[volgunner]

I just completed CCW permit class. This was first time I've fired a a handgun. We used Glock 19 (9 mm). Except for the fact that the frame seemed a little small (but I don't have anything to compare it to), this handgun seemed very manageable in terms of control, handling and recoil.

I'd like to obtain a gun. I'm more interested at this point in a gun for practice and honing marksmanship than worrying about size and concealment. I'd like to keep recoil to a minimum until I get a better handle on shooting.

Finally, being left-handed in a right-handed world is a pain, as always. Any suggestions on guns that fit the above criteria and are more "left-handed friendly?"

Thanks for your help.

 

[wwb]

A good medium-frame DA revolver in .357 Mag seems to fit your needs....

Wheelguns are right-handed/left handed neutral when firing. The cylinder latch is positioned for right thumb use, but that's only when you're reloading. They offer an excellent SA trigger (especially the S&W) and a DA trigger that's not too bad.

With a .357, you can shoot .38 Special for practice.... very light recoil, and reasonably cheap to shoot. Just be sure to scrub the cylinder well after shooting .38s.

Try a Smith & Wesson M19 if you can beg, borrow, or steal one. Also, a Ruger GP-100 or an older Ruger Security Six. They all come with 2", 4" or 6" barrels. The 6" is primarily for target shooting, the 2" is the best for Concealed Carry, and the 4" is a compromise.

 

[Asylum Keeper]

http://www.charterfirearms.com/products/Charter_Undercover_Southpaw.html

 

[volgunner]

Guys:

Thanks for the insight. I'll keep you posted.

Also, this is a great forum.

Regards,

Russell

 

[uglydog]

There are also a number of semi-automatic pistols that have changeable/ambidextious magazine releases, ambidextrious safeties (or no safeties depending on action type), and other features to make a pistol more hospitable to left handers. I am pretty sure, Ruger, Smith and Wesson, SIG, and probably Glock and Springfield all have models that would suit a southpaw.
For a practice gun I would look closely at getting something in 22 LR. The ammo for them is dirt cheap which would allow you to practice a lot, there is little recoil which would allow you to concentrate on the mechanics easier than with a larger centerfire, and the cost of the gun is usually less. The Smith and Wesson 22A is a pretty reasonably priced gun with the magazine release located in the front grip making it the same for right or left handers though I don't think the safety is reversible. Other possibilities are Browning, Ruger, Beretta, and maybe Walther. On some of them the safety will be in a poor position for a lefty but if you are only looking for a means of developing proper form and technique, then any of these whould do.

 

[huntswithdogs]

Uglydog hit the nail on the head that time. Get ya a 22.
Being a fellow lefty,I feel yor pain on this one. Some of the Autos have ambidextrious(sp) safeties. Generally they fall in the 1911 style. S&W made a SW99 that had a ambi.mag release. By buying a revolver,you only have to contend with the cylinder latch.

As said before, a 22 is much cheaper to feed and is a great training tool.

HWD