Left handed shooter looking for buying tips

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Anvil1010

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Hey all,
I am left handed, (almost ambidextrious, but that is not the point), and I am wondering if there are certain characteristics I should or should not be looking for in a semi-auto handgun?

I am not looking for a left handed gun, I want to stick to the traditional sidearm.

I guess my biggest concern is the mag realease and having my palm pushing the mag release while firing.

Are there any that are known for this type of issue?

Thanks.
 
With few exceptions...

With few exceptions, most modern semi-auto handguns are suitable for left handed shooters. Some 1911 types, some Sig series, some H&K stuff have to be specifically modified or factory equipped with ambi-safties to be good for left handed shooters. And don't get me started on left handed holsters!
As far as the magazine release is concerned, all left handed shooters had a distinct advantage: all they have to do to release the magazine is use their left index finger and press.
 
My wife was a left-handed shooter and didn't have problems with the guns, just the calibers. She stayed away from handguns in calibers greater than .38 or 9mm. She told me that lefthanders get so used to living in a righthanders world that except for writing, it's easier just to adapt. She also could use her right hand a lot better than I can use my left. I guess the thing to do is try as many self-loaders as you can to see which cause the fewest handling problems.
 
Ruger SR9 / SR40 have ambi safety as well as ambi mag releases (on both sides for both) then you only have to worry about slide release. S&W M&P have ambi slide releases but not mag releases.

I love my SR9 ambi mag release and wish all my semi's had it as I prefer to use my index finger instead of my thumb
 
Ya, I can do most everything with either hand, probably more comfortable as a righty to do the controls and such, but I am more comfortable doing the shooting lefty.

Thanks for all the replies so far.
 
I'm left handed and ambidextrous but decided it was easier to try to shoot right handed first and liked it.The most important thing to know is "what is your dominant eye?". Know this for sure before you decide which way.I got lucky that way and my dominant eye just happens to be my right.I like weak handed IPSC stages-when everyone else is whining I'm smiling-then again I'm always smiling!:D CZ shadows have ambi-safety and the mag release and can go the other way.Many guns can be used by either hand but most also eject into your shirt if your a lefty! LOL Hope U like HOT BRASS!
 
Beretta 92 ambi safety/decocker and you can switch the mag release around,im a righty but i run my mag release on the Right side and hit it with my trigger finger
 
hatman1793 said:
With few exceptions, most modern semi-auto handguns are suitable for left handed shooters. Some 1911 types, some Sig series, some H&K stuff have to be specifically modified or factory equipped with ambi-safties to be good for left handed shooters. And don't get me started on left handed holsters!
As far as the magazine release is concerned, all left handed shooters had a distinct advantage: all they have to do to release the magazine is use their left index finger and press.
Click to expand...

What he said. I switch all my pistols mag releases, when I can, so I can activate them with my trigger finger rather than my thumb. I am right handed. For me with medium large hands I find it so much faster and easier when dumping a mag using my trigger finger. I do let the RO's know I am using my trigger finger to hit the mag release when shooting IPSC. Saves getting the ice cream treatment.

The M&P series is ambi dexterous with a pretty solid reputation.

Take Care

Bob
 
The HK USP is an exceptional firearm for the left handed shooter, based on personal experience. I have completed a few certifications over the years and did it all with the USP. Like the Beretta, if you demand it, some parts can be reversed to function in a left hand without tools. With practice, the USP is designed well enough that changes are not a necessity. Ironically one of my favourite hanguns is still the 1911, which I learned long ago to shoot left handed. Out of the box, with the USP being so similar, it was likely the easiest for me to use due the larger size of many of the parts.

Thank you smiley for the info on the CZ shadows. I will have to look at one as well. Always like to look at guns...
 
Lefty shooter here and love my M&P! Full ambi controls is very nice. No having to learn some awkward way of trying to cope with a systems shortfall.
 
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