ssmith_1187

I think I am down to two choices in terms of a rifle.

1) Remington 700 BDL SS
2) Ruger M77 Mark II

The caliber I am settling in on is .30-06. This rifle is going to be used mainly for upper Midwest whitetail, though I might be heading to Colorado for some Elk this fall.

The problem I am having is I am a left handed shooter. As such finding a left-handed model in the configuration I want is proving to be very difficult.

I can get the Ruger in a left-handed model but the barrel is only 22 inches long. The Remington is only offered in a right-handed model but has a 24 inch barrel and the legendary Model 700 reputation. Since the Remington has a straight stock (versus a Monte Carlo) shooting it left handed should really be an issue as far as gun fit goes. The safety isn’t that big of an issue since I can come across the back of the receiver to engage it.

Would you give up two inches of barrel length to get a left-handed model or would you stick with the reputation of a Remington?

Thank you in advance.

Regards,
Steve

Rangerlab

In the real world you will never notice the 2 inches. I think it is more important to get a rifle that fits you and is comfortable.

skeeter 7MM

Being a south paw myself I feel your pain and having used both I prefer a LH action in all aspects now. I wouldn't worry about the 2" of barrel difference, as long as the fit is right. To me that is the difference between a great rifle and just a rifle!!!

Others OTC you can consider are:

Browning Abolt SS Stalker LH 22" barrel
Remington 700 CDL (Blue and Walnut) LH 24" Barrel
Savage has a number of LH action CF's as well. I know the Weather Warrior Series(SS) is not available in 3006 chambering though.

Best of Luck

Wolf killer

This would be the rifle I would pick. This rifle has the extra 2-inches of barrel lenght you are looking for. I have looked at a few CDL's they are a nice looking rifle.

hillbillyhunter1

I've got the ruger and love it.

DM

Personally, in a 30-06 i'd "rather" have the 22" bbl., and i wouldn't buy a right hand action if i was left handed! And i am!!

Drilling Man

jones123

I have both of your choices. I got one for one son and one for the other son when they turned 16. Both .270 stainless with black plastic stocks. I use theirs. Sold mine because we never use three rifles in one day.

Anyway we all trade the Rem and Ruger back and forth and nobody has a preference. Remington action seems a tad bit smoother, but both have had shells stuck a time or two. There is NO difference at the range.

I prefer three-position visible safety on the Ruger.

So my opinion is go for the cheaper of the two and put the saved money in the scope. Our Remington was about $100 more.

gorse

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121553

Don't undermind the reputation of a ruger. I owned the 77 ruger and was pleased with it other than its weight. The barrel thicknest is a lot heavier than that of the 700 in which is why I have the model 700 because I do a lot of stalking and the remington 700 is a lot lighter than that of a ruger 77 and every bit as accurate. If you are a south paw than get the gun that fits, I have owned them both, and either/or are fine rifles, it all comes down to one shot, get the gun that feels comfortable.

Slamfire

As one more southpaw to another, get the left handed action. You'll even appreciate the 22" barrel when you get older.