New left-handed shooter needs advice

[theneko]

Hello!

I have been researching this topic online and found this web site. People here seem knowledgeable and friendly so I thought I would post my question.

I am left-handed amputee and I was looking for a pistol that would be easy and safe to use.

I would really like to be able to use a Glock, 1911 or similar semi-auto but I wonder if I am relegated to just resolvers. I have my right arm all the way down to the wrist so I can normally accomplish any task by using my arm to pin or hold the object and manipulating it with my left hand. However I don't expect that this could be done safely with a firearm, e.g. holding it against my body to pull the slide.

Since I am interested in range/target shooting, 99% off the time I will be at the range and possibly would have a table or ledge in front of me.

So my questions are:
1. are there any pistols other than revolvers that I could easily and safely operate? Are there any modifications that can be made to make one-handed shooting easier (probably not the shooting so much as reloading, chambering, etc.)
2. are there any features I should look for such as ambidextrous hand grip, right-thumb safety or left-side magazine release?
3. Some day, maybe after a pistol, I would like to get something like a CA-legal AR-15 or varmint rifle for target shooting - would something like that have the necessary left-handed features?

Any suggestions are greatly appreciated!

[AngelDecoys]

I would really like to be able to use a Glock, 1911 or similar semi-auto but I wonder if I am relegated to just resolvers. I have my right arm all the way down to the wrist so I can normally accomplish any task by using my arm to pin or hold the object and manipulating it with my left hand. However I don't expect that this could be done safely with a firearm, e.g. holding it against my body to pull the slide.

So my questions are:
1. are there any pistols other than revolvers that I could easily and safely operate? Are there any modifications that can be made to make one-handed shooting easier (probably not the shooting so much as reloading, chambering, etc.)
2. are there any features I should look for such as ambidextrous hand grip, right-thumb safety or left-side magazine release?
3. Some day, maybe after a pistol, I would like to get something like a CA-legal AR-15 or varmint rifle for target shooting - would something like that have the necessary left-handed features?

Any suggestions are greatly appreciated!

Welcome to the forum. Haven't been here too long myself. Yes there are semi-autos that are more left hand friendly. S&W's M&P, Springfield's XD for sure.

I use a glock 22 (.40 cal) often, and I'm left handed myself. Not a difficult transition with the glock.

Don't think having one arm will slow you down. I know several people, including myself, who regularly practice manipulations with using one arm. You can do all the manipulations with the left hand, especially If you think to wear/use the holster and the rear site to pull back/cycle the slide.

With regards to AR's, you can get an ambidextrous safety, and mag release for it. Stag makes left hand uppers though I've found the standard uppers work fine for me.

Hope that helps.

[paradox]

Check out this thread where one armed pistol handling is discussed. I have a post with pics where I show what I would do if I were in your situation.

http://calguns.net/calgunforum/showthread.php?t=76658

I f`d up my left hand hard two days ago, so I have been forced to think about this problem. Here's what I came up with:

[paradox]

On another, non-gun related note, have you ever tried the Dvorak left-hand keyboard layout? It was designed to allow one handed touch typing for amputees. I use the standard two handed Dvorak layout and would never go back to Querty, I couldn't imagine how hard it would be to use a querty keyboard one handed.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dvorak_Simplified_Keyboard#One-handed_versions

[psriley]

This suggestion is a little out-there, but maybe you could have someone weld a small loop, ring, or nub into the rear of a standard slide, on the right side. Something that you could easily hook with a prosthetic and pull back on. That would open up just about any semi-auto pistol you want.

Just a thought.

[MadMex]

I also routinely work one handed handgun manipulations. Draw, tap, rack, and mag extractions can all be done safely with the proper equipment and setup. No dis intended to paradox, however there are much easier ways. Forget all the belt hook, heel hooking, wall corner hooking, juggling, and fugly equipment mod B.S. Start by placing a patch of skateboard tape on top of the slide and learn how to rack off your thigh. It can be done with proper muzzle control that is acceptable for a controlled range setting. PM me if you would like to meet and learn.

[paradox]

Start by placing a patch of skateboard tape on top of the slide and learn how to rack off your thigh. It can be done with proper muzzle control that is acceptable for a controlled range setting. PM me if you would like to meet and learn.

Every time I tried this method, I would sweep my leg with the muzzle and/or catch some bit of clothing in the ejection port. That is why I tried to figure out a different way.

[theneko]

Thanks everyone for the suggestions, much appreciated!

[rkt88edmo]

One caveat to these things is that if you are shooting at a range, you have to be sure to clear any such non traditional methods of loading with them.

They do make attachments for helping people rack the slide. It wouldn't be hard to make one for a glock and there may already be something like that available. You often see them on IPSC "race guns" because the optics mounted on the gun make it difficult to pull the slide back or the shooter may just lack the necessary finger strength to pinch the slide and retract it. Here is one made for the Ruger Mk. II by Power Custom, but I think you could probably get a similar one made for glock by any machinist and I know I have seen them on IPSC 1911s


Mag release - on a standard button mag you can use your index finger for a right-handed release or look for a gun with an ambi release.

I'd say try to find a slide racking assist attachment and go with a glock

Also, another one hand nethod for slide lock/racking is to hold the pistol by the handle between your knees and manipulate the slide with your hand. You can do this in a way that will keep the gun pointed downrange at all times.

[MadMex]

Spend time learning techniques that can be done ‘blind’ and / or on the move. Save the rest of the suggestions for backup techniques. Speaking of which, does anybody have a technique for a blind, one handed press check?

[paradox]

Buy a pistol with a tactile LCI like CZ's or Steyr's.

[rkt88edmo]

Are you serious? I can think of two ways that I think can be done consistently.

[AngelDecoys]

Check out this thread where one armed pistol handling is discussed. I have a post with pics where I show what I would do if I were in your situation.

http://calguns.net/calgunforum/showthread.php?t=76658

That's certainly an intersting technique. Never seen that one. Would be a lot easier and faster to simply rack the slide by using the holster and the rear sight.

Hold the firearm down, place the rear sight on the edge of your holster and simply push down. Push down hard enough so that when the slide is all the way back, the rear sight slides off, and the slide moves back into place, chambering the next round.

The only down side to the technique I've just mentioned is that the glock sights are plastic and might break off. I replaced mine with steel trijicon sights so no issue.

[paradox]

That's certainly an intersting technique. Never seen that one. Would be a lot easier and faster to simply rack the slide by using the holster and the rear sight.

Hold the firearm down, place the rear sight on the edge of your holster and simply push down. Push down hard enough so that when the slide is all the way back, the rear sight slides off, and the slide moves back into place, chambering the next round.

The only down side to the technique I've just mentioned is that the glock sights are plastic and might break off. I replaced mine with steel trijicon sights so no issue.

Once you do it a few times, my method becomes fairly fast.

The down side to the holster technique is that it becomes much harder with an IWB holster and harder still while buck naked in the middle of the night confronting intruders. I figure if you're going to spend the time getting muscle memory, it should be GTG in almost any situation.

[MadMex]

Are you serious? I can think of two ways that I think can be done consistently.

For a 1911 equipped w/a 22# spring? Do tell.