Curtis(USAF)
New member
Well, After some careful though and consideration, I've decided to drop this post here. I'm new to The Firing Line, and more then that, new to pistols in general. I've been shooting handguns for less then a year, and I didn't shoot much at all until I joined the military. I've only recently obtained my concealed carry license.
I'm left handed. Being lef thanded has always been a major thorn in my side when it comes to shooting pistols. From all appearances, rifles and shotguns are even worse.
Consider my 1911. I could easily reach the trigger (of course), the mag release, and the slide-lock, but I couldn't actuate the hammer lock down without fumbling the gun and darn near dropping it. So I dropped my 1911 in the shop for a brand new ambidextrous hammer safety. Problem solved right? Well there still is this one more then slightly massive issue.
Every now and then, when I fire the gun, my trigger finger will bounce up, and the second digit will bump the slide-lock, locking the slide back in the middle of firing. Being my first gun purchase, I definitely didn't imagine that it would be possible for my trigger finger to bump the slide-lock, and I definitely didn't notice until I started pulling the trigger the right way, (With the tip of your trigger finger,) The only way I can avoid accidentally locking my slide back, is to reduce my rate of fire, and modify the way I put my finger on the trigger in such as way as to reduce accuracy.
The next pistol I bought was my KelTec P-11. Double action only, This time I made sure that the slide-lock was unobtrusive and out of the way enough that I would bump it, and lock the slide back. But now I have a gun that I can't lock back without using my right hand. I can pull the slide back, and then drop it to strip a round. But unless an empty mag is inserted, or I swap to my right hand, I can't just lock it in the rear position. Not much of a pain unless you're trying to clear your pistol in a low light environment (IE, lock the slide back, verify the chamber is open by shining the breach with a flashlight) or if your trying to hand you're gun to someone with the slide in the rear after clearing it.
So yeah, surely I'm not the only one in the forums who is left-handed. I'm curious, how do you older, wiser, southpaws deal with this darned dilemma? Most the people I've talked to (Right-handers) have suggested revolvers. Nothing against them, and I do intend to purchase one in the future. But there is still the issue of cylinder rolling out on the wrong side. Do you favor the Smith and Wesson M&P? Seems like every gun store owner in the county is trying to sell me one the moment they hear I'm left handed. Do you put your guns in for some ambi/left hand loving at the gunsmith? Perhaps you just bite the bullet and learn to shoot right handed. (I practice right handed, but I'm not near as accurate and smooth as I am with my left hand)
Tactics, tips, and observations on shooting lefthanded are all appreciated.
I'm left handed. Being lef thanded has always been a major thorn in my side when it comes to shooting pistols. From all appearances, rifles and shotguns are even worse.
Consider my 1911. I could easily reach the trigger (of course), the mag release, and the slide-lock, but I couldn't actuate the hammer lock down without fumbling the gun and darn near dropping it. So I dropped my 1911 in the shop for a brand new ambidextrous hammer safety. Problem solved right? Well there still is this one more then slightly massive issue.
Every now and then, when I fire the gun, my trigger finger will bounce up, and the second digit will bump the slide-lock, locking the slide back in the middle of firing. Being my first gun purchase, I definitely didn't imagine that it would be possible for my trigger finger to bump the slide-lock, and I definitely didn't notice until I started pulling the trigger the right way, (With the tip of your trigger finger,) The only way I can avoid accidentally locking my slide back, is to reduce my rate of fire, and modify the way I put my finger on the trigger in such as way as to reduce accuracy.
The next pistol I bought was my KelTec P-11. Double action only, This time I made sure that the slide-lock was unobtrusive and out of the way enough that I would bump it, and lock the slide back. But now I have a gun that I can't lock back without using my right hand. I can pull the slide back, and then drop it to strip a round. But unless an empty mag is inserted, or I swap to my right hand, I can't just lock it in the rear position. Not much of a pain unless you're trying to clear your pistol in a low light environment (IE, lock the slide back, verify the chamber is open by shining the breach with a flashlight) or if your trying to hand you're gun to someone with the slide in the rear after clearing it.
So yeah, surely I'm not the only one in the forums who is left-handed. I'm curious, how do you older, wiser, southpaws deal with this darned dilemma? Most the people I've talked to (Right-handers) have suggested revolvers. Nothing against them, and I do intend to purchase one in the future. But there is still the issue of cylinder rolling out on the wrong side. Do you favor the Smith and Wesson M&P? Seems like every gun store owner in the county is trying to sell me one the moment they hear I'm left handed. Do you put your guns in for some ambi/left hand loving at the gunsmith? Perhaps you just bite the bullet and learn to shoot right handed. (I practice right handed, but I'm not near as accurate and smooth as I am with my left hand)
Tactics, tips, and observations on shooting lefthanded are all appreciated.
Have fun!!!!!!
