New Southpaw Owner Intro

[straycat999]

I am anxiously waiting for my new XD40 service to be shipped in to my local gunshop. The three day cooling period is done so every day waiting is extreme torture.

This will be my first gun. I was wondering if the left-handers out there would pass along any techniques you have perfected on handling the XD. Also, how many lefties have a right dominant (master) eye?

I've already digested hours on this forum...I appreciate it.

[agalindo]

I use my left index finger to push the mag release and the slide release. I know the XD has a ambi mag release but I just got used to doing it this way and if feels more comfortable. Uncle Mike makes a lefty kydex holster.

[Lucky]

o0o0o0 The anticipation of your XD. I'm a south paw as well and LOVE the the fact that the clip release is on both sides!!!

Sounds kinda funny.. but I rotate which eye I close... is that wierd? Doesn't seem to affect my group much.... heh

[Matt`G]

I hope you enjoy the XD40 service, I love mine. I'm one of those mysterious left hand / right eye dominant people you speak of... so I'll try to give you a few tips from my own experience.

First, general southpaw handling of the pistol. I never use the slide release button, I always slingshot the slide closed. What I mean is that I grip back portion of the slide with my right hand, pull it all the way back, and let go. I've heard that method recommended anyway, as it does not require fine motor skills that might not be functioning properly under a high stress situation. The ambidextrous mag release is nice... you can use either your thumb or index finger, whatever you find is faster / easier. The hardest part for me is locking the slide back. After a bit of practice, I am now able to do it quite efficiently... keeping a solid grip on the pistol with my left hand, I use my right hand to pull the slide back (as if going to slingshot), then "sweep" my left index finger up the frame of the gun. The corner of the slide release catches the flesh in my finger between my first and second knuckle, and it gives enough force to push the button up to where it will lock the slide.

As for the right eye dominant... when I first started shooting, I would just close my right eye and use my left eye. If you can avoid doing this, please do. After doing some reading here and talking to a couple friends, I found that by simply changing my stance / head angle, I can align the sights with my right eye very easily. Now I shoot with both eyes open, letting my dominant right eye do the focusing on the front sight. I found this more comfortable to shoot... I wish I had started doing this earlier.

In any case, the best advice I can give is just to experiment a little bit, and do lots of dry-fire practice at your home. Once you find a technique that feels like it will work for you, practicing it will help write it to muscle memory, and then you'll be able to do it easily. Good luck and enjoy the XD!

[TeamXD]

i hope that you emjoy your New XD-40. And Welcome to the Forum. Dont be surprise if you end up taking in another Homeless XD in the future...LoL Enjoy the madness!

[ttheobald]

Originally Posted by agalindo

I use my left index finger to push the mag release and the slide release. I know the XD has a ambi mag release but I just got used to doing it this way and if feels more comfortable. Uncle Mike makes a lefty kydex holster.

+1

T

[straycat999]

Thanks for the feedback...I will be busy getting buckled down for this monster hurrican Dennis...but keep the feedback coming.

[Arnisandyz]

Hey straycat, good luck during the Hurricane (I live over in Melbourne on the east coast of Florida), can you believe Hurricanes are hitting already, so early in the season?

Anyways, I'm a lefty too. You'll love the XD, the ambi-mag release gives you a choice, and I've never had a problem with shells ejecting into my face.

Here is a lefty correction chart if you can use it. Click on the image to get a bigger one.

[WARHEAD'Z]

I shoot longarms right-handed and use my right eye but I shoot pistol predominatly left handed and use my left eye. Although I write with my right hand, I use my left hand most often to type, play guitar, catch a ball and do many other of life's normal tasks. I suppose that makes me ambidextorous ? I roll the pistol and change magazines with my left hand so I release the slide with my right hand. I don't "slingshot" the slide because it can cause the round to not fully seat or the slide to not fully close.

[Verm]

I am a Leftie who is Right eye dominant. (legally blind in left so have no choice)
I use a modified weaver style to shoot. I use the side of my left index trigger to hit the mag release. As for slide release, it depends on the situation. I will either slingshot it or hit the release with my trigger finger.
I actually find my accuracy and stability while cross shooting is better than when shooting right hand, right eye. (who the hell knows why, maybe because I am naturally focused on the sight alignment and target without having my other eye trying to interfere.)



Anyways welcome to the forums and enjoy your new tool.
[/img]