Using a RH shotgun by lefty and LH by a righty.

[axeman_g]

I thought I would post this to start some discussion.

I recently acquired a LH 870 WM, and since I am a lefty it on first blush appeared to be the right thing to do. Well after shooting it for a few rounds of trap here and there I love the gun, except for one thing. Over the years I have gotten myself so used to dropping a shell into the right side port of a RHed shotgun that I am begining to scratch the blueing on this shotgun whilst attempting to ram another shell into the wrong side. It actually feels unatural to turn my wrist over and load a shell into the left side. Well, then the though hit me that if on the off and horrible occasion I might need to make some sort of tactical load on a pump gun, that the RH shotgun for a lefty is a decided advantage and therefore the opposite would be true with a right hander and a LH shottie.

If you like to keep your strong arm on the gun, and the gun against your shoulder, then, assuming your lefty, loading a RH shotgun with your right hand, through the RH port, is easy. If you are RH and are using a RH shotgun you have to swing your arm under the gun, feel the shell into the RH port, or move the gun so you can see the port.

Maybe everyone already knows this and I brough up a hashed over thought. But, this is the first it ever dawned on me...

 

[1KPerDay]

Makes sense to me... I like having the charging handle/receiver port on my 1100 and Franchi on the right side (I shoot long guns lefty). I need to have someone switch the safety and I'll be home free.

Or you could get a BPS or Ithaca and really confuse yourself...

 

[hockeybum]

i have a pump browning that feeds and ejects out the bottom. greatest gun ever, and the safety is on the top so its the perfect ambidextrous gun

 

[ojdidit]

I have seen guys use "opposite" hand shotguns in tactical-type competitions. The strings of fire typically are for 2-10 more shells than what the shotty will hold to start with. If you fire until empty, the quickest thing to do is single feed the last couple shells if that is all you need. I suppose the exact same thing could work at home or on duty. No one ever seems bothered by the shells ejecting towards their shoulder either. In fact, if Remington made a LH HD style shotty I would probably buy it.

Good thought.......

 

[MrCleanOK]

I have been shooting a bottom-ejecting shotgun for years, so my brain is wired to load the chamber from the magazine. I just bought an 870 about a month ago and still have to remind myself that I can put a round in through the ejection port.

For the record, I am a lefty, but muscle memory still makes me load shells from the side saddle into the magazine. I haven't really felt the need to complicate the issue by adding another set of fine motor skills.

 

[Dave McCracken]

IMO, we can get used to just about anything. I do recommend that for a given shooter ALL shotguns of a given model share controls in the same location.

I've operated RH long guns LH without major trauma but major effect downrange. Not much experience with LH weapons,yet.

 

[10X]

What you are talking about are really habits/what you get used to.
When you do something for years, they can be tough to change.

I shoot long gun left handed and hand guns right handed.
I don't even want a LH long gun. It is way to difficult to change after many decades. I don't think an LH gun would benefit a RH shooter. There is really no advantage.

As long as I can get to the safety easily, I am happy with a RH shotgun.
The Model 12 Winchester was quite a challenge until I found left handed safeties.

I don't own a bolt action rifle. They are too awkward for a lefty. The only beneficial application I have seen for a LH rifle for a right hander is bench rest shooting.