[SampleMan]

However manly you niece is, small people have small hands. I suppose I could man up and shoot a 17” pull, 10 lb., .50 BMG; but that doesn’t make it fit me, or the recoil less punishing.

I’m a 5’10” male, and there are pistols that are too large for my hand. Sure I can make them go bang, but they are still less than ideal. The 1911A1 is the right fit, but I suspect the releases would be easier if I were 6’2”. At 5’1”, it is effectively a 2 handed gun.

[SpeakerToAnimals]

My BIL has a Para 14+1 1911. The grip area is considerably thicker to hold a double column magazine. My niece shoots it too. Like my sister, she is deadly with most any weapon.

Any gun will do, if the shooter is capable.

[Mr Rogers]

I’m a 5’8” male. I enjoy shooting my S&W Model 29 in 44 magnum, but I cannot shoot it worth squat double action because the gun is too big for my hand. Single action brings the trigger back to where I can hold the gun properly.

My DIL is 4’11” and weighs 100 lbs. She shoots a J-frame OK, but cannot handle a larger gun.

It isn’t the recoil, but the fit.