Lefties and bolt guns.
 

Does anyone here, who's left handed use RH bolts to hunt. I've heard that many LH people actually prefer a RH bolt for competitive/benchrest shooting. This makes sense since you would have to "break" from the stock and the bolt is there for you're free hand. But what about hunting situations? I have a scoped RH bolt and its incredible discouraging...I would actual prefer a single shot. The the south paws that hunt with RH bolts are there and "tricks" other than mounting the scope insanely high or forward (NOT gonna happen).

RE: Lefties and bolt guns.
 

soilarch, I'm leftie and so was my friend. He used right handed bolts exclusively. I've used them occasionally. I've never really found cycling a RH bolt that much of a problem. I simply held the forearm in my right hand, reached over the stock with my left, cycled the action and reshouldered. Time wise, it was too much slower than cycling my LH bolts. You can be proficient with a little practice. If you practice shooting enough and be patient with your shots, you shouldn't need that second or third shot anyway.

RE: Lefties and bolt guns.
 

All of my deer huntingbolt actions are lefthanded, I tried the reach over thing and didnt like it. I do have a 77/22 Ruger in 22 mag that is right handed, but its very accurate, and havent ever needed a follow up shot on squirrels, foxes, etc. When I am at the range and having fun with my Ruger, Iam using sandbags so I use my right hand that normally just lays over the barrel anyway to reach back and cycle the bolt. There aresome companies that havemade enough "deer" cartriges in LH like Savage, Remington, Ruger that you should be able to get the normal stuff in a good fitting lefthanded gun.243, 25-06, 270, 30-06, 7mm rem, 300 winny,338 Win, and 300 RUM are all still offered by one of the above companies. If one of them dont tickle your fancy Iguess you could have a smith rechamber an existing left hand action.

RE: Lefties and bolt guns.
 

I'm left handed and grew up with a right hand bolt action in my hands. As an young adult i figured there had to be a better way, so i bought myself a new 700 Rem. LH rifle. It didn't take long to figure out that ihad beenP-ing in the wrong pot useing right handed guns all my life!!! I wouldn't go back to a right handed rifle if you paid me.

It'sNOT just about that second shot, it's mostly about being able toquickly operate the rifle without takeing my eye off the animial. A left hand bolt is just plain "natural" for a left handed person.

Drilling Man

RE: Lefties and bolt guns.
 

If it were me (which it's not, I'm rightie), I'd just go ahead buy a left handed gun rather than trying to learn to use something that obviously isn't designed to be efficiently and safely used by a left handed person. There is nothingthat is more important than cleanlyand efficiently (and safely!) handling the gun you're using. I can't think of any reason to use a rightie.

I know it might be a matter of dough. Again, if it were me, I'd sell or trade the rightietowards whatever leftie rifleI could find and afford, even if I had to "downgrade" a little.You probably don't need a brand new, top grade, exquisite 500 yard sniper capable rifle - but just a decent lefthanded gun in a caliber and accuracy that suits your hunting. There are so many suitable calibers, I wouldn't get hung up on that at all (I'd go with whatever caliber I found that I could afford within the huge range of suitable deer, etc. calibers). Also concerning brands and models, I'd say the same thing. There are favorites and "premium" lines, but so many that will do fine for hunting. There are a million good used ones out there at reputable gun shops as well as private parties.

But, I'm just spouting off because I'm not in the position. Good luck.

RE: Lefties and bolt guns.
 

I'm a leftie who tried learning to use a right-handed bolt.

It was an expensive and frustrating experiement for me.

I know there are lots of us lefties who've learned to shoot right-handed bolt guns, but I never got the hang of it.

Luckily, the Savage 110-L came to the rescue!

RE: Lefties and bolt guns.
 

Thanks guys, I not having trouble "learning" a RH 'cause its all I've ever known. And I was asking because I'm giving serious serious thought to having a 6.5X55 Swede Tack-driver made for me...For twice the price of the cheap factory rifles I'd have a gaurenteed .5MOA rifle that can be handloaded to take anything in north america. (Maybe not Ole Griz...facing something that hunts back would make me be &^@# sure of my abilities before I went un-overgunned)

Never heard of it? or think its obsolete?

http://www.savageshooters.net/Reloading/65x55_Swede.html
http://www.chuckhawks.com/choosing_6-5mm_rifle.htm

RE: Lefties and bolt guns.
 

What i think is, i'd build one on a LH action, OR just buy a LH Rem 700 in a decent cal., tune it up and it will shoor at .5 or close enough to .5 MOA that it won't matter...

Drilling Man

RE: Lefties and bolt guns.
 

I am left-handed and I have never shot a left-handed gun in my life. I own a right-handed shotgun ( which i did get the saftey turnde around in), a right-handed .22, and a right-handed bolt action rifle I have never had any problems with any of my guns and as far as the bolt action goes I simply support the rifle with my left hand and bring my right hand to operate the bolt. I would not even think of buying a left-handed gun the next time I go the the store after one.

RE: Lefties and bolt guns.
 

I think it all depends on the lenght of the bolt. If you are using a short action, like a 22, I find it very easy to use. Rest the front on something and keep my hand on the bolt. I can cycle it very fast. If I am shooting something longer, 30-06, I feel like I am going to take out my eye and don't like it. Just my .02

RE: Lefties and bolt guns.
 

Kodiak, I agree I can cycle my .22 with my left thumb as fast as my buddies can correctly....my scoped 22-250, is by all means a single shot though[&:] I'll be honest, I've never needed the second shot, I've only shot paper and a couple coyotes and squirrels with it...they all either do down on the spot, or I completely missed and they were gone so fast a AK47 wouldn't have been any use.:D