So, so far, i've only done rifle, but i wanted to get into pistols as well.  while im going to wait until summer at the earliest (my class schedule wont allow me to do the registration processes, at the very least, not while the current rush is going on), I wanted to start researching.  wanted to hear some suggestions.

well, im looking for a pistol, and have a couple of things to take into consideration.  i have small hands, and most pistols are just too plain big for me to hold comfortably and still reach the mag release.  just from handling airsoft versions, which are more or less accurate scale, fatty double stack designs like a Beretta 92, or larger sized pistols like 1911's are just a hassle for me to operate the controls.

the other thing is, i prefer the handle heavier firearms.  im not a huge fan of super light.  since i cant carry here anyways, i'd much prefer something with a bit more of a solid feel, so im not really interested in looking at guns that are slimmer, which i'd like, but are designed as carry pieces, and thus, very light, like a Kahr PM9 or something.

i'm looking for something in 9mm.

So, i looked around, and the best i could come up with where the Sig P239, the Steyr S and M series pistols, and the Walther P99 (despite being a thicker gun than the others, makes the list because the the ambi release negates the issues i have with other large pistols).  Things like Glock variants and the Walther PPS also came up, but look a bit on the light side, imo. 

any suggestions on other guns to look at guys?  thoughts on the P239, the Steyr Pistols, and the P99? 

If you haven't taken it yet, the LIFE class lets you handle a HUGE variety of firearms.  I only bring 4 handguns (all I have), but a lot of the other instructors bring 7-10 guns each.  Nice to get a feel for them all.

If you haven't taken it yet, the LIFE class lets you handle a HUGE variety of firearms.  I only bring 4 handguns (all I have), but a lot of the other instructors bring 7-10 guns each.  Nice to get a feel for them all.

yeah, i havent taken a class yet.  i heard about the life classes.  still not sure when im going to go get the pistol class i need.

the only thing im totally sure of is, no 1911 for me.  i've used one for airsoft, and the ergonomics were not designed for my hands, for sure. 

i just was wondering if anyone had any suggestions to look for, so i can go stop at OGC or something when i have free time and check out a few.

im in no rush anyways, wont be looking to purchase for at least 3 months.

Wish I could help ya...I have a 1911, Glock 19 (blocky to my hands), and two revolvers.

All I can say is stay away from the Sig Mosquito!

walther ppq 
loving mine. its similar to the p99as model. it has a long ambi paddle release so almost everyone that picks it up can drop the mags without adjusting your grip, if you think that might be an issue.

Wish I could help ya...I have a 1911, Glock 19 (blocky to my hands), and two revolvers.

All I can say is stay away from the Sig Mosquito!

haha.  well, looking for 9mm anyways, so i guess that seals the deal on the mosquito!

H & K P30
changeable sides AND backstraps, plus contoured grip

but i'm biased

So, so far, i've only done rifle, but i wanted to get into pistols as well.  while im going to wait until summer at the earliest (my class schedule wont allow me to do the registration processes, at the very least, not while the current rush is going on), I wanted to start researching.  wanted to hear some suggestions.

well, im looking for a pistol, and have a couple of things to take into consideration.  i have small hands, and most pistols are just too plain big for me to hold comfortably and still reach the mag release.  just from handling airsoft versions, which are more or less accurate scale, fatty double stack designs like a Beretta 92, or larger sized pistols like 1911's are just a hassle for me to operate the controls.

the other thing is, i prefer the handle heavier firearms.  im not a huge fan of super light.  since i cant carry here anyways, i'd much prefer something with a bit more of a solid feel, so im not really interested in looking at guns that are slimmer, which i'd like, but are designed as carry pieces, and thus, very light, like a Kahr PM9 or something.

i'm looking for something in 9mm.

So, i looked around, and the best i could come up with where the Sig P239, the Steyr S and M series pistols, and the Walther P99 (despite being a thicker gun than the others, makes the list because the the ambi release negates the issues i have with other large pistols).  Things like Glock variants and the Walther PPS also came up, but look a bit on the light side, imo. 

any suggestions on other guns to look at guys?  thoughts on the P239, the Steyr Pistols, and the P99?

have heard bad things about the SIG P250 also

haha.  well, looking for 9mm anyways, so i guess that seals the deal on the mosquito!

and it's ambi

H & K P30
changeable sides AND backstraps, plus contoured grip

but i'm biased

have heard bad things about the SIG P250 also

yeah same.  wasnt even looking into it, honestly.

but its a brand new design, so i expected it to have problems.

H & K P30
changeable sides AND backstraps, plus contoured grip

but i'm biased

thanks for the suggestion, i actually knew nothing of this pistol.  it looks like its a little on the large side grip wise, but the ambi mag release looks like that will negate that issue.  looks like a nice pistol.

Nevermind...

Nevermind...

huh?

My choices

Walther PPQ or P99
HK P30
SIG 2022 or SIG 225
S&W V9DE

My choices

Walther PPQ or P99
HK P30
SIG 2022 or SIG 225
S&W V9DE

thanks for the reqs.

looks like the P30 and the PPQ come highly recommended.

however, i cant find anything online on the last one you listed.

Oops up too late. S&W SD9VE

I love glocks but the grip is on the bigger side. my buddy shoots a hk p30 and the grip on that is way more comfortable than my glocks. plus he's a lefty and likes all the ambi controls. bad thing is, p30 mags cost 50 bucks ea.

yeah hk mags are really pricey
but so are the guns
very well built, though
not for everyone when you think that glocks and m&ps are way cheaper (almost half the price)

I love glocks but the grip is on the bigger side. my buddy shoots a hk p30 and the grip on that is way more comfortable than my glocks. plus he's a lefty and likes all the ambi controls. bad thing is, p30 mags cost 50 bucks ea.

Like SpeedTek said, the Sig P225 or you can also check out the P239. Both great single stack guns.

more biased people
http://www.hkpro.com/forum/hk-handgun-talk/172593-wow-does-p30-have-comfortable-grip-what.html?daysprune=1

yeah hk mags are really pricey
but so are the guns
very well built, though
not for everyone when you think that glocks and m&ps are way cheaper (almost half the price)

I have small hands also.
But hand size is only a small part of the equation. Here are the hard questions you have to ask yourself. Be realistic.

1- What do you want to do with it? Paper punching? Competition? Defensive?
2-How often do you want to shoot it?
3-How much can you afford to feed it? (dollars)
4-How serious are you about learning to shoot (pistol) well?
5- How much do you want to spend for a pistol?

My immediate recommendation is to find someone (a friend) with a variety of pistols who is willing to let you try them.
Don't be so quick to rule out any gun or caliber because your notion of what might be good could be thrown out the window once you get your hands on a real gun.
In general, newbies get sucked into current hype easily. I did many years ago when I was a newbie. Keep an open mind.