First Handgun Purchase

Question
I recently shot a .40 caliber and liked it.  The only problem is that it was big for my hand.  I am in the market for a semi-auto, with as much stopping power possible, that will fit comfortably in a smaller hand.  I think .45's are out of the question.  I understand some manufacurer's make interchangeable grips.  Is that an option for reducing the size of the handle?  Could you recommend a manufacturer or model?

Answer
Hello Frank,

Yes, some manufacturers do have some polymer framed guns with interchangeable grips, or at least "backstraps". This will help quite a bit in adjusting the grip size to "tune" it to fit your hand, but if it is still too large you may have to look at a smaller gun.

It would help me to know what gun(s) you have looked at. Also, are you looking for a simple target shooter, something for home protection, or maybe something for concealment?
The guns that come to mind right off the bat that have interchangeable grips/backstraps will be the Walther P-99, the S&W M&P, the S&W SW-99, or the Beretta 90-Two. I would also consider holding a Springfield XD, a CZ 75, or the even smaller Kahr K-40 or E-40. The latter are all steel guns, but the Kahr is still pretty small. The extra weight of the steel makes them tolerable to shoot, even in their smaller sizes.
Also, H&K has a new model out now called the P-30 that has quite a bit of interchangeability in the grip area, but I doubt you will find it in a .40 for a while yet.

 Let me know if you have any more questions.

Brad