Bolt Action Target Rifle

[blkbrd666]

Has anyone tried a left hand bolt target rifle with a right hand stock for shooting right handed? I bought a Savage bolt with a thumbhole stock, scope, and bipod just for fun target shooting. With the thumbhole stock I find myself wanting to cycle with my left hand, so I reach over the top to cycle the bolt with my left hand. I am thinking of getting a .17 HMR set up for target shooting the same way, but I am considering ordering one with the bolt on the left side.

Thoughts or opinions from anyone who has done this? Or, experience from any left handed shooters who shoot a right hand bolt from the left and cycle with the right hand?

Thanks,

 

[Swampy]

666,

If all you are planning is shooting from a bench..... then I'd say "go for it"... as that's what those "Left Bolt-Right Port" rifles are designed for.

If you plan to shoot from position or in the field that setup would be way to awkward for me..... but if it floats your boat, then do it.

Best regards,
Swampy

Garands forever
2007 NRA Missouri State 600 yard Service Rifle Champion.... with an M1

 

[blkbrd666]

I actually tried prone position after I got home yesterday and found myself wanting to do the same thing. Even after lifting the rifle, rather that hold it by the foregrip I kept it vertical with my hand still in the thumbhole and wanted to cycle with my left hand.

Just in case, there aren't any rules in competition shooting about this are there?

 

[rangerruck]

hmm.... Savage makes some centerfires to do this, but have not heard of it in a rimfire. Proly drop Savage a call or email and ask them if they ever did this.

 

[Swampy]

Just in case, there aren't any rules in competition shooting about this are there?

Probably not.... but practicality would be the main thing to consider, not rules. If you ever shoot a sport that requires you to "sling up", then you won't be able to work the bolt with your left hand.

Best regards,
Swampy

Garands forever
2007 NRA Missouri State 600 yard Service Rifle Champion.... with an M1

 

[Ol` Joe]

The Savage rifles were designed with the thought one would work the bolt with his strong hand and extract and feed with his weak. You don`t normally reach over the action to work the bolt on these, that is not the design.