Left Handed Options?

[chriswjx]

Hi All,

Quick question, what else is out there for lefties around the same pricing as a Tikka T3x lite? (and preferably in 6.5CM)

I know for straightpulls there's the Beretta, but based off recent posts on here, a 6.5CM version is still "pending"?

Cheers,

Chris

 

[Utectok]

Hi All,

Quick question, what else is out there for lefties around the same pricing as a Tikka T3x lite? (and preferably in 6.5CM)

I know for straightpulls there's the Beretta, but based off recent posts on here, a 6.5CM version is still "pending"?

Cheers,

Chris

I have a left handed Sauer 202 in 6.5 swede that I could be persuaded to sell for a tikka comparable price?

 

[TringSaint]

As a leftie, can I recommend learning to shoot right handed - it’s much cheaper with loads more options available.

 

[chriswjx]

I have a left handed Sauer 202 in 6.5 swede that I could be persuaded to sell for a tikka comparable price?

Thanks, that would actually be preferred, but I've been advised that if I cannot home load (which I absolutely cannot due to lack of space), the 6.5CM is a much better option for calibre

As a leftie, can I recommend learning to shoot right handed - it’s much cheaper with loads more options available.

I had to shoot right handed back in university (UOTC/SA80s). Recently taking shooting back up, and have made a go of shooting off the right shoulder (.303 and .308) and finding it properly hurting after a shot or two... Feels like I am seating the butt correctly in the shoulder, and can switch back over to the left side and it feels perfectly fine. Maybe I just need to burn through a couple of slabs of 28g 12b on the clays to build up some padding on the right shoulder? But due to that, currently, not really considering shooting right handed.

 

[Dave_424]

Look at the Bergara models. I've now got a B14 HMR left handed in 6.5CM and really like it.

 

[chriswjx]

Look at the Bergara models. I've now got a B14 HMR left handed in 6.5CM and really like it.

Thanks! Yes, they do look very nice indeed. Like that they're cerakoted - especially after reading some of the threads on here about rusty Tikkas....

 

[Dorset Shakari]

Hi Chris
Sent you a PM

 

[LeftHandGuy]

Savage, Ruger, Browning, CZ?

Remington 700 divides opinions brutally, but my LHB 700 in 308 was the most accurate rifle I have owned. I certainly wouldn't turn my nose up at one if I were back in the UK.

And, I don't know how acute your storage restrictions are, but there are viable reloading options that don't require a permanent bench, that don't require a press even. I am not saying you should take up reloading just to shoot 6.5x55 (pretty certain there are factory options out there, it was a pretty popular chambering in the UK for quite a long time), but you shouldn't be put off over space concerns, and it would widen your available pool of rifles a lot.

 

[chriswjx]

Hi Chris
Sent you a PM

Thanks! Replied

Savage, Ruger, Browning, CZ?

Remington 700 divides opinions brutally, but my LHB 700 in 308 was the most accurate rifle I have owned. I certainly wouldn't turn my nose up at one if I were back in the UK.

And, I don't know how acute your storage restrictions are, but there are viable reloading options that don't require a permanent bench, that don't require a press even. I am not saying you should take up reloading just to shoot 6.5x55 (pretty certain there are factory options out there, it was a pretty popular chambering in the UK for quite a long time), but you shouldn't be put off over space concerns, and it would widen your available pool of rifles a lot.

Ooo, one of the club rifles I've shot was a Remmy 700 (although right handed).

My issue with homeloading is primarily lack of bench space (temporary or permanent), as I have a significant amount of fly tying "crap" that just never seems to want to stay in it's home

I would say, I did go into my local gunshop to ask for opinions on 6.5x55, and left more confused One chap in there was extolling the benefits (whilst telling me how much he did not enjoy shooting a 6.5CM), then as I was leaving, someone else asked what I'd come in for - then proceeded to say the exact opposite (6.5CM being the better choice). Had to widen the poll to the next nearest rifle shop, and was informed that he carries 5 types of 6.5CM, but nothing in 6.5x55 and to "take that as I will"

 

[Heym SR20]

If you are left handed and in particular left eyed shoot from your left shoulder. End results will be so much better. And use a left handed or ambidextrous rifle.

Lots of options out there. Challenge is getting dealers to stock or order them. Choice of calibres is more limited.

But in no particular order

1) Tikka T3x
2) Most Sako’s - but not all action lengths
3) Remington 700’s in both short and long action
4) Bergara B14
5) Shultz & Larsen - but not the little 223 sized
6) Sauer 202 and their new model
7) Heym SR20, 21 and 30
8) Most of the Rugers
9) Berreta BRX1 - this is switchable from right to left hand operation, feed and ejection.
10) CZ in some models
11) Zastava M70.
12) Blaser R93 and R8.

And of course most single shots and lever actions are pretty ambidextrous.

In the past you were pretty much limited in calibre - 243, 308, 270 and a few 7x57. These days you can add 6.5 cm, but only in a new / newish rifle. If you want a more exotic calibre you need to look at switch barrel options Sauer or Blaser, or find a left hand action and have it rebarreled.

Being a lefty myself take your time and find a good rifle you like. Don’t be fixated on calibre - all deer legal calibres pretty much do the same thing.

And don’t be put off by all those who say use a right handed rifle. Just wait until a case lets go and you have gas coming back into your eye. I have had this in a 22 LR and it hurts.

And give a right handed shot a left handed rifle to use. Very amusing at their level of discombobulation.

 

[Utectok]

Thanks, that would actually be preferred, but I've been advised that if I cannot home load (which I absolutely cannot due to lack of space), the 6.5CM is a much better option for calibre



I had to shoot right handed back in university (UOTC/SA80s). Recently taking shooting back up, and have made a go of shooting off the right shoulder (.303 and .308) and finding it properly hurting after a shot or two... Feels like I am seating the butt correctly in the shoulder, and can switch back over to the left side and it feels perfectly fine. Maybe I just need to burn through a couple of slabs of 28g 12b on the clays to build up some padding on the right shoulder? But due to that, currently, not really considering shooting right handed.

There Are some good factory ammunition for the calibre nowadays Norma and selloir and bellot are both good as are some sako I believe

 

[Nkawu]

Ruger M77 gets my vote.

 

[Heym SR20]

6.5cm has lots of good options, but so does the 308. I don’t think you will find many 6.5x55 left hand options, but it too is a very good all round cartridge. Of these the 308 is the standard deer management for many Forest agencies so there will always be good availability of ammo just about anywhere.

 

[Kersnow]

all the best in your search, have been looking for a reasonable quality left handed rifle, other than Tikkas for months and there is very little about for sane money

 

[chriswjx]

If you are left handed and in particular left eyed shoot from your left shoulder. End results will be so much better. And use a left handed or ambidextrous rifle.

Lots of options out there. Challenge is getting dealers to stock or order them. Choice of calibres is more limited.

But in no particular order

1) Tikka T3x
2) Most Sako’s - but not all action lengths
3) Remington 700’s in both short and long action
4) Bergara B14
5) Shultz & Larsen - but not the little 223 sized
6) Sauer 202 and their new model
7) Heym SR20, 21 and 30
8) Most of the Rugers
9) Berreta BRX1 - this is switchable from right to left hand operation, feed and ejection.
10) CZ in some models
11) Zastava M70.
12) Blaser R93 and R8.

And of course most single shots and lever actions are pretty ambidextrous.

In the past you were pretty much limited in calibre - 243, 308, 270 and a few 7x57. These days you can add 6.5 cm, but only in a new / newish rifle. If you want a more exotic calibre you need to look at switch barrel options Sauer or Blaser, or find a left hand action and have it rebarreled.

Being a lefty myself take your time and find a good rifle you like. Don’t be fixated on calibre - all deer legal calibres pretty much do the same thing.

And don’t be put off by all those who say use a right handed rifle. Just wait until a case lets go and you have gas coming back into your eye. I have had this in a 22 LR and it hurts.

And give a right handed shot a left handed rifle to use. Very amusing at their level of discombobulation.

Thanks for all the details!

Yes, left eye dominant as well. It's not enjoyable shooting off the right, I can make it work, but would much rather do it properly.

 

[TITANIUM]

Thanks for all the details!

Yes, left eye dominant as well. It's not enjoyable shooting off the right, I can make it work, but would much rather do it properly.

Don't forget the FRANCHI HORIZON. Have not read all threads here, so if it already mentioned - apologies. Cracking option for around £700.

 

[Heym SR20]

Don't forget the FRANCHI HORIZON. Have not read all threads here, so if it already mentioned - apologies. Cracking option for around £700.

I have just been looking at Franch’s website. Looks like a nice rifle, but can’t find any mention of a left handed version.

Please point us in the direction of one with the bolt on the correct side

 

[Kersnow]

Don't forget the FRANCHI HORIZON. Have not read all threads here, so if it already mentioned - apologies. Cracking option for around £700.

no left hand option tho

 

[huntsman]

You should broaden your caliber choice a bit it might give you a few more options. I had a quick look on guntrader and there are a few options as others have mentioned. Ivythorn sporting have a very nice grd3 sauer 202 in a 25-06, looking for £1600. If you like it you can buy barrels in time. They seem to have a bit of a selection of barrels there too so they may be worth a call.
I shoot left handed and have a Sauer 202 and Blaser R93 both left handed. The Blaser is my go to, I have 308 and 270 barrels for it, I bought the 270 barrel on here for only £300 and it is like new. I couldn't see myself changing it as it does everything I need. Its feather weight compared to the bulk and weight of the R8, but you can't argue with how they perform. If I find other clean barrels in time for handy money, I will probably give them a try too.
Best of luck with your quest!!

 

[JTO]

I don't know how acute your storage restrictions are, but there are viable reloading options that don't require a permanent bench, that don't require a press even.

You could probably get it all in a shoe box, even including a hand press!