Left hand or straight pull

BRACES of Bristol - Sauer 100 XTA Stainless Package
grauerjager

grauerjager

Active Member
Hi there.
In the mad rush to get going when the ticket was approved some years ago, I went and bought any old rifle to get going (savage model 11 I think in 308)

It's been a fine rifle but being cack handed I'm starting to look into getting something more comfortable.

My question is what do other lefties prefer?
A standard L/H bolt action like a tikka or a straight pull-considering the Beretta brx1 as I dont have blaser money.
Thanks!
 
Straight pull and bolt action is a personal choice, but there are some good options in both as true left-handed rifles. A reasonable list of manufacturers do give us some options now and the straight pull enhances those options. Availability depends on calibre, so be prepared to jump when you see one!
 
Thanks. I'm hoping it being 308 that I'll find one relatively easier than a more niche calibre.
Having said that, 2nd hand ones do seem to be rare as hens teeth and around a similar price to the Beretta, hence why I'm interested.
I'm heading to the stalking show this year so hoping there's at least something I can get in the hand to see how it feels.
I've never used a straight pull before but at the price they're chucking them out at it seems a viable option.
 
Go for a proper left handed bolt action. You will never look back. Tikka T3x are good rifles.

I was helping a friend at the weekend. New T3x in 308 straight out of the box. Cheap PPU soft points. First three shots into a little touching triangle. A good clean, adjustment to scope. Another little 3 shot group. Clean. Another little 3 shot group on top of the previous. And all off quad sticks. Happy days.
 
grauerjager said:
Hi there.
In the mad rush to get going when the ticket was approved some years ago, I went and bought any old rifle to get going (savage model 11 I think in 308)

It's been a fine rifle but being cack handed I'm starting to look into getting something more comfortable.

My question is what do other lefties prefer?
A standard L/H bolt action like a tikka or a straight pull-considering the Beretta brx1 as I dont have blaser money.
Thanks!
Click to expand...
I know this might not be an option for you, but if you are an ambidextrous lefty, and are not massively left eye dominant, then would a normal right hand rifle work?
I am a lefty but can’t shoot a left hand rifle (or shotgun) but can only shoot pistols left handed!
If a RH action works then the world is your oyster!!
 
TringSaint said:
I know this might not be an option for you, but if you are an ambidextrous lefty, and are not massively left eye dominant, then would a normal right hand rifle work?
I am a lefty but can’t shoot a left hand rifle (or shotgun) but can only shoot pistols left handed!
If a RH action works then the world is your oyster!!
Click to expand...
Unfortunately I'm proper cack handed. Left eye dominant too. L/h shotgun and other rifles are lefty too. The r/h rifles are ok but I'm not fully comfortable with them.
 
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grauerjager said:
Unfortunately I'm proper cack handed. Left eye dominant too. L/h shotgun and other rifles are lefty too. The r/h rifles are ok but I'm not fully comfortable with them.
Click to expand...
That’s a bugger - means you have to pay left tax!
My leftism is really screwed up - eat right handed but carve a roast left handed.
Tennis / rounders/ badminton etc all left, golf/ baseball/cricket right, rifles right, pistols left, use a hatchet left but a splitting axe or pick axe right, chainsaw right but a handsaw left!!

Basically if it’s a one-handed activity then it’s left hand dominant but if it’s two handed then it’s right!
Maybe it was beaten into me as a child and I have forgotten due to the trauma!! 🤔
 
I can use a right handed rifle perfectly well unless its got a nasty roll over type cheek piece.

A right handed rifle works until you have a case that lets go - then you get a face full of powder residue. Its happened to be with a brno 22 rimfire. Dread to think what its like with a full bore.

A proper left handed rifle works so so much better. Choose wisely and buy once, cry once.

Tikka T3x
Some of The Sako’s
Ruger 77 Hawkeye
Remington 700
Heym
Shultz & Larsen

All worth having a look at.
 
TringSaint said:
That’s a bugger - means you have to pay left tax!
My leftism is really screwed up - eat right handed but carve a roast left handed.
Tennis / rounders/ badminton etc all left, golf/ baseball/cricket right, rifles right, pistols left, use a hatchet left but a splitting axe or pick axe right, chainsaw right but a handsaw left!!

Basically if it’s a one-handed activity then it’s left hand dominant but if it’s two handed then it’s right!
Maybe it was beaten into me as a child and I have forgotten due to the trauma!!
Click to expand...
 
They tried to get me normal but it didn't work. I wouldn't trust myself to wipe my arse properly right handed 😂

The only things I'll do righty is things I have no choice in. Chainsaws being the prime example
 
Personally, I don't care for straight-pulls, so I would say go with a conventional left handed turn-bolt. Tikka, Sako, Ruger, Remington and Savage (although I wouldn't get an Axis. Perfectly accurate but feel cheap and nasty).

BUT, here's the "thing". Many straight pull designs can be set up for right or left handed action. Some I believe without even any additional purchase parts. And you might find that you do like shooting a straight-pull.

Or a single-shot. Or a lever-gun.

Bottom line is that you need to try it for yourself in order to make an informed decision - anything else is guesswork.

All that being said, if I was coming back to the UK and starting all over again I would be looking for a lefty t3/t3x chambered in anything between 243win and 35Wheelan excluding anything with a "magnum belt".
 
LeftHandGuy said:
Personally, I don't care for straight-pulls, so I would say go with a conventional left handed turn-bolt. Tikka, Sako, Ruger, Remington and Savage (although I wouldn't get an Axis. Perfectly accurate but feel cheap and nasty).

BUT, here's the "thing". Many straight pull designs can be set up for right or left handed action. Some I believe without even any additional purchase parts. And you might find that you do like shooting a straight-pull.

Or a single-shot. Or a lever-gun.

Bottom line is that you need to try it for yourself in order to make an informed decision - anything else is guesswork.

All that being said, if I was coming back to the UK and starting all over again I would be looking for a lefty t3/t3x chambered in anything between 243win and 35Wheelan excluding anything with a "magnum belt".
Click to expand...
Thanks. I've got a nice little 3030 underlever which is much more comfortable.
I just want to replace the 308 I have for a lefty. Something sensible thatll last as long as I do.


The Beretta can be changed over to left handed by just moving the bolt handle to the other side.
It's why I thought it might be on "the list" to check out.
Hopefully they'll be a selection I can handle at the stalking show on April 🤞
 
How many right handed would shoot with a left handed rifle just because it was cheaper if rolls were reversed?
I have handed my lh rifle to a few rh shooter and they give you the look like you have just shot there dog or ****ed on there sandwiches 🤣🤣
 
Yep

If you shoot left handed, get a left handed rifle.

I had to transition when I lost an eye, and while I shoot pistols right handed with my left eye, rifles and shotguns are only L/H.

There are Tikkas and R700s in my box, but I'd really like a Schultz and Larsen. Unfortunately the NZ agent isn't especially special.....
 
TringSaint said:
That’s a bugger - means you have to pay left tax!
My leftism is really screwed up - eat right handed but carve a roast left handed.
Tennis / rounders/ badminton etc all left, golf/ baseball/cricket right, rifles right, pistols left, use a hatchet left but a splitting axe or pick axe right, chainsaw right but a handsaw left!!

Basically if it’s a one-handed activity then it’s left hand dominant but if it’s two handed then it’s right!
Maybe it was beaten into me as a child and I have forgotten due to the trauma!! 🤔
Click to expand...
Snap!! I learned to play golf with my fathers rh clubs. he thought i had a good swing, and thought id be better with a LH clubs. Had a lesson with the pro with a set, not sure i hit the ball once!!
 
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