Left-handed rifle users?

[Baldrick]

I got given Robin Marhall-Ball's book 'The Sporting Rifle' for Christmas. In it are plenty of photos of the author shooting off his left shoulder with a right-handed bolt-action. I know that JRDS on here also shoots a variety of R/H rifles off his left shoulder, saying that it's easier to operate a R/H gun when shooting off a wing mirror or off a rest.

 

I reckon that JRDS may have a point. I had to learn to shoot right-handed in the military, but my natural reaction is to shoulder a weapon left-handed. As there's no real dominant eye issue with a scope, it's more a question of manipulating the bolt and ammunition reliably and easily, particularly in the heat of the moment.

 

I'm wondering whether refreshing my ability to shoot R/H and replace my L/H rifles with R/H tools is a wise idea. I'm getting a Cooper anyway, but there are several R/H-only rifles (e.g. a Sako 85 Varmint Laminated) that I would really like.

 

So, left-handers amongst you, what do you reckon?

[tuck1]

Hi

 

I shoot a right handed rifle, left handed, and always have. Mainly due, I think, to the high price in the past of LH rifles and the lack of availability. My Varmint is RH but if I could have had a Left hooker I would have, in varmint or synthetic. It does cause me a few problems when going for a quick second shot standing, but is quite handy when lamping from a vehicle.

 

When I get round to a C/F rifle, it will be left handed I think. And when CZ finally get round to doing all their models in LH, probably my rimfires too. If I were in your position, I would probably get the LH.

[mossy835]

i am left handed but have all ways used a right handed rifles, and shotguns its what you get used two.i find shooting off a wing mirror ok for me.

[Baldrick]

I definitely can't shoot a shotgun right-handed, Mossy, but I am pretty much ambidextrous with a rifle.

 

Tuck, all of my rifles are currently L/H. It took a while to find what I wanted, and there was very little premium for a L/H model. Take a look at Remington (Mod 700 VSF and CDL), Tikka, Sako (Mod 75), and all the other German/Scandiwegian brands. CZ definitely make several centrefires in L/H.

 

What technique do you prefer to load and reload a R/H rifle? Do you turn the gun bolt-side up and work the bolt with your trigger hand? Or do you hold the gun with your trigger hand and work the bolt with your right hand?

[wildbill]

I learnt to shoot when i was about 7 or 8 i think,and the first time i shouldered a gun it was in my left shoulder even though i am right handed, this is still the same now a 21. I was in the RAF Regiment for 2 and a half years and whilst in they had me shooting right handed and i was totally ****! so i showed them what i could do left handed and they soon let me hold it "Cock Handed" as they called it! All my guns are right handed stock though, only due to the fact leftys are harder to come by, more expensive or a long order time!

[Paul in North Lincs.]

I am a cobby handed shooter with a dominent left eye so a right handed guns is not an option for me.......

 

personally I dont agree with swapping..........I was naturally left haned my mother made me right rwith my right hand, by forcing the pen into that hand..........no I shoot left right right...gold righ snooker left......kick left......................

 

My poor little brain got scrambled......and as an adult I struggle to know my left from my right.....

 

You were born a southy.....................

[Baldrick]

Paul, I forgot to mention one crucial thing: I was born right-handed and am right-handed in every activity/sport apart from shooting, as that's the only thing where my dominant left eye ruins things.

 

It's 'muscle memory' that causes me to mount a rifle on my left shoulder, as that's what years of shotgun shooting have ingrained into me.

[fortune]

I am basically left-handed but most of my bolt rifles are right handed. I don’t have any problem in reloading them quite quickly if and when the necessity arises. I have never had a problem shooting left handed with a right handed weapon such as a pump or auto shotgun that throws the spent cartridge out across the face. I’ve never had a pack shoot to contend with so have never had a situation like that to deal with. The first shot usually does the job. If it hasn't done so the target is on it's way to cover and they dont normally stop for a second stationary shot. If they run out into the open then sometimes there is a second chance.

[Baldrick]

Do you still keep the raised cheek pieces on the stocks of your R/H rifles, or do you grind them off to leave an ambidextrous stock?

[fortune]

Do you still keep the raised cheek pieces on the stocks of your R/H rifles, or do you grind them off to leave an ambidextrous stock?

One rifle that I was given had a large roll over cheek piece. I soon sorted that one out with the aid of a spoke shave and a bit of fine sandpaper on a block.

[Poacher]

I'm a lefty and always shoot off the left sholder no matter where the bolt is, i can manage well enough either way.

Can't beat shooting off the wing mirror from the passenger seat (so long as you've got a driver/spotter)

At the moment i'm looking for a new rifle and wouldn't be put off buying a RH one. The major benefit is that theres more to chose from (RH), however i'd stay clear of one with a raised cheek piece simply because i'd mess up any alterations

[Baldrick]

It'll always be easier to sell on a R/H rifle too, in case I do make a complete balls-up by buying a R/H rifle. Most of my local gunsmiths look at me like I am deranged when I ask about L/H guns.

[mry716]

I am right handed but having lost my right eye due to an accident, shoot left handed. I have some LH rifles and some RH ones as well as ambidextrous ones such as the Under levers (Marlin/Winchester/Browning) and of course the falling block such as the Ruger No 1.

 

I find no problem with most except RH long action calibers such as 270, 25-06, and 30-06 or of course larger magnums. These are fine for the first shot but can easily damage the bridge of ones nose when reloading a quick second shot. The medium actions such as a 308/243 etc don't reach far enough to bring blood!

 

I have in the last few years changed towards the WSM and WSSM cals as these offer long action performance in small action format. ie 25WSSM = 25-06

 

I must say having become rather fond of the WSM and WSSM series of calibers I am now able to have a wider range of performance in a short or very short action which I like very much and am not really bothered if they are LH or RH

BUT

since I am so taken with the WSMs as I buy new rifles I am buying better quality rifles and buying LH simply because they are inevitably easier and more comfortable to shoot and of course carry. The bolt handle doesn't dig into my back as I walk !

[Baldrick]

Hi MRY,

 

As I'm not currently reloading my own, running a WSM or a WSSM would be painfully expensive on a day-to-day basis. I'm going to stick to off-the-shelf calibres, but thanks for the pointer on bolt handle/nose issues with long-action calibres.

 

I do keep wondering whether a Ruger No.1 would be a sensible investment (you mentioned that you use your .22-250 for hare shooting over beet with a good degree of success).

[Baldrick]

Would the left-handers advise which technique you use to cycle the bolt on a R/H rifle, when the rifle is out of your shoulder (say when reloading for a second shot, whilst standing)?

 

Do you turn the gun bolt-side up and work the bolt with your left/trigger hand (seems complicated)? Or do you hold the gun with your left/trigger hand and work the bolt with your right hand (not easy with a 9lb rifle)?

[Dunkield]

It'll always be easier to sell on a R/H rifle too, in case I do make a complete balls-up by buying a R/H rifle. Most of my local gunsmiths look at me like I am deranged when I ask about L/H guns.

I am right handed so comment on the left/right thing, but...

I know 2 left handed rifle shooters with a veritable amoury of guns each, and they both tell me secondhand l/h rifles sell well due to the shortages of them in the first place.

[Baldrick]

That's interesting, Stuart. I suppose my earlier comments about RFD's avoidance of L/H rifles is probably only relevant to the ones that don't have the sense to advertise on GT or in the shooting press.

 

But then that makes me question why most manufacturers do not cater for L/H Shots. I would love a Sako 85 Laminated and a Steyr SSG, but I'll only ever use them in a cack-handed fashion.

[Lancs Lad]

Ok. lefty righty shooting.

 

I used to shoot air rifles - Daystate X2 - this was in ambi stock, right hand bolt.

 

Ended up changing to full left hand conversion in the end.

 

However -

 

Scenario 1 - Using gun without bipod in right hand configuration caused some problems when reloading. I used to cant the gun to the left and cycle the bolt with my left hand.

 

Scenario 2 - Using gun WITH bipod in right hand config - Great little set up. Trigger hand stays where it is, holding rifle in nice position enabling rapid bolt action with your free "right hand". Also allows to keep on target.

 

 

Scenario 3 - Using gun in left hand config without bipod causes action movement - same problems with right handed use. But was more comfortable.

 

Scenario 4 - Using in left hand config with the bipod fitted. Quite quick bolt cycling but gives you that fraction delay in getting back on the shot.

 

 

Its a case of comfort - and round ejection. You being ex raf regt then you should know that you could shoot a 7.62 SLR in left and right hand, but couldnt with the SA80 due to the ejection port and bolt action. I cant shoot a gun right handed, I dont have the strength in my right arm. (no jokes about how I build up my strength in the left.....)

 

 

Im looking at getting the full ticket and am probably going to go down the Right Handed action but shooting left handed. 90% of my air gun shooting was prone or rested, im thinking that this will be the same for C.F and Rimmy.

 

If you are looking at selling it on, then buy ambi/right handed. If you are buying to keep full time then buy lefty.

[Baldrick]

Lancs Lad, Wildbill is the ex-rock ape, don't tar me with that brush! I have fond memories of having to learn to use the SA80 right-handed. Quite why we couldn't have stuck with the SLR is a mystery.

 

Thanks for the advice though. Food for thought.

[mry716]

Hi MRY,

 

As I'm not currently reloading my own, running a WSM or a WSSM would be painfully expensive on a day-to-day basis. I'm going to stick to off-the-shelf calibres, but thanks for the pointer on bolt handle/nose issues with long-action calibres.

Understood and very sensible.

I do keep wondering whether a Ruger No.1 would be a sensible investment (you mentioned that you use your .22-250 for hare shooting over beet with a good degree of success).

My 22-250 is now a little 'long in the tooth' and showing signs of poorer accuracy but is still more than capable of taking hares and crows out past 300yds.

 

At least a hit with 55 grn B/Tips is 99.9% of the time a clean kill.

 

I find it a pleasant rifle to use for the purpose I use it for - Hares (mostly on emerging sugar beet) and I account for 2-400 each year. It is a heavy rifle and with the bipod not something one would want to carry far. But to creep to a vantage point on an open field shooting out to 600yds it is stable and an accurate tool.

 

I am lucky as I have other 'pest control' rifles in the cupboard and choose the one most applicable for the purpose on the day so feel I must say that you could well be better off considering a Bolt action with a more carryable weight for say night time foxes out of the vehicle window and I still like my 223 for that usage although the 25WSSM is proving a grand shooter out to looooong ranges and despite the cost of ammo is being used for hares as well.

 

Good luck with your final choice.

M

[Baldrick]

Thanks for the advice and insight, M - appreciated, as always.

[tuck1]

Great thread and very informative to an ignoramus like me. Sorry for the delay Baldrick, I shoot left handed then move my right arm back to work the bolt, or take my left from the trigger area and come "over the top" with it to work the bolt if I need to keep the gun shouldered ie for a quick second shot. Usually the first. It is a bit of a pain, but I've been doing it a long time, so I got used to it.

 

Being a bit of a stick in the mud, I have never bitten the bullet and had a left hander, however on the rare occasions that I have shot one it has seemed quite natural. I am quite ambidextrous though, and never know how to use a tool until I have picked it up and tried it with both hands. (Incoming!)

[Baldrick]

Tuck, like you, I'm ambidextrous enough to be able to muddle along with a R/H gun, hence my quandary. In some ways I wish I was so crippled by lefthanditis that I couldn't consider a R/H rifle.....

[Dunkield]

OK unrelated to rifle choice, but something else I remembered about cack-handedness, so maybe worth a mention . .

If you mount your scope good and low and you have a bolt with high-ish lift, it can catch Butler Creek scope covers, if you are not paying attention you could be fooled into thinking there is something wrong with your gun/cartridge not chambering

[Baldrick]

A good point, Stuart. I haven't had that problem yet, but it's worth me remembering. I'm quite taken with the Browning A-Bolt's 60 degree bolt lift though.