You might try a Glock 21 first - the grip is quite a bit bigger than the 9MM/40 models, and too much for me to hold comfortably. I'm 6'2" and 230. Also, the "horsepower" of the .40 Smith and Wesson is considered to be the equal of the .45 ACP. I would buy a Model 22 or 23 for what you want to do with it. Roskoe