Left Handed Mag Release Strategy

Wildcat Diva · Jan 17, 2018

Some of you may have read in the training forum, lefty me griping about having trouble with shooting my competition gun, specifically with having to share the firearm with the right handed people in my family.

(I am not permitted to change over the mag release, because lefties and righties need to shoot it).

The mag release is the biggest issue for me. I bought Ranier Arms ambi mag release aftermarket part, but I don’t really like it. I have to shift my grip to reach the button with my thumb (because the part extends the button on the right side, plus it’s really flat/ low profile on that side). I never get my grip back quick enough after a mag change. Maybe this would get better with practice.

I also wasn’t happy with another tactic I heard about of using my strong hand trigger or middle finger to do the mag release. Cumbersome.

Fast forward to today. I see this video explaining that I can use my SUPPORT hand index finger to reach in and press the mag release on the left side of the firearm. I tried it dry firing, and I THINK it might just work! It’s easy!

Does anybody have any thought about the value of this tactic? I can’t wait to try it at the range. I’m kind of on a high right now, because honestly, I was getting pretty frustrated and NOW I see a light in the darkness with this issue.

Your thoughts?

ZX9RCAM · Jan 17, 2018

I'm a leftie, this is new to me, thanks.

BRD@66 · Jan 18, 2018

Whatever works is what I'd recommend. I use my trigger finger as per:

"I also wasn’t happy with another tactic I heard about of using my strong hand trigger or middle finger to do the mag release. Cumbersome."

Wildcat Diva · Jan 18, 2018

Thanks for the feedback so far.

I hope it works. I really DO need something I’m happy with. I was starting to get really bitchy and irritable about the issue, which wasn’t good for me or anyone in my vicinity.

Kar98 · Jan 18, 2018

Wildcat Diva said:
Your thoughts?

Paddle mag release and ambi slide stop/release. Walther PPQ M1.

Wildcat Diva · Jan 18, 2018

Thanks for the recommendation.

However...I’m not looking for another firearm because if that was the case I could just get my own competition gun (Glock 34) and change the mag button over.

The issue is that I have to share our existing arsenal with right handed family members so I need to find a way to make what I’ve got, work out.

zincwarrior · Jan 18, 2018

Wildcat Diva said:
Thanks for the recommendation.

However...I’m not looking for another firearm because if that was the case I could just get my own competition gun (Glock 34) and change the mag button over.

The issue is that I have to share our existing arsenal with right handed family members so I need to find a way to make what I’ve got, work out.

Switch it and make THEM deal. :whip:

Wildcat Diva · Jan 18, 2018

Yeah really!!!

Kar98 · Jan 18, 2018

I mean seriously, there are plenty of handguns either designed to be fully ambidextrous or easily switched to left hand operation. And a girl's deserves to have guns all of her own.

Wildcat Diva · Jan 18, 2018

Aw. That’s true.

It’s maybe a plan for the future. I do have my own carry gun that’s crossed over. This competition thing, just have to decide how much I wanna spend on it right now. It’s not for the faint of wallet.

And it would have to get in line behind some other expenses and projects. I would like a little Glock 43 for me for another (back up) carry gun. And I want to get a Glock 19 for my eldest son for self defense (college graduation present).

Need to win the powerball.

Kar98 · Jan 18, 2018

My wife sure likes her collection of fancy, pretty Glocks. Talos 43, bronze finish 42, 17L, 19C, and robin's egg blue 19 with stainless slide. Oh, and a plain 26. All hers and hers alone.

Wildcat Diva · Jan 18, 2018

My goodness!!! I would imagine that she does!! Sounds wonderful.
Sigh. Maybe the last of the three sons here will skip having braces. XD

zincwarrior · Jan 18, 2018

Seriously, unless they are using the pistol to compete they are just having fun convert it and they can deal, until it motivated them to help you buy your own.

Also, as a S&W shooter, friends don't let friends drive Glock!*

* Get a Walther Q5 and call it done.

diesel1959 · Jan 18, 2018

I agree with zinc on this. They should accommodate you on this issue cuz, if mama ain't happy, ain't nobody happy.

Having said that, my preference is for HK pistols and they've got the ambi-paddle mag releases, so that's how I roll. And yes, I'm left-handed.

Wildcat Diva · Jan 18, 2018

Yes, they ARE using the pistol to compete. Son has used it to compete in the past, and husband I both shot a match together recently, trading the gun between us.

Well, I seem to enjoy having Glocks. Can look at other options,
but doubt I would bite. Got the 34 on a discount when my son was shooting Scholastic Pistol Program for under $600. It will probably be awhile before we drop a big chunk of change on another competition pistol, honestly.

I got some feedback from an instructor I know that the tactic I linked in the video was a safe one to use, just that there would be a small time delay because if you are using support hand to depress the button, then you are waiting for that to happen before grabbing for the next mag, but not a big deal.

Byrd666 · Jan 19, 2018

Find yourself a dealer that will let you do a layaway thing and get a pistol for your use, and your use only. Whether it be another Glock or a Walther or a Whatever. Set up for your hands, your grip, your leftyness.

Barring that option, the video you provided seems to be a decent option. It would take quite a bit of practice to get the placement, timing and rhythm down to make it work well. I'm also seeing the real possibility of bruising involved in this if you are in a hurry and miss. And I'm curious as to how well this would work in rainy, wet weather. Or when it's so hot outside that Everything is a sweaty mess.

Hope this works for ya

ZX9RCAM · Jan 19, 2018

Bruising?

Kar98 · Jan 19, 2018

zincwarrior said:
Seriously, unless they are using the pistol to compete they are just having fun convert it and they can deal, until it motivated them to help you buy your own.

Also, as a S&W shooter, friends don't let friends drive Glock!*

* Get a Walther Q5 and call it done.

Indeed:

Byrd666 · Jan 19, 2018

Slapping pointed fingers into the webbing between your fingers or at the base of the knuckles. Can't remember what I was doing years ago but, I've had my hands bruised in that area and it didn't really tickle much. Kinda sore and stiff too.

ZX9RCAM · Jan 19, 2018

Ok, I might concede to scratching, but not bruising.

Left Handed Mag Release Strategy

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