LH Short LOP

[littlelefty]

As per my handle I am short and left-handed. Just got back from a hunt with my beloved Rem. 788 LH in .308. While it does not weigh a ton, it is kind of heavy (I walked quite a bit on the hunt), and I also remembered how annoying that protruding magazine can be. I've been entertaining another rifle (addition not replacement).

So what might ya'll recommend that has a short LOP (13" max), and is lefty friendly? I'm kind of thinking bolt action that I can scope. Not necessarily a thick woods gun since I already have a Winchester Ranger Compact (12.5" LOP) in 30-30 for that application.

Options I've found include Savage Axis youth and Remington SPS youth, both available in LH. Also Browning Micro Midas is out there even though it's probably in a different class than the savage or Rem.

And while I'm collecting inputs, what caliber? This will be mostly an eastern U.S. deer/hog rifle. Dare I go to 7mm-08 since I already have .308? What about .243?

Thanks and Merry Christmas!

 

[littlelefty]

ok so maybe I got a little wordy...

Looking for suggestions on a LH friendly, short LOP, centerfire rifle.

Also, given that I already own a .308, caliber suggestions are also welcome. Keeping it simple with another .308 has appeal to me. Should I even consider 7mm-08 given the already present .308? .243 is perhaps far enough away from .308 to be different but still effective in a certain niche.

Thanks!

 

[T Bran]

While I am not a lefty I'll second the AXIS Youth models. I recently purchased one in .223 for a friend to hog hunt with. While I was working up a load and sighting it in I realised that the fit was perfect for my short arms.
Been thinking about one in .243 for myself since the other caliber nitches are filled.
I was also plesantly surprised with the accuracy of this lite little inexpensive rifle. The trigger wasnt as bad as I was led to beleive either.
The only thing I wasnt impressed with was the plastic mag catch. Guess at the price point you cant have it all.
Good luck in your quest.

 

[urbaneruralite]

The difference between 7mm08 and .308 depends on your usual bullets. A 140gr 7mm08 relates to a 165gr .308. If you're using 150gr in your .308 and are satisfied, why bother?

I recently took about 3/4" off a Savage stock with a Dremel, coping saw and sanding block. Took about fifteen minutes including sanding down the recoil pad. I can't say I'd choose a Savage over a Browning, but you can get the Savage in .260. A 120gr .260 load is significantly different in recoil and trajectory from the 165gr .308 and about perfect for your stated purpose.

 

[littlelefty]

thanks urbanerualite. Yes, I shoot 150 gr. bullets in the .308 and am very happy with their performance. So that is great input regarding 7mm-08.

And thanks for the suggestion on .260. I had not thought of it. I had started thinking of getting something full size, and cutting the stock down to fit me better.

More to ponder, but more options too! Thanks!

 

[lefteyedom]

Savage in 260,

 

[steven58]

Depends on how much money you want to spend.
I'm a lefty and my favorite LH bolt action is my New Ultra Light Arms Mod 20. 5 lb. of perfect rifle in .260 Rem. length of pull and stock color is your choice.
Mine has been a .5 MOA 3 shot group shooter with most commercial hunting ammo I've put through it.
Downside is they run $3600.00.
I sold a bunch of safe queens to fund mine and have been very happy with it.