M&P 9C alternative (for a lefty)
I feel your pain as a lefty shooter. I own the M&P 9 and 45 full size, and the Shield 9. As a lefty shooter, I sometimes get frustrated with operating the slide lock on my shield, but honestly the only time I'm ever using the slide lock is when loading/unloading (I lock the slide back, toss one loose round into the chamber, drop slide, load full mag when concealing) or when cleaning the gun. Otherwise the slide lock is a non-issue. As for the mag release, much like any other lefty shooter here, I've adapted, and usually use either my trigger finger or the inside of the first knuckle on my middle finger (closest to the mag release) to drop magazines. And when it comes to the safety, I never carry with the safety on, my booger hook is my safety. If I put my finger on the trigger, it's because I intend to fire my weapon. Screw manual safeties (neither of my full size M&Ps have safeties). I've accepted my fate as a lefty shooter, being an afterthought to many gun manufacturers. I actually would like to buy a 9C, for the added capacity when wanting a conceal option that I don't need the increased concealability of my Shield.
If you're absolutely opposed to any firearm that doesn't have the slide lock/safety/mag release on the right side of the pistol, or at least ambi controls, then in my opinion, you're limiting yourself.
I love my Shield 9, and like I said, I plan on getting a 9C for the added capacity eventually. I love the ergonomics of the M&P line of firearms, and they point very naturally for me (I can point shoot without using sights accurately enough to hit a dinner plate at 5yds). For me, ambi controls are a nice perk, but not a deal breaker.
Either way, whether you buy or not, keep on shooting what you shoot!
