Right handed shooter, left handed rifle

[K9TXS]

There's a rifle I want to make and I have a left bolt, left port action available. I shoot several specialty pistols in this same configuration and have no issues with it, but I've never shoulder a rifle in this setup. I do like the idea of having my strong hand on the grip while the left had does the work as if using an SP, but not sure how it would work out.

My main concern is the port on the left would be on the right side of my face. I would rather not rearrange my face should there be an accident.

Anyone else shooting a setup similar to this?

EDITED 6-1-23 / I should have mentioned that this will be used for varmint & coyotes. When I PD hunt now I shoot sensibly and not rapid fire like some shooters.

 

[rwj]

Yup… I have shot a right bolt, right port rifle left-handed for years. Always wear safety glasses!

 

[varmintshooter]

When shooting from a bench I like a right hand bolt ( I am left handed ) same for varmints with bipod. If hunting where a follow up shot may be needed then I want the bolt on the proper side.

 

[HTSmith]

Works good off a bench or prone. How much of a safety risk is it. Dunno

 

[M-61]

My main concern is the port on the left would be on the right side of my face. I would rather not rearrange my face should there be an accident.

Regarding only the port: my last three actions for BR have all been RBLP. If any in the future I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Accidents? Well if they were bullpup actions ……

 

[NorCalMikie]

I built just that!! Strickly for bench shooting.
Lefty bolt repeater action mounted in a right hand BR thumb hole stock. Right hand stays in the thumb hole for control and my free left hand works the bolt and feeds ammo.
I'am right handed but wanted to see what it was like shooting a left hand rifle right handed.
Picked up a lefty Savage repeater action and mounted it in an ambi stock. Loved it!!
Ordered up a right hand BR style thumb hole stock, (think fence post 15/16 pounds) plugged the right bolt handle cut and recut it on the left side. (the stock cutters don't know right/left action is the same on a Savage) DUH!!
Laminated stock so easy to match the bolt handle cut plug color. Tactical bolt handle (longer) for more leverage, single shot follower/adaptor.
Ejector spring/pin removed so brass stays on the bolt head/face till YOU pick it off.
Never think about the port being close to my face. Too busy having fun. More concerned about getting run into just getting to the range.
That same repeater action works for my rear grip SP.
Right hand controls the stock and free left hand does the bolt/ammo thang.
If you have a strong grip in your left hand, Remington XP 100 mounted in a lefty stock. At least you won't be reaching across to work the bolt.
And I'll add, my rig is nothing special. Just a left hand bolt action mounted on a right hand action.
My only problem now? Shooting my right hand rigs and having to take my right hand off the stock to work the bolt. Right hand stock, left hand bolt feels SO NATURAL it's hard to go back.

 

[jsn]

M-16 type extractor on that bolt in a high pressure situation can become detached and exit the rear of the receiver.

 

[6Creed73]

I've have thought about doing this ever since I shot my buddy's left-handed rifle. I loved being able to keep my right hand on the stock, It felt very natural and much more fluid with less overall movement.

The only thing I didn't like is the brass ejecting to my left and onto the ground. And no place to sit the brass catcher on the bench.

 

[LuvDog]

I'm right handed but left eye. I've been shooting right bolt, right port guns left handed forever.

I just finally bought my first lefty bolt guns within the last year.

I wouldn't be too concerned about it... just wear your safety glasses, but that should always be the case anyway.

 

[dryhumor]

I have a Browning T bolt in 22 magnum that’s left handed. I’m a righty. It actually feels pretty good, easy to cycle the bolt, and don’t really have to move my head. I wouldn’t be against a left handed bolt gun.

 

[ckaberna]

I grew up shooting RBRP left handed. Worked well as long as you don’t have any gas leaks and god forbid what was mentioned above about extractor. Safety glasses are highly recommended. The pic below is of a factory loaded 25-06 that had apparently had a chemical reaction of some sort and basically sandblasted the right side of my face. Lucky I was wearing tinted safety glasses, mainly for the sun .

 

[Outrider27]

Many years ago I shot production class bench rest right handed with a left handed Savage bolt gun that belonged to a close friend who shot a really nice bench gun that he built for heavy class. I must say, as a right handed shooter shooting right handed with a left handed rifle off the bench, I really liked it. I only ever shot production class, and I always shot that lefty rifle, and it was really great. Never even considered going to a right handed rifle, even though I always shot as a righty with that left hander.

 

[Bottom Fodder]

To me it’s more important which side the port is than the bolt

 

[Bronsin]

My current LV gun is a Lefty and I've really come to like it.
Edit 3-6-24 This rifle was sold and I bought 2 new DS actions RBLPRE

 

[BoydAllen]

I shoot left handed, because of a dominant eye situation. I have shot a lot of right right rifles from the bench and prefer them to left left for any shooting that will not require supporting the rifle with my right hand, if those are the only options. My custom actions are left right.

On the issue of safety, I always wear eye protection when shooting, no matter what. If you do not, I think that your concern is valid. I would point out that among right handed benchrest shooters, right bolt left port actions have been the most common for a long time.

 

[D-4297]

As a Right-handed shooter ; I have been shooting a Left Bolt / Left Port Kelby Panda in TR for seven years now , and wouldn't change back for anything . Love the fact that I can do a entire string with sighters , and my dominant hand never comes off the stock . Not having to constantly re-grip after loading a round is a benefit . Never shoot anything without eye protection ! C'mon Man !

 

[DLT]

I’m a lefty who has always shot right handed guns. Never tried a left handed. One that I’m still trying to get used to is a savage right bolt left port. It’s different from everything else I ever shot feels weird but it is a zinger so that makes it ok lol