weak hand rifle shooting?

[springmom]

I got to spend my morning at the orthopedic doc (yippee ) getting a knee and my right shoulder dealt with. As I'm right-handed, the cortisone injection I got into the shoulder barf:) means no shooting for today, and probably not for the next few days. After all, I got the shot because the shoulder HURTS. Probably ought to let the meds actually work before I go shoot trap or play with my deer rifle.

But that brings up an interesting question. Have any of you ever taught yourself to shoot rifle "weak hand" side? I'm definitely strong right-hand dominant, right eye dominant; but if this thing lingers into deer season, I'm wondering if I ought to try to work on shooting left handed.

Anybody ever done it with a rifle (or shotgun)? I practice that way once in awhile with handguns, but haven't done this.

Springmom

 

[One Shot]

I practice shooting weak hand in three positions at least once a month in the event that I require the cover or a injury or illness impairs my right side.

 

[30Cal]

I switched from right handed to left handed about 3 years ago after I got Lasik. The hardest part was figuring out which arm the sling needs to go on for prone and sitting. It really wasn't that hard to figure out.

Ty

 

[MilsurpShooter]

I've tried it, simply to see how easy you right handed shooters have it on the bolt actions

My biggest problem is holding and aiming. It honestly takes me about a minute to place the rifle and align my eye to the site, then re-align my eye to the sight when I remember I have to leave my right eye open. It feels awkward but it's beginning to get better, I've even tightened up my groups a bit from minute of barn to minute of tractor.

 

[springmom]

Well, it'll definitely have to be with a bolt action. I don't fancy having brass whizzing into my eye from my AR or my 10/22.

I do begin to feel some sympathy for you seriously southpaw folks.

I'll try it the next time I'm out on the range; but for today the shoulder just stays in and gets better. I hope.....

Springmom

 

[briansmithwins]

I do practice shooting off hand. I'm right handed and right eye dominate. Most of my off hand shooting is at rifle matches that are designed to require you to use cover on both sides.

When I started (about 2 years ago) I could not shoot iron sights with my left eye, red dots and scopes were ok. Last month I was shooting an Uzi with apertire sights at a torso sized steel plate 175 yards out. I was getting hits (after 2-5 rounds) with both sides. I was so busy shooting I wasn't thinking about which eye I was using.

I think that switching sides is mostly training and repitition of good practice. BTW, the below picture id me shooting my carbine left handed. I don't remember anything except getting sight picture that time either. BSW

 

[RevolvingCylinder]

The problem I have is that I'm practically blind in my weak eye. I can't even see AR15 sights at all with that eye. How does one get around that?

 

[springmom]

Well, I wouldn't suggest a shot of cortisone....

Have you looked into Lasik? If that's an option, an awful lot of people find that a real boon.

Springmom

 

[U.S.SFC_RET]

Absolutely Yes! I am just as able to shoot either handed with either pistol or rifle. Pistol I shoot better with the left hand than both hands. I am left handed.
I am not a natural at it but mind over matter. I taught myself to shoot weak sided. My natural side wants to prefer but the value lies in being able to shoot every which way but loose.
My Mosin is a good teacher when it pummels my left shoulder.
My left eye is a bit on the blur and that gives me an excuse as well.

 

[W.E.G.]

The problem I have is that I'm practically blind in my weak eye. I can't even see AR15 sights at all with that eye. How does one get around that?

Aiming eye dog perhaps?

I recommend a French Poodle since the French are naturally lefty's.

 

[BridgeWalker]

I'm very left-handed, but luckily am right eye dominant.

I destroyed my left shoulder in judo several years back. I only shoot right handed. But I got lucky on eye-dominance, so not much help in your situation.

Incidentally, since I've been shooting more heavily I've found that I am closer to ambidextrous now that my right hand is getting stronger from shooting a couple times a week.

 

[.45Guy]

Well, it'll definitely have to be with a bolt action. I don't fancy having brass whizzing into my eye from my AR or my 10/22.

I do begin to feel some sympathy for you seriously southpaw folks.

Eh, the only things I've had problems with were a couple of SP-1s that liked to wang my cheek with brass, and a couple of carbines with peened ejectors that loved to give me the Hindu all seeing eye. Other than that I love being wrong handed. And from a rested posistion, we even have the advantage over our right handed brethren with their bolt rifles.