Lefties using Glock19

[phaseshift]

So finally purchased my first handgun, she is currently in jail. It's a BNIB glock 19 Gen 3. Since I'm a lefty, I would like to get some pointers from other lefties who are used to it. What would you advise to me, or what mods would be beneficial to me?

[roger1022]

Lefty here! I use my left middle finger to hit the mag release. Then again I went with the Gen 4 so I can swap the mag release.

[DDRH]

IBBTF

just in case...don't matter if you're a lefty or righty...but wear a cap when you shoot.

you might get BTF

[Flowmini98]

I'm a lefty, I too use my left middle finger to release the mag. Other than that every glock I own is factory stock with the exception of adding a little grip tape to the grip. No reason to mod a reliable gun

[89 Vision]

I'm a lefty, but use my index finger to release the mag. It's pretty much the same as most all guns......backwards! But you get used to it.

[phaseshift]

how do yo guys lock the slide back?

[Dannicus]

I actually used to like how easy it was to lock the slide back by pressing upward on the catch with my left index finger knuckle, but I shoot mostly righty now due to eye dominance.

[balmo]

how do yo guys lock the slide back?

Lock the slide? Its a two handed operation. Now slide release, I use my pointer finger. I use the middle finger to release the mag. I have seen us lefties are highly adaptive.

I haven't handled a lot of handguns. But so far only 2 guns would be tough for a southpaw:
-Sig PXXX series: with the slide release and decocker intended to be manipulated by a righty's thumb, I cannot manupulate those controls without bringing my other hand
-1911 w/o ambi safety: Sure I can sweep the non ambi safety with my pointer finger. But its tough, it really breaks up your grip, and its slow (since it's tough) For me, ambi's on a 1911 are a must for leftys.

[Lead Waster]

how do yo guys lock the slide back?

What's the difference? Just move the gun to your right hand and move the slide back and lock it. I'm right handed, but if I had to swap hands to do this, it's pretty easy. I mean, I can't write with my left hand, but I can certainly do something like this.

Or, you can stick an empty mag in there and rack the slide then pop out the mag (or not).

After slide lock (you shot the gun empty) just slingshot the slide to release it, no real reason to use that slide lock if you think about it.

[Grumpyoldretiredcop]

Left hander here, the G19 is my winter carry pistol.

I use my left index finger to operate the magazine release.

To lock the slide back, I use the knuckle of my left index finger to press up on the slide lock while withdrawing the slide by reaching over the top of it with my right hand. If your hand is not large enough to do this without shifting your firing grip, moving your hand is OK. No need to shift the pistol to your support hand to lock it open.

To release the slide when locked open, I reach over the top of the slide with my right hand, grasp and withdraw it, let it go. The slide stop is not called the "slide release" by Glock for a reason.

The only external mod on my G19 is a set of TFO sights.

I know not this "BTF" that some here speak of... all the brass goes harmlessly right past my head. Sometimes it's good to be a lefty.

[WASR10]

I'm a south paw as well, and avid Glock fan. I use my left index finger for mag release. I use my left thumb to release the slide. To lock it back, I pull the slide with my right hand, push with my left hand and engage the lock with my left index finger.

The only mod I put on a Glock won't affect hand controls - steel guide rod and spring.

Enjoy your 19!

[dachan]

Or, you can stick an empty mag in there and rack the slide then pop out the mag (or not).

This issue came up for the OP during the Safe Handling Demonstration. It requires you remove the magazine, then lock the slide back.

(D) Commencing January 1, 2003, except as
authorized by the department, no firearms dealer may
deliver a handgun unless the recipient performs a safe
handling demonstration with that handgun. The
demonstration shall commence with the handgun
unloaded and locked with the firearm safety device
with which it is required to be delivered, if applicable.
While maintaining muzzle awareness, that is, the
firearm is pointed in a safe direction, preferably down
at the ground, and trigger discipline, that is, the trigger
finger is outside of the trigger guard and along side of
the handgun frame, at all times, the handgun recipient
shall correctly and safely perform the following:
(i) If the handgun is a semiautomatic pistol:
(I) Remove the magazine.
(II) Lock the slide back. If the model of firearm
does not allow the slide to be locked back, pull the slide
back, visually and physically check the chamber to
ensure that it is clear.
...

[phaseshift]

thanks for all the input guys

[Jason.t.bautista]

regardless what hand you shoot with, proper stance and form is key to accuracy. Example below. Having this stance has improved my accuracy by 0%.....All jokes aside, I do just about what every lefty here has mentioned.

[parbo1]

Another meothod for locking the slide back that I use is to grab the top of the slide with my right hand, palm down, pull to the rear and lift the slide release with the right thumb.