Newbie question on LH rifle.

halffast59 · November 19, 2004, 04:33 PM

I see that black powder rifles are listed as optional LH. I assumed that meant "left hand", however when I go to parts list, only difference I see in parts is the barrel showing LH as a different barrel. Exactly what does LH mean and what are the benefits?
Thanks

Jim Watson · November 19, 2004, 05:45 PM

A traditional muzzleloading black powder rifle is a complete mirror image in left hand. The lock is on the left and the barrel is made with the flashhole or nipple on the left side to match. Keeps the fire out of your face if you are a southpaw.

I don't know what might be meant by left hand on a modern mutant.

**4V50 Gary** · November 21, 2004, 09:24 PM

Modernly left handed flintlocks have left handed locks and sideplates and stocks. Traditionally, if you were a southpaw, the stock would be set up for you but the lock was righthanded. The exception is if you were rich enough for a gunsmith to make you a lock and there were some left handed guns made in the days of the olde.

BTW, I took my first class on how to make a flintlock because I couldn't find anyone to make a southpaw one for me. Now I have a couple.

November 19, 2004, 04:33 PM	#1
halffast59 Junior Member Join Date: November 16, 2004 Posts: 2	Newbie question on LH rifle. I see that black powder rifles are listed as optional LH. I assumed that meant "left hand", however when I go to parts list, only difference I see in parts is the barrel showing LH as a different barrel. Exactly what does LH mean and what are the benefits? Thanks

November 21, 2004, 09:24 PM	#3
4V50 Gary Staff Join Date: November 2, 1998 Location: Colorado Posts: 21,832	Modernly left handed flintlocks have left handed locks and sideplates and stocks. Traditionally, if you were a southpaw, the stock would be set up for you but the lock was righthanded. The exception is if you were rich enough for a gunsmith to make you a lock and there were some left handed guns made in the days of the olde. BTW, I took my first class on how to make a flintlock because I couldn't find anyone to make a southpaw one for me. Now I have a couple. __________________ Vigilantibus et non dormientibus jura subveniunt. *Molon Labe!*

November 19, 2004, 05:45 PM	#2
Jim Watson Senior Member Join Date: October 25, 2001 Location: Alabama Posts: 18,540	A traditional muzzleloading black powder rifle is a complete mirror image in left hand. The lock is on the left and the barrel is made with the flashhole or nipple on the left side to match. Keeps the fire out of your face if you are a southpaw. I don't know what might be meant by left hand on a modern mutant.