Should something happen to your dominant hand, would you be able to safely and proficiently operate your firearm using your non-dominant hand? How much training have you done using your other hand? Do you have any tips or links that you may want to share? Right now, I am able to shoot pretty accurately with a pistol using my non-dominant hand, but that’s when I’m already holding the gun in my hand and ready to shoot. Reloading and drawing using my non-dominant hand is still a work in progress! I’ve also tried it with a rifle and my shooting was horrible! It’s scary to think that all the muscle memory training on point and shoot and fast draws and reloads could mean nothing if my dominant hand became disabled whenever I needed it. Any thoughts?
Hey Chris! Welcome to the community.
Like you, I have no problem with a handgun in my off-hand other than at Draw. Needs work.
I’ve heard some say that opposite hand messes with their sight alignment but my dominant (right) eye manages to deal with it okay.
Rifle is a different story. Without a red dot, I just can’t do it (accurately).
Welcome @chrisnepo43! Here are a few threads that might help:
I’m sure you’ll get some additional suggestions here as well!
Thanks a lot for the reference! These threads are exactly what I was searching for!
Welcome to the family brother and God bless you.
Every time I go to the range I practice at least 10 to 15 rounds with my non-dominant hand. Remember when there’s no pressure you have a chance to get a proper grip and sight alignment. The more you practice the better you get. The technique doesn’t change, your just shooting with your opposite hand.
I do the same at the range, more with my handguns though since that’s what I would most likely have on me should an unfortunate event occur. And yes you’re right! The more we practice, the better we get. I try to train myself with worst-case scenario in mind. However, I don’t wish I’d see a time that I’d actually have to shoot someone (I’m sure nobody does), but I won’t hesitate to use force to defend my family if needed. God bless you as well!
Welcome to the team @chrisnepo43!
@Johnnyq60 I’ll typically shot one or two rounds. I like your suggestion to dedicate 10-15 per trip to the range.
When I compete, I do half my handgun shots with one hand, the other half with the other hand. My left is now about 90% as quick as my right.
Every time I go to the range.
Not necessarily because I’m training, just because I think it’s fun.
Something I’ve witnessed many times is that shooters often do very well with their non-dominant “weak” hand. I can’t prove why this is, but I think it’s because it forces us to focus on the fundamentals.
Being able to operate and fire your firearm from your non-dominant hand is a must. I have run through several qualification courses with both dominant and non-dominant. I would also humbly offer for consideration operating the firearm with one hand only, both dominant and non dominant hand. Clearing a malfunction or conducting a magazine exchange offer some great drills when doing them one-handed.
For those that get Shooting Illustrated magazine, good article on this subject in the Jan 2021 issue, page 28.
As with handguns, use dryfire practice to get used to non-standard shooting positions. A marine told me “If your shooting stance is perfect and your grip is by the book, you are not using cover and movement properly. You are also in trouble.” I recently bought an airsoft pistol and it is great for relatively safe practice, but eye protection is absolutely necessary.