Dominant Hand for Self Defense?

[CONNEX 3300]

OK, I am very left handed, but my right eye is dominant. This is fine for rifles and shotguns, I am able to shoot them right handed with no problem.
But when it comes to handguns, especially the heavier ones, I don't find my right hand near as comfortable as my left. I can hold the gun longer in my left hand, manipulate it easier, and draw it faster.
I have been advised to carry and shoot with my left hand, while using my right eye. While this works fine for plinking, I am concerned about self defense situations. Is using opposite eye/hands going to slow me down to the point that I am putting myself in danger?
Imput from anyone with tactical handgun training is greatly appreciated.
Thanks

 

[Skribs]

I've noticed an accuracy increase when shooting same-eye over cross-eye. I'm the opposite of you, LE/RH.

The nice thing I've realized is that if I am in a defensive situation, where the BG is already on top of me, I can use my strong hand (right) to create a barrier while I draw with the left hand. That stance would also put my gun away from the attacker, making it harder for him to get to it to try and grapple it away.

 

[David E]

Shooting handguns "cross-eyed" is not a problem. In fact, it solves problems, it doesn't create them.

 

[kingcheese]

It might not be a bad thing to take a tenis ball and work it around in your right hand to build up strength in dexterity, my friend had the opposite problem but he learned to shoot ambidextrious, making an amazing shooter, expescillay in on the fly situations

 

[Frank Ettin]

One of the other instructors in the group I teach with is cross dominant. He uses and teaches a simple technique that works well. Keeping his head erect he turns his head just a bit to get his dominant eye lined up with his sights. As with anything else, if you practice this deliberately, diligently and consistently, it ultimately will become reflexive so that you will do it automatically, without conscious thought.

I know that the technique works and can be practices to the point of being reflexive, because I've been using it when shooting with my non-dominant hand.

 

[kcshooter]

In fact, it solves problems, it doesn't create them

What he said.

 

[Sam1911]

Yes indeed, it solves problems. Many people shoot long guns from their eye-dominant side and handguns from their hand-dominant side. No problems!

 

[beatledog7]

Yes indeed, it solves problems. Many people shoot long guns from their eye-dominant side and handguns from their hand-dominant side. No problems!

I do: LH/RE

 

[Hk Dan]

30-50% of humanitu is cross dominant. With a simple tiny shift in the way you hold the gun, it is presented to your dominant eye--nobig deal. The other thing?If you use type III Focus (look at the =target with the sights "ghosted" in the foreground), then your dominant eye takes charge and the fight is over anyway. You see you'll have two images of the sight in your vision, and your brain picks the one it likes the best.

 

[kcshooter]

30-50% of humanitu is cross dominant

That seems like a really high figure to me.

 

[marksg]

I've got the opposite problem. Right handed,left eye dominate.

I do exactly what Frank said,just turn my head slightly and use the dominate eye. I don't even think of it now after lots of practice.I also shoot as good left handed with a handgun.
I can't for the life of me get used to shooting a long gun left handed though. I've always shot right handed(since i was 8,51 now) just have to close my left eye for iron sights.

 

[Sheepdog1968]

To be perfectly honest, all of us should probably practice more shooting both our dominate and weak hands. I suspect if something really happens inside ones home, angles of doors and hallways, being shot in one arms, or holding a young child are more likely going to dictate what we do than which eye is dominate.

For example, I took a class recently in which we used airsoft pistols and we needed to clear a mock home. Due to the door and hallway layouts there were times in which to minimize my body exposure as I sliced the pie imshould have held the pistol with my left hand being the one that would operate the trigger. In all honesty, I didnt feel confident enough in my skills that way if I had to make a long shot. As such, I went right handed and exposed more of myself so I could guarantee a hit if I needed to. The lesson learned is I need to practice more with my left hand. The dominate eye never factored intomitbat all.

Just my two cents.

 

[mortablunt]

I'm normally a right-hander, but I've always done handguns and melee weapons with my left because that's my better eye. It is a question of what works for you.

 

[CONNEX 3300]

Thanks guys! I will work on shooting with both hands but I am glad to know that shooting "cross eyed "is not a problem. I agree that both weak and strong hand shooting is the best practice for all situations. Just wanted to make sure I wasn't majorly screwing myself over by predominantly practicing cross eyed.
I guess I'll go ahead and order my left-handed holster now

 

[MachIVshooter]

I will work on shooting with both hands

Definitley. It is good to be as ambidextrous as possible with a defensive handgun. You just never know....

 

[David E]

I went right handed and exposed more of myself......The lesson learned is I need to practice more with my left hand. The dominate eye never factored into it at all.

Or you can practice keeping the gun in your right hand and use your left eye as you slice the pie. This would minimize yourself more than switching hands, but using the eye opposite the corner you're negotiating.

 

[Trent]

My wife is left eye dominant / right handed. She shot "broad side of the barn" groups before I diagnosed it and told her to start shooting with her right eye closed.

Got better after that.