Weak Hand ONLY........what gun is best?

[David E]

Didn't want to hijack the other thread, so I'm posting the topic here.

If you had to choose a handgun for use WEAK HAND ONLY for personal defense, what would it be and why?

Please be specific with make, model, caliber and even holster.

.

 

[Rupestris]

Didn't want to hijack the other thread, so I'm posting the topic here.

If you had to choose a handgun for use WEAK HAND ONLY for personal defense, what would it be and why?

Please be specific with make, model, caliber and even holster.

.

I answered in the other post but its worth repeating.

A simple, classic double action-revolver. I have a fondness for the Colt Detective Special in .38 or the Trooper III in .357. The Ruger SP101 fills the niche rather well too.

No safety or mag release to fumble with and with a short barrel intended for close range shooting, the dominant eye doesn't become a factor.

Chris

 

[David E]

Not a bad choice, but it would seem that a revolver has a couple issues that at least need to be identified and dealt with:

1) A Double Action pull using only the weak hand is not very conducive to accuracy. Who knows how "close range" it'll be?

2) Shooting less accurately than usual, a 5-6 shot capacity becomes more of an issue when a reload isn't going to be very fast.

3) Speaking of reloads, it's going to be molasses in winter time slow, not to mention awkward using only one hand. When done, you still only have 5-6 shots.

4) More serious calibers will be difficult to control, weak hand only.

.

 

[desmobob]

Didn't want to hijack the other thread, so I'm posting the topic here.

If you had to choose a handgun for use WEAK HAND ONLY for personal defense, what would it be and why?

Please be specific with make, model, caliber and even holster.

.

I was originally ready to say "Glock" due to the simplicity of operation, but then I thought about the slide release being for right-handers. If someone made an ambidextrous slide release for Glocks (and I don't recall seeing one), that would be my pick... probably in 9mm for the advantage of low recoil for the "weak" hand. The model (size) would be based on your desired degree of concealment; same with the holster.

Otherwise, I'd probably pick a CZ-75 Combat model (it has ambi controls), also in 9mm. It offers single and double action operation, high capacity and cocked-and-locked carry.

Stay sharp,
desmobob

 

[Kiah]

My Ruger P95 has ambi safety and mag release. The slide release could be easily modded to ambi, but as is it's easily dropped with the index finger with practice.

 

[Fieldtestornothing]

I shoot my best scores with a STI .40 2011 weak handed. However, practically I train with every firearm weak handed, because it is more than possible that you may be required to fire weak handed, especially in a urban senario. I am a left handed firer, so when shooting righty I usually don't have any problems with controls.

I would look at a firearm for weak handed firing the same as I would for any other firearm. Although if I had to choose I would go with a glock, revolver, or a 1911. My weak handed scores are considerably enhanced by using a laser also, something to think about.

Although the absolute number 1 best thing required for perfect weak handed shooting is perfect practice. Lots of it. Train, Train, Train. Then some more.

It may be worth talking to someone who is experienced also. A few pointers can save you some time in training. Like grip, eye dominance, stance, barricade firing, ect...

My .02

 

[Rupestris]

Not a bad choice, but it would seem that a revolver has a couple issues that at least need to be identified and dealt with:

1) A Double Action pull using only the weak hand is not very conducive to accuracy. Who knows how "close range" it'll be?

2) Shooting less accurately than usual, a 5-6 shot capacity becomes more of an issue when a reload isn't going to be very fast.

3) Speaking of reloads, it's going to be molasses in winter time slow, not to mention awkward using only one hand. When done, you still only have 5-6 shots.

4) More serious calibers will be difficult to control, weak hand only.

.

Good points all David.

1, A DA pull with the weak hand should be practiced. I'll admit that I don't practice enough with my off hand with handguns but I do practice.

2, The original post mentioned self defense. In that type of situation, I tend to imagine close quarters but I could see where accuracy would play a role. Low light, lots of motion, etc.

3, reloads are definitely an issue. In most situations two hands are a blessing. For me, being left handed to begin with, I tend to do better holding a revolver in my right hand and reloading with my left. I probably should have mentioned that in my original post .

4, Agreed on the larger caliber point but most would carry a caliber that they are comfortable with when using their strong hand. A back-up gun in a smaller, more controllable caliber would be ideal. Those that subscribe to the "bring enough gun" school of thought (and only carry one handgun) would probably find themselves with a .45ACP in their weak hand.

If I had to chose a semi-auto for SD, I'd have to go with a 1911 style or something like the Springfield xD line. The xD has no safety, ambidextrous mag release, higher capacity than a revolver, and is available in a compact model.

As for the 1911 model, I find them to be very lefty friendly (when equipped with an ambi safety). The slide release and mag release can be operated with the left index finger, which also gets the finger off the trigger when trying to use it left-handed. Probably a good idea when trying to use a handgun in an unfamiliar manner. The only drawback might be the lower capacity, single stack mags. Usually only 7-8 rounds. Possibly 9 if you use the 8rnd. mags.

Thanks for the reply and for bringing those points to light. :thumbup:

Chris

 

[ICEAGE]

1911

Because they are easier to grip with only one hand.


If you've large hands I guess it wouldn't be a problem though.

 

[longbow50]

I have a SRuger P90, which allows the safety and mag release to be operated with left hand and I like the .45acp load. However, I think that I would use the wifes 5 shot 38spl Taurus with 3" ported barrel. I'd like to plut some black sure grip handles on it, but it's the wifes and she likes the Walnut. The holster is a cheap Uncle Mikes, again because that's what she wanted. She's got it loaded with Federal hollowpoints.

 

[superduty truck]

OK don't laugh Taurus pt 92 is one of the reliable even weakhand or limb hand can't jam this gun. 9mm is good as a manstopper if premium hollow points are used. Check out this www.hipowersandhandguns.com/TaurusPT92.htm it reports the strengths and weakness of this pistol.

 

[allenC]

....

Otherwise, I'd probably pick a CZ-75 Combat model (it has ambi controls), also in 9mm. It offers single and double action operation, high capacity and cocked-and-locked carry.

Stay sharp,
desmobob

I agree on the CZ 75B.
But I would choose the single action only model in .40S&W caliber.

Or possible a Browning Hi-Power in .40S&W.

 

[syrinx]

I'd say use gun that was in your strong hand in your weak hand because thats the one ya had with you.

 

[1whitefoot]

I ran into that problem back a few years.
I've always carried left handed, CCW and open carry.

Had cataract surgery/lens implant on my eyes and afterward I could not see the sights with my left eye, all fuzzy.
My right eye was better for seeing the sights and aiming so I started carrying and shooting from the right side
and now I'm just as good with either hand.
I'm a little quicker with my left hand but a little more accurate with my right hand
so I use point shooting on the left and aimed shooting on the right.
When I'm out in the woods, I carry the 357 on my left and a .22 on my right side.
Just takes practice.

Actually, it's pretty handy to be able to use both hands for shooting.


these are the ones I use,
( I don't carry the knives in town...

Ruger KGP141 .357mag

This is the holster I use in town

S&W Model 63 .22

 

[GUN SNOB]

I paired a 1911 with a Officers model for a back up, thinking the smaller would work in the left (weak) hand. As I practiced with it I realized not only was I trying to shoot it with my weak side I gave up sight radios and barrel length. In short I was starting with less inherent accuracy but compounding the problem shooting lefty.

So I swapped hands to balance back out and tried it. Now I'm carrying a compact for a primary and a full size for a back up.

K.I.S.S I told my self. Stop trying to out think a problem that dose not exist and I got another 1911.

Hate to think I will ever mess up bad enough to need 2 guns but if I do they will be the same. Now all I need are suspenders.

For me if you can't shoot your primary weak handed you may want to re think your primary. Feel the same about long guns and shotguns also.

My .02

 

[Robert H]

I carry a full size USP, with a compact USP under the opposite arm for my weak hand, under a spare mag for the full size. Same operation, same sights, same caliber (9mm) I carry it because it's a local cop gun. If I get in a shooting, I can point out it's what the boys in blue use, not some exotic race gun.

It goes bang every single time.

 

[swedishdwarf]

For weak hand only? I'd get a lefty Glock 22 with a lasermax.

If you're looking for something to carry, you should keep in mind that like any other equipment, the smaller and easier to carry it is, the more likely you are to have it when you need it. How many times have you wished you had a tool that you didn't bring because it was too big and heavy?

Because smaller handguns have smaller ammunition capacity I'd recommend an integral laser, like a lasermax or lasergrip. Especially with a compact revolver. Like you said, five shots isn't a lot, but five hits should be plenty.

Also, if you end up with a baby auto I recommend the glock because the smallest frames are compatible with the full size mags. Even if you're carrying an eight shot handgun, there's no reason you can't have fifteen round reloads.

 

[Tolly]

I am a diehard 1911 fan and that's what I carry period.

If you are interested in the polymer guns though, look at the S&W M&Ps. They come in both fullsize and compact versions and have the same grip angle as a 1911. This means that in most peoples hands they will naturally point better than a Glock. They also have interchangeable palmswells so that you can fit the pistol to your hand regardless of size. All that with an internal steel frame, ambi slide release, a mag release that can be reversed, fullsize or compact, and 9mm,.357sig,.40S&W,.45acp and you have a nice package that far exceeds the Glock in my opinion. Before the Glocksters come out of the wood work to defend their ugly little plastic fantastics, I am not basking them in any way. The Glock is a fine weapon that goes bang as reliably as one could ask for, there is just lots of room for improvement, and I think S&W has taken a few steps in that direction with the new M&P....

 

[misanthropist]

Like some others, I train weak hand with all my guns, so I don't worry about it too much, BUT:

I figure if I am shooting weak hand only, something has gone disastrously wrong with my right hand. So I would prefer a gun I could work one handed. I lean towards DA .357s for that.

It happens that I have monster hands by birth, and then I am an ironworker ten hours a day, so I could probably pull the trigger on an uncocked 1st-generation single action army that had been stored in a bucket of salt water since rolling off the assembly line, though. I don't know how my girlfriend would feel about relying on a DA with her left. I guess she could shoot it SA, if she wanted.


I get the impression that some people are switching eyes when they switch hands? I was trained not to do this, although I was kind of kicking around the idea of learning to switch back and forth really fast for those times when I want to shoot a couple of 1911s at once! That would be a bit dizzying I think!

 

[1whitefoot]

I get the impression that some people are switching eyes when they switch hands? I was trained not to do this, although I was kind of kicking around the idea of learning to switch back and forth really fast for those times when I want to shoot a couple of 1911s at once! That would be a bit dizzying I think!

I hear what your saying about not switching eyes, I tried that for awhile but just could not get comfortable with it for long term change so I trained myself to use the eye on the side I'm using...

 

[Strobengh]

I think the best gun for weak hand only is whatever you practice with the most.

For me, it's my 1911 with ambi-safety and slide release.

It's much easier to re-load with my weak hand than my revolvers are.