Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by brunswick on November 10, 2011 at 2:33am

Lefty here. Have a Colt Series 70, Mk IV with factory Ambi-Safety.

Push the mag release with your left index finger or shift grip and

use your thumb. Harder. Then insert your

clip. Think that is what I did.

Revolvers are harder, unless have

an older top break model, like a Webley .455.

I wanted one of them, but one I saw/handled was in poor condition

in gun shop.

Had a S & W .45 auto cartridge

revolver. Wish I had kept. Used half-moon clips.

Permalink Reply by Jonathan Watkins on April 16, 2012 at 12:30pm

Thing I don't like about using special left handed equipment is that it doesn't carry over. While you might be good on a left handed 1911, that won't carry over to any other 1911 you get stuck with. Since I'd like to be able to pick up any 19 (or Glock or Beretta for that matter) I just practice more. Takes a little elbow grease bu you'll eventually get used to it. I know because I'm a STRONG lefty, and I've done it.

Just my 2

Permalink Reply by DJGauvreau on November 10, 2011 at 10:27am

 I have never felt that was a problem and use my index finger, but did install the arched mainspring housing (which may of helped some) and a good ambi-safety on my Colt 1991-A1, but little more. But like most lefties, i do adapt quite well with any given weapon....with practice.  

Permalink Reply by brunswick on November 10, 2011 at 5:45pm

As a lefty in a right-hand world, think we do better than vice versa.

 

Recall when took Kenpo Karate for over a year decades ago,

they taught rights and lefts. A number of reasons why I dropped out,

one was a good, but late friend and co-worker who survived WW2

with the Marines in Pacific, Guadalcanal, said: you have learned enough.

He said, they used everything they were taught.

 

Don't like brass flying by my face, but not hit by any.

When I had my M1A (I stupidly traded off, thought too long?),

was shooting it at a range in past, my brass was landing in some

guys lap, he changed stations.

Permalink Reply by Jonathan Watkins on December 12, 2011 at 5:57am

I'm a dominant lefty, so I've been in your situation. Rest assured, you don't need to change hands.

You've got two options. When using a proper two-handed hold, you'll notice that the index finger of your right hand is right near the magazine release button. Spread the appropriate fingers of the left hand far enough to allow your right hand to depress the magazine release, then sharply strip your right hand downwards to ensure that the mag has dropped free. Grasp your new mag, index the top round with your finger, and insert firmly. despite what you see in movies, don't bang it to make sure it's inserted; insert FIRMLY, then tug to ensure it's properly seated. at this point, you can either rack the weapon, or resume your two-handed firing grip and pull down on the slide release with your right index finger.

The second way is to use your index finger on your left hand. It's awkward at first, but now I actually prefer the index finger over the thumb. When empty, drop your right hand to ensure that you have a magazine with which to reload, if so drop the mag with your left index finger (you may have to shift the gun in your hand to accomplish this, but you shouldn't be shifting it much, and with practice you won't have to shift at all; that's your goal) then bring your left index finger up to the slide release. index your new mag and insert it FIRMLY, tug slightly to ensure proper seating, drop the slide release with your left index finger, and resume firing. After thousands of rounds of practice, this is my favorite method. I do it with a stock Glock, without any extensions or modifications to make it easier, so you can do it too. The key is practice; lots of practice.

Done properly, the mags should swap in midair, the one dropping out of your gun passing the one coming up in your right hand somewhere around your lower torso. The entire reload should take less than a second.

Permalink Reply by Mark Gardner on February 6, 2012 at 4:31pm

Brownells carried ambi mag releases. They have been discontiued but you may find one at a dealer or gunsmith. Smith and Alexander, Inc. still has them I believe.

Permalink Reply by Mark Gardner on February 15, 2012 at 6:44pm

I find it's best to learn to count shots and reload before it runs dry. Takes some practice but you'll find eventually you'll know when to reload and not have to close the slide. Also learning to slingshot the slide can be done ambi to close it after a reload if you do shoot it dry.

Permalink Reply by Phillip P. Foreman on April 29, 2012 at 9:12am

Unless you have some form of physical handicap to the right hand; switch! Teach yourself to shoot with both hands until you are comfortable and effective. This is a "just in case" your favored hand is rendered useless for whatever reason. Carry your side arm on the right set up for a crossdraw. This will enable you to retrieve and present with either hand. It will not be easy to train that hand but hang in there and don't be surprised if you turn out to shoot better with the off hand because it has not learned any bad habits you have taught the favored hand.