Top 5 Best Pistols for Lefties
If you are left handed and looking for a new pistol, you may wonder if any specific gun models work better for left handed shooters than others.
Many guns have external levers or buttons like safeties, magazine releases, and slide releases. These features may be fixed to one side of the gun, but sometimes they are ambidextrous, which makes it easier for left hand use. We’ve compiled a list of our picks for the best pistols for lefties.
So, if you are left handed and looking for a handgun, keep reading.
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What Makes a Gun Left Handed?
If you haven’t heard of a left handed gun before, you may be wondering what makes a pistol left handed. Well, a few features – like a manual thumb safety – should be easily accessible on the left side of your handgun as opposed to their standard location on the right side.
There are two categories of left handed guns. The first is those explicitly made for left handed shooters. This is typically more common with rifles, but you can find 1911s that are reflections of this traditional model.
The second category, which is more common, is left hand “friendly” weapons. More specifically, firearms with reversible safeties and magazine releases, among other features. While these guns might come from the store ready for a right-handed shooter, they can easily have a few parts swapped to be made easier for lefties to use.
But what about left handed holsters? While not all holster manufacturers offer left handed holsters, here at Vedder Holsters, all our products can be customized for left hand use. Check out our Holsters by Gun Model page for custom Kydex holsters for your weapon of choice.
Now, without further ado, let’s go over our top five picks for left handed guns.
Beretta APX Centurion
Designed with ease of use in mind, the Beretta APX semi-automatic pistol is one of the newer guns on the market. But don’t let that fool you because it still has the same reliability and durability Beretta owners have come to know and love. Centurion refers to the size of the APX model, which is perfect as a mid-size duty or concealed carry gun.
This striker-fired pistol is chambered in 9mm Luger or .40 S&W and is built with a technopolymer frame. This newly popular firearm features a Picatinny rail, ergonomic grip, and modular backstrap. The Beretta APX Centurion comes standard with a 15- or 13-round magazine, depending on caliber, and is also available in a 10-round state-compliant model.
The low-profile, snag-free design and reversible magazine release and slide stop make it an excellent option for right- or left handed concealed carry. Many left handed shooters find this weapon the ideal concealed carry pistol for lefties. In addition to its ambidextrous design, the slide serrations run the length of the slide on both sides of the gun.
For more information on the Beretta APX Centurion, visit Beretta’s website here. Or, if you are looking for holsters because you already own this popular left hand gun, check out our holster options for the Beretta APX Centurion.
H&K VP9
While the HK VP9 might be newer to the handgun market, don’t let that fool you. It has become well-known for its state-of-the-art trigger and ergonomics since its release in 2014.
This striker-fired pistol is chambered in 9mm Luger and is built with a polymer frame. This newly popular firearm features an extended Picatinny rail and ergonomic grip. The HK VP9 comes standard with a 17- or 15-round magazine, depending on the version, and is also available in a 10-round state-compliant model.
The unique HK “light pull” trigger is short and light, and that, combined with its adaptable grip frame, has made the popularity of this firearm soar. But what makes it a great pistol for lefties?
First, the backstrap and grip are highly customizable with 16 different configurations for a custom fit. Next and most importantly, the H&K VP9 was specifically designed with lefties in mind.
The most notable ambidextrous feature is the magazine catch and sliding button. On this firearm, the magazine catch is a paddle that you can press with your thumb or index finger of either hand located behind the trigger. Additionally, a second slide stop on the right side of the gun can be easily pressed with your left thumb.
For more information on the H&K VP9, visit H&K’s website here. Or, if you are looking for holsters because you already own this popular pistol, check out our holster options for the H&K VP9.
Glock 19
Compact and versatile, the Glock 19 is known for its everyday use as a service pistol. The qualities that make it an ideal backup weapon for law enforcement also make it an excellent option for concealed carry. For this article, we are focusing on the Gen 5 Glock 19, which is left hand friendly.
Like most Glock guns, this Safe ActionⓇ pistol is built with a high-strength nylon-based polymer. The 19 is chambered in 9mm Luger and comes standard with a 15-round magazine but is also available with an extended 33-round magazine.
The G19 earned popularity as a concealed carry firearm and backup gun due to its small size, accuracy, and impressive capacity options.
So, what makes Glock 19s great left handed pistols?
The Gen 5 model of the Glock 19 was updated so that the magazine release is reversible, allowing it to sit on the left or right side of the weapon. Glock also added a slide release to the right side of the gun’s frame for easy access by left handed people, and it features an ambidextrous slide release.
For more information on the Glock 19 Gen 5, visit Glock’s website here. Or, if you are looking for holsters because you already own this popular pistol, check out our holster options for the Glock 19.
CZ P07
First released in 2009, the CZ P07 was the first to use the Omega trigger system, which allows the firearm to be completely disassembled and reassembled without specific tools or gunsmithing experience.
The Omega trigger system also allows for a convertible decocker/safety system so you can carry it cocked and locked or decocked for a double-action initial trigger pull. This double/single-action pistol is chambered in 9mm Luger and comes standard with a 15-round magazine. It is also available in a state-compliant 10-round model.
The P07 features forward serrations, metal sights, and interchangeable backstraps. In addition, a newer fiber-reinforced polymer makes these popular firearms even more comfortable and adaptable for everyday carry.
These features, along with plenty more, have made the P07 a popular concealed carry choice for both beginners and experienced shooters.
While this popular pistol is not fully left hand friendly, it is used by many left handed shooters. The slide release is still located on the right side of the gun, but many lefties have become accustomed to operating certain features non-traditionally, like using the slide release with your left index finger.
The safety levers can easily be swapped to whichever you prefer, either the decocker or safety, which allows the gun to be carried cocked and locked.
For more information on the CZ P07, visit CZ’s website here. Or, if you are looking for holsters because you already own this popular pistol, check out our holster options for the CZ P07.
Beretta Px4 Storm Compact
Built with versatility in mind, the Beretta Px4 Storm is in between the full-size and subcompact models of this popular handgun. Overall, it’s an excellent option for concealed carry, home defense, and recreational shooting.
The double/single-action pistol is chambered in 9mm Luger or .40 S&W and comes standard with a 12- or 10-round magazine. It features a full-size grip and rotary barrel system with a recoil that dissipates quickly. So what makes the Beretta PX4 Storm a left handed gun?
With a similar disassembly as a Glock, it’s easy for lefties to operate. The slide-mounted decocker and interchangeable magazine release can be easily used with either hand. For lefties, the slide release on the other hand would need to be operated with your index finger versus the thumb.
Additional features include an accessory rail and a lightweight, snag-free design. The sights are adjustable for windage and elevation, and, of course, this gun has the reliability Beretta is known for.
For more information on the Beretta Px4 Storm Compact, visit Beretta’s website here. Or, if you are looking for holsters because you already own this popular pistol, check out our holster options for the Beretta Px4 Storm Compact 9mm.
Which is Right for Me?
As a left handed shooter, you might find it hard to choose a gun that works best for you. Use the information you’ve learned by reading about our picks for the best pistols for lefties to consider what you need out of a concealed carry pistol.
Now that you better understand these firearms' differences, strengths, and weaknesses, you can make the right choice for yourself.
If you’re looking for belts or holsters to pair with your left handed gun, we recommend visiting our Holsters by Gun Model page. Looking for items beyond holsters and belts? Check out our Resources Page for popular product links like lights, lasers, first aid, maintenance, and more.