I'm very much new to and just starting to get into rifle shooting, but in my looking around it seems Savage does offer quite a few models in LH. Not all, but it seems a lot of their more basic models. And I believe I saw Rock River now has some AR models in LH. Of course not the model I really want. So as usual I'll probably end up making due in a RH world as most seem to have done.
Why Lefties Are At War With Gun Manufaturers
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berettaprofessor
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A left handed bolt 22? Not a tubular magazine, but have you thought about a Savage Mark II? Already got mine.
However, I'd fight to purchase a Ruger 10/22 or Marlin 60/795 with the charging handle and ejection to the left!
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oneounceload
member
If you want a TRULY ambidextrous gun, get the HK P7
anothernewb
Member
I too, as a left eye/hand dominant individual have just learned to cope in a RH designed world. Some things are easy to deal with. I've learned to do things such as feed myself RH so as not to be constantly in the elbows of others at the table. Some things not so much - left eye dominant by a large margin makes shooting rather interesting. for the most part I've learned to just ignore brass flying by my right eye, and I wear shooting glasses even while hunting for that same reason. I have bought left designed models where I can. Someday, when I have the money, I intend to custom order a left hand 1911 like the randalls used to be.
I hit the slide-release on my carry weapon (S&W 3913) with my trigger finger, no sweat. Removing a live round from the chamber is actually safer for a lefty-drop round in right front pocket with no danger of muzzling my hand. When lowering my weapon to ready, I sweep the safety on/off with my right thumb without losing my strong-hand grip.
With my Colt trooper, I put Badger ambi-finger grips on it. A reload has my right pinky and ring-finger in front of the trigger guard, middle-finger on the front of the frame below the ejector-rod shroud, and my index-finger on the front of the shroud. With the revolver so supported I rotate my left hand back from the grip slightly, holding it between my thumb and three fingers while my trigger-finger "bunches up" and pulls the cylinder release back. MY right thumb pushes the cylinder open and follows through while my right hand slides over and pushes the ejector as the muzzle us brought up to just short of straight up. My right hand supports the revolver as I rotate it to a muzzle down position and fish a speedloader out with my left. reload accomplished I resume a left handed "pinch" grip on the grips, sliding my hand forward as m right smoothly locks the cylinder back into places and is removed from the weapon.
It sounds complex, but it's actually very natural feeling, and VERY quick with only a little practice. In fact, my buddies think it's at least as fast, or faster than, most right handers. try it once.
Rifle aren't much of a problem. Levers and semi-auto, and one SAVAGE lefty.
With my Colt trooper, I put Badger ambi-finger grips on it. A reload has my right pinky and ring-finger in front of the trigger guard, middle-finger on the front of the frame below the ejector-rod shroud, and my index-finger on the front of the shroud. With the revolver so supported I rotate my left hand back from the grip slightly, holding it between my thumb and three fingers while my trigger-finger "bunches up" and pulls the cylinder release back. MY right thumb pushes the cylinder open and follows through while my right hand slides over and pushes the ejector as the muzzle us brought up to just short of straight up. My right hand supports the revolver as I rotate it to a muzzle down position and fish a speedloader out with my left. reload accomplished I resume a left handed "pinch" grip on the grips, sliding my hand forward as m right smoothly locks the cylinder back into places and is removed from the weapon.
It sounds complex, but it's actually very natural feeling, and VERY quick with only a little practice. In fact, my buddies think it's at least as fast, or faster than, most right handers. try it once.
Rifle aren't much of a problem. Levers and semi-auto, and one SAVAGE lefty.
Ignoring single action revolvers which, whether the right handed world want's to admit it or not are better suited to we southpaws, the only manufacturer I can think of right now making a dedicated lefthanded gun is Charter Arms.
Years ago Randall made lefthanded 1911's, but because many southpaws bought into the righthanded folks propaganda (you don't need a dedicated lefthanded 1911, yea, let's see what they'd say if all 1911's were lefthanded) their sales were poor and the company went under. No, mine's not for sale.
In long guns, there is one dedicated lefty shotgun, Remington 870 (maybe two if Remington is still making lefty 11-87's, though I've yet to see one). Bolt guns are a bit better with everyone from Blaser to Savage making some models. But in semi-autos, the only dedicated leftis are a few AR's with Stag leading the way.
Again, the paucity or left handed guns is at least partly we southpaw's fault. We don't demand more.
Speaking of Charter Arms, I recently contacted them regarding whether they would be making any other revolvers (I particularly want one of the upcoming .45 acp revolvers) in "southpaw" versions. No such luck.
Years ago Randall made lefthanded 1911's, but because many southpaws bought into the righthanded folks propaganda (you don't need a dedicated lefthanded 1911, yea, let's see what they'd say if all 1911's were lefthanded) their sales were poor and the company went under. No, mine's not for sale.
In long guns, there is one dedicated lefty shotgun, Remington 870 (maybe two if Remington is still making lefty 11-87's, though I've yet to see one). Bolt guns are a bit better with everyone from Blaser to Savage making some models. But in semi-autos, the only dedicated leftis are a few AR's with Stag leading the way.
Again, the paucity or left handed guns is at least partly we southpaw's fault. We don't demand more.
Speaking of Charter Arms, I recently contacted them regarding whether they would be making any other revolvers (I particularly want one of the upcoming .45 acp revolvers) in "southpaw" versions. No such luck.
barnbwt
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Wait, how do you release your latch (assuming S&W)? I push it forward with my right thumb, and rock the cylinder out with my left hand gripping the cylinder. The right hand then does all the additional loading.
Reloading a revolver quickly requires so much more dexterity and practice than mag swaps, I don't think it matters how they're oriented (assuming proper grips, of course). It'll all shake out with enough practice.
Break-top revolver: the original ambi-platform
TCB
oneounceload
member
Ruger No 1 - another ambi gun, Browning and Ithaca pump guns
most SxS and O/U if the stock is neutral or bent - the operation of them is fairly ambi as well
Lots of choices for neutral or LH guns, but shooting vests, holsters, etc in the accessory aisle - we are left out in a big way
most SxS and O/U if the stock is neutral or bent - the operation of them is fairly ambi as well
Lots of choices for neutral or LH guns, but shooting vests, holsters, etc in the accessory aisle - we are left out in a big way
Yeah, THAT'S my big beef as well.
Oh, my favorite rifle in the world: My Browning 1885 falling-block. Can't get more ambi than that!
WVHunter1s1k
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I'm a lefty. My Bolt is a lefty. My AR is a lefty/ambi. I have 2 left handed holsters for my righty pistol(Pistols [I stopped trying for a LH). Oh, I have a double barrel shotgun(ambi).
The funny thing is I had no problem at all finding a LH bow. All archery manufactures, I know of, make LH & RH bows.
The funny thing is I had no problem at all finding a LH bow. All archery manufactures, I know of, make LH & RH bows.
The companies that have produced left-handed firearms in very popular designs -- the Randall 1911, for example, or the Stag AR -- haven't found them to be popular or profitable.
So....what is it about that "massive untapped market" again?
Guys can stand on their desks talking about what a huge market there is, or how profitable it would be, but I bet none of you run businesses that exist to create a profit serving a tiny slice of a market.
If it were such a huge market, the lefty options that have been tried in the past would have been WAY more successful than they were. Let's remember how fickle the gun market is, as is. There are tons of complete flops out there, both in style and in mechanical design. It's tough enough to make it when you have a product that appeals to 80% of a known market. Having a product that only appeals to 1/8 to 1/4 of that same market just makes your chances of success that much more limited.
So....what is it about that "massive untapped market" again?
Guys can stand on their desks talking about what a huge market there is, or how profitable it would be, but I bet none of you run businesses that exist to create a profit serving a tiny slice of a market.
If it were such a huge market, the lefty options that have been tried in the past would have been WAY more successful than they were. Let's remember how fickle the gun market is, as is. There are tons of complete flops out there, both in style and in mechanical design. It's tough enough to make it when you have a product that appeals to 80% of a known market. Having a product that only appeals to 1/8 to 1/4 of that same market just makes your chances of success that much more limited.
351 WINCHESTER
Member
I am a lefty, but I have always shot righthanded. I do somethings left and some right. Lefties learn early on to adapt.
tomrkba
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Never, and it is not a gun I would ever own.
Nope. I use the thumb of my left hand. It is the reason why I will never own a Colt Python--I cannot work the latch. Since the Python is no longer made, and I won't pay the premium for those guns, why bother? There are so many other good guns out there that are designed properly.
Yes, it wasn't that big of a deal.
Another mostly dead company making guns I will never buy.
Bolt action rifles with the handle on the right are perfect for shooting prone from the left side. I do not need to move my left hand from its position to reload.
Deactivate it with the middle finger of your right hand. Rotate your right hand around until it touches the safety, pull until it clicks and begin firing.
Or...be smart and have a gunsmith fit a quality ambidextrous safety. All 1911's should have them so the gun may be properly controlled by either hand.
Another gun mod that I will never bother owning. It's a bad idea to begin with.
Yes, this is annoying.
I learned to cope with those types of scissors. It's not that difficult.
SharpsDressedMan
member
Well, as lefties, our prayers have been answered. Latest copy of the American Rifleman displays a new LEFT HAND 1911, sure to attract every left handed buyer with a spare five grand in his pocket. Cabot Gun Company. Well, when there is finally a resurgence to take care of the forgotten 12% of the shooters, it seems we get a gun expensive enough that it will exclude 99% of the 12%...........
mortablunt
Member
^FIVE GRAND?!!!
You had me worried for a bit over political post. Have you tried using an AK, FAL, G3, or 10-22 lefty? All those guns work great for left handers.
You had me worried for a bit over political post. Have you tried using an AK, FAL, G3, or 10-22 lefty? All those guns work great for left handers.
Ignition Override
Member
If people begin to contemplate that they might want to qualify for a carry permit, do they ever postpone or decide against it because the handguns they seem to like best are not made for lefties, i.e. Walther PPK .380, Bersa, Beretta 9mm etc?
It might be pretty easy to learn to operate/shoot with the right hand, but moving switches or a hammer seems Much more natural with the left hand.
It might be pretty easy to learn to operate/shoot with the right hand, but moving switches or a hammer seems Much more natural with the left hand.
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TAKtical
Member
Quoheleth and I are on the same page. Ive never had a problem with pistols. Rifles are another story. AR's, I get a face full of gas. Bolt actions are challenging but some manufacturers make lefty models. The most annoying thing is trying to find left hand holsters, that led me to start my own business making them. Ive been making holsters for myself and my family for almost a year now.
There is an easier way for lefties: Right hand releases grip, leaving gun in left hand. Right hand moves up to press middle and ring fingers against cylinder, stabilizing with index and pinky aganst frame. Right thumb presses cylinder release and middle/ring fingers push open cylinder. At this point the weapon is in the right hand, so the left hand can release and press the ejection rod. After reloading with the left hand the left hand takes a firing grip while the right hand closes the cylinder, completes the firing grip, and then firing resumes.
Honestly, I'm convinced my J-frame was designed for southpaws.
fiddleharp
Member
Firing certain right-handed weapons can be bad for your health!
Recently, and elderly neighbor had a 1959 Remington 552 Speedmaster .22 rifle he wanted to get rid of. He said it always jammed. I asked if I could take it, clean it up, and shoot it before I made up my mind. He said okay.
When I disassembled and cleaned this gun, I was shocked at the amount of crud I found inside. I feel it's safe to say this rifle hadn't been cleaned since 1959.
After a thorough cleaning, I took it to the range. Something told me I needed to take my yellow shooting glasses along. I usually don't, because my lever and pump guns have never put my eyes in danger in thirty-five years of shooting.
At the time of this range trip, I didn't know about the 552's shell deflector. This rifle didn't have one.
At the very first shot I felt a terrific stinging sensation as hot grit struck my right cheek. A few more shots convinced me to lay this rifle aside. Thank God I was wearing those glasses! I would have ended up in the emergency room!
On various internet shooting boards, I've read other left-hander's complaints that, with the 552's shell deflector attached, the hot brass and gas struck their bare right forearms when shooting in warm weather.
Apparently, there is no way for a southpaw shooter to win with the Remington Speedmaster .22 rifle.
Recently, and elderly neighbor had a 1959 Remington 552 Speedmaster .22 rifle he wanted to get rid of. He said it always jammed. I asked if I could take it, clean it up, and shoot it before I made up my mind. He said okay.
When I disassembled and cleaned this gun, I was shocked at the amount of crud I found inside. I feel it's safe to say this rifle hadn't been cleaned since 1959.
After a thorough cleaning, I took it to the range. Something told me I needed to take my yellow shooting glasses along. I usually don't, because my lever and pump guns have never put my eyes in danger in thirty-five years of shooting.
At the time of this range trip, I didn't know about the 552's shell deflector. This rifle didn't have one.
At the very first shot I felt a terrific stinging sensation as hot grit struck my right cheek. A few more shots convinced me to lay this rifle aside. Thank God I was wearing those glasses! I would have ended up in the emergency room!
On various internet shooting boards, I've read other left-hander's complaints that, with the 552's shell deflector attached, the hot brass and gas struck their bare right forearms when shooting in warm weather.
Apparently, there is no way for a southpaw shooter to win with the Remington Speedmaster .22 rifle.
bushmaster1313
Member
I meant left hand
Bubbles
Member
Since my husband is a leftie he makes most of his own guns now.
WardenWolf
member
AK's, at least, are very lefty-friendly. Every AK action I've seen ejects forwards at a 45-degree angle. That being said, you have to be very careful if you're trying to sight in your rifle that the hand you're using to adjust the scope is clear of the charging handle. Ask me how I know this. Most AR's eject straight right, so it's rarely an issue.
It's funny that lefties make up 10-20% of the population, but are allowed to be so discriminated against. You see all these protected "classes" where people are legally required to make accomodations and adaptations for, but lefties have never been among them.
USAF_Vet
Member
I'm a lefty, too, and at the LGS today I picked up a left handed Bianchi holster for a S&W 469 for $25... A 70% discount on a similar right handed holster of the same brand. So sometimes, being a lefty pays off.
I don't mind other "right handed" guns.
I don't mind other "right handed" guns.
AS a righty I have no dog in this fight...
With that said thou I would assume its a much easier engineering feat to swap the bend in the riser and shelf to the other side than re engineer a gun. Plus bows are still advancing technologically every year, faster, lighter, quieter. etc. Coupled with the fact that a lot of archers upgrade they equipment annually or every few years.
Guns not so much..
A vast majority of guns are are virtually identical to when they were introduced. Which does beg to question why most manufactures havent tried that with their most popular models.
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