Shooting 'wrong' handed....

[teabag_46]

I am a lefty, and have no real reason that I can think of, to learn to shoot right handed, with the exception of learning a 'new' shooting technique. My shooting is normally hunting related, so I have no 'tactical' needs to do this; are there any specfic advantages to be gained from learning to shoot 'wrong' handed, or would I be just as well sticking to what 'I'm good at'?
Thanks, Nige

 

[Graham]

Shooting 'wrong' handed....

Do you mean to ask whether you should be interested in developing a new skill and learn to shoot a rifle better than you do now?

Because there are good field expedient reasons for learning to shoot at game from the support side as well.

 

[teabag_46]

Good point, thanks, Graham; that has actually reminded me of one or two occasions where it has been difficult (or impossible) to take a shot, due to being on the 'wrong side ' of something!

 

[Graham]

Good point, thanks, Graham; that has actually reminded me of one or two occasions where it has been difficult (or impossible) to take a shot, due to being on the 'wrong side ' of something!

Yup, like if you are stuck in a tree stand with a deer on one side of another tree, or hunting from a blind with a small window that won't allow view of the animal and a strong-side shot.

 

[darkarcher]

I was forced to shoot off handed over an injury. It has made me an ambidextrous shooter. It is nice to be able to set up against any cover that is given, right or left. That is the greatest advantage. The other nice thing is there are shoots you go to that want you to shoot offhand and usually it is an awkward shot. I always score high on those.

 

[former naval person]

And, if you get an eye injury...as I did...it is easier to switch over when you have been practicing beforehand.

 

[Strykervet]

Injury, odd angles, all good reasons.

Also, out of about 30-60 SDM candidates (every other class or so) we'd find at least one that had to wear an eye patch and learn to shoot using the "wrong hand". Can't call it offhand because they were "other eye dominant". None ever came out on top, they all had handicaps, but they all learned to do it and afterwards and some of them were basically ambi shooters, particularly the ones that continued the practice.

The hardest for me was learning to shoot underneath cars and low loopholes like that, laying on the left side with the rifle in the dirt.

 

[teabag_46]

After spending some time learning to hold the rifle right handed, I now know, that although it is becoming easier, it is never going to seem natural, unlike shooting left handed - so that is one of the marksmanship principles already on its way out the window
I intend to carry on trying, even though I still get 'tangled up' when I first pick up the rifle.
Hopefully, muscle memory will kick in soon, and io will become easier.
Thank you for the support guys.

 

[Thump_rrr]

I am primarily right handed (use my left hand quite a bit) but left eye dominant.
I shoot right handed using a pistol and rifle but I have no problem shooting left handed when I am not rushed into position such as shooting prone.
When I try to get into position quickly such as picking up an AR and quickly getting on target all is lost.