Cycling a semi handgun & hand strength

[garandman]

I know this is more of a rifle's forum but Wanted to get your experience and viewpoints and especially if you've done a lot of training of new shooters...

I often hear the claim that it is difficult for new shooters to cycle a semi handgun, but I wonder if that isn't either due to excessively strong mainsprings or poor technique more than it is actual hand strength.

I wonder if Semi handguns are just intimidating for new shooters shooters or if teaching proper techniques to cycling a semi handgun would not make the hand strength issue a non issue.

I teach new shooters the opposing Hand method where the grip hand pushes one direction and the support hand pushes the other direction. This eliminates the need for hand strength as basically just the open Palm pressure on the top of the slide is enough to cycle the gun.

But even if somebody uses the pinch method on the slide with the support hand I don't really think that much hand strength is needed if you grab the slide up near the muzzle... Even with the tip of the thumb and the forefinger slightly beyond the front of the end of the slide

What are your thoughts? How do you train New shooters ?

 

[Kermit in Va.]

Can be both...

 

[mac86951]

Especially on low round count lower cost handguns. Cycling can get easier after a few hundred rounds as the parts wear in together.

 

[Brians356]

Consider one of the several good "easy-cycle" pistols on the market, from S&W, Springfield, Walther etc. with more coming.
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[Rat Rifle]

With lots of Ladies, it has to be easy, or it’s not going to happen.

 

[INTJ]

I got my wife a Glock 44 for practice and then Glock 19 for real. With the anti-skid strips on it she can cycle it using the opposite hand. My youngest daughter can cycle then all with the pinch.

 

[Coyotefurharvester]

You mean not all cycle with one finger, like Steven Seagal's 1911.

 

[DiffEQ]

Opinion: Not hand strength. If one can hold out a gallon of milk, steadily, for 10 seconds, they have what it takes.
What matters more is grip and sight technique.
Strength lends to more endurance, meaning > 20 shots.

 

[Brians356]

You mean not all cycle with one finger, like Steven Seagal's 1911.

Not 100% of 'em, no.
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[Monte F]

You mean not all cycle with one finger, like Steven Seagal's 1911.

I know the .45acp and 10mm auto I have do not.
I always use the pinch method to keep the muzzle pointed down range. I have heard of people shooting themself in the forearm using the opposing palm method and it was very ugly. (this reported to me by my ccw instructor who qualified the local police)

 

[DGP4]

Opinion: Not hand strength. If one can hold out a gallon of milk, steadily, for 10 seconds, they have what it takes.
What matters more is grip and sight technique.
Strength lends to more endurance, meaning > 20 shots.

Absolutely correct! One easy solution is those grippy little mats for opening food jars. Most people have the strength but can't get a good grip on the slide. The opposing hand method does work for some though

 

[INTJ]

Account Suspended

 

[Brians356]

I stuck a red dot on and it makes it a lot easier to grab.

One can press the front of the sight against a fixed object to cycle the slide in a pinch. A feature in a defensive piece, like ambidextrous controls.
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[drover]

There are many older folks with weakened hand strength and even the opposing hand method can be a challenge for older or weaker people. The best solution to this rather than work-around methods is a double action revolver. Yes, a revolver may not hold as many rounds but even 5 or 6 rounds is a lot better than having a semi-auto that cannot be operated by them.

drover

 

[edwardware]

I teach new shooters, and it's usually technique, but. . .

I've taken on two older arthritic shooters in the last two years, and I found the S&W EZ series to be just exactly perfect. My 70yo lady shooter (who could not run a double action revolver for two cylinders full) enjoys her .380EZ quite a bit.

 

[PigButtons]

Two weeks ago we purchased a S&W 380EZ for the wife. She's not small but grip strength challenged because of Arthuritus. Loading, racking, filling the magazine, all easy now and that makes for confidence. Plus being a lock breach 380 makes for a smooth shot cycle as well. Great purchase highly recommend.

 

[PigButtons]

With lots of Ladies, it has to be easy, or it’s not going to happen.

Yep, if it hurts or could break a nail, they'll avoid practicing and defensive handgun is a perishable skill. It requires practice.

 

[Brians356]

There are many older folks with weakened hand strength and even the opposing hand method can be a challenge for older or weaker people. The best solution to this rather than work-around methods is a double action revolver. Yes, a revolver may not hold as many rounds but even 5 or 6 rounds is a lot better than having a semi-auto that cannot be operated by them.

drover

The trouble with a DA wheel gun for folks with weak and/or painful hands is that they are likely to also struggle with DA trigger takeup. Even if they can fire reasonably well, they are unlikely to be very accurate or very quick with follow-on shots. Cocking into SA mode is not a flexible defensive posture. When it comes to handguns, bad hands are a problem, period.

For a pure defensive handgun, I suppose a single-action auto, carried cocked-and-locked, might be best, but it's still not a great scenario.
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[JSH]

Subject is why I believe most new shooters should buy a wheel gun. High capacity does not replace discipline nor accuracy, let alone ability.

 

[mousegunner]

1

I know this is more of a rifle's forum but Wanted to get your experience and viewpoints and especially if you've done a lot of training of new shooters...

I often hear the claim that it is difficult for new shooters to cycle a semi handgun, but I wonder if that isn't either due to excessively strong mainsprings or poor technique more than it is actual hand strength.

I wonder if Semi handguns are just intimidating for new shooters shooters or if teaching proper techniques to cycling a semi handgun would not make the hand strength issue a non issue.

I teach new shooters the opposing Hand method where the grip hand pushes one direction and the support hand pushes the other direction. This eliminates the need for hand strength as basically just the open Palm pressure on the top of the slide is enough to cycle the gun.

But even if somebody uses the pinch method on the slide with the support hand I don't really think that much hand strength is needed if you grab the slide up near the muzzle... Even with the tip of the thumb and the forefinger slightly beyond the front of the end of the slide

What are your thoughts? How do you train New shooters ?

Push pull method works well but you must emphasize muzzle integrity and keeping finger off the trigger. I speak of medium to large frame autos that give you lots of slide to hold onto. Smaller may require pinching the slide and sling shoting the slide. I like to recommend using a hand squeezer or racket ball to exercise the hand while watching TV or driving (with appropiate caution) it does help but I need to see what works with the particular individual and firearm involved.