Converting to left-handed operation

Rivalen

Rivalen

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Hey there,

One of my friend is interested in shooting but he's left handed. I'm pretty sure I've read somewhere that most pistols can have their controls modified so it fits a left-handed shooter (Mag release, decocker, etc..). Does it have to be done by a gunsmith or one with basic knowledge can easily do it with the instruction manual and basic tools?

Or should he learn to shoot the "right" way :)

Thanks,
 
Few guns can be converted, most either come that way from the factory, or there's a few (and I mean practically non-existent) "true" left-handed handguns.
 
left hand

Go to the colt 45 type pistol in 9mm or 45 acp. They have the accessories to make left hand shooting easy........
 
Learning to opperate the pistol with the left hand is easy and very often offers no disadvantage to the shooter. Once your friend is familiar with his movements they will become second nature negating flipping stuff from one side to the other.
 
Just get a right handed handgun. Most leftys find it easier to operate than left hand guns. Use the mag release with your index finger on your left hand and work the slide with an over the top hand grip with your right hand. Don't bother trying to use the slide stop as it is a fine motor skill and will be hard to do under stress, stick with the over the top hand grip on the slide. YMMV

Shawn
 
Best advice I can offer is either a) get something already made for a lefty or b) go with a revolver. While there are a few (a DAMNED few) out there that can be converted (eject left, etc), the pains in your arse it will involve can be enough to make your teeth itch. :bangHead:

Never had to deal with this myself but I've seen a few buddies have to and trust me on this one: nobody wants that kind of aggravation...
 
If you don't already own a pistol, get one set up for ambidextrous function. Good options are several 1911s models with ambi. safety, the Springfield XD line and my favorite ('cause I own one) the CZ-85 Combat. Don't waste your time and money converting a righty.
 
I'm a lefty and I've owned over a dozon and been shooting pistols for just shy of 20 years. If you want something more lefty friendly I recommend a Tanfoglio/Witness/Jericho, Browning, or a 1911 with ambi safety. After that, a Glock or Sig, what have you, and learn to shift the pistol slightly in your hand to use your left index finger for mag release and slide stop. Its not really that hard.

The more important question is do you want a single action semi (1911), a single/double (Sig 226), or a double action only (GLock).

I once had a Tanfoglio with ambi safety and the mag button switched to the right side, but I switched it back cause the mag button just screwed me up so much. I suppose if I started with it, it would have been easier. When you shoot buddy's pistol you'll find yourself using your left thumb every time to push a mag release that isn't there.

Good luck and let us know what you pick.

O'Kelly's Boys
 
Alright, I guess my bud better learn to shoot with normal right handed pistols. I'll pass down the info and see what he decides.

Thanks for all the inputs :)
 
shawn said:
Just get a right handed handgun. Most leftys find it easier to operate than left hand guns. Use the mag release with your index finger on your left hand and work the slide with an over the top hand grip with your right hand. Don't bother trying to use the slide stop as it is a fine motor skill and will be hard to do under stress, stick with the over the top hand grip on the slide. YMMV

Shawn
Click to expand...

That's pretty much what I do...however, I am also able to release the slide stop with the index finger of my support hand.
 
My M&P is set up with the mag release on the right side (I'm right handed) because it's faster and easier to hit the release with it on that side - I use my communication finger. The M&P is otherwise totally ambi - CZ85's great that way too.
 
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