Shoot right or left handed?
#11
Typical Buck
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 601
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From: central Ky
I'm left-handed and left eye dominant, but I've tought myself to shoot rifles and pistols with either hand. It can come in very handy when in a hunting situation. When I decided to try bowhunting, used rh bows were so much easier to find and I didn't want to spend big cash on a new lh bow and decide bowhunting was not for me and be stuck with it. One thing to keep in mind, lh bows and rifles can be hard to get rid of if you decide to sell them.
#12
Thread Starter
Fork Horn
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 482
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From:
OK. Sorry if this is a dumb question, but is the only difference between a right and a left handed bolt action rifle just which side the bolt handle is on? Can one shoot a right handed bolt action rifle left handed without much trouble, or would it be better to get a left handed model for shooting lefty?
#13
Typical Buck
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 601
Likes: 0
From: central Ky
gman, there is no such thing as a "dumb" question, only dumb answers.
Yes, a lefty can shoot a right-hand bolt without much difficulty, I did it for several years. The only differences are the bolt being on the left side and the cheekpiece being on the right side of the buttstock. I used to own a right-handed Rem 700, but somebody had bought a lefty buttstock for it. As for the bolt being on the right side, I've become used to that, but the cheekpiece on the correct side does make a difference.
Yes, a lefty can shoot a right-hand bolt without much difficulty, I did it for several years. The only differences are the bolt being on the left side and the cheekpiece being on the right side of the buttstock. I used to own a right-handed Rem 700, but somebody had bought a lefty buttstock for it. As for the bolt being on the right side, I've become used to that, but the cheekpiece on the correct side does make a difference.
#15
Something else to consider being lh and using a right action is safety position. On Rem 700(stock version) for example it is on the side of the action, so in the case of a rh it is on the right side. For some this is no concern but for myself I prefer it to be reachable with my thumb while not losing holding position of the rifle or the sight picture through the scope. Some models have a centre saftey such as the Browning abolt so this would be a moot point. It is preference but I prefer a left action as it just feels right and doesn't make me change my position in anyway. Like I said you are better to try out some and get a feel for what you like, than jump in both feet at first. I started on rh bolts due to price and availablity but now wouldn't think about buying a rh bolt action.




