Southpaw Shooter

Gary10ec1 · 02-10-2004, 08:26 PM

Been thinking of getting a new bolt action 30-06 but I need a LH model. I really like the Weatherby Vanguard Stainless but I don' think it is offered yet for a lefty. Appreciate recommendations from fellow wrong handedly challenged folks or anyone in the "know"

. Thanks Gary

skeeter 7MM · 02-10-2004, 08:56 PM

If you want an off the shelf LH/SS/3006 your limited to Browning A bolt SS Stalker or Ruger M77 II to my knowledge. If you can move in either caliber choice or finish you'll be able to look at models from almost all manufacturers: rem, winchester, tikka, savage, etc.

Being a south paw I feel your pain in finding suited firearms, my best advice is go to the various websites and see whats available then get to a gun shop and do some touchy feely.

Best of luck

-Cloud Dancer- · 02-10-2004, 09:09 PM

Depending on how picky you are, it's not really that difficult to find a nice left-handed rifle, especially in a basic .30-06. For example, do you want a stainless steel barreled action, or maybe a standard chrome moly model? Would you prefer a synthetic or wood stock? How much are you willing to spend?

Since most major manufacturers do offer a couple left-hand models, you also have to decide what type of action you like. Ruger and Winchester offer controlled-round feed, which I personally prefer, while most others are some form of push-feed. I will give you a list below of rifles to check out, but you should try to go to a local gun shop and see if they have the same models in right-hand. Cycle the action, shoulder the rifle, just see what you think looks and feels the best.

And to answer your question, no, the Vanguard is not available in a left-hand model. Weatherby only offers the Accumark and Ultra Lightweight Magnums for us southpaws, both of which are very expensive... And I believe they may be discontinuing them in their 2004 line, as none are listed in my catalog.

Here are a few to check out, in no particular order or price range. If you need any more information or suggestions from a fellow southpaw, feel free to email me any time.

http://www.ruger.com/Firearms/FAProd...famid&famid=29
http://www.remington.com/firearms/le...d/lefthand.htm
http://www.savagearms.com/centerfire_home.htm
http://www.browning.com/products/cat...asp?value=001B
http://www.winchester-guns.com/prodi...y.asp?cat=001C
http://www.weatherby.com/rifles/rifle_models.shtml
http://www.sako.fi/sako75_hunter_left.html
http://www.berettausa.com/product/pr...ifles_main.htm
http://www.sigarms.com/products/saue...product_id=120
http://www.kimberamerica.com/8400.php

Back40 · 02-11-2004, 05:11 AM

I feel your pain. I am going though the same search. At this point I am considering the Remington Model 700 custom KS Mountain Rifle and the HS Precision Sporter. Their very pricey but I will be using this rifle exclusively and plan on keeping it for a long time. Also am considering the Sako 75 Hunter but would require replacing the Walnut stock with a McMillan and Teflon coating the action/barrel to make it all weather. Good Luck!

Gary10ec1 · 02-11-2004, 07:07 PM

Thanks everyone for the input. I have several guns (rifles and shotguns) but have never had the patience to actually get a LH model. But I plan to finally get one nice synth stainless 06 suited for us other hunters! Gary

ARBowHntr · 02-11-2004, 08:04 PM

I have a couple of Savages and I love them. I prefer to buy used. Both are very good guns.

-Cloud Dancer- · 02-11-2004, 11:35 PM

If you're looking for a nice stainless/synthetic model at a reasonable price, the Browning A-Bolt Stainless Stalker is hard to beat. The Savage 16FLSS is also a great choice, with a much cheaper price tag. Both are reliable, accurate rifles that should easily serve your purpose.

gman1969 · 02-12-2004, 03:34 AM

Here's an option from Savage: http://www.savagearms.com/111gl.htm

Gary10ec1 · 02-12-2004, 07:30 PM

Savage looks pretty good in the synth stainless. Put a leupy on that bad boy with some decent rings and mounts and I outta be out the door for around $900. Not too bad and that gun should last me until I can't shoot anymore (a long time away!).

bigbuck270 · 02-13-2004, 11:23 AM

The Browning A bolt is a really good lefty gun. It is very accurate and just feels nice in your hands. Mine will easily shoot under MOA. You should try the fit of one. Being a lefty stinks for shooting some guns but others are ok. Pumps work fine and I just bought a bushmaster AR 15 semi and I dont even see or feel the shell eject. Good Luck!