[rinpoche]

I'm really interested in getting a Glock. I've fired a 17 before and I really liked it.

I have an interesting personal situation and I'm looking for some advice. I have a birth defect and my left hand has only 2 fingers. I don't have much grip strength there. I'm looking for a handgun that will allow me to easily work the slide.

Any insight on which model (if any) has the easiest action?

Thanks

 

[Steelharp]

Wow. Sounds like, regardless of pistol make, you'll mostly be using a table edge to rack, as some instructors teach when you're wounded and incapable of using your other hand. But, I applaud your drive and desire! More power to you, and the best of luck!

 

[havasu]

Just the other day on that gunsmith show on the discovery channel (you all know what I am referring to!), a person with a hand disability brought in a Glock and they mounted two tabs at the back of the slide, allowing racking to be easily done. As they say, anything is possible. Good luck to you and let us know how you solved your particular situation!

 

[rivalarrival]

I learned about cocking handles from another post on here about tricked out race guns.

Here's one example:

http://www.amazon.com/The-Mako-Group-FCH-Charging/dp/B00266ADOE


This replaces the slide cover plate, gives you a nice handle to work with. I believe they are reversible, so you could run it on the right side and rack it like normal, or on the left and rack it by hooking it with your finger or with an open palm.

 

[havasu]

This is exactly what was done in the TV program except they had a tab on both sides. To the OP...would this work for you?

 

[rinpoche]

Cool - I've never seen something like that, but it might work well for me.

 

[jonm61]

This is exactly what was done in the TV program except they had a tab on both sides. To the OP...would this work for you?

I saw that episode and, I think, they took one of those and modified it to have the tabs on both sides. There might be one that has both, I think I've seen one, but I'm not positive.

The other thing that might be helpful is going with a reduced power recoil spring, if the charging handle alone isn't enough.

ETA: After a quick Google search, I found this: http://www.brownells.com/.aspx/pid=42165/Product/GLOCK-SLIDE-RACKER. It's about 1/2 the price of the Mako charging handle, and it looks to be a little longer. With the flat edge, I'd also think you'd be able to get a more positive grip than on the rounded one.

 

[jfirecops]

Gen 3 for the most part should have a lighter spring than the Gen 4 of the same gun. The 9mm and the 40 will have the same spring. With a little practice, you can rack it on your belt or shoe. I have done both with both guns. It is easiest for me to kneel and use the back of my shoe and catch it in the ejection port.
You have an advantage over most of us, you are use to living and compensating for your hand. A few dummy rounds and you will be better than any of us at any of these techniques so you can shoot any Glock you really want to.
The charging handle should help give you something to grasp. The Mako pictured above has a handle that screws into the base, this should be able to be adapted to both side easily or you may be able to use just the one.

Good Luck and Safe shooting

 

[jonm61]

The Mako only allows one side or the other, as the Brownell's one does. That's why I'm pretty sure the modified one they did on the show was to take 2 of the Makos and weld the handles together to make it double sided.

 

[Birddogyz]

The 17 would be a great choice with the Mako Charge Handle. Stay with the full size to reduce recoil. both the 17 and 22 can be shot easily one handed. drop down to the compact or subs and recoil might be an issue. Go find a local range that rents guns and shoot several models and brands till you find what feels right in your hands.

 

[ODG34]

As long as you get one with straight slide serations, I think this would be your best bet. It would allow you to reliably rack the slide without interfearing with carry.
brassstacker.com/glock/slide-pull

 

[40caljim]

I learned about cocking handles from another post on here about tricked out race guns.

Here's one example:

http://www.amazon.com/The-Mako-Group-FCH-Charging/dp/B00266ADOE


This replaces the slide cover plate, gives you a nice handle to work with. I believe they are reversible, so you could run it on the right side and rack it like normal, or on the left and rack it by hooking it with your finger or with an open palm.

Yeah that was my post. I got it from amazon.com but it was an ATI Tactical which is a less expensive version of the same thing.

 

[40caljim]

I'm really interested in getting a Glock. I've fired a 17 before and I really liked it.

I have an interesting personal situation and I'm looking for some advice. I have a birth defect and my left hand has only 2 fingers. I don't have much grip strength there. I'm looking for a handgun that will allow me to easily work the slide.

Any insight on which model (if any) has the easiest action?

Thanks

Heres the charging handle I used on my Glock
The handle is an ATI Tactical cocking handle. I got it off of Amazon.com



ATI Tactical Reloading - Cocking - Charging Handle For Glock Pistols 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28</B>" target="_blank">ATI Tactical Reloading - Cocking - Charging Handle For Glock Pistols 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28
ATI Tactical Reloading - Cocking - Charging Handle For Glock Pistols 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28</B>">
by ATI
Just go to Amazon and search glock parts or "ATI Tactical" and you will find them. They are $29.95.
There is ALOT of cool Glock stuff on Amazon.

 

[rivalarrival]

As long as you get one with straight slide serations, I think this would be your best bet. It would allow you to reliably rack the slide without interfearing with carry.
brassstacker.com/glock/slide-pull/

For carry, I think the Brass Stacker model is better than the side handles.

I know I'd hate to carry the regular handles sticking out like that.

The regular handles seem like they'd be better for the range or duty use.

 

[jfirecops]

For carry, I think the Brass Stacker model is better than the side handles.

I know I'd hate to carry the regular handles sticking out like that.

The regular handles seem like they'd be better for the range or duty use.

First time I have seen this type, but I think it is a good option. It may be a little awkward at first, but once you get the hang of it you should be able to rack it with ease.

 

[rinpoche]

Thanks

First, let me say thanks for all your help - you folks rock.

I was just checking out the brass-stacker model - I think this looks like a better option for carry. It's reasonably inexpensive too. I will give it a try and report back how it works for me.

 

[jfirecops]

First, let me say thanks for all your help - you folks rock.

I was just checking out the brass-stacker model - I think this looks like a better option for carry. It's reasonably inexpensive too. I will give it a try and report back how it works for me.

Please do, like I said, never seen this one but I am interested in how it works.

 

[jonm61]

I've seen it, but it's been so long ago I'd forgotten about it. It looks like a good option...the side ones were bugging me a bit when I tried to picture carrying with them.

If I ever had to use one of these I would have to completely retrain myself on a new retention holster because I wouldn't be able to use a thumb break anymore. In that situation, I'd probably go to a Bianchi Carrylok or the new DeSantis Chek Mate. I think Uncle Mike's came out with one too.

 

[hummveecop]

cocking lever

do an online search and you'll find several designs. One is the one on "Sons of Guns" which is normally reversible left or right. On the show they ordered 2 and incorporated them into one lever with tabs on both sides of the slide. The one I like attaches to the rear of the slide and provides a ring for a finger to be inserted for cocking (Brass Stacker per above posts). Plan to get one of these as I am disabled with little hand strength.

 

[rivalarrival]

I've seen it, but it's been so long ago I'd forgotten about it. It looks like a good option...the side ones were bugging me a bit when I tried to picture carrying with them.

If I ever had to use one of these I would have to completely retrain myself on a new retention holster because I wouldn't be able to use a thumb break anymore. In that situation, I'd probably go to a Bianchi Carrylok or the new DeSantis Chek Mate. I think Uncle Mike's came out with one too.

Yeah, I was thinking with the regular handle to the right, it would fit fine in a Serpa holster or similar, but forget concealment - it would poke straight through your shirt.

I think a couple little nubs extending maybe 1/4" on each side would be enough to give a little extra purchase on the slide, and depending on how it was done, might not interfere with a thumb break.