Question: tactical rifle with a twist

[atctimmy]

My twist is that I'm a lefty and not very many tactical/coyote rifles can be had left handed. My ideal rifle is the MVP (or similar) with the 20 inch barrel but they don't make a left handed model.

So here is my question: What are the pros/cons of getting a RH rifle? I know that when on a bi pod I can run the bolt with my right hand fairly easily. I can also load it easier with my off hand. Are there any other pros? What are the cons?

Are there any good .223 bolt rifles out there in left hand? I'd like a 1 in 9 twist or 1 in 8 for heavier bullets and a 22in barrel at the absolute longest.


This is a thread about bolt guns so the first person who tells me to buy an AR goes on my ignore list : )

[DefensiveCarry.com]

[NCSoxFan]

You can get a LH Ruger M77 Hawkeye in .223. 22" barrel, 1:9 twist. Also, I'd consider a Ruger No. 1 Light Sporter. It's a single shot rifle but I've watched my uncle cycle it as most guys do a bolt action. He's left handed and chose the No. 1 because it's falling block design can be operated the same left or right handed.

[PHenry1775]

Learn to shoot right handed? ;o)

Seriously, Savage makes a couple of LH models. There are a couple of bolt action .223 and a bolt action .300 Win Mag that I know of and there may be others. Now that I think about most of the manufacturers have various LH models available nowadays. Poke around on their various sites and you'll find them with a little digging. I would say that NCSoxFan's recommendation of the M77 is one of the better ones but I'm partial to Ruger.

[Learjetphlyer]

I'm left handed and every rifle I own, including my AR's are right handed. I shoot them all left handed. I can shoot and cycle the bolt and get back on target just as quick as RH person. I've been shooting since I was 4-5 YO, and it had never occurred to me that there was such a thing as a left handed rifle until I saw one at a gun show. Still not sure why I'd need one... but, YMMV :)

[Hopyard]

My twist is that I'm a lefty and not very many tactical/coyote rifles can be had left handed. My ideal rifle is the MVP (or similar) with the 20 inch barrel but they don't make a left handed model.

So here is my question: What are the pros/cons of getting a RH rifle? I know that when on a bi pod I can run the bolt with my right hand fairly easily. I can also load it easier with my off hand. Are there any other pros? What are the cons?

Are there any good .223 bolt rifles out there in left hand? I'd like a 1 in 9 twist or 1 in 8 for heavier bullets and a 22in barrel at the absolute longest.


This is a thread about bolt guns so the first person who tells me to buy an AR goes on my ignore list : )

I shoot rifles and shotguns lefty. I can't speak to your specific needs but I've certainly shot bolt action rifles lefty even though the gun was designed for a right handed shooter. Good luck finding what you need.

[Rawah]

Maybe check out Tikka T-3 Lite? I believe you can get one with a 1 in 8 twist and left hand version in .223. 22.4" barrel in the Lite version. I assume you can in the other models also.... The "tac", "super varmint", or "varmint" models may offer what fit your want/needs better....

Good luck in your quest and may you have many wonderful days of enjoyment in whatever you choose.

[rocky]

As a lefty I have shot many RH bolt guns. While I can do it ,my most preferred bolt gun is a lefty Browning A bolt. Faster follow up shots if needed and stronger action near my face make a lefty bolt gun my choice. (Or get an AR, sorry just had to add that )

[JJVP]

Stag Arms makes left handed rifles.


Stag Arms - Worldwide Leader In AR Manufacturing

[DontTreadOnI]

This is a thread about bolt guns so the first person who tells me to buy an AR goes on my ignore list : )

Stag Arms makes left handed rifles.


Stag Arms - Worldwide Leader In AR Manufacturing

Aaaaand they're all ARs. Good job champ.

[gasmitty]

That's a tough order to fill! The Ruger Hawkeye looks to be as close as you can get right out of the box. I know Remington makes their 700 in a few LH versions and their SPS comes close, but the barrel is 26" and the twist is really slow, 1:12. If it wasn't for that pokey twist, I'd say get that gun and have a gunsmith shorten and re-crown the barrel. That couldn't be all that expensive.

Might be time to look around for some used left-hand short actions, then get the barrel you want. It'll end up costing more than a stock gun, but it'll be what you want...

[atctimmy]

That's a tough order to fill! The Ruger Hawkeye looks to be as close as you can get right out of the box. I know Remington makes their 700 in a few LH versions and their SPS comes close, but the barrel is 26" and the twist is really slow, 1:12. If it wasn't for that pokey twist, I'd say get that gun and have a gunsmith shorten and re-crown the barrel. That couldn't be all that expensive.

Might be time to look around for some used left-hand short actions, then get the barrel you want. It'll end up costing more than a stock gun, but it'll be what you want...

I love Browning products so I'll look at them a little more but I was thinking that I may just need to build one. Savage is making one with a threaded 24 inch barrel in a 1 in 9 twist that is interesting to me but I'm just not a huge Savage fan. I guess I'll just keep looking for now.

Aaaaand they're all ARs. Good job champ.

Now that's funny! LOL.

[KBSR]

I know you inquired about LH .223 rifles, but have you looked at/fondled the Ruger GunSite Scout in 7.62? It comes as a LH model too, and to me, seems like the perfect rifle for your needs. More effective round IMHO, and a nice little package. It WILL be my next rifle, but in a RH model.

[atctimmy]

I know you inquired about LH .223 rifles, but have you looked at/fondled the Ruger GunSite Scout in 7.62? It comes as a LH model too, and to me, seems like the perfect rifle for your needs. More effective round IMHO, and a nice little package. It WILL be my next rifle, but in a RH model.

I already have a nice Remington 700 in .308. The new rifles primary use will be woodchucks and the occasional coyote. I had a really nice DM style AR that I sold last year that was my woodchuck killer. I'm using a .22 for now but I want something with a little more zip for longer shots.

The other reason is economics. I have thousands of .223 on hand. This rifle isn't a real "need" per say, it's just a gun to fill a niche. I could live without it or I could just get another AR but I hate spending $1200 when a $400 rifle will do the trick.

[QKShooter]

I knew that your LEFT didn't stop at government and politics.

I shoot rifles and shotguns lefty. I can't speak to your specific needs but I've certainly shot bolt action rifles lefty even though the gun was designed for a right handed shooter. Good luck finding what you need.

[jonconsiglio]

Maybe....you could get another AR?


I know a few guys that run bolt guns left handed. No big deal, they just work around it. the other thing, you already have bolt guns you said. If they're right handed, I'd certainly not mix things up with a lone left handed rifle.