Shooting Left handed

Declined · December 14, 2016, 11:29 PM

All,
This is my first post. I am left handed and left eye dominant. I know shooting right handed rifles has been addressed in other posts, but I have some specific questions.

I would like to find a relatively light, left-handed, stainless rifle in 6.5 Creedmoor. The "common" Tikka T3 or Savage 16 left handed rifles do not seem to be offered in 6.5 Creedmoor. I found the MRC X2 can be ordered that way, but not sure on availability or wait times yet.

First question does anyone know of a relatively light 6.5 CM, stainless, left hand rifle under say 1500$?

Second question - If I cannot find the rifle above I very much liked the Kimber Montana (held both the hunter and Ascent rifles). Two drawbacks using a Montana Left handed. the bolt cuts into left thumb when cycled and the safety would be awkward to use with the left thumb and a scope mounted. So does anyone have a recommendation for a more left handed friendly right handed rifle? again 6.5 CM, stainless light and under 1500$

emcon5 · December 15, 2016, 01:52 AM

Savage will do custom orders, and that would be a pretty easy one for them to make.

Probably well under your budget.

Iwanttoshootbettter · December 15, 2016, 08:23 AM

I'm also left handed with left eye dominance.Sorry I can't answer your search questions but I prefer a right hand bolt gun it just feels better and is what I got use too and easier to sale or trade if needed.

Mobuck · December 15, 2016, 08:31 AM

Although I'm right handed, I come from a "left handed" family(Dad, Brother, Daughter, and Grandson). Savage has been our "go to" brand over the years and has done well for us.

Declined · December 15, 2016, 11:22 AM

Thank you for the responses. I will have to look into the Savage custom route.

HuntingLikeABadHabit · December 15, 2016, 11:33 AM

I agree with some of the above. If you do want to go with the custom route, Savage is your best bet. I also shoot left handed and really feel more comfortable with a right handed bolt. Allows me to work the bolt without ever moving my firing hand or stock weld. Check out savage though, they will always do you right.

Wyosmith · December 15, 2016, 11:55 AM

One last option is to look for a used LH Ruger M77 Mk2, and have it barreled to the 6.5CM. If I were to do that I would look for one in "NRA Beat-up" condition (and preferably get a long action.)
The 6.5CM is an excellent cartridge, but if mated to a long action/ long magazine, the reason the CM was invente3d is lost. There are other options that will do as well and probably better, such as a 260 Rem, 6.5X55 or even a 6.5-06.

But if you have your heart set on the 6.5CM get one. The real objective is always to love and enjoy what you have so you have the most fun with it.

It would be fast, easy, and not horrible expensive to convert a Ruger and then just refinish the whole rifle to get one that you really like.

I see them around Wyoming at yard sales now than then. LH rifles are obviously rarer then RH rifles, but if you start looking hard, you will find them around and they usually bring about 1/2 of the price they cost new. I don't know where you are, but I might guess things would be similar most places in the USA except for the most socialist-minded areas. Around here I see them for about $350 fairly often.

At 1/2 the cost of a new one, you may get the rifle and a new barrel and still be ahead for the same money (or less) than you would spend to order a semi-custom rifle from a factory.

Just food for thought.

emcon5 · December 15, 2016, 02:16 PM

To clarify, I don't know if "Custom" is the right word, it is typically associated with higher end stuff, like the Remington Custom Shop.

Savage is more of a "Special Order". They have all the necessary parts, they would just be assembling them in a way they normally don't offer.

RC20 · December 15, 2016, 03:03 PM

Let us know what Savage says, I had thought about custom but they did not have the parts for what I wanted.

And if you want to get into the wonderful world of changing Savage barrels it only cost about $150 for the tools and you can do it yourself!

Tools: Action wrench (recommended over a barrel vice vice)

Nut wrench: for segmented nuts, if its a newer smooth Savage you will have to get the smooth nut off with a pipe wrench (usually works)

Head Space gauge: I get sets of two but you can make a no go gauge out of a go gauge by putting freezer tape on the back of it.

Hand tools: 3/4 inch wrench, hex wrench

Torque wrench is nice to have but not mandatory.

NSS is the place to get the Action Wrench (mods for Savage setup) and the replacement nuts, best nut wrench out there (slots for breaker bad and torque wrench)

taylorce1 · December 15, 2016, 03:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Declined

First question does anyone know of a relatively light 6.5 CM, stainless, left hand rifle under say 1500$?

Ruger Hawkeye FTW Hunter LH 6.5 Creedmoor. While I wouldn't call the Ruger a true light weight rifle it does only weight 7.6 lbs in 6.5 Creedmoor.

jmr40 · December 15, 2016, 08:42 PM

Left handed bolt guns in SS are not common. Rifles in 6.5 Creedmoor are not common, yet. Combining those requirements really limits your options. It is a fairly easy DIY project to change barrels on Savage. You might be better off to pick up a Savage in 308 and order an aftermarket 6.5 barrel for it. I'd bet you can end up with a decent rifle well under $1500.

T. O'Heir · December 16, 2016, 01:22 PM

"...bolt cuts into left thumb when cycled..." Suggests the stock is too short.
The Savage 11/111 Trophy Hunter XP comes the correct way around and in 6.5 Creedmoor. Weighs 7.25 lbs. MSRP is $629.
I suspect SS may be a cu$tom rifle. However, the Browning X-Bolt was one. Discontinued, but you might find a used one. Six pounds 12 ounces or slightly less.
There's a custom Savage M10FLCP here. No price on it.
http://lefthandedgun.com/index.html

bn12gg · December 16, 2016, 04:37 PM

I'm left handed and left eye dominant. I don't own a left handed rifle -- bolts on the right for the entire stable.

.02

David.

GeauxTide · December 16, 2016, 04:54 PM

Quote:

Savage will do custom orders, and that would be a pretty easy one for them to make.

Probably well under your budget.

I got a 16 Weather Warrior in 260 LH for an $80 upcharge. I've been amazed at the quality and accuracy of the rifle.

Declined · December 16, 2016, 05:34 PM

All thank you again for the additional replies. I am going to checkout both the ruger hawkeye and plan to call savage early next week.

Normally, I'd be excited(well and a little concerned) about the diy approach, but just all of my workshop space.

burrhead · December 16, 2016, 07:13 PM

Delete

Road_Clam · December 29, 2016, 08:08 AM

If your just a recreational shooter you can effectively shoot a RH bolt action left handed. I've been learning ambi shooting for the past few years. Its an excellent skill ro aquire that few can learn. The only drawback shooting a RH bolt Rifle LH is you need to get out of sighting position for each shot . Not really an issue unless you want to engage multiple targets and sequential shots. I also shoot my AR-15 LH but i added ambi controls to help with efficiency.

Dufus · December 29, 2016, 09:38 AM

The only thing with a lefty shooting righty is that the gas port is in your face.

It is lucky that it is rarely active, but if it does become active it could create some unnecessary excitement to say the least.

December 14, 2016, 11:29 PM	#1
Declined Junior Member Join Date: December 14, 2016 Posts: 3	Shooting Left handed All, This is my first post. I am left handed and left eye dominant. I know shooting right handed rifles has been addressed in other posts, but I have some specific questions. I would like to find a relatively light, left-handed, stainless rifle in 6.5 Creedmoor. The "common" Tikka T3 or Savage 16 left handed rifles do not seem to be offered in 6.5 Creedmoor. I found the MRC X2 can be ordered that way, but not sure on availability or wait times yet. First question does anyone know of a relatively light 6.5 CM, stainless, left hand rifle under say 1500$? Second question - If I cannot find the rifle above I very much liked the Kimber Montana (held both the hunter and Ascent rifles). Two drawbacks using a Montana Left handed. the bolt cuts into left thumb when cycled and the safety would be awkward to use with the left thumb and a scope mounted. So does anyone have a recommendation for a more left handed friendly right handed rifle? again 6.5 CM, stainless light and under 1500$

December 16, 2016, 01:22 PM	#12
T. O'Heir Senior Member Join Date: February 13, 2002 Location: Canada Posts: 12,453	"...bolt cuts into left thumb when cycled..." Suggests the stock is too short. The Savage 11/111 Trophy Hunter XP comes the correct way around and in 6.5 Creedmoor. Weighs 7.25 lbs. MSRP is $629. I suspect SS may be a cu$tom rifle. However, the Browning X-Bolt was one. Discontinued, but you might find a used one. Six pounds 12 ounces or slightly less. There's a custom Savage M10FLCP here. No price on it. http://lefthandedgun.com/index.html __________________ Spelling and grammar count!

December 16, 2016, 07:13 PM	#16
burrhead Senior Member Join Date: July 6, 1999 Location: Chihuahuan desert, Texas Posts: 1,148	Delete __________________ Join the GOA, SAF and the TSRA I'm offended by people that are easily offended.

December 29, 2016, 08:08 AM	#17
Road_Clam Senior Member Join Date: November 21, 2013 Location: New Hampshire Posts: 1,695	If your just a recreational shooter you can effectively shoot a RH bolt action left handed. I've been learning ambi shooting for the past few years. Its an excellent skill ro aquire that few can learn. The only drawback shooting a RH bolt Rifle LH is you need to get out of sighting position for each shot . Not really an issue unless you want to engage multiple targets and sequential shots. I also shoot my AR-15 LH but i added ambi controls to help with efficiency. __________________ "To be old an wise you must have been young and stupid"

December 15, 2016, 01:52 AM	#2
emcon5 Senior Member Join Date: July 10, 1999 Location: High Desert NV Posts: 2,850	Savage will do custom orders, and that would be a pretty easy one for them to make. Probably well under your budget.

December 15, 2016, 08:23 AM	#3
Iwanttoshootbettter Member Join Date: November 16, 2016 Location: Laporte Texas Posts: 79	I'm also left handed with left eye dominance.Sorry I can't answer your search questions but I prefer a right hand bolt gun it just feels better and is what I got use too and easier to sale or trade if needed.

December 15, 2016, 08:31 AM	#4
Mobuck Junior member Join Date: February 2, 2010 Posts: 6,846	Although I'm right handed, I come from a "left handed" family(Dad, Brother, Daughter, and Grandson). Savage has been our "go to" brand over the years and has done well for us.

December 15, 2016, 11:22 AM	#5
Declined Junior Member Join Date: December 14, 2016 Posts: 3	Thank you for the responses. I will have to look into the Savage custom route.

December 15, 2016, 11:33 AM	#6
HuntingLikeABadHabit Member Join Date: February 14, 2014 Location: N.C. Posts: 67	I agree with some of the above. If you do want to go with the custom route, Savage is your best bet. I also shoot left handed and really feel more comfortable with a right handed bolt. Allows me to work the bolt without ever moving my firing hand or stock weld. Check out savage though, they will always do you right.

December 15, 2016, 11:55 AM	#7
Wyosmith Senior Member Join Date: December 29, 2010 Location: Shoshoni Wyoming Posts: 2,713	One last option is to look for a used LH Ruger M77 Mk2, and have it barreled to the 6.5CM. If I were to do that I would look for one in "NRA Beat-up" condition (and preferably get a long action.) The 6.5CM is an excellent cartridge, but if mated to a long action/ long magazine, the reason the CM was invente3d is lost. There are other options that will do as well and probably better, such as a 260 Rem, 6.5X55 or even a 6.5-06. But if you have your heart set on the 6.5CM get one. The real objective is always to love and enjoy what you have so you have the most fun with it. It would be fast, easy, and not horrible expensive to convert a Ruger and then just refinish the whole rifle to get one that you really like. I see them around Wyoming at yard sales now than then. LH rifles are obviously rarer then RH rifles, but if you start looking hard, you will find them around and they usually bring about 1/2 of the price they cost new. I don't know where you are, but I might guess things would be similar most places in the USA except for the most socialist-minded areas. Around here I see them for about $350 fairly often. At 1/2 the cost of a new one, you may get the rifle and a new barrel and still be ahead for the same money (or less) than you would spend to order a semi-custom rifle from a factory. Just food for thought.

December 15, 2016, 02:16 PM	#8
emcon5 Senior Member Join Date: July 10, 1999 Location: High Desert NV Posts: 2,850	To clarify, I don't know if "Custom" is the right word, it is typically associated with higher end stuff, like the Remington Custom Shop. Savage is more of a "Special Order". They have all the necessary parts, they would just be assembling them in a way they normally don't offer.

December 15, 2016, 03:03 PM	#9
RC20 Senior Member Join Date: April 10, 2008 Location: Alaska Posts: 7,014	Let us know what Savage says, I had thought about custom but they did not have the parts for what I wanted. And if you want to get into the wonderful world of changing Savage barrels it only cost about $150 for the tools and you can do it yourself! Tools: Action wrench (recommended over a barrel vice vice) Nut wrench: for segmented nuts, if its a newer smooth Savage you will have to get the smooth nut off with a pipe wrench (usually works) Head Space gauge: I get sets of two but you can make a no go gauge out of a go gauge by putting freezer tape on the back of it. Hand tools: 3/4 inch wrench, hex wrench Torque wrench is nice to have but not mandatory. NSS is the place to get the Action Wrench (mods for Savage setup) and the replacement nuts, best nut wrench out there (slots for breaker bad and torque wrench)

December 15, 2016, 08:42 PM	#11
jmr40 Senior Member Join Date: June 15, 2008 Location: Georgia Posts: 10,808	Left handed bolt guns in SS are not common. Rifles in 6.5 Creedmoor are not common, yet. Combining those requirements really limits your options. It is a fairly easy DIY project to change barrels on Savage. You might be better off to pick up a Savage in 308 and order an aftermarket 6.5 barrel for it. I'd bet you can end up with a decent rifle well under $1500.

December 16, 2016, 04:37 PM	#13
bn12gg Senior Member Join Date: February 19, 2011 Location: Winter Park, Florida Posts: 470	I'm left handed and left eye dominant. I don't own a left handed rifle -- bolts on the right for the entire stable. .02 David.

December 16, 2016, 05:34 PM	#15
Declined Junior Member Join Date: December 14, 2016 Posts: 3	All thank you again for the additional replies. I am going to checkout both the ruger hawkeye and plan to call savage early next week. Normally, I'd be excited(well and a little concerned) about the diy approach, but just all of my workshop space.

December 29, 2016, 09:38 AM	#18
Dufus Senior Member Join Date: December 10, 2014 Posts: 1,965	The only thing with a lefty shooting righty is that the gas port is in your face. It is lucky that it is rarely active, but if it does become active it could create some unnecessary excitement to say the least.