Guys, I love my MP 2.0 Compact and 2.0 Pro Series with 5" barrel. However, I have small hands and even with the smallest back strap I still cannot reach the trigger.

What I have learned, experts will say proper barrel alignment has to be perpendicular with arm but when I use the smallest back strap along with allowing the tip of my finger to press trigger, my shots are not going left as you would think(I am right handed) but they are going down.

I shoot best using the largest back strap and rotating my hand just far enough so my index finger is not rubbing on the side of frame and I am able to get proper placement on trigger. Experts will say I am doing this all wrong as I am allowing the recoil to go into my wrist but for me it has never been a problem.

Does anyone shoot like I do?

May be just my opinion but if you can not grip the pistol properly & reach the trigger I think you should probably find a pistol/platform that fits you better.

Just my opinion, but I think proper alignment is more important. In a self defense situation you may not be able to see your sights. If you can consistently grip your gun such that the barrel lines up with your forearm, you can better align your gun on target without sights. Even if you are able to use the sights, you'll be able to get them on target quicker if the gun is aligned properly.

Trigger finger placement is less important than being able to pull the trigger straight back. On my DA semi-autos I use the pad of my trigger finger and have no problem pulling the trigger straight back. I also have small hands, and I can shoot my Beretta 92FS, with it's big grip and long trigger reach, pretty well.

If your shots are going down, the problem isn't alignment, it's trigger control. I would suggest you work on trigger control with dry fire practice. Hand strengthening exercises can help, too.

This video may be helpful:


But probably the most helpful thing would be to get with an instructor who can see what you're doing and help you improve.

Your post made me think about when I first got serious about trying to become competent with a handgun. I spent about 10 minutes every night dry firing an old Ruger P-series with a penny balanced on the front sight.

When you have all day to fiddle to get a shot off, anything will work.
What happens when you get in a hurry?
Strongly suggest a good instructor and some competition shooting on the timer.

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Science plus Art