642/442 Lefty issues?

[newman32]

I've been wanting one of these for some time now, and I was wondering if there were any big issues using one as a lefty - either from an ergonomic or functional standpoint.

So far, I'm an auto-loader guy, and the ergonomics of running a semi-auto as a lefty are just something that has to be dealt with. Pistols, for the most part, are designed for a righty - how about revolvers? What are the main issues a lefty might run into?

Hope that makes sense. If not, I'll post again when the coffee kicks in!

Thanks!

 

[Nightcrawler]

I'm left handed and I own a 642. No issues that I'm aware of.

Operation is simple. Upon depletion of the weapon, you push the cylinder release forward with your left thumb (or trigger finger, if that's more comfortable for you). At the same time, your right hand grasps the gun, and your right thumb pushes the cylinder outward.

Now, grasping the gun through the frame, and making sure that the cylinder is pushed all the way out/down, rotate the gun up and give the ejector rod a firm rap with your right index finger. It may help to give the revolver a jiggle while you do this; sometimes cases can be stubborn and the short ejector rod doesn't help.

Now, while your right hand is doing this, your left hand is reaching for your reload (which, with a revolver, is always kept on the strong side). Let's assume you're using an HKS speed loader, since they're the most common.

Now that youv'e cleared the gun, rotate it muzzle down with your right hand. As your doing this, your left hand brings the speed loader into position, and inserts the cartridges into the cylinder.

Your right hand should be grasping the cylinder between thumb and fingers so it doesn't rotate. Now, twist the loader clockwise, releasing the cartridges.

Drop the loader as you snap the cylinder back shut with your right index and middle finger, and bring the gun back up, regaining a firing grip with your left hand.

It just took you a heck of a lot longer to read this than it takes to do. With practice, it's quite fast. Not as fast, of course, as an auto, but fast enough to where I don't worry about it.

As near as I can tell, you give nothing up by shooting a revolver left handed.

 

[Litlman]

Been carrying a 442 since 1993, am a lefty, no real issues. Point & smoothly pull trigger. I think the only true lefty revolver offered at this time is by Charter Arms. It's kind of new. The cylinder & release are on the opposite side. With the 442 you have to work out what is best for you with the reload.

 

[Crow61]

I am left-handed and I used to own a S&W 442. I got rid of it because I could not shoot it very well because of the weight of the gun. Being left-handed had nothing to do with the issue, though.

Sometimes things that are designed for right-handed people are easier to manipulate or use by those of us who are left-handed! I have never had a problem with revolvers or ever autos for that matter.



Crow61

 

[Rexster]

Anyone who does not learn to be functionally ambidextrous with defensive guns at realistic short ranges is shortchanging themselves, IMHO. When someone asks me if I am a lefty or not, I cannot simply answer yes or no, because over time, trying things both ways, I have found some things work very well with both hands, and some guns I shoot a bit better as a lefty, and some with the right hand! I prefer to shoot Airweight J-smiths with my left hand, to avoid being bitten by the cylinder latch. I can shoot a J about equally well with either hand. I should add that I did not start off being amidextrous, and had to work at it.

 

[jt1]

Anyone who does not learn to be functionally ambidextrous with defensive guns at realistic short ranges is shortchanging themselves...

This is absolutely correct. One of the most important drills to master with a SD CCW is becoming proficient with the weak side. You never know when your strong side may become injured or entangled and the ability to employ your primary or back-up and conduct an effective engagement with your weak hand can make all the difference when things go bad. This applies to reloading and reholstering (often overlooked, but an important skill) as well.

 

[Jim March]

The main lefty issue is that most lefties don't like guns.

 

[newman32]

Great replies! Looks like I'll have no issues then (even as a lefty!)

 

[TonyB]

I'm a lefty,and when reloading revolvers I switch to my right hand and reload w/ my left.....the 642 is a great pocket gun BTW.....My issue in the past has been finding holsters..but j frame holsters shouldn't be a problem.

 

[jh9x18ky]

Really want to muddy the water ??? I am a natural RH, but due to vision problems in my right eye in the teen years, I learned to shoot everything from the left side. Its awkward for me to handle a long gun from the right side now, but I can hadle handguns from either side.... revolver or semi auto, no issues. Guess there can be a silver lining in a gray cloud.

 

[fiVe]

Nightcrawler,

Your post is absolutely correct.

I'm a lefty and my primary carry is a 642.

 

[newman32]

Nightcrawler - thanks for the details! I'll practice that.

Thanks all!

 

[S&Wfan]

Nightcrawler indeed totally "nailed" the correct way for a left-hander to reload a double action S&W revolver!

I'm a lefty and my favorite defensive gun . . . the one I hope is in my hand if the SHTF, is my N-frame, moon-clipped Model 25-2 .45ACP revolver. I'm just as fast reloading this firearm in competitions AND testing as I am my 1911 autos! SERIOUSLY!!!

Naw . . . not as fast as Mickulek, but still . . . darned fast . . . and I use Nightcrawler's same way.

As a matter of fact, I once won a special tactical match against about 30 Glock 17 and 1911 shooters . . . a match requiring the weapon be UNLOADED and shut in a gun case when the buzzer went off.

The other rules?
--Knock down EIGHTEEN metal plates and/or poppers spread out in front of you from 10-25 yards away as fast as possible.
--ONE manitory reload (to more even the match with all those Glock 17 9mm shooters using their Glock 18, 33 rnd. machine pistol magazines!

You should have seen their eyes when I signed up with my S&W moon clipped .45ACP revolver! Heck, I'd have to load that sucker three times . . . IF I didn't miss even once!

Long story short . . . I shot very fast . . . AND didn't miss once. Yep, it was probably a fluke, but I surely don't feel undergunned when toting a Smith revolver OR feel that a S&W revolver is a handicap in any way for a lefthander!!!