Left or Right handed action

[kineticmedic]

I want to buy my son a bolt gun. I've pretty well settled on the Remington 700 Youth SPS in .243. I can get this is left or right handed action. He's a lefty, and he shoots left handed, but I'm not sure if a left handed action is going to be that big of an advantage for him or not. The cost is the same, so that isn't a concern. I've talked to him about it and he doesn't really care. he seems to think it might be nice to cycle the bolt with his right hand, but honestly he doesn't care.

Let me hear your opinions....should I go left or right?

 

[rpk762]

Re: Left or Right handed action

I am left handed and shooting a right handed bolt while possible it is not near as much fun. Left hand rifles keep their value pretty well.

Just think of it this way. Would you want to shoot a left hand action if you were right handed?

 

[coast2coast]

Re: Left or Right handed action

If he shoots left handed, and you can get a LH action for the same money, why wouldn't you? You (he) wouldn't really gain anything by going with a right hand action. Also think about his safety, the gas port on a RH action would be in his face.

 

[nfoley]

Re: Left or Right handed action

For the same price I would recommend the left handed rifle. They are hard to find, and being a lefty myself I really appreciate having the bolt on the left side!

 

[sjb269]

Re: Left or Right handed action

As a lefty myself, I say get him the left action for sure. Many people say you can learn to shoot a right hand bolt as a lefty, but why, when you can get a lefty? Prone shooting is not a super big deal, however, offhand shots, kneeling would be a pain in the ass. Now, what I would like, is a left hand bolt with a right hand extractor.

 

[Hntelk]

Re: Left or Right handed action

Do it right from the start..get a lefty..I am speaking from experience when I was a kid. At that time, I was so excited about shooting I didnt care what it was...lol

 

[smallbore]

Re: Left or Right handed action

The real issue is not whether he is right or left handed, but rather if he is right or left eye dominant. This will be an issue if the dominant eye and the dominant hand are not on the same side, or if you try to use a fire arm from the non dominant eye side. This issue is easily and often hidden when using an optic but will become a significant issue when using iron sights. If the dominant eye and the dominant hand are on oppisite sides and your son is comfortable with it I would buy the rifle for the dominant eye side. You didn't mention your sons age or shooting experience but if he says he doesn't care and the dominant eye is opposite his dominant hand I would buy the model for the dominant eye side. If eye and hand dominance are mixed try shooting a 22 rimfire with the sight system that you plan to use from both sides to see what he really likes before you buy. Best luck with the new rifle.

 

[3fingervic]

Re: Left or Right handed action

Unless you are going to have him shoot right handed, I would say LH action.

*I'm saying this as a southpaw.

 

[kineticmedic]

Re: Left or Right handed action

Thanks for the feedback. I've taught him to shoot left handed since he is left eye dominant. Sounds like a left-handed action is the way to go.

 

[Conrad]

Re: Left or Right handed action

Being a lefty myself and the fact that my dad recognized I was Left eyed dominant and thus had me shoot LH'd, I think you made the right choice. Sometimes people will say oh learn RH so you have more options in rifles, but we're lucky these days as the factory rifles and custom actions have boosted their LH inventory in the last ten years it seems.

 

[judgedelta]

Re: Left or Right handed action

Having been left handed (with dominant right eye) for an awful long time, I can say without hesitation that I prefer an accurate semi with a good trigger. I've got a BAR that will shoot with my MWS, which will shoot at least as good as my Mod. 700. When I was young (and the world was too) there weren't any lefty bolt guns. Get him a left hand rifle until he can handle a gas gun.

 

[Victor Co Heather]

Re: Left or Right handed action

Go lefty.

 

[azwolf1500]

Re: Left or Right handed action

Been shooting a right handed gun for many years as a lefty and there are advantages to doing so. Cheek weld can be maintained and grip can remain unchanged while cycling the bolt. With practice it can be done in any position effectively and it is quicker for follow up shots.

 

[TonyAngel]

Re: Left or Right handed action

How old is your son? How much shooting has he done? I'm just asking because it seems a bit strange that he does not have an opinion. With enough trigger time, he should have one because each has its advantages.

A good friend of mine is a lefty. Although he prefers a left handed rifle for hunting, he prefers a right handed rifle for shooting off of a bench or bipod. When shooting a match, he never has to disturb his cheek weld or take his eye off of the target and it's actually faster for him.

After having shot a couple of his left handed rifles, I'm seriously considering having my next precision build done around a left handed action.

If he does have a good bit of trigger time and still doesn't care, go with the one that will retain its value better.