Left-handed shooter vs. ejected brass

[bobmcd]

Since my wife and son both shoot left-handed, I was wondering about shooting semi-auto rifles left-handed. (I am the only right-hander in the family.)

So far, we have only been shotgun shooting, with some .22 rimfire on the side. If we were to get a semi-auto center-fire rifle, would there be any models that people would recommend for a left-handed shooter? More specifically, does anyone know of any problems with left-handed shooters catching hot brass in the face?

For what it's worth, I have been considering a Mini-14. Any left-handers out there with experience on it?

 

[matrem]

I shoot lefty as well. Mini 14= not so good! (Yep. I've had hot cases in places you don't want em with the Ruger)If you decide to go with an AR,make sure it's not a slickside! Have a little experience with a "seventies" Rem 742,and didn't have any problems with that..But again,didn't shoot that Rem enough to give advice on it.

 

[heron]

I shoot left-handed, and I have two repeaters, a Henry lever and a Saiga .223. No brass problems with either one. The Saiga throws its empties quite a bit forward, especially brass; the steel casings come out at a more perpendicular angle.

Look for a chance to try the rifle you're thinking about. I don't think you'll have a problem.

The only thing I wouldn't try is a bullpup configuration. Left-hand with one of those, the charging handle would chew up your ribcage, and the empties would get deposited in your armpit.

 

[Sunray]

Don't worry about it. I've been shooting semi's (SMG's and LMG's while in the Queen's Service too) for eons left handed and have never once been hit by a case. Ejection isn't slow and the brass will go up and out far over the shooter's head.
Had an M1 Rifle clip go straight up and back down close to my snout one time though.
You may want to look into something more accurate than a Mini-14. They're reliable, but have poor accuracy for the money. The Mini-14 Target is getting a fairly good reputation for accuracy though. Considerably more money than a standard Mini-14.
You could look into an M1 Carbine from the CMP. With good ammo, most of them will shoot circles around a standard Mini-14. Hoops to jump through, but you get a safe, reliable, rifle with some history. http://www.odcmp.com/