Left Handed AR - Should I?

[Stachie]

I am about to build an AR, but I am unsure as to whether I should purchase a Lefty upper (e.g. Stag Arms, etc.) or not. This will be a plinker.

Do lefties recommend a LEFT HANDED AR?

 

[MrPhil]

All of my bolt rifles are lefty. None of my AR's or other semi-auto rifles are. I've never had an issue with non-left semi's (except for a Tommy Gun, but that's another tale.) ejection, gas, or other material exiting the gun. Bolt guns are another issue. I have to come off the stock to operate the bolt. Really slows the second shot.
However, if you want one, get one!
YMMV

 

[Sharps-shooter]

I shoot left handed with a right handed ar. There's a neat little ramp at the ejection port that deflects the shell in such a way as to not hit you in the face. So it shouldn't matter too much, I don't think. But build it however it suits you.

 

[Eightball]

I wouldn't think a righty lower and lefty upper would work--the mag release would still be in a position where it would just about have to be operated by your non-firing hand, as would the safety. Then again, I"m not left handed, and am not too positive how that would work out.

If you're going to "go left", I'd say to do it all the way, and get a left-handed lower, as well.

 

[10-Ring]

I have 2 AR's that I shoot lefty and I've learned the deflector really works! I shy away from the left guns only because if for any reason I end up wanting to sell or trade it off, I don't want to limit my potential buyers.

 

[Zach S]

The LH lower is simply a RH lower with a norgon ambi mag realease, and an ambi safety you can get from BM or DPMS. They couldnt mirror the lower because of magazines.

I'm left-handed with long arms and dont have either on my AR. As long as there's a brass deflector its good to go. The safety is easily manipulated with the wrong hand, and mag changes can be done pretty quick with a lot of practice.

I think the only way I'd get a LH upper is if I had a can, and the blowback out of the chamber really got on my nerves.

 

[CB900F]

Stachie;

I'm a left handed shooter also. I've made the decision to obtain nothing but left specific firearms long time since. The makers won't cater to us unless we show them the demand is there.

I'm in the process of doing the complete left AR myself. I used the Stag lower & am happy with the results. Stag doesn't provide the upper configuration I want, so I'm having it built my way. I find the cost differences to be minimal, though present. Since I'm not buying a complete firearm, I can spend what's needed pretty much when I choose to, works for me.

900F

 

[blackhawk2000]

It's a solution for a non existent problem. What does the LH model have?

CH? Same. Advantage neither.
Mag release? Ambi release can be installed on RH models. Advantage neither.
Bolt catch? Same location. Use your trigger finger. Advantage LH shooter.
Safety? Ambi safety can be installed on RH models. Advantage neither.
Brass in face? Non issue on uppers with shell deflector. Advantage neither.


Downfalls:
Harder to sell used. Parts availability. Design not as tested as the RH version.


I'm not saying not to go with LH versions of some guns, but the AR isn't a gun that needs a LH version.

 

[Wes Janson]

While I can agree with your points, blackhawk, it's still a nice touch. While it's not really a problem to shoot an AR-15 or M-16 left-handed, if the cost is the same between a LH and a RH upper, then why not? Personally, I don't plan on selling any firearms that I purchase for myself.

And it's kinda fun to throw brass to the left for a change, especially if you're to the right of someone with obnoxious brass ejection patterns.

 

[jem375]

I bought a DPMS SS 20" bull barrel lefty years ago and I agree with the previous poster about "why not".. I grew up shooting righties with no problem but if the lefty is there, get it and don't worry about the myth about selling a lefty, there are plenty of us out there... and another thing, if we can shoot righty AR's, then a righty shouldn't have any problems shooting a lefty also and the people I let shoot mine don't have any problems at all...

 

[Correia]

I sell quite a few Stags, and we've sold a bunch of lefties. We do more Stag than any other two AR brands put together, because of the quality for the money.

I've never had a Stag come back with a problem. Ever. Including the lefties.

 

[ball3006]

When I decide to buy an AR.....

I am gong to get one of the left hand models. Why, just because I am a left hand rifle shooter. However, I have shot M16/ARs for 40 years with zero problems with the brass coming out of the right side of the receiver.......chris3

I never liked the AR. That is why I don't have one. I will buy one just because it adversely affects a liberal.....chris3

 

[Ben Shepherd]

I bought a leftie. Why?

Even though the mag and bolt releases are either standard or ambi, there is still one big advantage:

No gas and crud from burning powder hitting you in the face. This can be a big advantage when shooting a lot. It's almost mandatory if you put a suppresor on it.(I found that out first hand when shooting the suppresed shorty Corriea has.)

 

[RockyMtnTactical]

I wouldn't. They cost more and give you non-standard parts. All the lefties I have built rifles for go with the standard and like it just fine.

Although Stag does come highly recommended. Very good quality at a very good price.

 

[CavalryJim]

As a left-handed shooter, I encourage you to build a left-handed AR. I have a LH Stag & a LH DPMS and really enjoy shooting a rifle made specifically for me.

Forget all the BS about resale value. There are enough of us that you could find a buyer if needed.

 

[Stachie]

After hearing everyone's comments, I have decided to go ahead and make it lefty. I do not plan to ever sell it, so I should make it exactly what I want/need. Thanks.

 

[batex]

To those who may be concerned about resale of a lefty version AR....Don't forget there are a lot of us leftys out here who would love the chance to pick up a used Stag lefty AR if it meant we could save a few bucks. I only by high quality, but used guns as I am a cheapo on price, but not on quality. If I saw a used Stag AR for sale, I'd likely snatch it up assuming it was priced reasonably (i.e. not the same as as what I could get new).

 

[Aaryq]

As a lefty this thread is right up my alley. I'm a Marine so anual rifle quals are required. If the Marine Corps issued left-handed M16's today, I'd jump on the band wagon. When it comes to reloading in a hurry but keeping your natural point of aim, it would be so nice. However, I don't get issued a left-handed rifle, so I don't want to be fumbling around on the wrong side of my weapon when I need it because of civilian plinking habbits. All of that aside, if you're just using it for plinking, get a right handed. They're more common and please correct me if I'm wrong, but they're a little cheaper.

It doesn't matter what you get, broseph, just become proficent with it and it will be like an extension to your own body.

 

[glockman19]

We do more Stag than any other two AR brands put together, because of the quality for the money.

+1 The quality for the money is what it's about. I have a stag RH and will be getting another just because teh value is there.

Stag=good company