Question for Lefties

M

mike killian

New member
Is there any manufacturer that makes a compact pistol that is as user friendly for lefties right out of the box as Glock?

I have looked at other pistols (45 cal) but none seemed to be as simple to operate, without adding more accessories like ambidexterous safeties etc. as the Glock.

It just seems that somebody else would have considered these things other than Glock.

I am probably going to purchase a Model 36 if I can't find any other options.

Any suggestions would be appreciated - Thanks:)
 
lefty

I am left handed also. I own Glocks but for concealed carry I use Kahr. I own the mk9 with 3 in barrel and an k9 with the 3 1/2 barrel. They are smaller than the Glock 26 and work like a Glock, no manual safety etc. What I found necessary was to cover the mag release button for inside waistband use. I had Blade Tech make me inside holster with the Kydex extended up slightly, protecting the release. Kahr pistols come in 9 or 40.......steel or steel/polymer.
 
I'm left-handed.

In .45ACP, you have NO lefty-specific choices, since the "mirror-image" Randall/Safari Arms 1911s are long out of production. The Glocks are about as lefty-friendly as you'll find (I carry a Glock 30, personally), though the H&K USP series can also be had with either left-handed (right side of pistol frame) or ambidextrous safety levers, including the full size and Compact .45ACP models.

I prefer NOT to have a 1911A1 with an "ambidextrous" safety, and would much prefer a dedicated left-handed one. You'd think that with the popularity of the 1911, and the fact that 12.5% of the population is left-handed, SOMEBODY could cash in on that market, BUT NOOOO.... (best John Belushi voice)

In 9mm, the H&K P7M8 is as lefty-friendly a gun as exists, and the Walther P5 and P5 Compact both have left-sided ejection, making them more lefty-compatible, although the side of case ejection needn't be important as long as cases are thrown forward or directly sideways.

Best.
 
Interesting...

I've never considered the Glock to be all that "Leftie Friendly". It's no Sig, but the controls aren't in the greatest of places. The mag release is a bit sharp in the corner, and a little far back for my middle finger to use, and the slide release lever is WAAY far back for what I'm used to. It's not so bad that I wouldn't own one, but it wouldn't be my personal first choice for quick reloads.

I personally consider my Kahr P40 to be more user-friendly than the Glock, because the mag release is more forward, as is the slide release.

And as for MOST leftie friendly pistols, that honor (IMHO) goes to the CZ-85, (ambi safety, mag release and slide release!) followed by the HK USP's (left or ambi safety, ambi mag release, with slide release very much forward, and reachable with index finger). I understand that the HK2000 has an ambi slide release to, but they're next to impossible to get (if at all).
 
I'm a leftie too, I wouldn't consider a glock or a sig leftie friendly, although I do love my sig 228. Checkout the HK usp45, or the HK tactical. The slide release is long enough so that your first finger can reach it easily. The decocker/saftey can be moved to the other side of the gun so that your thumb can access it quickly and easily.
 
The Star Firestar isn`t too bad.

Ambi safety is standard, the mag release can be changed to left hand but they`re probably hard to get now. The slide release isn`t too bad but the same as the 1911 and can`t be changed.
 
Lefty here too. I carry a Taurus PT100AFS since its got the ambi decocker/safety and you can switch the mag release to the other side. Only thing is the slide release but its big enough to release with my trigger finger. Now, if Taurus got thier stuff together on the polymer line then Id have a .45 to carry too.
 
My first post. I am a left handed shooter with small hands. My favorite pistol is a Bulgarian military surplus Makarov 9x18mm.
1) Its' safety is made for a righty; however I can use my left thumb to activate or deactivate it. It does, however, cost an additional second. (less with practice)
2) It is only a 9x18mm, some do not feel it has adequate stopping power. With the right ammo I think it is excellent.
3) Mag release is on the butt. It is equally as good (or bad) for either handed shooter.
4) The only problem on this gun that needed an adjustment was the bakelite "star" grips. The left side has a small metallic loop for a lanyard. It digs into the bottom of the left handers' palm. A dremmel tool adjusts it just fine.
5) Price and quality of this handgun can not be beat, usually about 130-160 bucks. (but shop around to be sure).

For a lefty with small hands and a limited budget. If the objective is a defense or concealed carry gun, I feel you can make this a nice solution. -It works for me.
 
I too am a leftie.
I carry a Kahr K9Elite98 almost everyday.
As back-up I carry either a KeltecP32 or NAA .32.
I think the Kahrs are more lefty friendly than the Glocks. Don't carry the Glock 23 at all.

In bigger guns, the HK USP45 and the Tactical model both have ambidextrous safeties. I added that option to the USP45 for an extra 30 bucks.

I also have a Kimber 1911 full-size with a leftie only safety. the right side looks like there used to be a regular safety, but the lever was removed and smoothed.

I tried to carry a Makarov on occasion, but it seems the second or two needed to remove the safety may mean life or death.

After releasing the slide with my left trigger finger for most of my life, it seems unnatural to do it with a thumb, even if it were offered on lefty release. Same is true with the mag release. I used to have a Beretta with the mag release reversed, but felt 'funny' releasing the mag with my thumb.

Get a Kahr. You won't be sorry.
 
I am a lefty and find the beretta 92 series very lefty friendly. I have an elite and prefer it over the base model.

Just got a glock 36 but have not taken it out to the range. I'm in love!!!!!!!

The full size sigs (like the sig 220) I have are actually very easy for me to use despite the left sided controls. Where I have trouble is with the compacts.

Revolvers are also easy to use left handed.

HK makes right sided controls and while they feel good in the hand I have never fired one.
 
The "think right only" of the gun makers always kept me away from the semi autos. I just shot revolvers. Then I started to notice the D.A.O. models. I got a S&W 5453TSW...(just before the fall). I know some do not like the D.A.O.system at all. It just seemed a logical transition for a revolver shooter. I'm still learning the trigger. Its getting better.
Mark.
 
Another lefty here...

and I carry both a Glock 26 and a BHP, depending on the weather, and what I'm wearing.

My Glock has had an extended mag and slide release installed. The mag release had a sharp edge that had to be relieved but other than that, I would highly recommend having both installed.

The BHP has an ambi-safety, but ironically enough, I don't use it. I can flick the safety off with my left thumb no problem.

I recently purchased a Walther P88. Walther designed this pistol to be totally ambidexterous from the start. It has controls on both sides that fall naturally to your thumb on either side. I'm learning to use this pistol totally left handed, but I'll probably never get completely used to it.

I've always shot left handed in a right handed world. I learned to operate the controls left handed from the very beginning. While I was in the Marines, I got used to M16 rounds zinging by my cheek, and the M1911 ejecting the odd round down my collar. Still happens today. I guess old habits die hard.
 
i'm a lefty, and i use a P-228 for a CCW, and as far as i'm concerned, as long as you PRACTICE with your weapon, you can become just as proficient as a righty. you might have to modify how you release the slide, hit the decock, release the safety, and drop your mag, but with time, you'll do just fine.
 
Glocks are certainly NOT user friendly for lefties (like me). If you want a true leftie or ambi pistol try the HK P7.
 
I'll go with Gunhead's advise on this one.

Recently got a P7M13 and marveled to discover it's the perfect leftie's gun.

And I've been shooting as a rightie all these years!!!!

NB
 
Seems most left-handers that I know (myself included) have learned through practice to use a "right handed" gun. Most of the major manufacturers, like SIG, have never been interested in satisfying the shooting needs of 22% of the shooting population.

My chosen manufacturer, SIG, is arguably the worst gun for a leftie, but I still choose them anyway. With time, and a looooooot of practice, a leftie can use any gun almost as well and as fast as a rightie.

I wouldn't limit your search for a gun to those that are "left" friendly....pick the gun for the right reasons (no pun intended) and then learn to use it. IMHO.
 
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