What’s The Best Handgun For Left-Handed Shooters?

Brands like Glock, Beretta, Smith & Wesson, and Sig Sauer, to name just a few, offer such adaptability that left-handed shooters can appreciate.

Glock pistols, in particular, are widely known for their suitability for left-handed shooters. With their consistent trigger pull and lack of manual safety, they tend to be easier for left-handed individuals to handle. Generation 3 and later pistols have swappable magazine releases. Takedown levers on Glocks have been ambi from the get go, but the slide release has always been the Achilles Heel of Glock pistols when it comes to left-hand operation. 

While factory models – including Gen 5 pistols – are still not offered with ambi controls, the aftermarket for Glock pistols is robust (to say the least) and ambi slide stops have been available for a dog’s age. A number of excellent models are easily available, such as the Vickers/Tango Down slide release levers or the Kagwerks extended slide stop levers, to name a few. 

The Sig Sauer P320 is also lefty friendly, in that it comes with ambidextrous slide stop levers and a reversible magazine catch. The only feature on the P320 family that is not ambi-capable is the takedown lever. However, given that takedown is a purely administrative task, it doesn’t really matter all that much. 

The same is also true of the S&W MP series. 

Beretta’s APX series also wins points in this area. The APX was specifically designed for military and law enforcement operators and has a fully ambidextrous slide stop and magazine release. 

CZ’s excellent P-10 pistols are also ambidextrous, as the takedown tabs and slide releases are ambidextrous, with only a mag catch swap needed. The same is also true of the Walther PDP series. 

One of the most left-friendly pistols is the HK VP9 with the original paddle magazine releases. No swap is needed, and the only control that isn’t ambidextrous is the takedown lever. 

Fans of traditional DA/SA pistols can also find some pistols that are ambi-friendly, such as the HK P30 and USP series (all USP controls are swappable) though few others are as accomodating. Most DA/SA pistols have swappable mag releases and safety/decocking levers, but none besides HK have a right-side slide release. That requires either avoiding those platforms or training to operate the slide stop with the firing hand or using the support hand to manipulate the slide in lieu of using the slide stop. 

There are plenty of options for the left-handed shooter, so chances are you can find something to fit your particular use-case.