Who knew, what a challenge! One handed, no problem, two hands? Well, all thumbs comes to mind. Why would I put myself through that? Two reasons, I teach and need to know how to do everything with a left or right handed shooter, and to satisfy a course of fire in the Winchester NRA qualification package.
There are practical reasons also. What if I injure my right hand? What if my carpal tunnel flares again and I can’t shoot with my right hand?
Most semi-automatics are configured for the right handed shooter. It can be a challenge. I’ve seen many left hander’s simply switch the gun to the opposite hand to release the magazine and lock the slide. However, in an emergency situation, when fractions of a second count, you don’t have time to do that.
The Magazine release wasn’t too tough. The slide lock, once I was shown how, was surprisingly easy. Holding the pistol in your left hand, in the normal grip, using your right hand to overhand and draw back the slide you simultaneously push up on the slide lock with the side of your index finger. It is in that general area anyway since it is up on the frame. Easy? Not at first, but with practice, sure!
Always a good idea to know how to do things with either hand. For experienced shooters, it can make shooting feel new again as you are learning a new skill. For left hander’s you can save precious seconds by not transferring your gun to your weak hand.
Safe Shooting!
