I got the new American Handgunner today and forum member and well known expert writer Massad Ayoob has a follow-up story. AH had a very long article by Mr. Ayoob several years ago on the subject. As usual, I always learn something when I read his articles.

Hey, mine also came today.... And I just finished reading the follow-up story myself.
But isn't it something how after writing about how important it is to be able to operate your weapon one-handed, he then promotes the Springfield XD as a "duty" weapon and the XD sub-compact as a backup and off-duty gun? [in his "Cop Talk" column - pg. 28]

If one of your hands is shattered, then the last thing you want is a gun that requires you to have a firm grip (to depress the grip safety) in order to retract the slide!

I think the XD's are great guns and I enjoy shooting them...but I never carry one for SD.

While not a fan of Springfield or the XD but a big fan of Ayoob, I will take up for his position on the gun.

There are ways and I was taught many of them to work a semi auto one handed. We were taught to work Glocks, Colts and others to the extent we can reload, rack the slide and more with one hand including the off hand. And I want a firm grip on any gun, one handed or not.

There is an interesting video on YouTube that shows a man without arms loading and shooting a 1911 with his feet and doing so accurately. It all depends on what one is taught and the way to deal with limitations.