What are you lefty's shooting nowadays?

NDguy

Active Member
Aug 12, 2016
208
75
I currently have my Tikka T3 Lite in 30-06 and am looking at getting a new rifle in the next year. I've checked around a bit and there doesn't seem to be many LH options for the midline manufacurers (Ruger American, Savage 11, Tikka, Browning A-Bolt "discontinued", Remington 700 ADL). I have checked the T3X out recently and it seems solid, glad they replaced the stock.

Am I missing some rifles in that $500-800 range?

I am looking at getting a lighter caliber like the 6.5 CM, 25-06, or the 7mm-08. I could try to find a used rifle too if there are suggestions. Something for longer range Antelope & Deer since my 06 can handle Elk just fine.

Looking forward to some suggestions.
 

Colorado Cowboy

Super Moderator
Jun 8, 2011
8,348
4,741
83
Dolores, Colorado
I am a natural right handed person in everything I do EXCEPT shooting. My right eye did not develop well (amblyopia) so my Dad started me shooting left handed when I was about 7. All of my big game rifle are right hand bolts. Back in the early 50's, no one made a left handed bolt. A lefty only had levers and semi autos as real choices other than a right handed bolt. I've used them all and still like the my right handed bolts, hard to beat 65 years of muscle memory! LOL Besides it really made me a better shot, as I really made the first one count.

In my avatar I'm shooting a Winchester 1873 lever using black powder in a Cowboy Action shoot.
 
Last edited:

NDguy

Active Member
Aug 12, 2016
208
75
I am a natural right handed person in everything I do EXCEPT shooting. My right eye did not develop well (amblyopia) so my Dad started me shooting left handed when I was about 7. All of my big game rifle are right hand bolts. Back in the early 50's, no one made a left handed bolt. A lefty only had levers and semi autos as real choices other than a right handed bolt. I've used them all and still like the my right handed bolts, hard to beat 65 years of muscle memory! LOL Besides it really made me a better shot, as I really made the first one count.

In my avatar I'm shooting a Winchester 1873 lever using black powder in a Cowboy Action shoot.
HA! I hear ya. I am actually right eye dominant so the struggle is real for me. I shoot right handed shotguns and have used right handed rifles before. Just not natural for me, very limited options and stores never have anything in stock outside of the Tikka, Axis, or American.
 

DRUSS

Very Active Member
Jun 22, 2014
537
157
nw oregon
Browning a -bolt,x-bolt. Winchester model 88 308. Not my guns. My wife and son both lefty. Not a lot of options out there, but quite a few more than 10yrs ago
 

brdhuntr

Member
Feb 17, 2016
64
0
Eagle Idaho
I am a natural right handed person in everything I do EXCEPT shooting. My right eye did not develop well (amblyopia) so my Dad started me shooting left handed when I was about 7. All of my big game rifle are right hand bolts. Back in the early 50's, no one made a left handed bolt. A lefty only had levers and semi autos as real choices other than a right handed bolt. I've used them all and still like the my right handed bolts, hard to beat 65 years of muscle memory! LOL Besides it really made me a better shot, as I really made the first one count.

In my avatar I'm shooting a Winchester 1873 lever using black powder in a Cowboy Action shoot.
I also started shooting when i was 8, and my dad handed me a 22 rifle and said which shoulder feels the best,and even though i'm dominate right handed, the left felt the most natural. Been shooting right handed rifles and shotguns my whole life with no problem. My current buy is a Nosler 28 Patriot, pretty sweet...
 

billdoe708

Member
May 10, 2015
108
31
Michigan
Picked up a couple of savage weather warriors last fall. One in 7-08 and one in 7 mag. Still trying to figure out glass.

I have been shooting a savage 11 in 7-08.
 

NDguy

Active Member
Aug 12, 2016
208
75
Picked up a couple of savage weather warriors last fall. One in 7-08 and one in 7 mag. Still trying to figure out glass.

I have been shooting a savage 11 in 7-08.
The 11 only comes in black synthetic with a blues barrel in lefty right?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 

Sfjeeper

Active Member
May 31, 2014
322
1
Rocklin, CA
I have LH Browning A-Bolts in both 30-06 and 300WM. Both guns have been great to me. Although because they are stainless steel with synthetic stocks, they weigh a ton. I would love to find one in 25-06.
 

NDguy

Active Member
Aug 12, 2016
208
75
Mine is a trophy hunter. Blued and synthetic. Forearm is a bit flimsy. The weather warriors have the accustock which seems much more solid.
It's the only sub $700 gun that comes in the caliber I am looking at I think. But I can't stand the savage bolts lifting up so high, I bump the scope every time.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 

Colorado Cowboy

Super Moderator
Jun 8, 2011
8,348
4,741
83
Dolores, Colorado
It's the only sub $700 gun that comes in the caliber I am looking at I think. But I can't stand the savage bolts lifting up so high, I bump the scope every time.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
You might be able to alter the bolt angle. Used to do it all the time back when we sporterized military bolt actions. I have 3 of them that have been used since the early 50's. Check with your local 'smith.
 

selous71

New Member
Jan 15, 2017
2
0
Nice rifle. As with all rugers the bolt is tight at first. But over time and use it loosens up. It is not a $4000 precision gun, but it shoots well, reliable and rugged (ie their motto). It really is a worksmans gun that you can use without worrying about issues or using it and dinging it up. I am rough on guns and rugers serve me well in that regard. I gave the new leupold VX6-hd on it and it is a good combo for under $2880 grand total for full setup.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 

NDguy

Active Member
Aug 12, 2016
208
75
Nice rifle. As with all rugers the bolt is tight at first. But over time and use it loosens up. It is not a $4000 precision gun, but it shoots well, reliable and rugged (ie their motto). It really is a worksmans gun that you can use without worrying about issues or using it and dinging it up. I am rough on guns and rugers serve me well in that regard. I gave the new leupold VX6-hd on it and it is a good combo for under $2880 grand total for full setup.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
How is the finish on the stock? I have never held one, so was curious if it is a rubbery texture like the Xbolt with duracoating or if it's the usual smooth synthetic feel.
 

Warmutt

New Member
Dec 22, 2016
12
0
MN
The only left hand rifle I have is a Remington 700 BDL in 7mm Rem Mag. It sits in the safe for the most part. I prefer shooting right hand bolt actions left handed. I don't feel having the bolt on the right hinders me in the least bit and actually feel it's faster for me, especially if I'm shooting from a supported position.