The smallest non-prohib would be a HK P7 PSP/M8 if your prepared to pay the $ for one.
Exquisite engineering and quality and very reliable and accurate.
S&W M&P 9mm. Small backstrap. Gun is quite light. Cheap and reliable.
Boberg is pretty sweet to shoot so far. And super tiny for Canada.
Looking to get someone into pistols and am wondering what is the smallest and lightest 9mm you can get? They have small hands and find my 226 and 1911 too heavy. Yeah I know recoil will go up with lighter but they don't mind the kick. I'd be ok with something with a snub barrel like a 229 if the overall size and weight is low.
Any suggestions
Edit. Want restricted only, not prohibit.
Thanks
S&W M&P 9mm. Small backstrap. Gun is quite light. Cheap and reliable.
I would suggest the M&P also.
The thing I don't get is the OP says he has small hands, has a 226, but only mentions the weight as an issue. If you can easily manipulate a 226, your hands are at least "medium".
A 226R with Hogue rubber grips is 804 grams. A Norinco NP34 with Hogue rubber grips is 728 grams, 90% as heavy as the 226R.