Pistol for a One-Handed Shooter? - Page 2

9mm · August 25, 2012, 01:06 AM

I recommend like a vise gripper, specalliy made with rubber grip narrowing to close grip space, so you can rack the slide at home with easy to load/unload.

Like a V vise grip, so its tight and you can rack the gun with safety.

Husqvarna · August 25, 2012, 01:40 PM

wow what an horrible salesman, poor character and poor salesman.

take a look at this
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HmqQpR4L3Rc

surely there has got to be a modern equivilant of that lever?

I am thinking for motorcycle police?

or this
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zJhuo...1&feature=plcp

maybe a gunsmith could custommake it for you? the function I mean not the gun itself

Master Blaster 2 · August 25, 2012, 04:56 PM

opps

Master Blaster 2 · August 25, 2012, 04:57 PM

opps

Master Blaster 2 · August 25, 2012, 04:58 PM

One hand shooting...
Lignose

Norinco M77B. takes a strong finger pull but works

I have both..and also a BIG JoLoAr Spanish which was made for horse back.

larryh1108 · August 25, 2012, 06:39 PM

If you didn't go to Mega Sports in Plainfield then you should. You may even see the S&W Model 8 there. It's one of those gun stores you walk into and say "wow". If that was the store you visited then I am surprised. They are more professional than that. Check them out.

http://www.megasportsfirearms.com/index.php

Verk · August 26, 2012, 06:02 AM

I'll have to check them out, Larry. I think I've actually been there once in the past to use their range, and they had a pretty impressive selection of pistols. I've heard their prices aren't the best, I'm honestly not sure if that's true or not, but you can't beat the number of choices.

Master Blaster 2 · August 26, 2012, 08:31 AM

Baretta M86 Cheetha .380ACP Pop up barrel could be used 1 handed...

DFrame · August 26, 2012, 10:17 AM

A friend of mine who has no left arm uses 38 special revolvers and always seems to have no trouble shooting with them. He prefers S&W revolvers as he says the thumb latch is easier for him to use.

Hammerhead · August 26, 2012, 12:09 PM

For SA revolvers I'm thinking a thick, soft rubber mat with a rubber ridge running left to right placed on a shooting bench could help with rotating the cylinder and working the ejector rod while keeping the gun pointed in a safe direction.

I bring up SA revo's because when I want to shoot one handed, nothing shoots as well for me.

Deaf Smith has a pretty good argument for Glocks as well.

I wish you the best with your situation.

Microgunner · August 26, 2012, 12:52 PM

I own a RIA 22TCM double stack 1911. According to the manufacturer it generates over 400 ft.lbs. of energy at over 2000 fps with it's 40 grn pill.
It's capacity is 19+1 rounds and uses standard MecGar P18 .38 Super magazines.

The trick is, the recoil is very low and the slide is ridiculously easy to manipulate. Easier to rack than most .22lrs due to the slide being solid steel and needing only a 8# recoil spring.

Mine has shot flawlessly without a single hiccup and as a side benefit it comes with a 9mm barrel and recoil spring.

shafter · August 26, 2012, 06:40 PM

I was thinking that maybe a small leather loop that can be slid onto your belt may be useful for reloading a revolver. It's easy to swing open the cylinder and eject the empties with one hand. Then simple put the revolver barrel into the loop with the cylinder still open. Reload, and close the cylinder.

Just a thought.

pax · August 26, 2012, 06:49 PM

Verk,

Just a word of encouragement: https://www.usconcealedcarry.com/ccm...joshua-benson/ This shooter (who uses a wheelchair to get around) has almost no function in his right arm, and only limited function in his left. I met him (and wrote the linked article) and still consider him one of the most inspirational shooters I've ever known.

If he can do it, you can do it.

When I met him, he was taking an advanced self defense class -- and keeping up with the rest of the group just fine, thankyouverymuch. He was using a non-modified semi-automatic pistol, doing one-handed reloads including racking the slide one-handed, and hitting his target accurately quite comfortably within the par times.

If he can do it, you can do it.

I have known and worked with a lot of people who have temporarily lost the use of an arm. One handed gun manipulations are not difficult, but they must be taught. You will almost certainly not figure out how to do it safely on your own, or from written descriptions on the web.

Call up any reputable training school -- Rangemaster in TN, Firearms Academy of Seattle on the west coast, Massad Ayoob Group throughout the country, lots of others -- and explain your circumstances when you register for a course.

You'll do fine.

pax

Noreaster · August 26, 2012, 07:05 PM

Don't let anything hold you back. I'm sure you'll find a way to get things done. That being said it may not be safe or practical (other then a combat situation,) to rack the slide of a semi auto with one hand. But if that's what you decide on the go for it. With my job as LEO I have to practice one handed, strong and weak. My Glock is fine but I really shine one handed with a 1911 style. For whatever reason it works for me the best. If I couldn't use my weak hand I would probably stick with a revolver for ease of loading and unloading. But again I'm sure you will be able to work anything you put your mind to. Good luck and let us know how you make out.

JN01 · August 26, 2012, 07:20 PM

Get a set of suppressor sights. They will have a large enough/tall enough surface area to press against an object to rack the slide and would be much more practical than the slide racker accessories if you intend to holster the gun.

Here's an example of a set on a Glock: http://www.onesourcetactical.com/sup...x#.UDq8PNZlTYg

pax · August 26, 2012, 07:25 PM

Here is a professional firearms instructor explaining how to safely and effectively reload a pistol with one hand: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D6KKJTRRZ-8

pax

WESHOOT2 · August 27, 2012, 09:49 AM

My one-armed friend used to beat me regularly at USPSA matches with his SIG 228 (and mag pouches designed to let him slip the butt onto them).

FlySubCompact · August 27, 2012, 02:21 PM

Verk,

First, sorry to hear of what you are going through with the arm. You will be able to work through it though.

Second,

My wife was gun shopping a while back. She told me that the LGS clerk showed her how he is set up to manipulate his Glock 23 in the event that one of his arms became disabled (robbery or whatever). He had two little clips that belt mount on his left and right sides. He snags the rear sight on the clips to rack. He demonstrated with and empty G23 and some empty mags. He'd apparently practiced a lot with this system because my wife said he was very fast with either hand. unloading/reloading/racking.

Chesster · August 27, 2012, 02:24 PM

A tuned BHP. You can rack the slide on the edge of a table, doorframe, etc.. as there is no protruding guide rod from the lower front of the slide.

AeroEngineer · August 27, 2012, 04:21 PM

There's a gunsmith in my area that manufactures a "tactical racker" attachment for a glock. http://www.hatfieldsgunsmithing.com/Tactical_Racker.html. I don't have any personal experience on this device, but it might be worth consideration.

You should be commended for pursuing your interest in pistols in spite of a disability. Also, when you finally decide on a firearm that will suit your needs, I'd recommend taking your business to a gun store with professional staff.

navy vet · September 3, 2012, 06:31 PM

Verk,

I have an extensive background in prosthetics and shooting. Most of the replies you received did not have much information regarding prosthetics. If you will send me a personal message I will do my best to help you with your problem. Looking forward to communicating with you.

Navy Vet

Deja vu · September 5, 2012, 02:07 PM

ID go with a revolver. I have seen some 357s with an 8 shot capasity. The reason has nothing to do with loading it. It has much more to do with what you do if you have a jam and only 1 hand. In a semi you have to rack the slide, on a revolver you pull the trigger again.

If you really want to shoot an auto there are lots of good ideas all ready in this thread.

barnbwt · September 6, 2012, 09:30 PM

Maybe you just haven't tried the right kind of revolver; the top-break design was designed specifically to be reloadable with a single hand. Sadly, it is not popular today (Uberti makes some 44-40 and 44Russian SA topbreaks), but a good condition older S&W in 38 S&W would only set you back a couple hundred bucks. Not the most powerful player these days, but definitely the most ergonomic for someone in your position.

1.)Wedge barrel in armpit (will still work if you don't have an opposing shoulder)
2.)Slide hand up grip to release frame latch
3.)bend frame open, ejecting shells
4.)Insert new rounds (cylnders can be cut for moon clips, or speedloaders used)
5.)Close frame, bring back into play

True, a typical gun range would frown on this as it does point the gun at the ground behind you. Also you would have to practice to not sweep yourself or those to the sides of you while performing this manuever. But this method was practiced one-handed by Cossacks on horseback, so mastering it on your own feet should be no problem

Best of luck with your procedure and recovery, and most importantly, keep doing things!

TCB

mocanon · October 2, 2013, 01:59 PM

I wish I had seen this thread sooner. I am a right arm amputee, who lost my strong arm in 2001. I can shoot just about anything that isn't weight prohibitive. in the case of semi auto pistols, I use the front sight or lip of the frame against an edge to rack the slide. anything from a countertop to a belt or the sole of my shoe will work. as your hand becomes stronger (and working as your sole hand it will get stronger) you will find that you can hold the frame and rack the slide of most guns with one hand! you will have a dexterity advantage over most people with the use of both hands. i hope by now you've already found this all out on your own.

jimbob86 · October 2, 2013, 02:19 PM

Quote:

The pistol of choice would be a standard steel frame, steel slide, open iron sights. Don't use plastic sights. The idea is that you hold the slide against some object like a door edge, a tree, a leg or something to hold the slide.

A good gunbelt should be stiff enough to catch the rear sight on and rack the slide by pushing the grip down. Works well with a fixed sight 1911.

August 25, 2012, 04:58 PM	#30
Master Blaster 2 Junior member Join Date: May 29, 2011 Posts: 895	One hand shooting... Lignose Norinco M77B. takes a strong finger pull but works I have both..and also a BIG JoLoAr Spanish which was made for horse back. Last edited by Master Blaster 2; August 25, 2012 at 05:04 PM.

August 25, 2012, 06:39 PM	#31
larryh1108 Senior Member Join Date: July 26, 2008 Location: NC Posts: 813	If you didn't go to Mega Sports in Plainfield then you should. You may even see the S&W Model 8 there. It's one of those gun stores you walk into and say "wow". If that was the store you visited then I am surprised. They are more professional than that. Check them out. http://www.megasportsfirearms.com/index.php __________________ Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me. Last edited by larryh1108; August 26, 2012 at 08:04 AM.

August 26, 2012, 08:31 AM	#33
Master Blaster 2 Junior member Join Date: May 29, 2011 Posts: 895	Baretta M86 Cheetha .380ACP Pop up barrel could be used 1 handed... Last edited by Master Blaster 2; August 26, 2012 at 08:37 AM.

August 26, 2012, 10:17 AM	#34
DFrame Senior Member Join Date: March 7, 2008 Location: central Illinois Posts: 451	A friend of mine who has no left arm uses 38 special revolvers and always seems to have no trouble shooting with them. He prefers S&W revolvers as he says the thumb latch is easier for him to use. __________________ Mark Lane to William Buckley: "Have you ever referred to Jessee Jackson as an ignoramus?" Buckley: "If I didn't, I should have"

August 26, 2012, 12:52 PM	#36
Microgunner Senior Member Join Date: March 6, 2006 Location: Central Florida Posts: 3,324	I own a RIA 22TCM double stack 1911. According to the manufacturer it generates over 400 ft.lbs. of energy at over 2000 fps with it's 40 grn pill. It's capacity is 19+1 rounds and uses standard MecGar P18 .38 Super magazines. The trick is, the recoil is very low and the slide is ridiculously easy to manipulate. Easier to rack than most .22lrs due to the slide being solid steel and needing only a 8# recoil spring. Mine has shot flawlessly without a single hiccup and as a side benefit it comes with a 9mm barrel and recoil spring. __________________ *Proud NRA Benefactor Member*

August 25, 2012, 01:06 AM	#26
9mm Senior Member Join Date: January 9, 2011 Location: Land of the Free Posts: 2,834	I recommend like a vise gripper, specalliy made with rubber grip narrowing to close grip space, so you can rack the slide at home with easy to load/unload. Like a V vise grip, so its tight and you can rack the gun with safety.

August 25, 2012, 01:40 PM	#27
Husqvarna Senior Member Join Date: May 7, 2012 Location: Sweden Posts: 1,000	wow what an horrible salesman, poor character and poor salesman. take a look at this http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HmqQpR4L3Rc surely there has got to be a modern equivilant of that lever? I am thinking for motorcycle police? or this http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zJhuo...1&feature=plcp maybe a gunsmith could custommake it for you? the function I mean not the gun itself

August 25, 2012, 04:56 PM	#28
Master Blaster 2 Junior member Join Date: May 29, 2011 Posts: 895	opps

August 25, 2012, 04:57 PM	#29
Master Blaster 2 Junior member Join Date: May 29, 2011 Posts: 895	opps

August 26, 2012, 06:02 AM	#32
Verk Junior Member Join Date: August 23, 2012 Posts: 4	I'll have to check them out, Larry. I think I've actually been there once in the past to use their range, and they had a pretty impressive selection of pistols. I've heard their prices aren't the best, I'm honestly not sure if that's true or not, but you can't beat the number of choices.

August 26, 2012, 12:09 PM	#35
Hammerhead Senior Member Join Date: May 31, 2004 Location: Minnesota Posts: 2,432	For SA revolvers I'm thinking a thick, soft rubber mat with a rubber ridge running left to right placed on a shooting bench could help with rotating the cylinder and working the ejector rod while keeping the gun pointed in a safe direction. I bring up SA revo's because when I want to shoot one handed, nothing shoots as well for me. Deaf Smith has a pretty good argument for Glocks as well. I wish you the best with your situation.

August 26, 2012, 06:40 PM	#37
shafter Senior Member Join Date: December 23, 2009 Posts: 1,624	I was thinking that maybe a small leather loop that can be slid onto your belt may be useful for reloading a revolver. It's easy to swing open the cylinder and eject the empties with one hand. Then simple put the revolver barrel into the loop with the cylinder still open. Reload, and close the cylinder. Just a thought.

August 26, 2012, 06:49 PM	#38
pax Senior Member Join Date: May 16, 2000 Location: In a state of flux Posts: 7,520	Verk, Just a word of encouragement: https://www.usconcealedcarry.com/ccm...joshua-benson/ This shooter (who uses a wheelchair to get around) has almost no function in his right arm, and only limited function in his left. I met him (and wrote the linked article) and still consider him one of the most inspirational shooters I've ever known. If he can do it, you can do it. When I met him, he was taking an advanced self defense class -- and keeping up with the rest of the group just fine, thankyouverymuch. He was using a non-modified semi-automatic pistol, doing one-handed reloads including racking the slide one-handed, and hitting his target accurately quite comfortably within the par times. If he can do it, you can do it. I have known and worked with a lot of people who have temporarily lost the use of an arm. One handed gun manipulations are not difficult, but *they must be taught.* You will almost certainly not figure out how to do it safely on your own, or from written descriptions on the web. Call up any reputable training school -- Rangemaster in TN, Firearms Academy of Seattle on the west coast, Massad Ayoob Group throughout the country, lots of others -- and explain your circumstances when you register for a course. You'll do fine. pax __________________ Kathy Jackson My personal website: Cornered Cat

August 26, 2012, 07:05 PM	#39
Noreaster Senior Member Join Date: January 30, 2011 Location: New England Posts: 1,449	Don't let anything hold you back. I'm sure you'll find a way to get things done. That being said it may not be safe or practical (other then a combat situation,) to rack the slide of a semi auto with one hand. But if that's what you decide on the go for it. With my job as LEO I have to practice one handed, strong and weak. My Glock is fine but I really shine one handed with a 1911 style. For whatever reason it works for me the best. If I couldn't use my weak hand I would probably stick with a revolver for ease of loading and unloading. But again I'm sure you will be able to work anything you put your mind to. Good luck and let us know how you make out.

August 26, 2012, 07:20 PM	#40
JN01 Senior Member Join Date: May 16, 2005 Location: E Tennessee Posts: 828	Get a set of suppressor sights. They will have a large enough/tall enough surface area to press against an object to rack the slide and would be much more practical than the slide racker accessories if you intend to holster the gun. Here's an example of a set on a Glock: http://www.onesourcetactical.com/sup...x#.UDq8PNZlTYg

August 26, 2012, 07:25 PM	#41
pax Senior Member Join Date: May 16, 2000 Location: In a state of flux Posts: 7,520	Here is a professional firearms instructor explaining how to safely and effectively reload a pistol with one hand: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D6KKJTRRZ-8 pax __________________ Kathy Jackson My personal website: Cornered Cat

August 27, 2012, 09:49 AM	#42
WESHOOT2 Senior Member Join Date: February 20, 1999 Location: home on the range; Vermont (Caspian country) Posts: 14,324	My one-armed friend used to beat me regularly at USPSA matches with his SIG 228 (and mag pouches designed to let him slip the butt onto them). __________________ . "all my ammo is mostly retired factory ammo"

August 27, 2012, 02:21 PM	#43
FlySubCompact Senior Member Join Date: February 16, 2012 Posts: 306	Verk, First, sorry to hear of what you are going through with the arm. You will be able to work through it though. Second, My wife was gun shopping a while back. She told me that the LGS clerk showed her how he is set up to manipulate his Glock 23 in the event that one of his arms became disabled (robbery or whatever). He had two little clips that belt mount on his left and right sides. He snags the rear sight on the clips to rack. He demonstrated with and empty G23 and some empty mags. He'd apparently practiced a lot with this system because my wife said he was very fast with either hand. unloading/reloading/racking.

August 27, 2012, 02:24 PM	#44
Chesster Senior Member Join Date: September 6, 2007 Location: Dixie Posts: 2,538	A tuned BHP. You can rack the slide on the edge of a table, doorframe, etc.. as there is no protruding guide rod from the lower front of the slide. __________________ Chesster Proud NDN "The American Idle" Vote 'Pro-Choice' on 2nd Amendment issues!!!

August 27, 2012, 04:21 PM	#45
AeroEngineer Member Join Date: November 9, 2011 Location: Northern Virginia Posts: 24	There's a gunsmith in my area that manufactures a "tactical racker" attachment for a glock. http://www.hatfieldsgunsmithing.com/Tactical_Racker.html. I don't have any personal experience on this device, but it might be worth consideration. You should be commended for pursuing your interest in pistols in spite of a disability. Also, when you finally decide on a firearm that will suit your needs, I'd recommend taking your business to a gun store with professional staff.

September 3, 2012, 06:31 PM	#46
navy vet Junior Member Join Date: August 31, 2012 Posts: 1	One-handed shooter Verk, I have an extensive background in prosthetics and shooting. Most of the replies you received did not have much information regarding prosthetics. If you will send me a personal message I will do my best to help you with your problem. Looking forward to communicating with you. Navy Vet

September 5, 2012, 02:07 PM	#47
Deja vu Senior Member Join Date: March 14, 2010 Location: Border of Idaho & Montana Posts: 2,584	ID go with a revolver. I have seen some 357s with an 8 shot capasity. The reason has nothing to do with loading it. It has much more to do with what you do if you have a jam and only 1 hand. In a semi you have to rack the slide, on a revolver you pull the trigger again. If you really want to shoot an auto there are lots of good ideas all ready in this thread. __________________ Shot placement is everything! I would rather take a round of 50BMG to the foot than a 22short to the base of the skull. all 26 of my guns are 45/70 govt, 357 mag, 22 or 12 ga... I believe in keeping it simple. Wish my wife did as well... Last edited by Deja vu; September 5, 2012 at 02:13 PM.

September 6, 2012, 09:30 PM	#48
barnbwt Senior Member Join Date: May 17, 2012 Posts: 1,085	Maybe you just haven't tried the right kind of revolver; the top-break design was designed specifically to be reloadable with a single hand. Sadly, it is not popular today (Uberti makes some 44-40 and 44Russian SA topbreaks), but a good condition older S&W in 38 S&W would only set you back a couple hundred bucks. Not the most powerful player these days, but definitely the most ergonomic for someone in your position. 1.)Wedge barrel in armpit (will still work if you don't have an opposing shoulder) 2.)Slide hand up grip to release frame latch 3.)bend frame open, ejecting shells 4.)Insert new rounds (cylnders can be cut for moon clips, or speedloaders used) 5.)Close frame, bring back into play True, a typical gun range would frown on this as it does point the gun at the ground behind you. Also you would have to practice to not sweep yourself or those to the sides of you while performing this manuever. But this method was practiced one-handed by Cossacks on horseback, so mastering it on your own feet should be no problem Best of luck with your procedure and recovery, and most importantly, keep doing things! TCB __________________ "I don't believe that the men of the distant past were any wiser than we are today. But it does seem that their science and technology were able to accomplish much grander things." -- Alex Rosewater

October 2, 2013, 01:59 PM	#49
mocanon Junior Member Join Date: October 1, 2013 Posts: 1	im a one armed shooter I wish I had seen this thread sooner. I am a right arm amputee, who lost my strong arm in 2001. I can shoot just about anything that isn't weight prohibitive. in the case of semi auto pistols, I use the front sight or lip of the frame against an edge to rack the slide. anything from a countertop to a belt or the sole of my shoe will work. as your hand becomes stronger (and working as your sole hand it will get stronger) you will find that you can hold the frame and rack the slide of most guns with one hand! you will have a dexterity advantage over most people with the use of both hands. i hope by now you've already found this all out on your own.