do they make left handed glocks?

[kyote]

I am to the understanding that they mag release can be changed for the left hander do they have the slide release on the right also?can it be changed?

[azmike]

Slide release stays on the left side.  However, as a lefty I can tell you that it is simple to manipulate w/your trigger finger.  Also, I believe that Glock actually recommends slingshotting the slide to chamber a round rather than using the slide release.  Don't remember where I read that.

The CZ85 has an ambidextrous slide release. 

Regards,

Mike

[Keith L]

My pistol coach recommended not to use the slide release because it takes fine motor coordination that will not be available to you if you need to use the pistol in a defensive situation.  We practiced lots of gross motor skills!!

[LEO]

I am left handed and carry a Glock Model 22 and 27 most everyday.  I have had no problems at all with manipulating the controls on the Glock, I don't use the slide lock lever except to lock the slide to the rear so it is not an issue.  I use the sling shot method to close the slide after and emergency reload because just as AZMIKE pointed out in a high stress situation the fine motor skills go quickly.  But if you wish to use the slide release you can manipulate it with the trigger finger.  I also have left the mag release set up for the right hand user and manipulate it with the trigger finger.  The Glock will serve you well.

[kyote]

much thanks for the info folks...

[Arc Angel]

  Historically, there is no, 'slide release' on a Glock pistol.  That part has usually been referred to as a, 'slide stop'.  All of the original parts schematics list it that way. 

Recently the activities of gamesmen at GSSF events have started to change the historical situation.  Lately the Glock factory, itself, has started to refer to the slide stop as a slide release.  Which is fine for gamesmen; and, it must make Glock feel good, too; however, it offers no particular benefit to anyone who anticipates using a Glock pistol in a real life combat situation. 

Personally, I'd like to see this part's nomenclature remain the same.  Most, if not all, combat pistol trainers teach the use of the support hand over the top rear of the slide in order to effect slide release; (It's a gross-motor skill thing.) and, in this regard, 'slide stop' is the better of the two names.   

While I don't necessarily share in all of the gross-motor skill doctrines, I do believe the support hand/over technique is the most certain and easiest to perform method of slide release.  As long as both hands are working, it remains the surest method to use.   







(The, 'slide lock' on a Glock pistol is the internal crosspiece above and directly in front of the trigger.  It's listed as, 'part #21' on the classic Glock schematic.  It is used to disengage the slide from the frame; it, both, locks the slide into the frame as well as limits the forward motion of the barrel.) 

http://www.e-gunparts.com/productschem.asp?chrMasterModel=2440z17 

[kyote]

Illegitimati Non Carborundum!  interesting,where did you come by that?it was the name of one of the  caucas in the ocean to ocean cauca races in central america that I competed in.

I have seen, I believe just about every way to release a slide and bring the firearm back to battery.I notice on GBo that a lot of folks say the only way to bring the gun back to battery is to pull back the slide and release.and that you should not use the slide stop/slide release to bring the gun back to battery.
there is a better way and a safer way to do it with out using the weak hand.if you have a Glock.try this.mag in gun pointed safe direction.drop mag get spare mag going to mag well right thumb RESTING on top of slide release/slide stop as you slam mag into well and it hits home.your thumb should come down on release/stop and the gun should go to battery.(does for me)no wasted movement and your still on target and ready.let me know what ya think about that movement.
I am sure a lot of folks think they are fast in going back to battery/and being on target by pulling the slide back and releasing.
the combat trainers you have delt with are lacking..

[Arc Angel]

    No, actually these combat trainers were right on the money!  Your post is a classic example of a, 'gamesmanship mentality'.  Try that silly technique of yours in a real gunfight while you're peeing down your leg, and see if it works. 

In the alternative, if you don't want to wet yourself, try it with blood on your hand.  Again, you probably won't be able to make it work for you; but, hey, don't let me disturb your dreams.  If you're happy; I'm happy!  What else matters.    

[kyote]

he he he,thank you.I guess yer a real world kinda guy.one that knows it all..good for you.

In the alternative, if you don't want to wet yourself, try it with blood on your hand.

what??why blood..I use super slick lube in GUN games To practice..and why do you pee yer self when yer shooting your gun???Blaaahaaahaaahaaaaaaaaa...is that a new GUNGAME??BLAAAHAAHAAAHAAA.doe not sound real world to me BLAAAAAHAAHAAAA..
Try that silly technique of yours in a real gunfight while you're peeing down your leg, and see if it works. 

[Keith L]

I am no expert, and I hope I will never have to find out for sure.  I took the NRA Basic Pistol and the Defense in the Home classes, and the coaches for both stressed gross motor skills.  I think it is the same thing Arc Angel bluntly pointed out.  The stress of a gunfight puts most people into a situation where muscle memory has to take over.  And the fine motor skills like pressing the slide release is likely to be gone.  Since the only thing I got the Glock for was personal defense the only way I shoot it is using the gross motor skills, and practice what I learned in class.  I am quite sure that should I need to use the Glock for real my logic and reason will be suspect and I will need to count on my reactions.  Like I said, I hope I never have to find out for sure.  But If I need it I want to be ready.

[Arc Angel]

  Keith, I'm certified to teach the two courses you've completed.  (and 3 others as well)  We teach a two-handed slide release - The exact same method, both, Lou Chiodo and Massad Ayoob recommend.  It is not a, 'slingshot technique'; instead, students are taught to place the support hand, palm down, across the top of the slide's rear end, close the grip, and pull the slide all the way to the rear.  At the point of rearmost travel, you should open your clenched palm and let the slide move forward under it's own force and weight.  (Do NOT ride the slide forward with your support hand!) 

Yes, it is a matter of using your gross motor skills - the only kinetic skills the vast majority of people have available when they are severely stressed.  It is, also, a matter of firm purchase on the slide.  A gamesman will find advantages in using one form or another of the slingshot or slide stop/release methods; however, when stressed, 'You will fight as you have trained.' 

In this regard I only train one way, and only play at gun games occasionally.  (IDPA once a week)  I shot with two fellows this afternoon whom I usually don't shoot with.  Both of them commented on my two-handed speed.  One guy hit the nail right on the head:  He said, 'You've obviously been practicing!' 

Well, yeah, that's it.  If you have to stop to think, you're going to slow down.  I often don't use the gun's sights for exactly the same reason.  It takes me too long for my eye to find the sights; it's much faster to just, 'shoot off the back of the slide'.  I've done so much of this that I can no longer tolerate the drudgery of postal target shooting.  If I slow down and concentrate I can put one bullet on top of another; but, I'd much rather double and triple tap an entire magazine into 3 or 4 nine inch plates at 15 yards.  This is how I usually shoot a Glock pistol; and, if you want to better prepare yourself for pistol CQB, I'd suggest that you set up a similar training routine for yourself.   

[Keith L]

That is how we were taught, and that is what I practice.  I shoot some bullseye with other pistols, but with my Glock and my S&W 4506 I practice the way the coaches trained us.  My son and I shoot weekly so my hope is that if needed we will be able to do what we have to.

[jerry68]

illegitimus "not legitimate." Sense of "unauthorized, unwarranted" is from 1645. Phrase illegitimati non carborundum, usually "translated" as "don't let the bastards grind you down," is fake Latin from c.1939. Carborundum was a brand of abrasives (reg. trademark U.S. June 21, 1892, by Carborundum Co. of Monongahela City, Pa.). The compound was made from carbon and silicon; the word from carbon + corundum.

[pastorp]

Not trying to be smart but how do you drop the mag without the use of fine motor skills? Byron

[Arc Angel]

   We're talking about American, side-frame, magazine releases and not European butt style - right?  OK, not trying to be smart, either; however, in no pistol training regimen I'm aware of is the act of pressing inward with the thumb considered to be a, 'fine motor skill'.  I have heard some shooters complain of accidentally releasing the magazine, though. 

Apparently it's a lot easier to press inward with your thumb than it is swipe at a lever.  I don't really know?  I've never been in a pistol fight; and, I really have to rely on what other, more experienced, gunmen tell me.  I will say this, though; I once had blood on my hand; and, it was impossible to effectively grasp anything!  Blood is one of the slipperiest substances I've ever felt.  Can't imagine trying to effectively swipe at a lever with blood on my hand; but, maybe if you practiced enough ...   





(Kind 'a gives a new meaning to the two-handed pistol hold - Doesn't it!)   

[Arc Angel]

illegitimus "not legitimate." Sense of "unauthorized, unwarranted" is from 1645. Phrase illegitimati non carborundum, usually "translated" as "don't let the bastards grind you down," is fake Latin from c.1939. Carborundum was a brand of abrasives (reg. trademark U.S. June 21, 1892, by Carborundum Co. of Monongahela City, Pa.). The compound was made from carbon and silicon; the word from carbon + corundum.

 

  OK, if you want to get severely academic:  'Noli nothii permittere te terere!'  But, now, nobody's going to have the slightest idea what's being said.  The way I originally phrased it all of the observant, 'illegitimatii' were immediately able to recognize and respond to the popular vernacular of what is stated! 

Personally, I think clear succinct verbal communication is important - Don't you!   

[Keith L]

Not trying to be smart but how do you drop the mag without the use of fine motor skills? Byron

They taught us to punch the release button with the thumb on our support hand and sweep the magazine out of the well if necessary.  It was defined to us as a gross motor skill, and if practiced as such I think it is.  No thought required, just a reaction.  My Glock shoots the magazine to the floor before I can sweep it out, but the sweep is just in case.

[pastorp]

I thought maybe you had and easier way to drop the mag. For most of my life I carried 1911 style guns for defense. However I am experiencing some problems with my hands, los of strength, slight numbness, And some pain. Recently I purchased 2 glocks thinking they would be easier to operate than my 1911's. I actually do have a problem pushing the mag release when I am having a bad day.

I have a glock 31 and a 32. To me they are the S&W model 10 of the semi-auto world. I find the grip comfortable and they do hold a lot of rounds. I guess I am still deciding if they will work for me. Got any sugestions? Thanks, Byron

[Arc Angel]

Yes, Byron, there is something you can do; and, I think the solution will work well for you.  (You have my sympathies; I'm fast approaching that age in life, too!) 

Try a Lone Wolf, 'Round Magazine Release' for the Model G-31 and G-32.  It is part #LWD-287R.   

http://www.lonewolfdist.com/products.asp?prod=14&curRecIdx=21 

It'll cost you $30.00 per frame + one way shipping. 

While we're on the subject, how about an extended slide lock lever for your Glocks.  I know I really like the ones installed on my pistols - Much easier for older fingers to grab onto.  It is part #LWD-ESLL. 

http://www.lonewolfdist.com/products.asp?prod=10&curRecIdx=21 

These extended slide locks cost $10.00 each. 

Sincerely hope this information helps you out!