Is this normal?

[Balog]

I've been handling a lot of different types of handguns recently, and I've discovered a rather disturbing fact.

From a normal shooting grip my thumb can't reach the mag/cylinder release. I have to either use my off hand or shift the gun in my grasp. Neither seems ideal for a fast reload, and I was wondering if this was the way it was supposed to be? :confused: I had always thought one was supposed to be able to operate all the controls with one hand, thus leaving the other free to retrieve ammunition and begin the reloading cycle.

Are you supposed to have to use your off hand? Am I holding them wrong? Are my fingers just too stubby? Anyone else have this problem?

[arinvolvo]

the mag release in this placement also keeps you from inadvertently dropping the mag while firing...so, you gotta take the good with the bad...practice a lot, and make the motion to drop the mag second nature.

I am a lefty, and i prefer right hand guns...i can work all controls with my index finger very quickly and effortlessly...in fact, im not sure i have ever used my thumb to drop a mag..ever. wierd.

[mete]

Hands come in all different shapes and sizes as do guns. If it's too difficult get a different gun. If this is a carry gun do NOT use an extended mag release since the holster may drop the mag.

[Devonai]

The only pistol that I've ever used that I could operate the mag release without changing my firing grip was the H&K USP. In that case I used my dominant index finger, just like arinvolvo. I have considered having the mag release reversed on my other carry pistols, but since I've never had a problem getting back on target after a mag change, why bother?

[caz223]

I tend to gravitate to guns that I can actually release the slide without changing my grip.
For instance, my H&K USP compact .45, my SIG 228, and my H&K squeeze cocker.
That's actually one of the first things I check for.

[Balog]

Hmmm, so some of you can reach the mag/cylinder release with your thumb? I was kinda hoping it was designed to be done with the offhand, since that would mean I don't just have abnormally stubby fingers. :D

mete: I can't reach the controls on any gun I've tried. Revolver, auto, doesn't matter. I am just wondering if this is true of a lot of people.

[Gordon Fink]

Most handguns (semi-autos, at least) seem to be designed for people with big hands.

~G. Fink

[gbelleh]

I'm not a real big guy, and I don't have huge hands, but I can reach all the controls on some of my guns: PM9, HK USP, Taurus 85, KT P-11, P-32 to name a few. Others require a minor shift of grip to drop the mag. It's never really bothered me though.

[Ankeny]

I have seen M and GM shooters shift their grip to hit the mag release on 2011 pistols and they still have no problem with those elusive one second reloads.

[Majic]

Except for those intended on particpating in the action games I think people put to much emphasis on reloads anyway. If a mag release button is easily reached then it has the possibility to be accidently hit during the draw or firing.

[fjolnirsson]

Yep, that's it. Stubby fingers. I have the same problem. Big hands with stubby fingers. Which means I have to shift a little for mag release. It's never caused me any trouble, though. Just one more thing to practice, that's all.

[c_yeager]

From a normal shooting grip my thumb can't reach the mag/cylinder release. I have to either use my off hand or shift the gun in my grasp.

Me neither. I can't hit the 'browning style' mag release on any full-size auto ive tried. In fact i have found that i can change mags and get on target FASTER with the 'European Style" release on the heel of my makarov. I don't have to change my firing grip and i grab the next mag BEFORE i pull the release. I dont seemt o be losing any time at all. Especially since im ready to fire as soon as the mag is in and dont have to readjust my grip at all.

Don't have that problem at all with revolvers.

[YammyMonkey]

And some of you laugh at us lefty shooters. I've found that the autos (1911's, Ruger's 9mm and .22, Buckmarks and Glocks) I've shot are much easier to handle lefty than right handed. Once you get used to shifting your grip, or work out a system to use the support hand to the point that it's second nature it won't much matter. Practice, practice, practice...

[Treylis]

I always hit the mag release on my 1911 with my middle finger when I'm shooting right-handed. Easy as pie.

I have big hands and long fingers, though.