Ambi Slide Release: True Value for Southpaws?

[Corlissimo]

First of all, "Hello" from a pistol (& PTF.com) noob.
Second, a hearty "Thanks" to Todd for for a great site that I am glad to have found.
Lastly, apologies in advance for the long post but I want to provide some of my logic and background since it's my first post here.


I am currently preparing to add a second pistol and have been strongly considering the HK P2000 or the SK in 9mm. I EDC an XD40 Service for the last year and like it, but am at the point where I believe I can benefit from expanding my horizons a bit to see if something else works better for me. Besides, I NEED more than one 'cuz "One is none"!

I've always shot RH guns (pistols, SG's & rifles) with the mindset that if I am used to them then should I ever need to use one that isn't mine in an emergency situation then I will be prepared, having established muscle memory through frequent use.

I've also looked at moving to a G19 and then acquiring a G26 as a BUG. I have shot the G19 but NOT the HK.


My reasons for looking at the HK:
1. full ambi controls on it
2. reputation

Reason for Glock:
1. reliability reputation
2. simplicity (a must for EDC for me)
3. price (relative to HK)
4. aftermarket support


My Main Issue
The thing that keeps me looking at the HK is the ambi slide release. As a LH shooter this seems to be a valuable feature for an EDC piece. My XD40 has been great, but I always use my WH to release the slide when reloading during SH shooting. However, I often feel that being able to use a slide release lever would enhance my speed of reload.

Just how much value would you more experienced folks place on this feature? Is my thinking sound or am I just over-thinking things?

Thanks in advance.

[jslaker]

FWIW, I shoot right-handed and I'm increasingly inclined toward ambi guns. Personally, I'd be less worried about having to use somebody else's gun and more about having more options to manipulate your own. The possibility of both needing to use an unfamiliar weapon *and* needing to operate it from slidelock strike me as miniscule. It's something you'll have to decide for yourself, however.

You mention being interested in Glocks; have you considered the M&P series at all? They feature an ambi slide release and the mag release, while not fully ambi, is reversible.

[ToddG]

Ambi controls are a plus. "I might pick up someone else's gun" is a very low priority for me. I wouldn't compromise my ability to shoot my gun as best I can on the off chance that I may have to shoot a different gun instead.

Having said that, a great way to drop the slide on a RH gun for a LH shooter is to reach underneath the gun with your RH after inserting the mag and pulling down on the slide release with a finger. It's awkward at first and sounds/looks even worse. But I've seen students go from awkward to lightning fast using this technique in the course of a weekend.

[jslaker]

Ambi controls are a plus. "I might pick up someone else's gun" is a very low priority for me. I wouldn't compromise my ability to shoot my gun as best I can on the off chance that I may have to shoot a different gun instead.

I think I'm going to have to start calling you "Confirmation Bias," Todd.

[Corlissimo]

Thanks for the responses. I agree, picking up another's weapon is not a thing I anticipate having to do. My approach was simply that it's not a bad thing for me to be able to run RH guns proficiently, as opposed to being used to running only LH weapons, which I know I didn't state earlier.

Commander, I totally agree, more options is better. I haven't tried shooting any M&Ps yet but have fondled them quite a bit in my local shop. I was not able to find a combination of backstraps that felt right to me. I'll have to try to get some time on the range with a couple to see if that's really an issue that will adversely affect my shooting.

Todd, I'll have to try that manipulation to see how it is. It sounds weird to say the least, but I'm game.

So then, reading between the lines, it sounds like you both are saying that having access to the slide release is more than just a nice thing to have. Is that correct?

On a related note, what are your opinions concerning the P2000? I'm not a small guy, so concealing the extra width of the ambi controls shouldn't matter for me. My XD is easy for me to hide, even in summer.

Thanks again for the feedback.

[WDW]

Look at the M&P, Walther PPQ, P30, P2000(SK), and there are a few P99's out there with ambi-controls. It comes down to which technique you prefer and which one you train with most. I used to be a slingshot only guy. I never used the slide release. I realized it was much faster, so I started and now it's all I use. I personally would go with a PPQ in 9mm as they can be had for the price of a new Glock, they are extremely reliable (similar internals as the P99), very ergonomic with changeable backstraps, and they have the ambi slide release for about $300 less than the HK.

[jslaker]

So then, reading between the lines, it sounds like you both are saying that having access to the slide release is more than just a nice thing to have. Is that correct?

Whatever works best for you is best. I would lean toward easy access to the slide release lever, yes. Todd has a great post about this on pistol-training.com, I'd recommend looking it up.

The P2000 is a great gun; the P30 is similarly so. I'd look at both if you're considering the P2K.

[fuse]

Having said that, a great way to drop the slide on a RH gun for a LH shooter is to reach underneath the gun with your RH after inserting the mag and pulling down on the slide release with a finger. It's awkward at first and sounds/looks even worse. But I've seen students go from awkward to lightning fast using this technique in the course of a weekend.

Mind has been blown. I am not left handed or anything, and I have never heard of this, much less tried it.
It's faster for a lefty in your experience than hand over top powerstroking?

[ranburr]

What is your primary use of the pistol? Is it for competition, defense? If it is a competition/fun gun, why not focus on ambi controls if you want them? For defensive purposes, I can think of much more important considerations. You continue to mention H&K, it should be fine in whatever role you are looking at. Personally, I don't use my slide lock as a release. No reason, just never have. Many people discover in FOF drills that they wind up missing it when things heat up a little. I think that can be overcome with training. But, most people don't train enough as it is.

[ToddG]

Mind has been blown. I am not left handed or anything, and I have never heard of this, much less tried it.

I cannot take credit for it. The first person I ever saw teaching that technique was Larry Vickers.

It's faster for a lefty in your experience than hand over top powerstroking?

Absolutely, once you practice it.