It really sucks being left handed!

[alberta boy]

Honestly mate - I know you've gone and got the dies and brass already, but really, don't get fixated on calibre. Since you are already committed to handloading, calibre choice is even less important for you than it might otherwise be (except for the fact that you've already sourced dies and brass).

Unless Sussex FLD has really gone downhill then they won't make issues 1-4-1 ing you to a 6.5 Creedmoor, 260 Rem' 7x57, 308 etc. Surely, that 6.5x55 is a sweet calibre to shoot - but it is not so much better than any of the other "usual suspects" that you should let it restrict your choice of a quality LHB rifle. And, as I've already alluded to, by committing to "rolling your own" you've already beaten a significant part of the challenge involved in feeding a more unusual or obscure calibre - and I'm not talking wildcats here, just things that might be going a bit cheaper due to lower popularity and scarcity of factory ammo in the UK - 280 Rem', 260 Rem', 7x64 and 257 Roberts all spring to mind, and that's without thinking very hard about it!

Find the rifle - the paperwork can always be done later. And, if an RFD won't accept a deposit to hold a rifle whilst you get a variation then they don't deserve any of your money at all.

As to the 22? Try and get a LHB 452 - I bought mine for less than 200 quid - if it really matters to you to get a heavy barrel, get a re-barrel if you need to to get what you want.

It is a massive pity that there isn't a UK importer for the Zastava M70 (Mauser 98) sporting rifles. They do a true LHB, and your 6.5x55 is on the list see one here and the prices are very reasonable too.

Don't fall into the trap of over/under valuing various action types - have you shot with a Browning or Savage? Emma Custom Rifles (I know they're up along way North) had a few Ruger M77 LHB rifles and they are seriously undervalued in the UK market.

I don't like the Savage Axis, or the Ruger American, both feel cheap and nasty, but the American at least shoots just as well as a Tikka. Haven't shot an Axis so can't comment on that. I don't like plastic detachable magazines (again this is just an aesthetic preference I can afford to have - not a serious criticism).

A Rem 700 is likely to be the most broadly available 2nd hand LHB rifle available in the UK (you might even come across my old one - it went to dealer somewhere in Sussex) - don't write them off. Mine looked tatty, but it was cheap, and kept handloads to a sub 1" ragged hole. I'm not boasting - to do that from 100 yds prone with a bipod is no great feat of marksmanship, and I'm no sniper, but it does make a point about a rifle that a lot of UK shooters can be quite dismissive of.

I wish you the best of luck - wish I could do something more to help.

Oh sure , taunt the poor guy ........ but good advise .

AB

 

[big ears]

A blazer on the other hand is quite a problem as for some reason the safety is quite difficult to operate left handed.

dont find that the case. Must be all in the wrist action!

 

[Cottis]

It is worth doing lots of research prior to buying your first rifles. The ticket drops on the mat and we all get excited and want to buy new toys but we have all been guilty at some point in making the wrong decision on guns and with the faff involved with variations, selling rifles, losing money on them etc, it is wise to get it right in the first instance.

The .22LR for example. I am no CZ fan but if I were getting one, it would be the 452 over the 455 every time. It is thought of much more highly. Get yourself over to Rimfire Central and have a good read up on the CZ forum there. There are some good people over there mixed in with the usual.

Also, it is not necessary to buy a brand new .22LR. A looked after or little used rimmie will last you a lifetime if you take care of it. The bores do not copper foul as they shoot lead and the velocities are low, so barely any damage. They shoot tens of thousands of rounds effortlessly. You would find a good second hand Anschutz or Weirauch for similar money as a new CZ or even less. You will find the odd left hooker if you want a true LH rifle. I am a leftie and to be honest, growing up, I just became accustomed to a right hand bolt, to the extent now where I have never wanted one. Must admit, I do tend to get either LH stocks or at the very least Ambi stocks but there is a good lot of choice out there if you look well and have a bit more patience than is naturally on tap for someone with spare slots on their FAC

 

[Chasey]

I own some LH and some RH rifles


I find having a RH bolt helps with shooting from sticks as the redundant hand (right hand) can cycle the bolt

When using the left, its just friction holding the stock into the shoulder unless your bolt is finger tip action. I have read about boor hunters with Blaser's shooting right handed with a LH bolt so they can cycle quicker

On the issue of the Blaser safety, I have used it with both hands and don't see any difference? Its a very good safety in terms of errrrrr safety. But its damed slow to operate regardless of which side you use it from.

No doubt someone will deny this in the name of the mighty Blaser, but its bull, they ARE slower to operate than the safety on my Sako or my T3

What fecs me off is the cost to LH shooters. A LH R8 Pro Suc is about 3450 but I can get a RH for less than 3K

As to shooting RH?

Yes I can an do ocasionaly shoot RH when the angle in the high seat doesent sit well for a LH shot. On paper I can shoot pretty much as well as LH. Its a scope after all, not a shotgun where LH is essential.

BUT shooting RH is like holding your dic with the wrong hand to take a pee. It works but it just feels wrong.

 

[Heym SR20]

Being left handed, you have to ignore the calibre. Focus instead on finding a good rifle that is left handed. Get hold of it and then get the variation. There are some good Heym SR20's, Mauser 3000's and older sako's and tikka's on the 2nd hand market. I would suggest these are better buys than a new T3 - and if its not in the correct calibre either get a variation and learn to love the claibre it is in, or rebarrel it.

If I was starting new, I would have a serious look at the Shulz and Larsen.

 

[Alantoo]

snip...

BUT shooting RH is like holding your dic with the wrong hand to take a pee. It works but it just feels wrong.

If we wear ready made trousers virtually all left handers have to use their right hand to access through the overlap of the fly. It is a right handed (and right willied) world as they say.

I think that is rather my point about it not being difficult to learn to shoot off the right shoulder, it just feels wrong initially but we soon learn to cope. I think it better than using a right handed rifle off my left shoulder.

Alan

 

[sy247]

I have got a Remington 700 BDL LH in .270, its a great stalking rifle and cost £550 second hand. I've also got an Anschutz sporter LH on .22. I bought that a few years ago and but it didn't' cost the earth and is a lovely rifle. Maybe have a think about a different calibre and model.

 

[Heym SR20]

I have got a Remington 700 BDL LH in .270, its a great stalking rifle and cost £550 second hand. I've also got an Anschutz sporter LH on .22. I bought that a few years ago and but it didn't' cost the earth and is a lovely rifle. Maybe have a think about a different calibre and model.

Nothing wrong with Remington 700's - wide selection of left handed, easy to tune and rebarrel if necessary.

 

[Heym SR20]

And the best bit about a left handed rifle.

Hand it to a right handed shot

 

[Flash9919]

If you get an oppurtunity, try an ambi thumbhole with a rh bolt. I'm left handed and had rifles in both lh and rh bolt forms....my prefered option is undoubtedly lh/ambi stock with rh bolt. as someone has already said when shooting from sticks etc you can cycle really quickly without altering mount in any way. Without a thumbhole you have to be slightly more careful....with my r/h R93 professional (non thumbhole) the bolt can be cycled without crushing my hand/thumb as there is enough clearance in the drop of the grip.....unfortunately not the same on an r8. Equally Blaser a thumbhole with either r or lh bolt doesn't come cheap either new or used.....that said a used rh Sauer synchro should be doable for sensible money....although probably a bit more than a t3....but you won't have to wait till next spring to see it!

 

[sauer]

There is a new Schultz & Larsen 6.5x55 swede left handed on Guntrader!

And a few thumbhole left handed Anchutz .22lr at reasonable price!


Job done

Shopping time!


Paul

 

[Sheprador1973]

Suddenly in much better mood!

First off, thank you so much to all the above who have contributed so helpfully to this thread. I can't possibly reply to all the comments (apologies) but i really appreciated hearing your combined wisdom on the matter and examples of your own experiences.

I jus called my FEO intending to leave a message and surprisingly (at after 6pm!) he picked up the phone. We discussed a condition on the application regarding use of the 6.5x55 (not relevant to this thread). Then I explained about the Tikka lead time issue and the fact that Id underestimated the availability of those calibre rifles in LH. His exact words: 'No problem. What calibre would you prefer?' I said maybe .243 or .308 as Ive shot both. He said 'So which of those would you prefer?'. Errr .308 please? (been expecting the oft quoted you're new = .243. 'No problem, Ill get it amended in the morning'.

I guess I'm very lucky to have such an understanding and supportive FEO...not everyone's experience on here I know. But also means I have little more choice and can actually get into the pursuit in 2018!

Just looked on Guntrader. In bolt action rifles theres one 6.5x55 available (RH of course). There are 644 .308 rifles! Feel a bit stupid that I chose a calibre that on paper is very attractive (to me) but extremely difficult to get hold of. TBH I was thinking more of ammo availability, reloading bits etc. Lesson learned...

Thank you again to all who have helped.

PS Anyone want to buy any 6.5x55 dies and brass?

 

[reiver]

And the best bit about a left handed rifle.

Hand it to a right handed shot

quite true all these right hookers who say just shoot with a right handed bolt
They look at you like you have shot there dog when you hand them a left handed rifle
i have a 202 Lh in 30-06 and also a ambidextrous ul in .444 . I would never go back to a
right handed rilfe as my hunting gun

 

[User00014]

I have not shot a right handed rifle for atleast 12 years like the man above.

I shoot a bomb proof ruger In 270win and also an ambidextrous 30-30 win under lever.

I will never go back to a right hander again.

When i Manager to kill the rugers barrel I’ll get it rebarreled and start all over again.

 

[Xtrema]

Suddenly in much better mood!

First off, thank you so much to all the above who have contributed so helpfully to this thread. I can't possibly reply to all the comments (apologies) but i really appreciated hearing your combined wisdom on the matter and examples of your own experiences.

I jus called my FEO intending to leave a message and surprisingly (at after 6pm!) he picked up the phone. We discussed a condition on the application regarding use of the 6.5x55 (not relevant to this thread). Then I explained about the Tikka lead time issue and the fact that Id underestimated the availability of those calibre rifles in LH. His exact words: 'No problem. What calibre would you prefer?' I said maybe .243 or .308 as Ive shot both. He said 'So which of those would you prefer?'. Errr .308 please? (been expecting the oft quoted you're new = .243. 'No problem, Ill get it amended in the morning'.

I guess I'm very lucky to have such an understanding and supportive FEO...not everyone's experience on here I know. But also means I have little more choice and can actually get into the pursuit in 2018!

Just looked on Guntrader. In bolt action rifles theres one 6.5x55 available (RH of course). There are 644 .308 rifles! Feel a bit stupid that I chose a calibre that on paper is very attractive (to me) but extremely difficult to get hold of. TBH I was thinking more of ammo availability, reloading bits etc. Lesson learned...

Thank you again to all who have helped.

PS Anyone want to buy any 6.5x55 dies and brass?

When i wanted a 6.5 i asked for 6.5/.260 which my FEO said would cover the lot.
I wouldn't get too hung up on calibre. The Swede only really comes into it's own with top weight 6.5 bullets. Other than that it has no real advantage over the Creedmoor or 260 Rem.

 

[Sheprador1973]

When i wanted a 6.5 i asked for 6.5/.260 which my FEO said would cover the lot.
I wouldn't get too hung up on calibre. The Swede only really comes into it's own with top weight 6.5 bullets. Other than that it has no real advantage over the Creedmoor or 260 Rem.

I understand that now thank you. The 6.5 cals seems riddled with 'controversy' which i thought mattered to me but now realise is academic to my needs. Don't get me wrong, in an ideal world Id love a 6.5 rifle, but in practical terms for me it may have to wait a while. Thank you

 

[LeftHandGuy]

Suddenly in much better mood!

First off, thank you so much to all the above who have contributed so helpfully to this thread. I can't possibly reply to all the comments (apologies) but i really appreciated hearing your combined wisdom on the matter and examples of your own experiences.

I jus called my FEO intending to leave a message and surprisingly (at after 6pm!) he picked up the phone. We discussed a condition on the application regarding use of the 6.5x55 (not relevant to this thread). Then I explained about the Tikka lead time issue and the fact that Id underestimated the availability of those calibre rifles in LH. His exact words: 'No problem. What calibre would you prefer?' I said maybe .243 or .308 as Ive shot both. He said 'So which of those would you prefer?'. Errr .308 please? (been expecting the oft quoted you're new = .243. 'No problem, Ill get it amended in the morning'.

I guess I'm very lucky to have such an understanding and supportive FEO...not everyone's experience on here I know. But also means I have little more choice and can actually get into the pursuit in 2018!

Just looked on Guntrader. In bolt action rifles theres one 6.5x55 available (RH of course). There are 644 .308 rifles! Feel a bit stupid that I chose a calibre that on paper is very attractive (to me) but extremely difficult to get hold of. TBH I was thinking more of ammo availability, reloading bits etc. Lesson learned...

Thank you again to all who have helped.

PS Anyone want to buy any 6.5x55 dies and brass?

I'm glad Sussex are still on form - I didn't think they'd give you problems.

The Sorrel Bros gunshop in East Grinstead had a lovely Lefty Varberger in 7x57, I lusted after it for a couple of years, and it was still on their website when the shop closed in 2016 or 17. I wonder what happened to it? - it might still be floating about Sussex somewhere looking for someone to love it - that was nice, high quality rifle.....

 

[25 Sharps]

Tikka 6.5x55 T3 Hunter Bolt Action New Rifle for sale. Buy for 795.

buy this then sell it when the new 24" T3 turns up, I'd give the 20 a few months before ordering the 24" though.

Unless you're looking at range work, >600 yards the 20" will do everything you need it to.

 

[The deer man]

Know what you mean about lefties, my son is and I have to buy new guns for him, personally I thinks he's deliberately done it so we can't share!

But why a varmint in 6.5x55?! Sporter barrels are just as accurate, you just can't get as many shot strings out of it before the barrel heats up. I do know the Tikka T3x Hunter comes in 6.5x55 left handed in the longer barrel but you'd need to get it threaded, big deal.

Otherwise have a look at the Schultz & Larsen, they do left handed rifles and they are very good, exceptional barrels. Speak to Steve Beatty at Ivythorn Sporting in Somerset, I'll bet he could get a rifle for you next week, maybe! Worth a call.

 

[sy247]

I dont know whether I am just lucky but I get superb accuracy with my Remington. I dont overly clean it, I just go out and shoot it and using Federal 130 grain SP at 100 yards I can clover leaf 3 rounds if I am shooting from a rest and doing my bit.

Nothing wrong with Remington 700's - wide selection of left handed, easy to tune and rebarrel if necessary.