Locking the slide back, Question!

[mandohack]

Originally Posted by robinsre

I'm a righty. But I try to work and train with ambidextrous techniques so I can teach lefties.

This is how I've taught a few lefties and it's worked well.

To clear the weapon, left handed.

Start with a master grip in your left hand. Remove the magazine and place it in a secure location.

Turn the firearm upside down. Place your RIGHT hand across the top of the slide with the front of the chamber between your fore and middle finger. (if you have really small hands you can go further than that). Place your RIGHT thumb on the side of the slide stop farthest from the slide (the normal bottom) and put downward pressure on it with your thumb, imagine pulling your thumb in and together to touch the palm of your hand with it. It's important to note you do not need to use the pad of your thumb, the center will work fine. Now, maintaining a grip on the firearm push forward on the frame with your left hand and pull rearward on the slide with your right hand. The tension between your hand and the slide should be highest between your two back fingers and the palm in the corresponding region. If there is a round in the chamber it will fall into your open right hand. If you're applying proper downward pressure the slide stop should engage once you've pulled far enough.

I taught a 65 year old 110 lb woman with arthritis to do this and it worked for her nearly every time. If the technique is properly executed it should work.

Yes, this is exactly the method I use as a lefty. I was frustrated too, the angles just weren't working out until I was shown this method. Works great.

[Cumminalong]

Originally Posted by shyi3t

you know guys most women don't have the same natural hand strength like some guys.

overtime you learn how to operate an equipment it takes practice

Get a revolver or something with a lighter recoil spring.

When you get stressed, the adrenaline starts pumping and all the sensation and dexterity in your hands are gone, you'll be fumbling with it.

I'm not trying to bag on you or anybody else, BUT, it's not a toy. If you are not fully capable of using it CORRECTLY and COMPETENTLY, it WILL get used AGAINST you.

What do you think would happen if you were to use it. A prosecutor would eat you alive, citing that you were unable to operate the weapon.

Again, just my .02, take it for what it's worth.

[Kgeren]

As people have indicated -- practice and strength. You ought to try racking the slide of a Kahr K9 or a P9. Now those are hard!

[Lefthanded Shooter]

My thanks to each of you for your helpful suggestions. I know they will help and I will find the best way to most effectively rack the slide. What I have been doing is working, but I am looking for a better way so I do not have to switch hands. Your ideas will help.

LS