Shooting a Left Hand Rifle, Right Handed.

[PoisonMiller]

I first became familiar with this idea when my brother-in-law, who was in the National Guard and was qualified as a marksman, taught me the benefits of shooting a right-hand rifle left-handed.

Well, even though I am left-handed in writting, I am right-handed most other ways. And, it just feels wierd to shoulder a rifle on the my left. I do train myself however to try and get used to it. (You never know when it might come in handy.)

I am pretty much used to a right-on-right configuration. However, I have been dreaming of a left-on-right rifle for awhile.

This was pretty much thrown out the window for my budget, because the stock I was planning on buying within my budget was previously only available in right hand. Now they have released a left hand version.

I know most of the advantages, being able to see the chambering while shouldered, keeping the firing hand in position while cycling, makes it easier to deal with reloading and brass while in a firing position etc etc.

One of my biggest quandrys is, are there any significant disadvantages of doing this? Is there any reason I would regret going this path?

Thanks in advance.

 

[DMann]

Re: Shooting a Left Hand Rifle, Right Handed.

Jacob Gottfredson used to write for Tactical Shooter/The Accurate Rifle - he was a big proponent of shooting a lefty rifle from the right side. Main advantage was speed of follow-up shots. Not recommended for a long action though - gets a little tight with the bolt throw.

Sniper's Paradise had a bunch of JG's old articles - you might look there for some more info.

 

[Short-bus]

Re: Shooting a Left Hand Rifle, Right Handed.

I've thought about the same thing, of course in some of the higher end match rifles they have various configurations of bolts from right bolt, left load, left bolt right load, ect.. As for being able to see the chamber load, it shouldn't be a problem regardless of rifle configuration, i'm right eye dominant, but shoot with both eyes open. Unfortunately i've had to learn to do that because I shoot long range on public land, and as a nature of such activities, I have to keep an eye out for other people. It's quite strange to 'switch' eye dominance from right to left, right to eye the target, left to observe for other people, and even other things like wind flags, wind speed on the Kestrel, ect... When i'm behind the rifle and I load the round into the action, my left eye has a good angle on the breech of the rifle as I close the action to make sure the round feeds properly. It would be a lot easier to put a round in the rifle if the load side of the action was on the left side (for me, right handed).

Branden

 

[PoisonMiller]

Re: Shooting a Left Hand Rifle, Right Handed.

I am strongly right-eye dominant.

By reference of BSA Collimator Bore-Sight, right eye can clearly make out the lines, and can read numbers. Left eye has a hard enough time focusing on the lines to even be able to count them.

Although, I do keep both eyes open while shooting usually. I do this especially to see the impact on dirt/steel at 300 or less, since it takes longer to return the POA to the target.

[Edit]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: DMann</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Sniper's Paradise had a bunch of JG's old articles - you might look there for some more info.
</div></div>

Thanks, I just found it and it pointed out a pretty obvious disadvantage. The ability to cycle the bolt while standing or otherwise needing to rest the rifle on your left hand.

I tried switch shouldering my Mosin while doing this and I quickly came up with a method that would work out. Maybe not as comfortable but it works and isn't too inconveniant.