Petrol & Powder
Well-Known Member
There are many variations of magazine releases. The H&K pistols used a paddle that straddled both sides of the rear of the trigger guard. They're ambidextrous and quick to use but perhaps slightly more prone to inadvertent activation. I think some other makers (Walther) copied that system.
There are several types of push button magazine releases in the traditional 1911 location that can be activated from either side of the grip frame.
And as David points out, there were the older Beretta push button style mag releases that were located on the lower corner of the left grip. I think the 92SB was the first of the 92 series to move the mag release to the grip just rear of the trigger guard (in the typical 1911 location). That old Beretta style in the lower corner of the left grip may win the award for the least ambidextrous design.
Interestingly, Beretta seems to have atoned for that sin by making the later 92 pattern magazine releases reversible.
Speaking of reversible mag releases, The newer Glock generations are some of the simplest to reverse.
The Luger P-08 and the Walther PP pistols have a push button on the left side but it's pretty high on the grip. That might actually be easier for a lefty than the lower 1911 position? Not sure.
The Walther P-5 and the old H&K PSP pistols have a release on the heel but they don't function like typical heel releases. They are recessed so that they are flush with the butt of the pistol (or nearly flush) and they pivot instead of just being pushed straight back. They are ambidextrous, fairly fast to operate and secure. Perhaps one of the better compromises.
There are several types of push button magazine releases in the traditional 1911 location that can be activated from either side of the grip frame.
And as David points out, there were the older Beretta push button style mag releases that were located on the lower corner of the left grip. I think the 92SB was the first of the 92 series to move the mag release to the grip just rear of the trigger guard (in the typical 1911 location). That old Beretta style in the lower corner of the left grip may win the award for the least ambidextrous design.
Interestingly, Beretta seems to have atoned for that sin by making the later 92 pattern magazine releases reversible.Speaking of reversible mag releases, The newer Glock generations are some of the simplest to reverse.
The Luger P-08 and the Walther PP pistols have a push button on the left side but it's pretty high on the grip. That might actually be easier for a lefty than the lower 1911 position? Not sure.
The Walther P-5 and the old H&K PSP pistols have a release on the heel but they don't function like typical heel releases. They are recessed so that they are flush with the butt of the pistol (or nearly flush) and they pivot instead of just being pushed straight back. They are ambidextrous, fairly fast to operate and secure. Perhaps one of the better compromises.