Lefty bolt guns - a discussion

[Sprocket]

So I'm researching/searching out left handed bolt gun options - new and used.

So far I've found the only new manufacturers are:
Savage
Remington
Ruger
CZ

As for used options the list is pretty much the same with the exception of ultra rare Winchester M70 and a few other exotic manufacturers (Blazer for one)

What I'm really looking for is something in 308 with a 20"-22" bbl and iron sights - detachable mag a plus but not a deal breaker, hinged floorplate mag a must - Think Remington 700 BDL in 20"

This will be a New England woods hunting gun not some bench rest thing. I'm actually at a point where I'm considering buying a used gun and building it the way I want vs. calling and ordering a new Savage Scout type from the custom shop.

The used market is very catch-as-catch-can so finding it is half the fun. However, it gets old fast.

Part of me wants to try running a righty bolt and go all Pvt Daniel Jackson style.

Thoughts?

 

[Sparkey]

I have a lefty Savage 110 in 308 that I use for deer its is not a bad rifle shoots nice groups at 100 yards. It does not have iron sights or a detachable mag which I fine to be a bit of a pain. I am not sure if your set on a bolt gun but I find that lever or pump guns work just as well for me being a lefty. All in all you can't beat the value and quality combo from a Savage

 

[bpm990d]

Tikka

B

 

[Knob Creek]

Ruger Gunsite

 

[scooter]

I purchased a model 70 in 270 from Winchester with a left bolt action. This was when they were still in Connecticut.

 

[jmh992003]

Thompson is releasing very soon the new Thompson dimension in both left and right handed with a detachable magazine, interchangeable barrels with in caliber groups, guaranteed moa rifle. Talked to a dealer tonight who said it was a hit a shot.

 

[Sprocket]

Ruger Gunsite

Unimpresed although Ruger could clean it up, smooth it out and it would be a nice rifle - I'd rather and old Ranch model in 308 over the Gunsight thing. I guess it tries to be too much instead of a simple small rifle the ranch is.

A buddy as a Savage hunting model that clover leafs at 100 yards, is short and packable - If I had to go off the shelf I'd lean that way.

Any lefties sucking it up and going righty?

 

[Andy in NH]

I really like my LH Savage Scout rifle. It is one of my favorite rifles - of all types.

 

[Chuck Would]

I've been using a 700 BDL Custom Deluxe in .30-06 for many years. When I got it Remington was THE only game in town for a lefty and it only came in 7MM, 300 Win Mag and the .30-06.

Lately I've been looking at the Browning X Bolts. The Micro Hunter in .308 is about the same size at the Remington Model 7. Much smaller and lighter than the 700 to hump through the woods all day in VT.

I've done the Right handed bolt thing. It's a real PITA with a scope.

Hope that helps,

 

[Emoto]

Thompson is releasing very soon the new Thompson dimension in both left and right handed with a detachable magazine, interchangeable barrels with in caliber groups, guaranteed moa rifle. Talked to a dealer tonight who said it was a hit a shot.

Sounds very interesting!

 

[flintlock]

I'm a lefty that hunts with righty bolt guns. I used to run lefty bolts, but they can be a PITA to resell. With practice you can work the bolt pretty quickly, but the comment about the scope getting in the way can be an issue. I current using a Browning A-bolt because of the nice 60 degree bolt rotation avoids the issue of having to use tall scope mounts.