Medically Induced Southpaw

[TarDevil]

Thanks to all who preceded me in similar challenges. I did the search thingy and found plenty of suggestions for drills, carry methods, etc.

Fortunately, my right hand is healed enough from surgery that reloads/racking/clearing are not problematic and no problem using it as weak side for two handed grip. I simply can't endure direct recoil in my right hand.

Because I'm unwilling to invest in left handed holsters for my other handguns I am limited to pocket-carrying my LC9s in a DeSantis holster. Once a staunch opponent to pocket-carry, I've grown to appreciate the convenience clicking off the safety and maintaining a shooting grip while concealed. It has become my primary carry mode anyway since back issues became severe...just gotta learn to do it with my clumsy hand.

I'd welcome any additional suggestions I might have missed researching past threads.

 

[drobs]

If you don't want to invest in new holsters, you can do the old cavalry draw from a right hand holster on your left hip.

 

[Varminterror]

This is a great learning opportunity to make yourself proficient with your handguns in both hands, as all handgunners should be.

The LC9 can be carried safely with the safety deactivated, which is what I would recommend. Manipulating it with your left hand isn’t feasible, said as someone who has carried an LC9 left handed a couple thousand days.

If you’re unwilling to buy a holster and sacrifice the depreciation cost, then you have to recognize the corner you’re painting yourself into - on purpose. Holsters aren’t terribly expensive, your life is.

 

[ATLDave]

I have no views on left-handed holsters, but I do have some thoughts on becoming more adept at things with the left hand. Long before I got into shooting, I played the drums. Now the big trick in drumming is that all 4 limbs are doing different things at the same time, and a lot of what sets good drummers apart is that their left hands and feet are as quick/strong/flexible as their right. In my efforts to get my left hand "up to speed" with the right, I found that using my left hand for as many things as possible was helpful. Brush your teeth with your left hand. Write short notes or phone numbers with your left hand. Comb your hair with your left hand. Use your left hand to put your key in your door lock. Do as much with your left as you can, and you can close the gap in dexterity pretty significantly.

 

[TarDevil]

The LC9 can be carried safely with the safety deactivated, which is what I would recommend. Manipulating it with your left hand isn’t feasible, said as someone who has carried an LC9 left handed a couple thousand days.
If you’re unwilling to buy a holster and sacrifice the depreciation cost, then you have to recognize the corner you’re painting yourself into - on purpose. Holsters aren’t terribly expensive, your life is.

Since I mostly pocket carry anyway, I don't consider that I'm limiting myself. Agreed, though, holsters are far less expensive than coffins!
RE the LC9 safety... I don't trust that thing. Maybe it's something I'm doing but I've unholstered that pistol numerous times (and I've been carrying it since it came out) and found the safety off though it was holstered on. This has happened carrying OWB, IWB and pocket, all quality holsters. I do carry in my left pocket with it off, but if I need the gun I'll still check the safety position before draw.

I have no views on left-handed holsters, but I do have some thoughts on becoming more adept at things with the left hand. Long before I got into shooting, I played the drums. Now the big trick in drumming is that all 4 limbs are doing different things at the same time, and a lot of what sets good drummers apart is that their left hands and feet are as quick/strong/flexible as their right. In my efforts to get my left hand "up to speed" with the right, I found that using my left hand for as many things as possible was helpful. Brush your teeth with your left hand. Write short notes or phone numbers with your left hand. Comb your hair with your left hand. Use your left hand to put your key in your door lock. Do as much with your left as you can, and you can close the gap in dexterity pretty significantly.

My wife is left handed and she practices writing with her right hand... does quite well. Thanks for these suggestions, I'll start right away.

 

[TarDevil]

If you don't want to invest in new holsters, you can do the old cavalry draw from a right hand holster on your left hip.

Interesting! I'll have to practice that a bit.

 

[Varminterror]

@TarDevil - you can buy a replacement safety selector for the LC9, then file away the extended lever. Leave the stand off “nub,” such you can still manipulate the safety with a fingernail, but eliminate the rest. This prevents accidental activation of the safety. That’s how I carry my LC9 - safety lever reduced and safety off - since I carry left handed predominantly and there is no feasible means to quickly and securely deactivate the LC9 safety during a defensive draw stroke.

The long DAO trigger is the safety.

 

[TarDevil]

@TarDevil - you can buy a replacement safety selector for the LC9, then file away the extended lever. Leave the stand off “nub,” such you can still manipulate the safety with a fingernail, but eliminate the rest. This prevents accidental activation of the safety. That’s how I carry my LC9 - safety lever reduced and safety off - since I carry left handed predominantly and there is no feasible means to quickly and securely deactivate the LC9 safety during a defensive draw stroke.

The long DAO trigger is the safety.

Mine is the s model with the light trigger. If a disability forced me to shoot left-handed permanently - and I was determined to keep this piston - I'd certainly consider your suggestion.

Though I am looking at several new guns sans safeties, I actually like them. Several family members who aren't gun owners enjoy shooting when they visit us, and I like having a safe trigger when assisting them with grip/stance/etc. I routinely practice swiping it off during drills so it's kind of muscle memory at this point.

Thanks again for the suggestion.

 

[WrongHanded]

Lefties are, what, 1 in 10 (maybe 1 in 12)? Most shooters have a few extra holsters around that didn't quite work out for them. I know I have a few (and I'm also a southpaw).
If you need a left-handed holster for one of your other guns maybe the "lefty community" could help you out! I'll certainly dig through what I have.

 

[Labguy47]

Push that right hander to small of back and go south paw

 

[TarDevil]

Push that right hander to small of back and go south paw

Oh, this gets too funny!! Had a sebaceous cyst removed from the small of my back a week after the carpal tunnel surgery, so that area is lame as well. Can't make this up!

I think I'm good with pocket carry until my right hand toughens up a bit. Might try that cavalry draw drobs suggested. Do need to get better at reloads.

Thanks to everyone!

 

[ThomasT]

you can do the old cavalry draw from a right hand holster on your left hip.

Yes but in this case if you are left handed you need a left hand holster worn on the right side to do a left handed cavalry draw. And the OP doesn't want to buy a LH holster.

 

[drobs]

Yes but in this case if you are left handed you need a left hand holster worn on the right side to do a left handed cavalry draw. And the OP doesn't want to buy a LH holster.

I think you are confusing cross draw with cavalry draw.

In the case of a left hander:
Cross draw is using your left hand to draw from a left handed holster worn on your right hip.
Cavalry draw is using your left hand to draw from a right handed holster worn on your left hand hip. Just behind the hip works best for me.

 

[ThomasT]

Drobs you may be right. I don't keep up with the draw styles but I have worn a RH holster on the left so I could reach across with my right hand and draw the gun. But that butt forward twist your hand around backwards looks awkward and not something I would do. But whatever blows yer back works for me.

Hopefully the OPs hand will heal up and he can go back to shooting with his right hand and not his wrong hand.

 

[JONWILL]

I like pocket carry myself. It is easy to just pull my gun from the safe already in my Desantis Nemesis holster in place and stick it in my pocket

 

[Lucky Derby]

If you don't want to invest in new holsters, you can do the old cavalry draw from a right hand holster on your left hip.

I did this for a while while my right hand was in a sling.