First Handgun Recommendation - for a Lefty

[RLewis]

I'm getting ready to purchase my first handgun, but my main challenge is that I'm a lefty. I want one chambered for 9mm. I'm leaning heavily toward the S&W M&P9 full size. The main reason I'm looking at this particular gun is that it comes with slide locks on both sides of the gun, and can be very easily configured to have the mag release button on the right side of the gun. Having the slide release on both sides also makes it easy to loan to my right-handed friends while at the range. Also, as far as I've been able to find, it's the only left-hand friendly handgun I can find off the shelf.

The problem has been locating one. I can't seem to find any around me in stock, and in reading some other threads, it seems it's on backorder in a lot of places. So, I'm wondering if there are any other 9mm handguns out there that are left-hand friendly that I should be considering?

[myk]

Only handgun I've ever handled and shot is the Beretta 92FS; ambidextrous safety, and the 'mag release can be switched to the other side in minutes. I have small hands but I think the gun fits me very well-I imagine people with bigger hands would have no trouble with it. Handle one at a range or shop and see for yourself...

[corcoraj2002]

Where you from? I have a couple of ambi guns I would be willing to let you shoot your own ammo through.

[B!ngo]

I believe that the best handgun for a left hander (and my opinion of one of the best handguns ever made for anyone) is the H&K P7M8. Also the P7M13 but that cannot be purchased in CA anymore other than in-CA FTF purchase.
It is the squeeze-cocker design that makes it completely ambidextrous and is incredibly reliable and accurate as well. Pricey though.
If not that then I favor the H&K USPc. It must be purchased in V1 (right handed DA/SA form) but can easily and legally be converted to LH form (and I would suggest converting it to LEM as well at the same time).
B

[RLewis]

I live in LA County. Looks like you're probably quite a ways north of me, although very nice of you to offer. Can you give me some model names? I can certainly look for them locally. I really like the M&P, I just can't seem to find one.

[mijo45]

I wouldn't worry to much about ambi guns. Head down to the gun store/range and hold a bunch of differant guns and get whatever fits you best I'm a lefty and honestly I prefer the standard setup. Mag changes are IMO much faster and easier with the mag release on the left side of the gun. You don't have to shift your hand at all. Also I would train not to use the slide release lever. Us the along shot method. You should be able to use any gun platform out there. I would recommend a glock 19. Great gun! Hope this helps you!

[snowdog650]

Any of the H&K's.

They are expensive ... but they are worth it.

[t0kie]

Have you tried online? If you can find it cheaper enough to offset te shipping cost, sales tax & transfer fees, thrn it maybe worth it.

[InGrAM]

FN FNS and FNX are some good completely ambi-handguns but they would have to be SSE'ed.

Just keep trying for an M&P9, you won't regret waiting.

[hundreddollarman]

There aren't as many fully ambidextrous guns as there are guns with reversible components, so you're severely handicapping your options. I'm left-handed, but prefer to shoot right-handed, unless I'm shooting with one hand only. You're better off looking for a gun with reversible components, of which there are many, including the M&P and the Beretta 92 mentioned earlier. I believe the Ruger SR series are fully ambidextrous and you can get an H&K in lefty-friendly variants.

Anyway, IMO all you really need are an ambi or reversible safety/decocker and magazine release button. An ambi slide release is a luxury you don't really need, but would be icing on the cake if you had it.

[jyo]

HK P2000---good size for packin' and fully ambi.

[Euphoria526]

OP-Check out the xd's. got a buddy who's a lefty shoots 2xd's.
I mean almost any gun can be setup ambi or right/left these days.
Hell, if you order from factory they could probably set it up for you.

[Budd]

Revolver.

[CSACANNONEER]

I've never had a problem with those weird RHed guns. But, Iwould suggest getting a .22lr handgun first. It will provide you a lot more shooting for a lot less money. You will be able to practice a lot more and become proficient while saving money. Within 10 range trips, the savings in ammo cost will have paid for the gun and you'll be on your way to saving for the 9mm of your dreams. I tend to shoot my .22s far more than any of my centerfire handguns even though, since I cast and reload, the difference between the cost of ammo is not a big factor for me.

[c3jy]

Lefty here. I have 4 HK USP with the ambi decock/safety. The mag release is ambi under the trigger guard and the slide release can be reached with the tip of your left trigger finger. However, the one thing I like best is the HK slap. With the slide locked back, when you slam a loaded mag into place, the slide will come forward on its own. So I never worry about the slide release anyway.