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Lefty shooting RH guns

jeech

Private
Minuteman
Jan 26, 2012
6
0
34
Texas
Just wondering how many of you guys are shooting left-handed on right-handed platforms. This is the way I've been shooting my whole life, and I'm wondering if it's even worth going to a LH gun.
 
Re: Lefty shooting RH guns

I guess that depends on what you are doing with the rifle. If you are just hunting or just shooting off a bench all the time the it is not worth your effort to make the switch. However, if you are going to shoot any tactical style matches then it will be worth your time and effort to make the switch. I made the switch several years ago and haven't regretted it yet.

Dustin
 
Re: Lefty shooting RH guns

if you like shooting a right handed bolt gun then i would stick with it, im a lefty and used a right hand bolt gun in the corps and at least for me it seems to work out very well as i can use proper positioning of my body and recoil management to control the rifle as i work the bolt with my right hand and i never loose sight picture and never have to take my trigger finger away from the trigger to work the bolt. if done correctly i can work my bolt gun about as fast as a simi auto until my 10rnd mag runs dry.
 
Re: Lefty shooting RH guns

Just a VERY casual shooter here. Punch a bit of 100yd paper and hunt whitetails periodically, but after purchasing a L.H. A-Bolt 10-12 years ago I'll never spend any serious money on a righty again.


Also own a CZ L.H. rimfire and a 22-250 target/varmit Savage lefty. Both are accurate enough to be a lot of fun
Bob
 
Re: Lefty shooting RH guns

For hunting, I think having a left handed gun really helps, unless you hunt shooting prone, its faster and easier to get a follow up shot on a deer if you have a lefty gun, for me I tend to lose my sight picture when shooting a right handed gun, and I have to take the rifle down from my shoulder to chamber another round (faster for me then trying to cycle the bolt with my left hand).
 
Re: Lefty shooting RH guns

dunno, the right-handers have been using right bolts instead of left all this time for a reason...

I'd suggest you get a lefty, as a lefty who shot righty for many years, it's just indescribable the difference you feel with your first lefty.
 
Re: Lefty shooting RH guns

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Remoah</div><div class="ubbcode-body">dunno, the right-handers have been using right bolts instead of left all this time for a reason...

I'd suggest you get a lefty, as a lefty who shot righty for many years, it's just indescribable the difference you feel with your first lefty. </div></div>

+1, I only got my lefty a little over a year ago, and I immediately fell in love with it, there really is a huge difference when going from a righty gun to a lefty, get a lefty, you won't regret it.
 
Re: Lefty shooting RH guns

left handers shooting a right bolt is DANGEROUS..........
a blown primer,ruptured case,barrel obstruction causes pieces to be spewn down the lugway,into left handers face....
bill larson
 
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I find the only time I absolutely want to shoot a left handed gun is with bolt guns. I think Ive adapted everything else to a point where it is ambi.
 
Re: Lefty shooting RH guns

I shot right handed rifles for years. I had a LH built last year and love it!
 
Re: Lefty shooting RH guns

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Bill Larson</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> left handers shooting a right bolt is DANGEROUS..........
a blown primer,ruptured case,barrel obstruction causes pieces to be spewn down the lugway,into left handers face....
bill larson</div></div>

On the flip side, I could just as easily argue that a left-hander shooting a right-hand action will be able to visually see and correct a potentially dangerous situation (such as a chambered round failing to extract) easier than a righty would. And if you're wearing eye pro (aren't you?), the risks are considerably mitigated.

Personally, the left handed boltguns I've handled just don't feel natural to me at this point. Too many rounds downrange through right-hand actions have made it second nature by now. Every time I happen to run across a left-handed action, I'll play with it for a few minutes and finally put it back as feeling weird. If I can't see the action and know what's going on with it through my peripheral vision, then I'm not comfortable.
 
Re: Lefty shooting RH guns

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Arbiter</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Bill Larson</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> left handers shooting a right bolt is DANGEROUS..........
a blown primer,ruptured case,barrel obstruction causes pieces to be spewn down the lugway,into left handers face....
bill larson</div></div>

On the flip side, I could just as easily argue that a left-hander shooting a right-hand action will be able to visually see and correct a potentially dangerous situation (such as a chambered round failing to extract) easier than a righty would. And if you're wearing eye pro (aren't you?), the risks are considerably mitigated.

Personally, the left handed boltguns I've handled just don't feel natural to me at this point. Too many rounds downrange through right-hand actions have made it second nature by now. Every time I happen to run across a left-handed action, I'll play with it for a few minutes and finally put it back as feeling weird. If I can't see the action and know what's going on with it through my peripheral vision, then I'm not comfortable.</div></div>

My feelings exactly. My only concern is that, with lots of custom stocks I see that on the side of the bolt handle the cheek piece has an extrusion for the bolt to cycle back all the way. With my cheek piece being opposite of normal, I am wondering if this will be a problem.
 
Re: Lefty shooting RH guns

I'm a lefty, I have shot my way into master class with pistol and expert( conventional highpower) with rifle using right handed equipment as much as practical.

I started buying lefty rifles when my budget could afford it. I miss not being able to see into the chamber area as easily as you can when shooting left handed. But you can use a sling easier when using a proper left handed bolt gun. If you enjoy them then buy them, but be prepared to have a harder time finding bits and pieces for lefty rifles.

With AR's and that sort of rifle, who cares. I spent my entire military career using the same M16/M4 as everyone else. It only got tough when you needed a decent sling.
 
Re: Lefty shooting RH guns

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: lonegunman762x51</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I'm a lefty, I have shot my way into master class with pistol and expert( conventional highpower) with rifle using right handed equipment as much as practical.

I started buying lefty rifles when my budget could afford it. I miss not being able to see into the chamber area as easily as you can when shooting left handed. But you can use a sling easier when using a proper left handed bolt gun. If you enjoy them then buy them, but be prepared to have a harder time finding bits and pieces for lefty rifles.

With AR's and that sort of rifle, who cares. I spent my entire military career using the same M16/M4 as everyone else. It only got tough when you needed a decent sling. </div></div>

Most shooters I talk to do not recommend trying to get a lefty AR, since its tough finding parts for it and isn't really necessary with a good brass deflector. On a bolt action, though, it is recommended, parts aren't necessarily difficult to find for lefty rifles (depends on the make and model, of course), and they're better to shoot than a righty.
 
Re: Lefty shooting RH guns

Several of the custom stock makers have left-handed stocks for right-handed rifles. I am having one done right now. Left-handed thumb hole stock on a right handed BAT VR action.
 
Re: Lefty shooting RH guns

For all you guys who miss looking into the ejection port, there are several companies now that make actions that are left bolt right port. Defiance and Big Horn actions come to mind.
 
Re: Lefty shooting RH guns

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 0051</div><div class="ubbcode-body">What if you are right handed but left eye dominant?</div></div>

Personally I'd recommend shooting left-handed, but YMMV.
 
Re: Lefty shooting RH guns

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Dustin Morris</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I guess that depends on what you are doing with the rifle. If you are just hunting or just shooting off a bench all the time the it is not worth your effort to make the switch. However, if you are going to shoot any tactical style matches then it will be worth your time and effort to make the switch. I made the switch several years ago and haven't regretted it yet.

Dustin </div></div>

^^THIS^^

Same scenario for me.
 
Re: Lefty shooting RH guns

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Arbiter</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Bill Larson</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> left handers shooting a right bolt is DANGEROUS..........
a blown primer,ruptured case,barrel obstruction causes pieces to be spewn down the lugway,into left handers face....
bill larson</div></div>

On the flip side, I could just as easily argue that a left-hander shooting a right-hand action will be able to visually see and correct a potentially dangerous situation (such as a chambered round failing to extract) easier than a righty would. And if you're wearing eye pro (aren't you?), the risks are considerably mitigated.

Personally, the left handed boltguns I've handled just don't feel natural to me at this point. Too many rounds downrange through right-hand actions have made it second nature by now. Every time I happen to run across a left-handed action, I'll play with it for a few minutes and finally put it back as feeling weird. If I can't see the action and know what's going on with it through my peripheral vision, then I'm not comfortable.</div></div>
Each man has to decide for himself.... BUT... TRUE STORY...I saw a fellow competitor die with brass and copper in his brain after entering his right eye.Shooting a R/H bolt....lefthanded...Not opinion...fact......
bill larson
 
Re: Lefty shooting RH guns

I shoot left handed but I've only owned and shot right handed guns my entire life. Guess I'm used to it after all these years but it's never bothered me at all.
 
Re: Lefty shooting RH guns

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: tashabay716</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Several of the custom stock makers have left-handed stocks for right-handed rifles. I am having one done right now. Left-handed thumb hole stock on a right handed BAT VR action.</div></div>

Any suggestions? I am looking for a stock that can adjust LOP with an adjustable cheek pad. Icing on the cake would be a thumbhole stock. I will be shooting left handed with a RH bolt. I can't seem to find such a creature.
 
Re: Lefty shooting RH guns

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: tigerfan9</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Manners t5a</div></div>

I looked into that. Their website says it is a RH stock, but it is designed it so that "if you have to shoot with your weak hand it stills feels good".

I don't know if that means it would feel as good as if it were RH, or just that you could get by with it if you had too. If I could try one out that would answer that question, but less than that I don't feel comfortable dropping the cash required. Also looking into a T4A but they are about 16wks out.
 
Re: Lefty shooting RH guns

Here's my LH

Test4.jpg
 
Re: Lefty shooting RH guns

0051,
Am pretty sure Tom can sand the right hand grip on the T5A to make it truly ambi. I have a left hand T5 and love the grip.
 
Re: Lefty shooting RH guns

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 0051</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: tigerfan9</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Manners t5a</div></div>

I looked into that. Their website says it is a RH stock, but it is designed it so that "if you have to shoot with your weak hand it stills feels good".

I don't know if that means it would feel as good as if it were RH, or just that you could get by with it if you had too. If I could try one out that would answer that question, but less than that I don't feel comfortable dropping the cash required. Also looking into a T4A but they are about 16wks out. </div></div>

Tom told me that alot of lefties shoot the T5A and love it. He also said they could sand off thumb rest on left side to make it almost like the ambigrip on T5.
 
Re: Lefty shooting RH guns

Thanks guys. I appreciate the input. I had no idea Manners would sand down the grip. I wasn't even aware of Sentinel.
 
Re: Lefty shooting RH guns

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: CodyW</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I shoot left handed but I've only owned and shot right handed guns my entire life. Guess I'm used to it after all these years but it's never bothered me at all. </div></div>

+1. I have only shot right handed guns as a lefty and will continue to do so. I work the bolt with my right hand and am able to do so pretty damn fast. I always just make sure i have enough clearance for the bolt to glide over my left thumb, and im good to go. In a hunting situation im able to work the bolt for followup shot just as fast, if not faster then others. I maintain cheekweld and rifle position by pulling rifle into shoulder with left hand.

As for bills comments above about a lefty being killed, im sure a fair share of right handers have been killed by guns kabooming as well. Its life, what can you do.
 
Re: Lefty shooting RH guns

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: jeech</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Just wondering how many of you guys are shooting left-handed on right-handed platforms. This is the way I've been shooting my whole life, and I'm wondering if it's even worth going to a LH gun. </div></div>

I am a lefty. My first bolt gun was a right hand configuration. Worked great shooting prone and from the bench. Then i started shooting tactical matches which requires shooting from seated and knealing, with a sling. This is a pain in the ass with a right handed bolt gun. If you are a lefty, i strongly reommend a left handed bolt. Ill never go back. I love my stiller action by the way.

PS if shooting a bolt on your support side is so great, then why arent masses of rightys shooting left handed bolts???
 
Re: Lefty shooting RH guns

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 0051</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: tashabay716</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Several of the custom stock makers have left-handed stocks for right-handed rifles. I am having one done right now. Left-handed thumb hole stock on a right handed BAT VR action.</div></div>

Any suggestions? I am looking for a stock that can adjust LOP with an adjustable cheek pad. Icing on the cake would be a thumbhole stock. I will be shooting left handed with a RH bolt. I can't seem to find such a creature. </div></div>

Chek out the mcree precision chassis or how about a lh aics stock?
 
Re: Lefty shooting RH guns

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: southpaw357</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 0051</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: tashabay716</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Several of the custom stock makers have left-handed stocks for right-handed rifles. I am having one done right now. Left-handed thumb hole stock on a right handed BAT VR action.</div></div>

Any suggestions? I am looking for a stock that can adjust LOP with an adjustable cheek pad. Icing on the cake would be a thumbhole stock. I will be shooting left handed with a RH bolt. I can't seem to find such a creature. </div></div>

Chek out the mcree precision chassis or how about a lh aics stock?</div></div>

I thought about it and I really like the feel of my AR, so I decided on a Mcree for this build. Talked to Scott and we are a go in OD Green.
 
Re: Lefty shooting RH guns

I shoot ambi, mostly lefty. Righty rifles all through the Corps, bought a lefty a year or so ago(40X 308 in a Manners T5A, which is a great stock for shooting lefty. Tom can take the righty stock and inlet for lefty action, runs like a champ. Righty palm swell works very well out of the box, no mod needed.) I still prefer righty actions. As said above by a fellow Marine, I can run the bolt pretty well shooting lefty, trigger finger never comes off the trigger, cheek never comes off the rifle, eye never comes off the target.

I have now shot my lefty rifle enough to know I still prefer righty rifles. And I understand if I have a severe blowout, it could be quite bad. If I wanted to be safe, I would'a joined the Boy Scouts. Sack up and shoot what you shoot best.
 
Re: Lefty shooting RH guns

If just shooting prone or off a bench then yes you can run the bolt really quick on a RH rifle, probably faster then the rightys can, but if you will be shooting offhand and hunting also then the LH bolt is invaluable.
 
Re: Lefty shooting RH guns

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: tigerfan9</div><div class="ubbcode-body">If just shooting prone or off a bench then yes you can run the bolt really quick on a RH rifle, probably faster then the rightys can, but if you will be shooting offhand and hunting also then the LH bolt is invaluable. </div></div>

+1 I've been shooting righty rifles prone for a long time and can cycle the bolt faster than most righties, but when hunting I never go without a lefty rifle (now that I have lefty rifles).
 
Re: Lefty shooting RH guns

I'm a southpaw and I have owned both left handed and right handed rifles. I prefer the right handed bolt gun. I can run it faster and stay on target better than a left handed bolt in every scenario except kneeling offhand and standing offhand. However, I'm just about as fast with it in those scenarios as lefty so for me a right handed rifle is better. Try and shoot both in different scenarios and find out what works best for you.
 
Re: Lefty shooting RH guns

I prefer shooting lefty on RH guns as I can manipulate the bolt with my right and keep my trigger hand in position.

But I also shoot pistols right handed, so I'm all screwed up

Also, if you ever consider selling your weapon, I would think a right hand rifle would sell faster.... JaxOps
 
Re: Lefty shooting RH guns

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 0051</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: southpaw357</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 0051</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: tashabay716</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Several of the custom stock makers have left-handed stocks for right-handed rifles. I am having one done right now. Left-handed thumb hole stock on a right handed BAT VR action.</div></div>

Any suggestions? I am looking for a stock that can adjust LOP with an adjustable cheek pad. Icing on the cake would be a thumbhole stock. I will be shooting left handed with a RH bolt. I can't seem to find such a creature. </div></div>

Chek out the mcree precision chassis or how about a lh aics stock?</div></div>

I thought about it and I really like the feel of my AR, so I decided on a Mcree for this build. Talked to Scott and we are a go in OD Green. </div></div>

Great, you will love it!! Scott is suh a stand up guy too, its nice to suport his business. His magazines are excellent as well.
 
Re: Lefty shooting RH guns

i have been shooting right handed rifles left hand my whole life, despite the fact that i am right handed. i have some genetic thing that makes me unable to blink my left eye. i am overcoming it and can do it now, but it is much more difficult than my right eye. its like this, tell yourself you have a 6th finger and command your brain to move it. thats exactly how it feels.

i wouldnt trade my RH rifle for a leftie, i rather enjoy seeing the chamber so well.
 
Re: Lefty shooting RH guns

I'm left eye dominant and have used both RH and LH bolt actions for 52 years. For bench or bags a RH action works best. For hunting I prefer a LH rifle.

LH accessories are limited. On factory rifles us LH shooters have to settle for the low end choices, and no match grade factory rifles are available at all that I know of. Howa won't make a LH model.

 
Re: Lefty shooting RH guns

I'm right-handed and left-eye dominant. I just close one eye. If I'm at the range, I have an eye patch in my stock pack.

When I'm trap shooting or pheasant hunting, I start with both eyes open and shut one when the bird or pigeon appears.

I've been doing it this way for so long, that I don't even think about it anymore. Although I think it would be great to be able to keep both eyes open.
 
Re: Lefty shooting RH guns

New, to this forum, but not new to this issue. At the age of 65, I have a half century plus of shooting under my belt as a competitor and sportsman. I shot smallbore position during high school and college. Spent one semester shooting RH, with no significant difference. I shot Garands and ARs on Navy teams during the 60's and 70's. No M1 thumbs and no problems. I shot skeet during the 70-90 time frame. There I did use a LH 1100 for 12 ga. events. Out af a fairly large collection, there are exactly 4 LH guns. Kimber 82, Kimber 84, Savage 110 (owned since 15) and the 1100 Rem. I just added a Mauser 3000L action that will become a 375 H&H. I find no disadvantage in using my RH guns and run them in local matches (3 gun, IDPA, etc). Do what feels comfortable, you are the one that knows best what works for you. I like my Southpaw guns, but they really don't get any preference. BTW, I only shoot shoulder guns LH, pistols are a RH proposition although I have no problem with my "weak" hand.
Thaine
 
Re: Lefty shooting RH guns

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: treymchattie</div><div class="ubbcode-body">i have been shooting right handed rifles left hand my whole life, despite the fact that i am right handed. i have some genetic thing that makes me unable to blink my left eye. i am overcoming it and can do it now, but it is much more difficult than my right eye. its like this, tell yourself you have a 6th finger and command your brain to move it. thats exactly how it feels.

i wouldnt trade my RH rifle for a leftie, i rather enjoy seeing the chamber so well.</div></div>

I am in the exact same position as you. I didn't realize this was the reason I could never shoot a rifle and hit a target, always trying to look down the barrel with my left eye in a RH position. Doesn't work so I stuck to pistols until a friend noticed what I was trying to do. Now, all my prairie dog guns are RH bolt shot LH position. I like the way I can run the bolt with my dominant hand.
 
Re: Lefty shooting RH guns

Sorry if I'm resurrecting an old thread, but this is an issue for me too. I'm a lefty that's shot RH firearms my entire life. I just recently picked up a RH Savage 10FCP-K in 308. This is my first bolt gun. So far its ok, but I prefer to shoot seated as its too much a pain to cycle the bolt and get repositioned when prone. I know that shooting prone is preferred for accuracy, but I can't maintain a cheek weld and cycle the bolt. I'm considering swapping to a LH version of the same rifle.
 
Re: Lefty shooting RH guns

I'm a lefty and either go lefty bolts or semi autos, I refuse to buy a right handed bolt action. I have a 700 LTR 308 lefty and a Les Baer AR10 style 308, love them both.
 
Re: Lefty shooting RH guns

I am left handed and I just bought my first bolt action, a R7005r right handed.