So it seems I have relatively small hands (size medium exam gloves, size 7 surgical glove) and I'm trying to determine the best way to operate the mag release. I can't reach the mag release on my Beretta M9 with my shooting hand without twisting the gun in my hand, forcing me to re-adjust the grip before being able to continue.

 

This hasn't been an issue just punching holes in paper at the range, but I'd like to start into some of the gun games and I don't want to be constantly adjusting my grip if there's a better way.

 

So in short, is there a better way? Should I try using my support hand? Do I just have to relegate myself to compacts/subcompacts?

 

Any advice is greatly appreciated.

I practice both ways with my HKs... I can drop the mag using my strong hand middle finger, or I'll sweep the release with my weak hand thumb as my weak hand falls away to retrieve a reload. Try different things, see what works best for you.

I practice both ways with my HKs... I can drop the mag using my strong hand middle finger, or I'll sweep the release with my weak hand thumb as my weak hand falls away to retrieve a reload. Try different things, see what works best for you.

Does the HK have an ambi mag release?

 

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I shift the gun slightly in my hand and use my thumb. Most shooters that I have RO'ed or watched, more or less shift.

Try shifting the gun and practice. You will be fine.

another option is to install the oversized mag release button from beretta..  i dont particularly have small hands (my 92a1 is comfortable in my hand) but the stock mag release button is somewhat small and lies deep down into the grip frame compared to some other guns.  I will be looking to replace mine as soon as they are in stock either at beretta or midway or brownells or somewhere..  Otherwise, when I shoot mine, i change grip slightly to access it..

 

just another option..

 

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/982953/beretta-magazine-release-oversized-92-96-series-black

 

http://www.berettausa.com/products/oversize-steel-magazine-release-button/

another option is to install the oversized mag release button from beretta.. i dont particularly have small hands (my 92a1 is comfortable in my hand) but the stock mag release button is somewhat small and lies deep down into the grip frame compared to some other guns. I will be looking to replace mine as soon as they are in stock either at beretta or midway or brownells or somewhere.. Otherwise, when I shoot mine, i change grip slightly to access it..

 

just another option..

 

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/982953/beretta-magazine-release-oversized-92-96-series-black

 

http://www.berettausa.com/products/oversize-steel-magazine-release-button/

I've been hunting for the over sized release button for about 6 months also. I've signed up for Beretta's notification and looked everywhere you listed but no dice so far. I'm also wondering if the larger release button would catch on a holster and cause the mag to drop.

 

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Great video. Thanks!

 

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I have regular hands with long fingers and need to shift my grip also with my 92fs.

 

Practice, practice, practice.

The Beretta has a huge grip.  I have a 92FS and had the same problem as you.  The oversized mag release "might" be a solution, just check the rules for the game you are playing as it might not be legal or might force you into a different class.  My solution was to switch to a CZ-75b which has much thinner grips so you don't have to change your grip.  An added benefit to the CZ is that when you smack the magazine in the slide goes forward without the need to rack the gun - that saves you time on reloads.  Just for these reasons the 92FS now sits lonely in my safe.

The Beretta has a huge grip. I have a 92FS and had the same problem as you. The oversized mag release "might" be a solution, just check the rules for the game you are playing as it might not be legal or might force you into a different class. My solution was to switch to a CZ-75b which has much thinner grips so you don't have to change your grip. An added benefit to the CZ is that when you smack the magazine in the slide goes forward without the need to rack the gun - that saves you time on reloads. Just for these reasons the 92FS now sits lonely in my safe.

I actually wanted (still want) a CZ75 when I got the M9 but couldn't find one anywhere. I am kind of afraid to try one now since I may want to buy one and I'm trying to stick to a "buy less, train more" strategy.

 

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I actually wanted (still want) a CZ75 when I got the M9 but couldn't find one anywhere. I am kind of afraid to try one now since I may want to buy one and I'm trying to stick to a "buy less, train more" strategy.

 

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I hear you, but having the right tool is just as important as training.  Do you really want to be swinging a heavy 34" baseball bat if the right bat for you is a light 31"?  You might be able to train with the big heavy one, but you might never be able to get the bat around quick enough to make good contact.  If one gun was right for all shooters, well there would be fewer different size and shape guns.  Sometimes we are better off owning up to a mistake and correcting in.  Not saying the Beretta is a mistake per se, but it just might not be the optimal gun for you or for what you want to use it for.  If you want to try the CZ you are welcome to come by RTSP and try mine.

i do not believe changing to that oversized mag release will affect eligibility in IDPA or USPSA..  there was a thread about that very question a while ago..  as for being in stock, yeah, im on notify as well.   hoping they come in soon..

My hands are the size of most 10 year old kid's hand..I change mags the way it is depicted in the video. You do get use to it. Edited to add - mag changes are the least impressive part of my game..so I feel your pain.

My hands are the size of most 10 year old kid's hand..I change mags the way it is depicted in the video. You do get use to it. Edited to add - mag changes are the least impressive part of my game..so I feel your pain.

While what he is suggesting in the video might be very good information for real-world gun fights, I think it sub-optimal for gun games like USPSA or IDPA.  I don't like his idea of pushing the gun towards your thumb with your weak hand.  This will likely offer new shooters an opportunity to end up sweeping their hand with the gun.  I also don't like rotating my hand on the grip because it takes time to rotate it back and reacquire the correct shooting grip.  I also don't like the idea of taking the time to grab the new mag before you eject the old one, I would only do that when you have to do a reload with retention.  Again I am talking about speed for gun games, not best practice when the targets might be shooting back at you.

I have big hands with long thumbs, so neither?  I haven't met a gun I couldn't operate the mag release on other than european style ones on the bottom of the grip. 

 

Everything is a compromise though. Most guns are small for me, so I have extra work to do on establishing a good grip on the draw. 

 

There is a point at which operating it with your off hand becomes the fastest option IMO. Unless you need to do a reload with retention that is. DUmping an empty mag or a partial mag, if your hands are small enough, there is definitely a point where it's the least wrong answer due to keeping a good grip or time to flip as your weak hand passes it on the way to the new mag anyway. 

While what he is suggesting in the video might be very good information for real-world gun fights, I think it sub-optimal for gun games like USPSA or IDPA.  I don't like his idea of pushing the gun towards your thumb with your weak hand.  This will likely offer new shooters an opportunity to end up sweeping their hand with the gun.  I also don't like rotating my hand on the grip because it takes time to rotate it back and reacquire the correct shooting grip.  I also don't like the idea of taking the time to grab the new mag before you eject the old one, I would only do that when you have to do a reload with retention.  Again I am talking about speed for gun games, not best practice when the targets might be shooting back at you.

You have seen my IDPA mag changes lol . My changes in tactical training are much smoother/better because I am free to do workstation reloads... . MUZZLEMUZZLE!!!!!!

I have large hands, although not like Raz-O's boat paddles of hands, and I still need to shift my grip on a 92, it is a gun too big for what it does, in my opinion. 

 

To be fair I slightly shift my grip on smaller guns too, including a CZ or M&P, or pretty much whatever because I find the extra leverage more rewarding and less likely to short-press the mag release. You don't have to shift your grip a lot, just enough to get the correct angle. Personally I stay away from extended releases, even on game guns, because they tend to be an intended mag drop waiting to happen. It isn't just about holsters, but about quick pick ups from tables and that sort of thing when smacking your gun to pick it up from a hard surface can push it down enough to release the mag. 

 

I'd say (1) get a gun that fits your hands better, (2) shift your grip and practice doing it fast and consistently getting your grip back, and (3) if all else fails learn to drop your mag with your off-hand thumb as it leaves the gun to reach for a new mag. 

 

Oh and on ambi release (or switchable side) guns, I don't like using my trigger finger, I shouldn't mess about the area of the trigger while I'm doing a reload, it should be way of the trigger and along the trigger guard or frame to avoid unintended loud noises. 

Flip the gun using your strong hand, not your weak hand as shown in the Ruger video.  It adds zero time to your reload

Flip the gun using your strong hand, not your weak hand as shown in the Ruger video.  It adds zero time to your reload

 

That too, TBH that video is a bit odd. I don't see the point of the elbow/rib index either, holding the gun in front of your face is probably a much better idea, you know, where you can see what you are doing.

The elbow to rib doesn't work well for reloading on the move either.  I have changed my reload a lot over the years trying all sorts of different positions, heights, flips.  I'm back to the D reload that TJ showed me in 2009.  For some reason this is my natural method of reloading no matter how much I fight it

This model is readily available.

CZ91135

75B OMEGA 9MM BLK 4.7" 16+1 FS

OMEGA TRIGGER SYSTEM

9mm

UPC: 806703911359 MFG MDL #: 91135

I hear you, but having the right tool is just as important as training.  Do you really want to be swinging a heavy 34" baseball bat if the right bat for you is a light 31"?  You might be able to train with the big heavy one, but you might never be able to get the bat around quick enough to make good contact.  If one gun was right for all shooters, well there would be fewer different size and shape guns.  Sometimes we are better off owning up to a mistake and correcting in.  Not saying the Beretta is a mistake per se, but it just might not be the optimal gun for you or for what you want to use it for.  If you want to try the CZ you are welcome to come by RTSP and try mine.

Howard, thank you for the offer. PM inbound.

Delete this thread before 10 round limit politicos see it. Mag changes are too fast