by Rich Grassi

http://www.theoutdoorwire.com/image_archive/2055635.jpg> A recent entry in the hand-fitting defense pistol category is the Bersa BP9CC.

Way back when, I did an article that had to do with handgun fit to users. In it, I compared the U.S. M9 (Beretta M92F) with the U.S. Pistol, Caliber .45, Model 1911A1. The findings were that few people could quickly, comfortably reach the DA trigger on the M9 while nearly everyone could quickly, comfortably reach the trigger on the single action .45 Auto.

I heard it said this year at SHOT, that manufacturers have gone from making the guns they want to make to making guns users wanted. I took that to mean "fit" was part of the equation. Some of the very best pistols coming out of the 1980s and 1990s were double stack creations along with the traditional double action-to single action trigger system popularized by Walther since the 1930s. While the "DA for the first shot to SA for succeeding shots" can be learned by nearly everyone, given time and effort, if the gun is too large for the user's hand, you're doomed to be marginal.

http://www.theoutdoorwire.com/image_archive/2055639.jpg> Walther PPQ

This comes to mind for two reasons. One is a pair of articles forwarded around a mailing list of which I'm a member. The concern there was agencies trying to fit all officers in a "size 9 boot". One article came from a magazine for Kansas Peace Officers and was co-written by the Rangemaster at the State Academy. He saw first-hand the problem with issuing guns too large. The other article is from ERGONOMICS IN DESIGN, a journal.

In both, they sought to measure trigger reach on handguns (measured from center of the backstrap to center of the trigger) and the typical trigger reach on adults (from about center of the distal pad to the "thumb crotch" of the hand. As the handgun reach closed on four inches, the number of people able to reach the trigger dwindled. When the reach was 3 1/2" or less, the better we could get onto the trigger and control it.

Double-stack traditional DA guns were the largest, while the striker-fired guns (in 9mm and .40 Auto) were closer to the "sweet spot." I'd argue that the trigger reach was at least as much a factor in shooting ability as the action-type of the pistol.

http://www.theoutdoorwire.com/image_archive/2055637.jpg> SIG-Sauer P226 Enhanced Elite

In my article, I used the same human dimension but also the circumference of trigger reach (center of the trigger face, around the backstrap and back to the front of the trigger). This included the thickness of frame, stock panels, and magazine. Our S&W 645/4506 pistols were marginal fits for my hand while the "smaller" 659/5906 guns were far too thick and a poor fit. The single stack 9mm S&W (639, 3906 and 3913) was a good fit.

Currently, we have the S&W M&P/SD guns, the Glock regular frame guns (9mm-40-357-45 GAP), and the SF version of the G20/21, as well as the SIG P226 E2 (a great improvement, apparently replaced by the Enhanced Elite), the Ruger SR9/40 and others. The SIG P239, not a new gun, is a winner in the fit department as its a single-stack 9mm.

http://www.theoutdoorwire.com/image_archive/2055641.jpg> SIG P239 SAS Gen 2

Speaking with a member of a specialized unit issued the pre-E2 P226, I found out certain unit members slip a SIG P239 in a pouch because it fits their hands better than the older P226. Walther has released its PPQ, an ergonomic fit not unlike that of the superb HK P30.

Going to SHOT this year, we see continuing improvements in the lines. Manufacturers are certainly making guns we can use. The Springfield Armory XD in its latest incarnation is a single-stack .45 Auto. Their XD line has been known for its ergonomically-correct feel, improved upon in the XD/m line. Bersa's new BP9CC appears to be a great choice, as does the SIG P938.

If the handgun you choose is reliable, ensure the fit of the gun to your hands. Then, get to work on those skills.