I got into Glocks during the Gen4 era so was always able to change the mag release over for lefty use.

For the most part I ignore the slide release lever. I can operate it with my index but its tough. Maybe with practice you could shave a little time there. Since I don't compete I'll stay with simply racking the slide.

 

For the most part I ignore the slide release lever. I can operate it with my index but its tough...

Most of my Glocks have the OEM slide stop, and I can operate it with the index finder of my left hand (e.g.: the technique is demonstrated, in the video below, at 01:04 - 01:22), but there's no denying that the technique is much, much, easier with a Tangodown Vickers slide stop installed. If I was left-handed, I think I'd probably have the Tangodown Vickers on most of my Glocks.

https://www.brownells.com/handgun-p...ches/enhanced-slide-stop-for-glock--prod42969.aspx?avs|Manufacturer_1=TANGODOWN

Published to YouTube on Feb 19, 2010 by SightsonTargetKris

 

Totally depends on the pistol for me, but for the sake of muscle memory I rack all slides. On my Gen 5 it’s easy with Ambi obviously but my index doesn’t like the left side release. On my Dan Wesson 1911s I could use my index finger any time without issue as they are easier to manipulate.

At any rate, I rack the slide for reloads and use my index for mag release so it’s consistent across the board.

 

I rack the slide.

 

Index/trigger finger.

When I was trained on a S&W4506 we were taught to use the slide release. Racking was only taught for clearing jams. So I developed my habits around that training and still use that method for all my various semi-autos I've had over the years. (Although, for the mag release, I typically use my middle finger, not my trigger finger).

 

Index/trigger finger.

When I was trained on a S&W4506 we were taught to use the slide release. Racking was only taught for clearing jams. So I developed my habits around that training and still use that method for all my various semi-autos I've had over the years. (Although, for the mag release, I typically use my middle finger, not my trigger finger).

S&W 4506 was my first auto issued. I loved that cannon. I agree with you. As a lefty it has always been difficult. I learned to shoot right handed so that all of my weapons would work for me. It’s is easier because everything is baised around right handed shooters. Learn to operate the gun as is. What is the reason you need the extra speed? Are you competing,or just working on faster reloading?

 

I rack the slide

 

I slingshot it too. Easy to switch from pistol to pistol.

I have an extended release on my G26, and I can come over the top of the slide and use my right hand thumb (right hand inverted like an upside down U) and press down on the slide catch lever. This method was suggested to me by Dave Spaulding during his Handgun Essentials class. It works fine on the Glock but not so good on my Sig. Just something you might want to try, and see if it works for you.

 

I rack the slide. Index finger for mag changes. I 22nd er worried about the time it takes. I don't compete nor am I worried about an attack from ninjas.

 

Gun - you always gotta look out for ninjas! Appreciate everyone's input. Interesting - there is about a one second difference between racking and a competent slide release. That's also about 3-4 shots from a perp.

 

What technique have others chosen in this right handed world?

On slide lock, left middle finger drops mag, right hand slams new mag home and then goes to grip, left index drops slide.

 

Renegade - this is what I've been practicing, I just need to become more fluid. Thanks!

 

I use my left middle finger to drop mags.

My right hand then comes up with the fresh magazine and seats it, after which I wrap it high enough around my left to reach the slide release with my right index finger as I slightly turn the gun counter-clockwise for easier reach. My hand then comes back down into place over the left. If you practice it enough, it becomes fluid and fast.

I've typically sling-shotted the slide, but I've been teaching myself the skill described above.

 

I'm a lefty and shoot rifles left handed, but years ago I decided to shoot automatic handguns right handed to avoid hot brass going into my collar or crossing my line of vision.

It took me a long time to understand your question, but I think I understand it. I hold the weapon in my right hand, feed, tap and rack with my left hand. I think I'm pretty ambidextrous with my eyes. I use a red dot on my Glocks. As soon as the front sight or red dot appears on the target I squeeze the trigger. I don't even worry about which eye I'm using. I think I use my right eye most of the time. Maybe I'm right eyed. I just carry for self protection and do not practice for the unlikely need of needing more than 15+1 rounds.

 

Thanks Ark, I'll give this try. Seems similar to Oldmick's technique (above) which I tried this afternoon, only to become paranoid of catching my thumb to index webbing in the action. Appreciate the tip!

 

If I am doing mag change after 17 rounds with my G17, I need to take shooting instructions.

 

Not sure if serious, or if you really are that narrow minded.

 

When I practice left hand, which isn't very often, anymore, I just slingshot. Pop in the mag with my right hand then go straight for the serrations. It's one fluid movement. Bump reaching for the SSL with my finger. Maybe 10 yrs ago, or so, I was lefty shooting, a lot, with a 1911, and went through a phase where I tried releasing the slide with my finger on the slide stop, doing a reach over, but after missing the slide stop about 30 times, I went back to sling shotting. Phase lasted about 2 hrs. Just didn't feel natural.

eta - FWIW, when I'm just fart around shooting (I'm right handed), I just bump the SSL with my thumb after popping in a mag. I'm going for my weak hand grip while dropping the slide, at the same time, and it's just plain easier. Gen 5 has SSL on lefty side, now.

 

rack it all day everyday

 

^^^
This.

 

I have been shooting handguns since 1978 and have been left-handed longer than that so sling-shotting has always been my only technique for a mag change (regardless of the weapon's controls) after shooting to slide lock which is something I do not practice (thank you, TDI).

Glock's factory slide stop is small enough. Introduce stress, cold, or wet fingers; it can make a simple and fast act anything but simple and fast.

I just picked up a new Gen 5 19.....still sling shot all the way.

No offense but if you want to "shave time" don't shoot to slide lock.

 

Who counts their shots under extreme stress?

 

I pull back the slide and release. I can hit most slide releases with my trigger finger, but it takes my trigger finger way out of where is should be. With a slide release, I can slide my hand back into the support position quicker.

 

I'm not a lefty, but for years I racked the slide. Not really a slingshot with it between thumb and forefinger, but I'd grab it over the top with my hand. I always figured under stress it was more foolproof than finding the slide stop since I had to fudge my grip a little to get it. It turns out the slide stop is quicker for me by a small margin, but every now and then under stress I still grab the slide over the top. Old habits die hard.

 

I've heard even multiple clicks when the guns run dry!

 

I've always racked the slide.

 

I'm a lefty, but shoot with both hands, I want my EDC guns to be ambi, releasing the slide should be user friendly/easy to do, you never know if you will have your off hand to use to sling shot your slide, having a slide stop/RELEASE that works is the only way to go , I want my guns to operate with ease with just one hand, this could save my life at some point in an attack, most of my EDC rotation guns I can use the right side slide release with ease, some guns that advertise being ambi really aren't, and take two hands and a slugs hammer to get off, my S&W M&P 9MM 2.0 is like this, great gun, but the controls leave a lot to be desired, on the other hand my Gen 5 G-19 and G-17 work as they were designed too, just awesome, as well as several more of my ambi guns..

 

I teach KY CCDW which allows me to demonstrate to applicants how easily a child can chamber a round in just about any semiautomatic handgun using no more than the rear sight against a door frame, the heel of a shoe or boot, and even a belt. I practice two of these methods frequently (I like my rear sights and my door frames) and have never felt handicapped. I'm glad the slide stop works for you and while the phrase "muscle memory" is about as overused as "tactical", it is accurate; do something the exact same way for 20+ years and changing that habit (be it good or bad) is very difficult.

 

I do both, using trigger finger to press slide stop and middle to press mag release


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

Why deliberately shoot to slide lock?

 

Because I don't have a crystal ball and wish to be proficient on everything. Thanks for the question.

I'm now remembering quickly why I stopped posting in GT and have been absent for a year.