Bolt gun for the lefty, is it worth it?

[-Bristol-]

I have two other bolt guns, a 22 and a 17HMR. I'm shopping for a .308 and notice some brands offer left handed at nearly the same price. Should I stick with what I know or are there unforseen benefits I should pursue in a left handed bolt gun? Since the price is so close of course.

 

 

[Clod Stomper]

I've never used a left-hand bolt action. I shoot lefty, but have learned to use right hand bolt actions. I don't think I would want to get used to any LH action. As it is, I can pick up any regular rifle and be comfortable using it.

I do have a left-eject pump shotgun. I have only used it a couple times. It just feels weird.

In short, I will stick with what I know.

Will Edited June 28, 2013 by Clod Stomper

[RED333]

Correct handed shooter here as well, all ways used a wrong handed rifle.

The I picked up a correct Browning A bolt, WHAT A DIFF!!!

If for nothing else, It is LEFT HANDED!

[Richard995]

I am also left handed.  I only use left handed bolt rifles.  I am comfortable with it.  I have used those right handed bolt rifles and they feel wrong.  But, use what feels right.  I have seen on auctions that left handed rifles go for more than the right handed same rifles.  Just my opinion.

[peejman]

I grew up shooting right handed rifles left handed.  Never really caused any issues.  I think getting a lefty rifle only really matters with a semi-auto so that you don't get hot brass to the face.

[Dennis1209]

It's more natural, faster and accurate using any tool designed for the elite that reasons in their right mind :up:  Take my left-handed hammer and screw driver for example...

 

Follow up shots are much smoother and faster, the bells, whistles and trinkets are where they are suppose to be. Best of all, I never hear that "clunk, clunk, clunk" from all the brass in the drier that got caught in my pockets, sweat shirt / jacket hood, etc. No more facial and neck chicken pox from 100 M.P.H. fastball glowing red brass

 

One draw back to consider is the availability of repair parts for bolts, carriers, etc. for left-hand models.

 

Have a left-handed Browning 30-.06 A-Bolt and a recently acquired Stag Arms 3L, .233/556 left-handed AR-15. Now, when they decide to make an American left-handed car with the steering wheel, gas peddle, brake and controls on the right hand side, I'll be in hog heaven. Left-handed motorcycle anyone?

[Jonnin]

my 308 is a lever action, so it works for anyone... 

 

I am yet another lefty that gave up and shoots rifles right handed.   Now, after decades of it, left handed rifles feel odd to me!  

[-Bristol-]

Thanks for the replies.

 

I hear ya.

 

Follow-up shots is a good point. I've had to do that shooting gound hogs with my 17HMR and it seems a "correct fit" would help with the speed AND accuracy.

 

Than there's the novelty of carrying a lefty. Is it seen as "custom" or "special" or "pricey"?????????????

[Jonnin]

Thanks for the replies.

 

I hear ya.

 

Follow-up shots is a good point. I've had to do that shooting gound hogs with my 17HMR and it seems a "correct fit" would help with the speed AND accuracy.

 

Than there's the novelty of carrying a lefty. Is it seen as "custom" or "special" or "pricey"?????????????

 

Its very frustrating, is what.   Only a very tiny few pistols have LH controls.... you get mixed garbage like ambi safety but RH mag release or the like.  For rifles the few models that come in left hand setups are never in stock at most places, so its a delay/special order.  And not all models / brands offer it so you have to pick from a subset of what you may have wanted.   When it is offered, its no more pricy, just hard to find.  Custom jobs are of course pricy no matter what you are getting done. 

 

I cannot recall EVER having seen a brand new LH gun in stock and up for sale anywhere.   Ever.   I have seen and shot some that belong to others, and seen the very rare occasional used one for sale, and I have seen pictures, but thats about it.   I was pretty close to ordering one when the lever gun came my way.  But again, I have shot RHO bolt guns for so long a lefty seems odd now....  I think I am past wanting or needing one.   I wish I had had a couple 15 years ago....