Ambidextrous Full sized .45 ACP

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peter_mn

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I’m looking for a full sized .45 and I’m left handed. I’d like to know what you think.

Main requirements:
- Ambidextrous Safety/Slide Release
- Ambidextrous/reversible magazine release
- High capacity magazines (10 or more)
- No magazine disconnect/safety
- No “key required” safety

Here are the models that I’ve identified so far:

FN FNP 45
HK45
M&P45

I’ve used and owed other auto’s with ambidextrous safeties and revisable magazine catches, but with the option now available in many of the full frame .45’s that are being offered I want to get one with a ambidextrous slide release too.

I’m interested in anyone's experiences and opinions.
Thanks,
 
The FNP-45 is a mere illusion. There appear to be serious problems with it and the manufacturer continues to delay the release date. Oddly enough, they continue to advertise the weapon.

Past that, get yourself a inexpensive 1911 with an ambidextrous safety, continue to use your left index-finger to release the slide and the mags just like we left-handers always have, and enjoy! 10-rd mags are available.

I have a High Standard and it's not my style to put a bunch of bolt-ons and bling on a weapon, but I felt the the ambidextrous safety was a necessity for a southpaw.
 
I have a Springfield light weight 1911 with ambi safety. I have been told to stay away from ambi slide releases as sometimes the will malfunction and lock the slide back while you still have rounds in the magazine. Something you wouldn't want to happen in the middle of having to use your weapon. :eek:
 
I'm a lefty.

I would take a look @ the Para-ordnance hi caps. They're really good value for the money.

On a 1911 pattern pistol, an ambisafety is a must, the rest is optional, IMO.

Frankly, I'd not worry so much about the slide release. A properly performed "wrap over" slide release maneuver is every bit as fast and a lot more reliable than manipulating the slide release.

This is ever more true under stress; the fine motor coordination needed for the slide release goes kaput, but the gross motor coordination for the wrap over remains.

I have pistols with mag releases setup for right handed use, and others for left handed use. It really doesn't make much difference to me.

I'd also not write off the sigs. They're rock solid, even though limited to 8+1.

Remember also that hicap .45s, when fully loaded, weigh a TON. 15 rounds of 9mm weigh next to nothin', but 15 rounds of .45acp alone weighs as much as some compact handguns.
 
I'm in the same boat - a lefty searching for a .45acp with an ambidextrous safety. I'm particularly interested in the S&W M&P 45 and you can read about this pistol (and other M&Ps) at: http://mp-pistol.com/boards/index.php

I'd suggest taking a look if you're interested in the M&P 45. The ambidextrous safety is an option you can choose and reports on the weapon have been largely positive. It's capacity is 10+1, as you know.

Good luck.

Kent
 
I'd suggest taking a look if you're interested in the M&P 45. The ambidextrous safety is an option you can choose and reports on the weapon have been largely positive. It's capacity is 10+1, as you know.
Click to expand...

With 14-round mags supposedly on the way.

I went the route of the M&P45. I chose it over the Sig P220 and the HK45.

Money was a factor. But I'm also invested in the M&P series at this point. I already owned three others and the pistols fit me so well, I just decided to go with the 45 as well.

I'm a lefty. But the only time I use the lefty control is to lock the slide back. I've kept the mag release in the "righty" configuration, as that is what I've done for years and it feels more natural to me now. I use the "slingshot" method of releasing the slide.

Good luck to ya.
 
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IMO, lefties actually have an advantage on 1911s. The slide stop and mag release are perfectly positioned such that I can actuate them without changing my grip at all, using my trigger finger. My right-handed friends have to turn the gun in their hand to reach either button. All you really need is a 1911 with an ambi safety.

I owned a P2000 (predecessor to HK 30/45) and even though it was "ambidextrous" it was actually LESS easy than a lefty 1911. The slide release was a stretch and the mag release was awkward.
 
Since I don't think any model exists that meets all your requirements, I think your best choice is the M&P with the safety. Also consider a Sig. The decocker is not really a problem for lefties. Also look into a 3rd generation S&W.
 
The 1911 is absolutely the standard that any new .45 should be compared to, and I appreciate everyone who posted recommending it. Unfortunately I haven’t found a 1911 pattern gun that had the higher capacity magazine that I’m looking for this time around. I’ve tried some of the Para Ordinance and they were really well made, but not the correct fit for my hand. It was the same story when I tried the Glock 21. It’s what started my desire not to comprise this time around.

I use the slingshot method for auto’s, and agree that it is the preferred method; still I would like the option to do it one-handed. Having the slide release is good for problems like having one hand full at an inopportune moment, and other unforeseen problems like clearing jams/misfires/malfunctions.

Because of all this, I think that the latest round of polymer, high capacity .45’s have something to offer.

Right now I’m leaning toward the M&P .45; at the price difference between the HK and M&P I can afford to get it wrong and try again. I just need find a dealer in the area who has one.

I would like to thank everyone for their help with this.
 
- Ambidextrous Safety/Slide Release
- Ambidextrous/reversible magazine release
- High capacity magazines (10 or more)
- No magazine disconnect/safety
- No “key required” safety
Click to expand...

With the exception of the slide release, the Springfield XD45 meets your requirements.
 
Why are you putting so much emphasis on having an ambidextrous pistol if you’re left handed? Wouldn’t it be better just to find a left handed pistol, or do you really need two sets of controls?
 
USP maybe?

Typically USP's comin "configuration 1" which is for a right handed shooter. You can opt for the LEM conversion ; no mechanical safety, still has a long DA pull, and works like a DAO, but w/ a much lighter pull and an incredibly short reset point. The slide lever (whether you consider it a lock, release or both) is the only control that wouldn't meet your specs, but, it's big, and hard to miss using the left trigger finger. The mag release is ambidextrous, much like the Walther P99; a pair of paddle controls that rest along the trigger guard.

I've shot the M&P 45, and frankly, I like it. It has an excellent fit, points really well, and just feels really good. Honestly, there's not much to dislike. Reset point is a little vague, but I don't find it that much of a bother.

In fact, the only bother I find with the M&P is convincing my neighbor to come shooting more often so I can shoot the M&P 45... :D
 
I use the slingshot method for auto’s, and agree that it is the preferred method;
Click to expand...

The wrap over is distinct from the slingshot method.

It's hard to describe in text.

After slamming the fresh mag home with the heel of your palm, your rotate your palm outward slightly, and then curl your fingers over the top of the slide, grasping it firmly. You then pull backwards, the motion being as if to stab yourself in the shoulder with the slide. At the appropriate point, you release the slide with your hand, allowing it to slam forward, while continuing the motion towards your shoulder.

still I would like the option to do it one-handed.
Click to expand...

That's what your rear sight and belt are for. ;)
 
1911 with ambi saftey is the ticket. Old southpaw here and I find this guns the cat's meow. The daly is a good option with good features
 
XD-45. Ambi-slide release is useless. You should be slingshotting anyway! The XD's safeties are inherently ambi.
 
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