, Your mileage may vary...

 

[VAdoublegunner]

Neither Ruger or S&W makes anything with a grip in the neighborhood of a SP101. The more recent round butt S&W's can be fitted with standard RB grips which may work OK since the RB N-frame grip is only slightly larger than a K/L size one. As already mentioned, the New Vaquero and Ruger Flattop 44Special and 50th Anniversary 44 Mag have smaller grips.

Although a bit on the pricey side comparatively, you may want to give the Freedom Arms Model 97 a try. The grips on it actually seem too slim to me, more so than the Ruger New Vaquero. It is built on a compact frame and is a hell-for-stout five shot that actually seems really small compared to a Ruger or S&W big bore. (It almost feels like a Bearcat on steroids! :) ) However, although the grip frame and mainframe are small, you would have to actually handle one to see if the trigger reach would work. It is not chambered in 44 Mag like their Model 83, but is chambered in 44 Special. In the FA you can easily match or exceed anything you can do with a top end load in a Ruger 44 SP, loads that are at low, and possibly even mid-range, 44 Mag levels in the FA.

 

[steve b]

Though its not a Ruger, or a magnum, I like my .44spec Bulldog. Its in my pocket now. Ruger could probably do a GP100 in .44spec, or maybe .41 mag.... or go custom. Hand size often a deciding factor for many of us. steve b

 

[Thel]

Years ago when John Taffin had a website the question came up on trigger reach. As I recall he quoted the figures as follows from backstrap to trigger: Python 2.9", N frame Smith 2.88", Colt Anaconda 2.82", Smith K & L frame 2.75", Redhawk about 2.76". These figures must be a decade old and are from memory so don't hold me to exactness. Having had N frame and Redhawks the trigger reach never appeared better to me on the N frame, however, much of it has to do with grip shape.

I have a size 9.5 hand with short stubby fingers. I had a Redhawk with Hogue wooden grips on it and in double action had to crawl the grip to position my trigger finger at the distal joint. I bit the bullet and ordered a set of wooden Herrett's grips to fit my hand (one sends them a hand tracing). When they got the order they contacted me and recommended the Roper style grip which I went with. It fit my hand well and positioned my trigger finger correctly.

Supposedly, at one time Hogue offered to size grips to a person's hand. I have an round butt L frame with wood Hogues and I am currently reshaping the grip to fit my hand better.

If you are concerned mainly about trigger reach the Super Redhawk or Alaskan has a grip stud and takes the same grips as a GP-100 so can be modified as can the Dan Wesson noted by the other poster.

At one time Dave Clements made .44 Sp conversions on the GP-100 but per his current website only does these in 10mm. Gary Reeder does convert the GP-100 to .41 magnum.

 

[batmann]

If a GP grip fits your hand, you might think along the lines of an Alaskan in .44M. The grips are the same on the GP series as the Super Red Hawk and an Alaskan is only a SRH with a shorter barrel.
Most gun stores will have a GP in stock and you can check the fit that way. The only thing to watch out for is the NEW GP's come with Hogue grips and the grips I am talking about are the older style Lett grips and the are available from Ruger and some other sources.

 

[BuddyG]

Try a set of "BearPaw" grips

 

[41 Magnum]

I do not own one, but would the "Birdshead" grip on a new Flat top work for him ???

 

[EDK]

Does Ruger make anything in .44 magnum on the same size frame as the SP101? I just don't understand why the big time manufacturers think all high power weapons have to be made for folks with long fingers. Just because my fingers are longitudinally challenged doesn't mean I can't handle the recoil.

I want a 44, and apparantly options are limited, or none. I wonder if there's a such thing as viagra for fingers?

Sorry for the rant.


surv

Try an XR3-red grip frame (standard on blackhawks and short barrelled super blackhawks) that has EAGLE GRIPS Gunfighter models on it. Much better contouring and dimensions than the factory grips...the designer knew single actions and what he wanted to achieve.

 

[Tslepebull]

At the risk of being flamed you might consider the Taurus Tracker .44 mag. It is an L-Frame sized revolver with a 5 shot cylinder. The barrel is ported and helps reduce muzzle flip. The grip design works well with small hands.

I shoot mine along with both of my Redhawks and my S&W model 29 and have been very satisfied with it. Just a thought

 

[357phase]

Get a 44 Alaskan.Put a set of grips on it like the ones that come on the 3" GP100 (the smaller grips).They will fit and you have your 44 with small grips.This is if I understand what you're looking for.

 

[mattsbox99]

Just so you know, that Tracker is only 34 oz, and has recoil that I would describe as "unpleasant."

 

[FORGIVEN]

Alaskan!

 

[mr surveyor]

I'm not really concerned about recoil... I just want a DA/SA .44 mag with the same ergonomics as the SP101.... and it ain't gonna be a Tau...Taur... you know what I mean (no offense to by East Texas brother :wink:

Heck, at this stage of the game, I'd almost be as happy with another .357 SP101 if it had a 6" barrel... but I still want a 44 that fits


surv

 

[FORGIVEN]

Hey, I'm in East Texas and......and.......wait a minute, I said Alaskan! Not that other company.

Oh, you weren't talkin' to me, were you? My bad....

 

[GhosT]

I Actually enjoyed mr surveyor's post,an honest question!


"Does Ruger make anything in .44 magnum on the same size frame as the SP101? I just don't understand why the big time manufacturers think all high power weapons have to be made for folks with long fingers. Just because my fingers are longitudinally challenged doesn't mean I can't handle the recoil.
I want a 44, and apparantly options are limited, or none. I wonder if there's a such thing as viagra for fingers?"


Even though MAGNAPORTED...Doubt he would wanna fire my SP101 with full powered loads, twice!... ;)

Hey, maybe he wouldn't flinch at that recoil....
But throwing yer basic .240 grain bullet outta that sized gun!!!!!!


Bigger balls than me! :lol:

 

[mr surveyor]

I Actually enjoyed mr surveyor's post,an honest question!


"Does Ruger make anything in .44 magnum on the same size frame as the SP101? I just don't understand why the big time manufacturers think all high power weapons have to be made for folks with long fingers. Just because my fingers are longitudinally challenged doesn't mean I can't handle the recoil.
I want a 44, and apparantly options are limited, or none. I wonder if there's a such thing as viagra for fingers?"


Even though MAGNAPORTED...Doubt he would wanna fire my SP101 with full powered loads, twice!... ;)

Hey, maybe he wouldn't flinch at that recoil....
But throwing yer basic .240 grain bullet outta that sized gun!!!!!!


Bigger balls than me! :lol:

not sure what you mean about shooting your 101, but I carry a 3 inch .357 mag SP101 every day in the field.

My reference to the SP101 frame (I thought I had cleared that up) was to the grip frame size

 

[Tommy Kelly]

I don't think ruger does but I have a older S&W 29 3" that they put a roundbutt k frame grip on that is small. the pistol is a n frame but the grip is a k frame size with the round butt. It's a great shooting little gun it has a set pf pachmayr gripper style grips that are a thin profile grip that fits like a glove. They only made a small run of these pistols but also made the same basic gun for lew horton in a special order deal. I really like mine and have had it for years and wouldn't concider getting rid of it. This may be what you are wanting The k frame round butt is a small grip size on a full sized frame in a 44 mag 6 shot. Mine has a unfluted cylinder I think the lew horton ones were fluted cylinders.

 

[mr surveyor]

Tommy

That may be something to look for. There's gotta be something out there, and I'm in no hurry and really not trying to fit a "need".... just a want :D

Thanks

surv

 

[Onty]

The only thing I can suggest is that you find a Dan Wesson .44 Magnum and make a custom grip for it. The DW had a spike grip so you are pretty free to shape the grip however you want...

Although, not (round) spike style grip frame like DW, Super Redhawk has something similar:

.

In that respect, you can get wooden stocks and modify any way you want.

Also, try Bisley. I have medium size hand and found that it fits me much better than SBH. Another trick; make Bisley stock same thickness as on the top, and round sharp corner behind trigger guard.

 

[Eric N.]

I have small hands. I have been shooting a SBH Bisley since they came out in 1986. Try it,you might like it.

 

[Timber]

Did you solve your LOP grip problem? This TALO S&W exclusive may have the small S&W grip referenced above.

http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product4_750001_750051_781528_-1_757770_757767_757751_ProductDisplayErrorView_Y

Also I think this 3" TALO Ruger exclusive has the smaller GP100 black rubber grip.

http://ruger.com/products/gp100DE/models.html