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Handgun for Lefty?

2K views 14 replies 9 participants last post by  denzillion 
#1 ·
Hello,

I am kind of new to this. I am a lefty and would like to purchased a semi automatic 9mm. After going to the store I was told that I could only get H&K p2000, P2000sk, or P30 since they have ambidextrous slide release and magazine release. I am not thrilled with the price of $760 and up.

Can anyone tell me if these are my only choice? I want something in 9mm range and small enough like p2000 or Glock 27. Any input is great. Thanks in an advance.
 
#2 ·
Hello,

I am kind of new to this. I am a lefty and would like to purchased a semi automatic 9mm. After going to the store I was told that I could only get H&K p2000, P2000sk, or P30 since they have ambidextrous slide release and magazine release. I am not thrilled with the price of $760 and up.

Can anyone tell me if these are my only choice? I want something in 9mm range and small enough like p2000 or Glock 27. Any input is great. Thanks in an advance.
I believe that most of the controls on the M&P pistols can be arranged for left handed usage. However, an ambidextrous system like on HK pistols is a sure thing. They may be expensive, but they are quality and super reliable.
 
#3 ·
I have been looking for my first piece too (i'm a lefty). The mag release on most pistols is quite easy to manipulate with my left middle finger. The slide release, well so far that isn't a big deal, I just rack the slide back ever so and left go. Pretty much the only thing that doesn't work is something with a right handed safety. Good luck
 
#4 ·
Do you have only the one hand, or is there something that prevents you from using your other hand when operating a pistol? It is possible to operate many controls with the opposite hand if necessary, and it is also possible to operate a left-sided magazine release with a finger that is not your thumb.

If you want an ambi mag release, you can look at the heel-mounted releases such as seen on a HK P7 or Walther P1/P38/P5. Perhaps a better choice is the Walther P99, which has the mag release mounted on both sides of the trigger guard. This release can be operated by your index finger, and is very easy to use. They can be found in a compact version as well, similar in size to the G26.

As for slide release, just use your opposite hand to pull the slide rearwards and release, and not worry about the lever. Or, do what I do when I'm shooting lefty and just use your index finger to hit the lever, instead of your thumb. IOW, one does not necessarily need opposite-side controls in order to shoot lefty.....

PhilR.
 
#7 ·
I am a lefty, and shoot the p99. I liked the p30 too, as it actually felt similar to the p99.

Mag release is nice, and I either use my index finger for the slide release, or just use the other hand. The prefered method from the manual is to pull the slide all the way back and let it release. Just pushing the release down shortens the slide movement, and with a fully loaded mag it may not go fully into battery.

Also, you don't have the problems of your thumb hitting the slide release, and the slide either locking back pre-maturely, or not at all.
 
#8 ·
I shoot my Beretta 92FS left handed. I operate the slide release with the left index finger as you mentioned. Maybe because of the position of the lever on this particluar gun, I find it very easy to operate this way. I'm actually not sure I would switch it if I could. With the left index finger the gun seems to stay on target better than if I operated it with my thumb, and requires less re-positioning of my hand than if I operated it with the thumb on the other side. Plus, because you are operating the release with your trigger finger you automatically keep your booger hook off the trigger in the process of reloading. Anything that instills safe practices when your new to guns is a good thing.

The magazine release on the 92FS is switchable.

The gun come standard with ambidextrous safety/decocker that can be operated from either side with either hand.

Hope this helps.
 
#9 ·
Lefty here too. I got the M&P 9 fullsize as my first piece and have no regrets so far. Have about 700 flawless rounds through it. The mag release can easily be switched to either side and the slide release is ambidextrous. And you should be able to find it for at least $100 cheaper than the HK's.

Good luck, and remember the most important thing is that it fits comfortably in your hand.
 
#10 ·
While P99 is a great gun from what I gathered, it will still put me around the range of P2000 for the price.

I would like to stick around $500 range. Glock made extended slide stop for lefty user. It is looking interesting.

As for M&P full size, it is abit too big for my hand for accurate shooting.

Since most of the lefty are using righty guns, I think I am going to keep some money and try some out. Like some of you said, I think it really depends on the kind of slide release.
 
#11 ·
I'm a lefty and I like the XD's. Ambi mag release, and I would almost be confused if I picked up a gun with a lefty slide release, since I'm so used to the opposite. :) Doesn't bother me at all. They're definitely within your price range as well.

-Jeff-
 
#12 ·
My main concern is the slide stop release over magazine release.

I poke around couple of more guns and found out that SW M&P compact 9mm would be great choice for me b/c the magazine release can be relocated and has dual slide stop release. The price is pretty good too for around $500.

What you guys think about the model?
 
#13 ·
I have a CZ 85 Combat that has ambi safety & slide stop. I'm not that familiar with the specifics of other CZ models, but the 85 Combat has what you're looking for in the price range you mentioned.
 
#14 ·
My main concern is the slide stop release over magazine release.

I poke around couple of more guns and found out that SW M&P compact 9mm would be great choice for me b/c the magazine release can be relocated and has dual slide stop release. The price is pretty good too for around $500.

What you guys think about the model?
The M&P is a very good gun, as is just about anything made by Smith & Wesson. It does not have the lengthy track record of say, the Glock for instance, but around here people seem to be putting it right up there with the Glocks and Springfield XD's. It seems to come down to preference.

Let us know what you decide. :smt023

You could certainly get more info by researching the threads in the S&W forum.
 
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