Project Appleseed

This post is the end result of a long-term transitioning thought process: how to manipulate a semi auto pistol within my own limitations.

Also known as: How do I pull this off safely with the limited use of one hand?

First step - Finding a pistol with a flat back panel on the slide which became the surface for a mounted "slide racker".
(https://b.l3n.co/i/lZEALM.md.jpeg).

Second step - Rarely is the case where the pistol is 100 percent ready to meet my needs out of the box. I will look for options available to add on since shooting one-handed full-time has its own criteria.
(https://c.l3n.co/i/lZEWaQ.md.jpeg)

That thought was expanded.

(https://a.l3n.co/i/lZEjka.md.jpeg)

The two-tone pistol (front) was oriented for a right-handed shooter who needed help in that area too.

However, that idea was not very comfortable to wear in a concealed carry (especially in a left-handed inside the waistband) holster. I wound up coping with the slide racker embedded into my torso.

I was looking to buy more rack-assisted devices some years later... and found better ideas and options based on budgets.

A new racker came to my attention made available by Recover Tactical who has many options based on different pistol manufacturers.

https://recovertactical.com/product-category/charging-handles/
(https://a.l3n.co/i/lZE2iq.md.jpeg)

This option no longer digs into my side during carry and allows easier grasping points for racking.
(https://c.l3n.co/i/lZEnjD.md.jpeg)
(https://a.l3n.co/i/lZEzK3.md.jpeg)

Simultaneously - Smith and Wesson started to develop a line of sub-compact pistols and started with the Shield "EZ 380". This pistol focused attention on shooters who may have a compromised strength factor manipulating the pistol. Another version came out in 9mm. Most recently a new model with additional features and options known as the EZ Equalizer. (Full disclosure - this latest pistol has my attention and earned a spot in my carry rotation.)

Why reinvent the wheel... when someone else has a better idea?

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Editor's Note: Below are 5 additional tools to put in your toolbox for pistol shooters with or without physical limitations.

1) Use the red dot to rack the slide. If you have a red dot, and the red dot and the mount are both from a reputable source and properly mounted, preferably with Loctite, you can use it to rack the slide. You will have no issues provided you have the strength and leverage to do so and it fits the above criteria. Some disabilities may prevent this, however.

2) Push both hands in opposite directions - If you are unable to rack the slide and the issue is just a lack of strength, then keep the muzzle downrange and turn your body 90 degrees from the target. grip the pistol normally with the dominant hand, being careful to keep the trigger finger outside the trigger guard. Place the support hand on top of and towards the rear of the slide, making sure not to block the ejection port. Push the dominant hand toward the target and the same time the support hand racks the slide in the opposite direction.

3) Halo - TANDEMKROSS makes a product called a Halo Charging Ring (https://tandemkross.com/Charging-Handles_c_59.html) to assist in racking the slide of certain pistols. It fits on the end of the slide and is available for the Smith & Wesson SW22 Victory, Taurus TX22, Browning Buck Mark, and the Ruger Mark III, Mark IV, and 22/45

4) Arm Brace - An arm brace or strap (https://www.amazon.com/Elbow-Brace-Tennis-Golfers-Relief/dp/B07253Z16J/) wrapped around the arm in a specific way can help with Tendonitis/ Tennis Elbow/ Golfers Elbow by providing tendon pain relief & support for the forearm.

5) Dryfire! - No matter what method you chose to use, it must be practiced to be perfected. Slow is smooth and smooth is fast. Speed and precision both come with practice. So, dryfire! Dryfire! Dryfire!