Okay, I know that title could leave me open for many funny replies.
I'm getting ready to buy an 870 12 gauge for home defense. I am left-handed, but a right hand 870 feels fine to support and aim, with my left hand on the trigger. I haven't had a chance to shoot a shotgun since I was a teenager, some 40 odd years ago. I don't remember having trouble with shells hitting me nor do I remember having any trouble with the pump action, but I never pumped and shot several shells in a row. If I use a right-hand 870, are there any problems I should worry about, like powder or heat burns from shells? I recall getting right forearm burns from a semi-auto 22 rifle I had.
I'm aware of the more ambidextrous Mossy 500 safety mentioned on THR posts, but I'm not really worried about trouble with the 870 safety. I may get the 500, but I've read that its action doesn't feel as smooth, and some feel that it won't hold up as well as the 870, not that I will be doing a lot of practice shooting.
Any other reasons for a lefty to avoid getting the right hand 870?
Cost is a consideration. I don't need a LEO model, I need something that speaks loudly, both psychologically, and, if need be, physically. (I do hope to put a Knoxx SpecOps stock on to reduce the kick for my girlfriend and myself, though a 20 gauge is another possibility.)
I'm fairly strong with both arms though my left hand is stronger than my right hand.
Thanks for the help.
Left_Hand
I'm getting ready to buy an 870 12 gauge for home defense. I am left-handed, but a right hand 870 feels fine to support and aim, with my left hand on the trigger. I haven't had a chance to shoot a shotgun since I was a teenager, some 40 odd years ago. I don't remember having trouble with shells hitting me nor do I remember having any trouble with the pump action, but I never pumped and shot several shells in a row. If I use a right-hand 870, are there any problems I should worry about, like powder or heat burns from shells? I recall getting right forearm burns from a semi-auto 22 rifle I had.
I'm aware of the more ambidextrous Mossy 500 safety mentioned on THR posts, but I'm not really worried about trouble with the 870 safety. I may get the 500, but I've read that its action doesn't feel as smooth, and some feel that it won't hold up as well as the 870, not that I will be doing a lot of practice shooting.
Any other reasons for a lefty to avoid getting the right hand 870?
Cost is a consideration. I don't need a LEO model, I need something that speaks loudly, both psychologically, and, if need be, physically. (I do hope to put a Knoxx SpecOps stock on to reduce the kick for my girlfriend and myself, though a 20 gauge is another possibility.)
I'm fairly strong with both arms though my left hand is stronger than my right hand.
Thanks for the help.
Left_Hand