left hand 7 mag

[billdoe708]

I'm looking at picking up a 7mag. Problem is I am left handed and I want a 26" barrel. So far I have found a Browning x-bolt and a Remington CDL.

I havent had any luck beyond that. Everything else seems to have a 24" barrel. I really feel 26" is the way to go so I am leaning towards the x-bolt.

What are your opinions or am I missing something?

 

[Tim McCoy]

I have owned a number of A-bolts, all were very accurate. I have friends who each have a X-bolt, both are outstandingly accurate. Between the two, if you are ever going to do some custom work to it, the Rem wins for availability of options, otherwise I'd get the X-bolt.

 

[sneakypete]

Have you checked Winchester in the extreme weather model, I believe mine is a 26" barrel.

 

[Arrowslinger]

I have an older stainless stalker and a new T3 both in 7mm LH bolt. I prefer the T3 hands down!

 

[sneakypete]

Very nice buck! Congrats . I like that pack also!

 

[6mm Remington]

Maybe you could find a used Ruger #1B in 7mm Remington, that model has a 26" barrel AND it's shorter than a 24" bolt action in 7mm Mag! I have two Ruger #1B's and I love those things. They both shoot very well.

 

[missjordan]

I have both guns in different calibers and both are good choices. I feel like the x bolt isn't as finicky as the Remingtons, when it comes to figuring out loads

 

[alaska2go]

So what is the hang up on barrel length ? Do you reload ? I would personally take a 24" barrel over a 26" barrel when it comes to hunting & thinner stock barrels. If you reload you can use a quicker burning powder to make up some velocity loss of the shorter barrel.

 

[Plainsman]

As much as as I wish it were not the case, Winchester will not do the Ext. Weather SS in a leftie set up. Browning, Savage, Remington, Tikka, and Ruger will be the options in the $450.00 to $1000.00 price range. Above that, there is Montana Rifle Co. and Weatherby, or the custom route. Not the wide,wonderful world of the right handed person but compared to a handful of years ago at least us lefties are not completely forgotten.

 

[sneakypete]

Or, like I just remembered, shoot like Mike Eastman a right handed gun? My son is left handed this is good knowledge.

 

[billdoe708]

I wish winchester made a lefty. They probably will start after I buy something.

I have an old timer that helps me reload. He has hundreds of loads for different rifles from over the years. In the past longer barrels have always seem easier to find an accurate load for.

The custom route has crossed my mined, but i feel its more than I wish to spend for now. I'd like to stay under $1500 for the rifle without optics. I suppose I could go semi custom and screw a new barrel on a savage.

I could go right handed, but staying lefty I have found no one asks to borrow them.

 

[RICMIC]

Loaning out a good rifle is sort of like loaning out your wife. Things may appear to be in good shape, but it will never be the same between you.

 

[Plainsman]

Well BD, you might give the guys at Montana Rifle Co. a call then. I've visited with them a handful of times and they are great to talk to and seem easy to work with. Better yet, supposedly the guy who dreamed up the action design was a lefty too so he kinda gets us! I've only seen a few of these rifles in action, but so far I'm fairly impressed. Their 7 mags come with a 26" barrel and from my last conversation with them they can modify to suit customer needs in most cases. I think you can get their Extreme X2 for around your listed price with at least some money to put towards glass. This particular rifle in a .300 Win will be my next purchase as I have a soft spot for .30 cals and mauser style actions. Let us know when you make a decision. New guns are harder to decide on than new vehicles!

 

[sneakypete]

Plainsman, great info thanks!