Well, there are ambidextrous handguns - they will all typically eject to the right no matter what. However, some have a magazine release that either works on both sides, or the magazine release can be changed to work left handed (like a Beretta 92 can). Some guns also have an ambidextrous slide release. More guns have this now than in years past, but its still not that widespread. Off hand, I can think of some HKs that have this. I think the new PPQ might have it as well.

Shooting with your dominant hand will be much easier no matter what. If you have to change because of a physical limitation - it can be done. But most people really suck when shooting a handgun left handed if they are right handed.

As you are a new beginner, I think you will be making it even 2x as hard on yourself if you try to compound being a new shooter AND trying to shoot left handed.

The smaller the caliber combined with the larger the gun will make recoil less (making it easier to shoot). However, as we discussed before - you said you didn't want a revolver but wanted to go with a semi auto. So, no matter how many guns you put on your list, you need to try them all to make sure you have the hand strength to work the slide by hand. That will probably eliminate many guns that you do have on your list.

Also, as for your friend's new gun... 9mm Keltecs are NOT fun guns to shoot. I think that's a terrible first gun for a woman who has never shot a gun before in her life... I think she will be very surprised after her first range trip, unfortunately.

Of the ones you mentioned, The Stoeger Cougar 9mm, The Ruger P95 and the Beretta PX4 (fullsize) will have the least recoil... The Ruger should be the cheapest. The Beretta PX4 is my personal favorite. But, you do live in New Jersey, and you are paying much more for guns there than we are (as we've discussed before as well)

First maybe i confused you? I am a left handed, i had a injury to that hand a long time ago which makes my right hand stronger at times, my friends husband let me try holding his full size Smith and Wesson and i was able to pull the slide i did have a little trouble but i am guessing because it was the first time doing it, he was working on setting up his wifes kel tec so i did not get a chance to really hold that one, however she told him she wanted a small gun so that is what he got her.

beleive me, i remember all our posts in the past and i am hoping i can try the ones that i am interested in as you gave me the website of buds gun shop and his prices are cheaper, price is a bit of a problem so i am glad you said something to the affect that the Ruger should be the cheapest, but which one is good for home defense and range because i will be going to the range to shoot, sorry just looked back at your post and you did say which Ruger to check out which is the Ruger P95

when i put the S&W in my hand it seemed to me a little big but that could also mean that i am doing something wrong, because my index finger does pass the trigger when not holding the trigger, and that is also why taking a course will teach me that and hope to tell me what is a good fit.

I have been telling my friend that everyone that i have spoken too says that the recoil is going to be more on a smaller gun, she is really worked up about it and i think that is why she went with a small gun and she has not even looked at it yet, i have seen it and i find that a little funny sense it is her gun and not mine.
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all along i have been wanting to do this the right way and that is try the diffrent ones and see what works best for me.
so going back to left handed or right handed, I should find a gun that is for left handed or do i look for the ones that work both ways, sorry i am confused about that?

Lisa

S&W generally have the controls able to change from left to right on most models, when you are ready find a reputable gun store and pay the extra for the service......JJ

Also consider which of your eyes is dominant. That may be as important as left-right handedness. WRT handedness, folks refer to the "strong" hand but it's not really a matter of strength, it's a matter of control. Having said that, if injuries are so bad that you can't tolerate recoil, that may be a deciding factor either for gun size (weight) or which hand you use. Baring injury issues, recoil is not really big a deal (at least in 9mm) unless you have a very light gun.

Supplemental: I have a P95PR with manual safety. The safety and magazine release are ambidextrous (standard) but the slide release is left-side only (not a big deal if you pull back on the slide to release it on a new mag). My P95 has been 100% reliable at a good price. The magazines are stainless steel. The only negatives for me are that I find the grip a little big for my small hands and the grip is poorly textured (slippery when wet). Ruger has a good reputation for supporting their products but I haven't needed any help from them. I think my CZ85B is more sexy and I like to shoot it better but the P95 is a fine gun at a great price.

Consideration: In addition to lower felt recoil, larger guns are easier to shoot well (longer sight radius) and are less sensitive to specific ammo and shooter technique. The only reason for small-light guns (IMO) is if you expect to carry it a lot.

If you are left handed, then you will want to shoot dominant hand. As, otherwise, it would be like me trying to shoot left handed, but being right handed.

With price being an issue for you, that cuts out some of the more popular ambidextrous handguns. However, many guns do have a reversible magazine release. So, that can accommodate lefties. The slide release is a different story. Until the more recent ambi guns, lefties just had to make do... many worked out their own system to make due with the right handed controls.

I will have to say that ambi controls never mattered to me that much, so besides Walther and HK polymer guns, I can't say I am that familiar with guns that are completed ambidextrous.

Originally Posted by Shipwreck

Also, as for your friend's new gun... 9mm Keltecs are NOT fun guns to shoot. I think that's a terrible first gun for a woman who has never shot a gun before in her life... I think she will be very surprised after her first range trip, unfortunately.

Of the ones you mentioned, The Stoeger Cougar 9mm, The Ruger P95 and the Beretta PX4 (fullsize) will have the least recoil... The Ruger should be the cheapest. The Beretta PX4 is my personal favorite. But, you do live in New Jersey, and you are paying much more for guns there than we are (as we've discussed before as well)

Both sentaments are true here.....The Kel Tec is a terrible gun and an even worse first gun. I hope your friend actually will want to continue to shoot. You have so much going on all at once in this thread I can't really give you my opinion because I am not sure what your question is. Good luck finding a new gun be safe and enjoy it. On your list if I were buying this gun for me I would get the Stoegar. I like metal guns I like hammers and I like the way the gun feels in my hand and the degree of accuracy I acheive when shooting one.

RCG

hello:

ok, i have to say sorry to those that replyed to my post, i guess my friend was making me a little crazy, i at least 5 handguns in mind that i would like to to try and a also will have say i can't worry about the price because i have to do what i need to do to to get the right first gun for me. As for my friend you may be right she is not going to want to shoot it, I know her husband did not pay a whole lot for it so she may even find something else she likes and then go with that.

Lisa