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LH Shooter using RH Bolt Gun

M

Mjölnir1

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Full Member
Minuteman
Jan 25, 2013
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Germany...for now
I'm new to the hide. I have been reading for about a week now and want to get started looking at what rifle/scope combination will fit with my preferences. That being said, I am a LH shooter and most of the rifles I see are for RH people.

Do any of the left handers here shoot a right handed bolt action? What are the pros and cons you face? I have always shot a right handed bolt action growing up as the only left hander in the house. I started with a 22LR for small game and a .270 for deer hunting in NC. The obvious con is having to break your cheek to stock weld for each new round causing you to lose your sight picture.

I am leaning toward .308 for my first precision rifle since it is a common caliber, but I'm not going to rule out a .338 LM. I will be using it for north american game and for some long range shooting as a hobby. Right now I don't plan to shoot any tactical competitions or anything like that, but who knows what the future holds.

I'll read more before I ask any more crazy noobie questions...
 
Re: LH Shooter using RH Bolt Gun

I hated it and it is why I sold mine. Just like you said, breaking the cheek weld to remove my support hand from squeezing the rear bag to reload another bullet and then having to do everything all over again sucked. Some say its easier but I couldn't understand why or how. This was shooting bench and prone. Just my .02 cents. If you're hunting then I really can't see it being easy unless your rifle is completely supported on a tripod. Once again my .02 cents.
 
Re: LH Shooter using RH Bolt Gun

I'm left handed but right eye dominant,so i shoot rifles right handed and pistols left handed.

So my question is are you right or left eye dominant?I found that I could not get use to shooting left handed with a rifle,was too the only lefty growing up in the family.

James
 
Re: LH Shooter using RH Bolt Gun

I'm a lefty and shot right handed rifles for years. I bought a Rem 700 SBS Varmint .308 in lefty and I'll NEVER go back. Once you shoot with a proper rifle you'll see what you've been missing. A lot of rifles are available in left bolt as well as most custom actions. Get one and you won't be sorry!
 
Re: LH Shooter using RH Bolt Gun

First you need to find out if the stock is ambi- or RH. If the stock is truly RH...don't bother. Shooting an opposite handed stock isn't fun.

If the stock is ambi and just the action is RH, I find it easier to cycle the action and stay on target...hand never leaves the trigger/grip.

I don't use the squeeze bag...just rest the rifle on the bag and pull into the shoulder. For me, squeezing a bag means you're NPA is off.

This is for bench or bipod shooting. If you're prone shooting (true prone shooting- no gun support other than your arms) then this will suck as your forearm support arm would move screwing up your locked-in shoulder weld.

BTW, not left handed...just have had to shoot a bunch both RH and LH guns (LH shot RH or RH shot LH) as a gunsmith. I've shot LH action RH enough to consider buying a LH action...just haven't because I like to shoot prone-WO bipod.
 
Re: LH Shooter using RH Bolt Gun

Ultraman, I am leaning toward getting a left handed rifle for the reasons you outlined, but the availability is pretty sparse, so that's the only thing that has me thinking.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: jamesz71</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I'm left handed but right eye dominant,so i shoot rifles right handed and pistols left handed.

So my question is are you right or left eye dominant?I found that I could not get use to shooting left handed with a rifle,was too the only lefty growing up in the family.

James </div></div>

James, I'm the opposite of you. I'm left eye dominant and do everything else right handed. I found this out at an early age when my dad took me to a bow shop and I couldn't hit the broad side of a barn with a right handed bow...lol
 
Re: LH Shooter using RH Bolt Gun

Agreed, it would have to be an ambi stock. Most of my shooting will be done from bench or bipod. I'm thinking of going the custom action route, pending the budget, or buying one that is used from someone on here, but I haven't noticed the LH rifles popping up that often.
 
Re: LH Shooter using RH Bolt Gun

I'm a LH shooter. My only scruple is that the ejection port is on the same side of the rifle as my face!
 
Re: LH Shooter using RH Bolt Gun

Left Hander shooter here, once you buy a left hand action you'll wonder how you ever did without it. Another reason Tikka rock, pretty much everything is available in Left Handed.
 
Re: LH Shooter using RH Bolt Gun

I am a letty and shoot right handed bolt guns. I bought a left handed bolt gun and did not like it. The only place I really have issues are shooting multiple rounds slung up and standing. For prone off of a bipod or from a bench I much prefer a right bolt. I have easy acceess to my loading port and I do not have to chase brass.
 
Re: LH Shooter using RH Bolt Gun

When I first started shooting long range, I didn't want to deal with trying to find a lefty, or wait for a custom to be built, and bought two nice used RH GAP's...After a year, I am now switching all my rifles to lefthand for the exact reasons you mentioned. If you wait for a lefty, you won't be disappointed. I wish I had...
 
Re: LH Shooter using RH Bolt Gun

Well it looks like there advantages and disadvantages to a left hander shooting a right handed rifle.

Since I've never tried shooting a LH rifle I think it's about time I gave it a go.

That being said, If anyone knows of a good used LH bolt gun up for sale let me know. I'll keep my eyes open on the classifieds. In the mean time I'll be reading the Long Range shooting FAQ sticky that's at the top of this section. Since I'm very new to all of this I think that would be the best place for me to start.

Thanks for all of the input and I look forward to learning from y'all.
 
Re: LH Shooter using RH Bolt Gun

Jedi,
Thanks for the link. I had no idea there was a section just for LH folks. Looks like I'll be keeping an eye on this one too.
 
Re: LH Shooter using RH Bolt Gun

Im a lefty all my bolt guns are right handed and I don't have to break cheek weld with my short action anyway also my trigger hand stays on point I'm not saying I'm the greatest by far but I'm a damn good shot and with my bolt gun on bipod I can load and close the bolt damn fast while on target. Just comes to preference what you like.
 
Re: LH Shooter using RH Bolt Gun

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Bill Larson</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> Left handed man shooting RH bolt is DANGEROUS ....
bill larson </div></div>
Explain.
 
Re: LH Shooter using RH Bolt Gun

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: jamesz71</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I'm left handed but right eye dominant,so i shoot rifles right handed and pistols left handed.

So my question is are you right or left eye dominant?I found that I could not get use to shooting left handed with a rifle,was too the only lefty growing up in the family.

James </div></div>

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Trenton</div><div class="ubbcode-body">James, I'm the opposite of you. I'm left eye dominant and do everything else right handed. I found this out at an early age when my dad took me to a bow shop and I couldn't hit the broad side of a barn with a right handed bow...lol</div></div>

I too am left eye dominant but do everything right handed. Through practice I have learned to use my right eye with scoped rifles so that I can use my right hand which I am more capable with. At first it is hard because my left eye keeps focusing but I have learned to kind of ignore it and focus my attention to my right eye, and then I can see though the scope with both eyes open. Lowlight had a write up on this at one time on here, but it was a while back. Either try to learn to use your right eye, if that fails a left handed rifle might be your best bet.
 
Re: LH Shooter using RH Bolt Gun

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Trenton</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I'm new to the hide. I have been reading for about a week now and want to get started looking at what rifle/scope combination will fit with my preferences. That being said, I am a LH shooter and most of the rifles I see are for RH people.

Do any of the left handers here shoot a right handed bolt action? What are the pros and cons you face? I have always shot a right handed bolt action growing up as the only left hander in the house. I started with a 22LR for small game and a .270 for deer hunting in NC. The obvious con is having to break your cheek to stock weld for each new round causing you to lose your sight picture.

I am leaning toward .308 for my first precision rifle since it is a common caliber, but I'm not going to rule out a .338 LM. I will be using it for north american game and for some long range shooting as a hobby. Right now I don't plan to shoot any tactical competitions or anything like that, but who knows what the future holds.

I'll read more before I ask any more crazy noobie questions...</div></div> ]

I went through 3 RH rifles before getting my LH. Now I will sell my kidneys to get more LH. THey are 100% worth it. Also There are some good deals going on in the WTB Left-Hand section.
 
Re: LH Shooter using RH Bolt Gun

I started off shooting right handed and in 2006 I was injured in theater and lost most of my vision in my right eye. So since then I have had to relearn how to shoot using my left eye/hand. I prefer left handed rifles now.
 
Re: LH Shooter using RH Bolt Gun

I'm right handed, left eye dominant. I have been shooting rh bolt guns for 35 years now with no problems. Makes it easy not having to look around the rifle when single feeding during LR bench shooting. I did have a really nice Rem. 700 ADL Deluxe in .270 about 20 years ago that I used hunting. After shooting RH rifles for so many years the left hand deal felt strange. I have considered buying a LH Rem. 700 in .223 for a new Long range build. I have been having no luck finding one around here. A stripped action with a bolt for the .223 would be fine if I could locate one.
 
Re: LH Shooter using RH Bolt Gun

I'm a lefty and I shoot RH bolt actions. I actually started out with LH rifles (couple factory stock, one custom) and decided that I prefered RH bolt action rifles more than the LHs. It's easier for me to maintain sight picture, is faster for me shot to shot, can view my port and access it easily if needs be, and only slightly more cumbersome cycling if standing unsupported (I've worked it enough to where it's not a huge difference). For me RH rifles just work easier.

It also fits into my training logic that I use my right hand to charge the actions of all my firearms. Pistol: right hand over top. AR-15: Right hand charges using the charging handle. Bolt action: Right hand cycles bolt. Shotgun: Right hand pumps or charges bolt. See a pattern there? Just food for though.
 
Re: LH Shooter using RH Bolt Gun

I am lefty....shoot right and left-handed bolt actions....stocked as bolted...and also have 2 left-stocked, right-handed rifles....just as fast to use as others.
 
Re: LH Shooter using RH Bolt Gun

In reality it depends more on you than on anything else. I grew up shooting right handed and now shoot left or right. I have no issues shooting a right handed rifle left handed(other than semi-auto bullpups like the steyr aug). Breaking the cheekweld can be overcome by practice so do what fits you best. Find someone with a left handed action and try it out. You may find like I did that the right handers work out better for you due to previous experience. You may also find it works out better. There are left handed rifles available from most manufacturers so its not out of the question.

Frank
 
Re: LH Shooter using RH Bolt Gun

Thanks again to everyone for sharing all of the experiences. Having never had a lefty bolt gun I figure I owe it to myself to give it a shot and see how it works. I'm thinking I'll like it but I'll know for sure once I try it out.

Being stationed in Germany sucks with regards to guns, makes me appreciate our 2nd Amendment more than ever. Still 2 years left on the tour...but that's not going to stop me from reading and reading and reading some more, saving money, and figuring out what I want by way of the rifle and optics setup.
 
Re: LH Shooter using RH Bolt Gun

I hunted for about 6 years with a righty bolt before I came of age, when I was old enough to buy my first rifle, I went for a lefty, and I have never regretted that decision. Not only can you keep your cheek weld, but it also saves precious time when you're in a hunt, you don't have to pull the rifle down to cycle the bolt, I've had a few hunts now where that has made a difference. All I buy now are lefties, a lot of people say they don't resell well, but that isn't a concern for me, as I don't plan on selling em.
 
Re: LH Shooter using RH Bolt Gun

I've shot RH guns as a LH shooter for decades. I thought it was the best way to go and I was successful with it. The first time I shot my custom LH rifle, I couldn't believe I waited as long as I did to get one.

If you shoot LH, go with a LH rifle.
 
Re: LH Shooter using RH Bolt Gun

Go left! I am glad I did
If you as a lefty ever need to shoot a follow up shot while standing or kneeling with a right handed rifle ... well, let us know how thats works out for you. I tried it before i bought and, well, I bought a left handed rifle.
with patience, it can be found and had.
 
Re: LH Shooter using RH Bolt Gun

Go lefty. 20 years shooting RH and just switched to LH and it's like a whole new experience, for the better.
 
Re: LH Shooter using RH Bolt Gun

Don't do it!! you will only want a second one!! I was really happy that I made the switch. It made all the difference on short reaction time to get back on target for the next shot.
I am already to build a lefty hunting rifle now, since all of mine are now righthand.
 
Re: LH Shooter using RH Bolt Gun

If your left handed and shoot left handed and dont already own a shit ton of right handed rifles id say get a left handed one.

I have a buddy that is left handed and has always just used a right handed rifle and it was never a issue until he got into long range precision shooting. Now he wishes he rigs were left handed.
 
Re: LH Shooter using RH Bolt Gun

I have the same cross-dominant issue and I shoot rifles with scopes right handed and those without, left handed. I know, it does not make much sense but it works for me.
 
Re: LH Shooter using RH Bolt Gun

I started out with a righty FN SPR plinking in the desert. And prone, just having fun, a right bolt is easiest for a lefty for all the above reasons: see in the port, single drop load, brass drops right under your nose, etc. BUT, once you start to dabble in competition or other shooting positions than prone, a left bolt is best and feels great. ALSO, like Bill said, there is a safety issue about gas and particles hitting your face usin a right port. I dismissed that until I under loaded a reload that didn't seal the chamber well enough and got some blowback--never again and always gonna use a lefty in the future. Now I'm loving a bighorn lefty that makes me smile even though I can't watch the feedin action anymore. Go lefty and you will not regret it. Oh, and there's a sweet 308 for sale by nmmclure that you should buy so it stops calling to me...
 
Gorax said:
Re: LH Shooter using RH Bolt Gun

Left Hander shooter here, once you buy a left hand action you'll wonder how you ever did without it. Another reason Tikka rock, pretty much everything is available in Left Handed.
Click to expand...
I just learned that Tikka does make a left hand trainer .22lr but is isn't imported into the U.S. by Beretta, Tikka's distributor. The Rep. that I spoke with said Marketing sales research didn't indicate enough profit. Of course sales of left handed rifles doesn't show sales when the product isn't available. I'm looking at a Voodoo but it's soooo expensive.
 
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