Ergonomics

Micahweeks · May 28, 2009, 02:16 AM

Admittedly, this post is motivated by another one that was just a troll thread. However, it did give me the idea to ask this question.

Which handgun (make and model) do you believe has the best ergonomics?

I know this will be subjective, so no bashing each other for expressing opinions. I am not just talking about the grip either. I am referring to ability to reach the controls without altering grip, ease of grabbing and racking the slide, pointability, etc. The whole package. What do you think?

I'll go ahead and list my top three.

1. H&K USP
2. CZ-75
3. Browning Hi-Power

Playboypenguin · May 28, 2009, 02:24 AM

If I go by the fact you just said "handgun" and not semi-auto handgun I would say that S&W K/L frames fit my hand better than any other firearm...but since you did mention racking a slide I will assume you mean semi-autos and say that my Sig P229 is excellent ergonomically but my commander sized 1911's are probably the best fit for me.

Micahweeks · May 28, 2009, 02:49 AM

Ah... you raised a good point. I was unclear. I am referring to autos exclusively. You are right. Some of the best fits do indeed come from S&W's wheelguns, and I happen to like my 686 a lot. But, not many people ever debate the ergonomics of the revolver. So, autos are our topic.

RickB · May 28, 2009, 11:51 AM

1911s generally fit my hand like they'd grow'd there, but that could be because I've been shooting them more than any handgun over a 35-year period. Guns that are often called "natural pointers" - usually Lugers and Peacemakers - don't point naturally at all, for me. Any gun with a sharply raked grip angle (Glock), or one that puts the trigger finger below the second finger (revolver) is not going to be at all natural. I do like the Hi-Power, but have decided the grip is too "square"; I much prefer an oval shape.

pilpens · May 28, 2009, 12:20 PM

For me, 1911 fits the best of the three listed.
I had a CZ 75 SA. It was OK but still did not fit as well as a 1911.
No experience with the browning.
The grip on the HK is sharp and boxy compared to a 1911. Also, the safety on the HK feels like it is a couple of mm farther back than a 1911.
The CZ grip is good but the the area where my support thumb would normally sit is at an angle. The flat side of the 1911 feels better and more stable. Also, most beavertail on non-gi 1911s are wider than that of the CZ making it more comfortable for me.

Keltyke · May 28, 2009, 01:11 PM

For me, it's the:
1. Steyr S in 9mm or .40 S&W
2. Springfield XDSC - mine is 9mm
3. Bersa Thunder .380 ACP

All three are easy shooters with very little recoil, and all are capable of accurate multi follow-up shots.

All three have a low bore axis (especially the Steyr).

All three have ample power and mag capacity for PD.

All three are very accurate.

All three are easily concealable.

All three are 100% reliable.

They all fit my hand like I was born with them there.

FALPhil · May 28, 2009, 02:28 PM

Of the three you listed, the CZ-75, hands down. Come to think of it, I can't think of any handgun, single, semi, or revolver that fits my hand better than the CZ-75.

Te Anau · May 28, 2009, 02:38 PM

Quote:

Which handgun (make and model) do you believe has the best ergonomics?

Easy.My S&W SW9VE hands down.

Old Timer · May 28, 2009, 02:42 PM

#1. S&W M&P with Hogue grip.
#2. S&W SW9VE with Hogue grip.
#3. Springfield MilSpec 1911A1 with custom grip.

Sixer · May 28, 2009, 02:51 PM

Believe it or not, I love the way a Glock fits in my hands...

1) Glock 23

2) Sig P229
3) Sig p239 (w/ Hogue grips)

Maromero · May 28, 2009, 03:07 PM

HK 45

Webleymkv · May 28, 2009, 03:44 PM

While my 1911 and CZ-75 fit my hand superbly, my Walther PP feels like I was born with it there (of course a S&W N-Frame feels the best of all but we're talking autos).

Texas Armadillo · May 28, 2009, 03:48 PM

What FALPhil said.
CZ

JWT · May 28, 2009, 03:55 PM

Any of the CZ's followed by 1911's and then the FNP-9.

Dobe · May 28, 2009, 04:00 PM

Quote:

1. H&K USP
2. CZ-75
3. Browning Hi-Power

My top of the line is a 1911A1.
Second is Armalite's AR-24, better ergs than a CZ.
Browning Hipower isn't bad.
HK 45 among the plastics has a great feel to it.

pacerdude · May 28, 2009, 09:12 PM

I would have to say my Smith and Wesson M&P and my mom's Ruger Mark II.

AZAK · May 29, 2009, 01:52 AM

Quote:

The whole package. What do you think?

I am going to have to say that the trigger is rather important to "the whole package" in my book. With that in mind I am going to go with 1911s (for semis).

Overall the 1911 fits my hand very well: controls and grip. I am going to vote with PBP for the Colt Commander; as to the balance being a bit better with the Colt Commander than the Government. Although I have much more range time with the Governments, and love them.

Ruger P345 has a nice overall package and feel. And if you have not actually picked up one, they are very different than what most think of as traditional Ruger semis.

And I have to add my Glock 29, as I have carried it more than any other during the last eight years since I got it. Simple, reliable, accurate, easily concealable and fits my hand well (with the added pinky extension on the mags).

Tucker 1371 · May 29, 2009, 02:00 AM

Best for me so far is the 1911, granted I don't have nearly as much experience with guns as many here on TFL do.

Worst were a Glock 17 & 20 that were bought new in the 90's (I know they've changed the grips since then but I have not had the chance to hold one of these). Way too squareish.

It's been a while since I held this XD at a gunshow, I'd like to think they have good ergonomics, lots of people say they do.

But for me no pistol sits in my hand like a 1911. It just feels like it belongs there in my hand.

PSP · May 29, 2009, 04:51 AM

Quote:

Which handgun (make and model) do you believe has the best ergonomics?

HK in general, the P30 in particular.
Kahrs in general, especially the larger ones, T9 in particular.
Sig P232 fits my hand like a custom made glove.

Kreyzhorse · May 29, 2009, 08:01 AM

By far, the best fit handgun is my Springfield TRP 1911. I'd still think it was the best fitting handgun even if it didn't have an ambi safety which puts it over the top for me since I'm a lefty.

hoytinak · May 29, 2009, 08:18 AM

1) HK USPc
2) my Glock 19...after the grip reduction

Silvanus · May 29, 2009, 09:26 AM

Any caliber full or mid-sized Glock and the CZ 75 / SP01 are perfect for me. 1911s are nice too, but not quite as good.

I don't have big hands, but I hate the way my Browning HP feels. I can't find a proper way to grip that pistol, so I can comfortably shoot it.

predecessor · May 29, 2009, 09:32 AM

For me it's the following:

Walther P-99
Taurus 24/7 Pro w/ribber grip
CZ P01 (the size, along with the location of the slide release, is better for me than the 75 or the Compact)

And the compact gun that sort of melts in my hand and feels like I was born with it is: the Colt Government .380 ACP

DBAR · May 29, 2009, 09:34 AM

1.) My 1911
2.) My CZ 85 Combat
3.) My Glock 36

That rounds out the top 3 for me.

EDIT: My 1911 is a Kimber that funtions flawlessly....

Hellbilly5000 · May 29, 2009, 10:04 AM

For me

1) 1911's
2) Ruger P series
3) baby eagle/ jericho 941

May 28, 2009, 02:51 PM	#10
Sixer Senior Member Join Date: April 16, 2008 Location: Missouri Posts: 1,891	Believe it or not, I love the way a Glock fits in my hands... 1) Glock 23 2) Sig P229 3) Sig p239 (w/ Hogue grips) __________________ Hopp Custom Leather <------ click for HOLSTER awesomeness!! -There is no theory of evolution... Just a list of creatures Chuck Norris has allowed to live.

May 29, 2009, 02:00 AM	#18
Tucker 1371 Senior Member Join Date: December 29, 2008 Location: East TN Posts: 2,649	Best for me so far is the 1911, granted I don't have nearly as much experience with guns as many here on TFL do. Worst were a Glock 17 & 20 that were bought new in the 90's (I know they've changed the grips since then but I have not had the chance to hold one of these). Way too squareish. It's been a while since I held this XD at a gunshow, I'd like to think they have good ergonomics, lots of people say they do. But for me no pistol sits in my hand like a 1911. It just feels like it belongs there in my hand. __________________ Sgt. of Marines, 5th Award Expert Rifle, 237/250 Expert Pistol, 382/400. D Co, 4th CEB, Engineers UP!! If you start a thread, be active in it. Don't leave us hanging. OEF 2011 Sangin, Afg. Molon Labe

May 29, 2009, 08:01 AM	#20
Kreyzhorse Senior Member Join Date: April 12, 2006 Location: NKY Posts: 12,463	By far, the best fit handgun is my Springfield TRP 1911. I'd still think it was the best fitting handgun even if it didn't have an ambi safety which puts it over the top for me since I'm a lefty. __________________ "He who laughs last, laughs dead." Homer Simpson

May 29, 2009, 09:32 AM	#23
predecessor Senior Member Join Date: August 22, 2006 Posts: 837	For me it's the following: Walther P-99 Taurus 24/7 Pro w/ribber grip CZ P01 (the size, along with the location of the slide release, is better for me than the 75 or the Compact) And the compact gun that sort of melts in my hand and feels like I was born with it is: the Colt Government .380 ACP __________________ ________________________________________________________________________ The greatest trick the Devil ever pulled was convincing the world he didn't exist.

May 29, 2009, 10:04 AM	#25
Hellbilly5000 Senior Member Join Date: March 24, 2009 Location: RGV, Tx Posts: 787	For me 1) 1911's 2) Ruger P series 3) baby eagle/ jericho 941 __________________ And death climbs the steps one by one, To give you the rose that's been burnt by her son, Point me to the sky above I can't get there on my own, Walk me through the graveyard Dig up her bones

May 28, 2009, 02:16 AM	#1
Micahweeks Senior Member Join Date: February 21, 2009 Location: North Mississippi Posts: 854	Ergonomics Admittedly, this post is motivated by another one that was just a troll thread. However, it did give me the idea to ask this question. Which handgun (make and model) do you believe has the best ergonomics? I know this will be subjective, so no bashing each other for expressing opinions. I am not just talking about the grip either. I am referring to ability to reach the controls without altering grip, ease of grabbing and racking the slide, pointability, etc. The whole package. What do you think? I'll go ahead and list my top three. 1. H&K USP 2. CZ-75 3. Browning Hi-Power

May 28, 2009, 02:24 AM	#2
Playboypenguin Junior member Join Date: February 27, 2006 Location: Great Pacific Northwest Posts: 11,515	If I go by the fact you just said "handgun" and not semi-auto handgun I would say that S&W K/L frames fit my hand better than any other firearm...but since you did mention racking a slide I will assume you mean semi-autos and say that my Sig P229 is excellent ergonomically but my commander sized 1911's are probably the best fit for me.

May 28, 2009, 02:49 AM	#3
Micahweeks Senior Member Join Date: February 21, 2009 Location: North Mississippi Posts: 854	Good point... Ah... you raised a good point. I was unclear. I am referring to autos exclusively. You are right. Some of the best fits do indeed come from S&W's wheelguns, and I happen to like my 686 a lot. But, not many people ever debate the ergonomics of the revolver. So, autos are our topic.

May 28, 2009, 11:51 AM	#4
RickB Senior Member Join Date: March 1, 2000 Location: Boise, ID Posts: 8,519	1911s generally fit my hand like they'd grow'd there, but that could be because I've been shooting them more than any handgun over a 35-year period. Guns that are often called "natural pointers" - usually Lugers and Peacemakers - don't point naturally at all, for me. Any gun with a sharply raked grip angle (Glock), or one that puts the trigger finger below the second finger (revolver) is not going to be at all natural. I do like the Hi-Power, but have decided the grip is too "square"; I much prefer an oval shape.

May 28, 2009, 12:20 PM	#5
pilpens Senior Member Join Date: April 24, 2008 Location: Ohio Posts: 1,696	For me, 1911 fits the best of the three listed. I had a CZ 75 SA. It was OK but still did not fit as well as a 1911. No experience with the browning. The grip on the HK is sharp and boxy compared to a 1911. Also, the safety on the HK feels like it is a couple of mm farther back than a 1911. The CZ grip is good but the the area where my support thumb would normally sit is at an angle. The flat side of the 1911 feels better and more stable. Also, most beavertail on non-gi 1911s are wider than that of the CZ making it more comfortable for me.

May 28, 2009, 01:11 PM	#6
Keltyke Junior member Join Date: April 6, 2008 Location: Spartanburg, SC Posts: 2,933	For me, it's the: 1. Steyr S in 9mm or .40 S&W 2. Springfield XDSC - mine is 9mm 3. Bersa Thunder .380 ACP All three are easy shooters with very little recoil, and all are capable of accurate multi follow-up shots. All three have a low bore axis (especially the Steyr). All three have ample power and mag capacity for PD. All three are very accurate. All three are easily concealable. All three are 100% reliable. They all fit my hand like I was born with them there.

May 28, 2009, 02:28 PM	#7
FALPhil Senior Member Join Date: September 10, 2007 Location: Racoon City Posts: 934	Of the three you listed, the CZ-75, hands down. Come to think of it, I can't think of any handgun, single, semi, or revolver that fits my hand better than the CZ-75.

May 28, 2009, 02:42 PM	#9
Old Timer Senior Member Join Date: May 8, 2008 Location: San Diego Posts: 187	#1. S&W M&P with Hogue grip. #2. S&W SW9VE with Hogue grip. #3. Springfield MilSpec 1911A1 with custom grip.

May 28, 2009, 03:07 PM	#11
Maromero Junior member Join Date: January 21, 2009 Location: Outside the continental U Posts: 752	HK 45

May 28, 2009, 03:44 PM	#12
Webleymkv Senior Member Join Date: July 20, 2005 Location: Indiana Posts: 10,446	While my 1911 and CZ-75 fit my hand superbly, my Walther PP feels like I was born with it there (of course a S&W N-Frame feels the best of all but we're talking autos).

May 28, 2009, 03:48 PM	#13
Texas Armadillo Senior Member Join Date: December 24, 2007 Posts: 101	What FALPhil said. CZ

May 28, 2009, 03:55 PM	#14
JWT Senior Member Join Date: March 16, 2007 Location: Southern Arizona Posts: 3,888	Any of the CZ's followed by 1911's and then the FNP-9.

May 28, 2009, 09:12 PM	#16
pacerdude Senior Member Join Date: December 23, 2008 Location: Columbia, SC Posts: 607	I would have to say my Smith and Wesson M&P and my mom's Ruger Mark II.

May 29, 2009, 08:18 AM	#21
hoytinak Senior Member Join Date: July 5, 2006 Location: Texas Posts: 5,721	1) HK USPc 2) my Glock 19...after the grip reduction

May 29, 2009, 09:26 AM	#22
Silvanus Senior Member Join Date: July 23, 2005 Location: Luxembourg Posts: 1,324	Any caliber full or mid-sized Glock and the CZ 75 / SP01 are perfect for me. 1911s are nice too, but not quite as good. I don't have big hands, but I hate the way my Browning HP feels. I can't find a proper way to grip that pistol, so I can comfortably shoot it.

May 29, 2009, 09:34 AM	#24
DBAR Senior Member Join Date: February 17, 2009 Posts: 941	1.) My 1911 2.) My CZ 85 Combat 3.) My Glock 36 That rounds out the top 3 for me. EDIT: My 1911 is a Kimber that funtions flawlessly....