Carry pistol for a lefty.

Viper22

Viper22

NES Member
Joined
Mar 9, 2008
Messages
2,214
Likes
641
Feedback: 18 / 0 / 0
So I've been carrying a J-frame since I don't have to worry about a safety, and haven't been carrying a speed loader since I would have to switch hands to release the cylinder. I've been thinking of picking up a carry pistol this winter, and I'm wondering what my choices are that have an ambi-safety.

I've been considering a 3 or 3 1/2 inch barrel 1911, or a Glock G26, 27 or 30.

Are there any other pistols that would have an ambi safety?

EDIT: Forgot about the M&Pc

While we're at it, how about a 9mm range gun that's easier for a lefty to use?
 
Last edited:
I'm making the assumption your speaking about the 1911 in regards to the ambi safety (I don't own one, don't know the safety spec's).
Glock's have no safety's?

I'm lefty and own a 26, 27, and 30. Love them all, no issues. I have a M&PC (3 1/2" barrel) that has a nice ambi-slide release making it even easier on me. I'd consider getting a nice used M&P 9 compact to test out at the range.
I carry a chiefs special 9mm, 3", small, not ambi-safety, but easy to get used to.
 
Last edited:
I carry a G29 or G30. No safety, I find it easier to press the mag release with my index finger than with my thumb anyway, and I never use the slide release. It's ambi enough for me.
 
Viper 22,
I'm a lefty and have carried a Glock 21 for years. When the Model 30 came out I bought one and started carrying it in the summertime as the shorter grip helped with concealment under a tee shirt. The grip frame of the 21 and 30 are just a little different. I prefer the 21.

When I first started looking for a carry pistol, I had the same concerns you do. I looked at the 1911 as a possible choice, but settled on the Glock because all the safeties are passive.

I carry a J-frame as a BUG. I am curious about your reasons you not carrying spare ammuntion. Even if you didn't have to switch hands to open the clyinder, you would need both hands to work the speedloader (or speed strip) any way. I've got my BUG set up for a support (right) hand draw and carry two spare speed strips.

A couple of years ago, I trimmed down the grip frame of my 21 to fit the 30 magazines. Now I've got the best of what I wanted. I have the shorter grip frame (for concealability), but I maintain sight radius (for accuracy) and barrel length (for velocity). My method of carry is normally IWB, so the length of the slide is no worry as it is concealed down in the pants. I don't feel under gunned with 10 + 1 in what is normally a 13 + 1 pistol either.

The gun runs like a sewing machine and hasn't malfunctioned through several IDPA and three gun matches. It's also been throught shooting classes with Morrigan Consulting and ShivWorks without a hiccup.

Here are a couple of pictures:
Glock21mod2-1.jpg


Glock21mod-2.jpg
 
Sigs will work for lefties, as long as you aren't bothered by using your left index finger to operate the mag release and decocking lever. I've been carrying a 2340 (now the Sig 2022) for 4 years now. If I don't have that with me, I have the Glock 27. My Beretta 92 has an ambi safety, as well. The most lefty friendly pistol I own is an H&K P7M8, but they can be tough to find.

As a lefty, I trained myself to use the index finger for the mag release, and to slingshot the slide instead of using the release. I haven't run across any pistol yet that wouldn't work for me that way, except 1911 types with no ambi safety. Using the decocker on a Sig is a little more difficult, but it's not a function I need until the threat is gone. Once the threat's gone, I have all the time I want to decock.

If you're handling pistols at a shop to see what works for you, keep in mind that a sales person who isn't left handed, or hasn't worked with left hand shooters before may not understand what you're looking for. I've been told that "You don't want that pistol, because the mag release can't be reversed for you." I bought that Glock anyway. [smile]
 
The posts so far are all very helpful. Thanks Andy for the pictures of the Glocks. I'm kind of leaning away from the M&Pc series, I've shot them at Smith&Wesson, and didn't care for the feel of the gun. I like how the Glocks look, although I haven't fired one, and have only handled a G26 once. The price is a little much, compared to the M&P, but I guess you get what you pay for.

All in all, I'm still not sure which will be my next carry gun!

I will probably head to S&W next time I am home and shoot the M&P9c to familiarize myself with the gun again. Does anyone know a range were I could rent a Glock? I go to college in Fitchburg, so I can easily travel to any gun ranges in Central Mass.

Thanks again!
 
Manchester Firing Line rents them if you want to come over the border, but they will be gen3's probably not the MA compliant G2
 
The Walther P99AS comes with an ambidextrous mag release that runs along the contours of the trigger guard. You don't even have to shift your grip to operate it, lefty or righty. It has the same tennifer finish and frame material as the Glock, has a better trigger, and is just as reliable and accurate (if not more so).

http://www.carlwalther.com/images/p99as_2.jpg
 
Xak said:
The Walther P99AS comes with an ambidextrous mag release that runs along the contours of the trigger guard. You don't even have to shift your grip to operate it, lefty or righty. It has the same tennifer finish and frame material as the Glock, has a better trigger, and is just as reliable and accurate (if not more so).

http://www.carlwalther.com/images/p99as_2.jpg
Click to expand...

Same as the SW99.

My cop son carries one as his duty weapon in .40cal. He's a lefty.
 
Mike-Mike said:
You are welcome to try my M&P 40c configured in Lefty. I am a lefty and I love it.
Click to expand...

+1 here. After spending some time practicing mag changes with the lefty setup on my M&P 40c, I have trouble going back to a glock. Depending on your hand size, a mag release with your trigger finger could require moving your grip slightly to accommodate. I typically hold my guns pretty high on the grip so I needed to slightly roll my hand to be able to reach the mag release. With my M&P, my trigger finger extends along the frame, thumb drops the mag, and my grip doesn't change. Its more natural to me.
 
jneumann said:
+1 here. After spending some time practicing mag changes with the lefty setup on my M&P 40c, I have trouble going back to a glock. Depending on your hand size, a mag release with your trigger finger could require moving your grip slightly to accommodate. I typically hold my guns pretty high on the grip so I needed to slightly roll my hand to be able to reach the mag release. With my M&P, my trigger finger extends along the frame, thumb drops the mag, and my grip doesn't change. Its more natural to me.
Click to expand...


I use my middle finger on righty setups.
 

Similar threads

Gunsmiths for pistol slide and frame work
Replies
11
Views
417
DW357
DW357
KelTec PR57 - Stripper Clip Fed Conceal Carry
Replies
4
Views
163
KBCraig
KBCraig
Looking for custom engraving on O/U shotgun
Replies
5
Views
92
tinhorn
tinhorn
Fitting a Shotgun
Replies
12
Views
342
vellnueve
vellnueve
Looking for suppressor storage ideas
Replies
7
Views
143
Tartakovsky
Tartakovsky
Back
Top Bottom