Easiest 22 LR semi-to rifle to operate with one arm

Beauvais98

Beauvais98

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My brother is getting his PAL and I was hoping to gift him a semi-auto 22 LR rifle.

My brother only has use of his left arm and he will likely be doing mostly bench shooting.

Which 22 LR semi-automatic rifle is easiest to use with a single arm (left)?

At first I was thinking of giving him my Ruger 10/22, but with its intricate method of locking the bolt back, the 10/22 is not very one-arm friendly.

I lack familiarity with other 22 LR semi-automatic rifles, so I am looking for suggestions.

Maybe a bolt-action would be better suited?

Thanks!
 
A couple suggestions here. I have both a Savage 64 and a B22-FV and both these models come in LH (Tho not the V). There is also a Sav A22 in LH that has good reviews. I also have a couple CZs that I believe come in LH as well, tho some may only be avail 'used' which would give excellent value for 'less cost'.
I'd also like to suggest some sort of 'shooting rest' like a Lead Sled. There are other brands as well that can serve well. Consideration of 'eye dominance' should be considered in your choice.
 
I don't think the problem would be operating the firearm as much as loading ammo in the magazines.

I just bought a used fortner action, and they are for sure the easiest to operate. There has been a left handed one for sale for a bit if still around, but I don't imagine many looking for one, so it might still be up.

The lead sled would not be necessary for shooting, but a nice bipod would work well.

Also have a look at the tactical solutions action. You can mount the pull handle on the left side to make it easier for him to operate. I have a take down that I use that way, even tho I'm right shoulder. Way easier to see and clear the action. I have also built one up as a steel race gun, so it is VERY light at 3 lbs. Same tacsol action.
 
wallz has a good point about loading mags. I made a YT vid of me loading my Savage Rotary mag One-handed, just because there were lots of people complaining about "Hard-to-load" Savage rotaries. It would be diff left-handed due to the mag loading port, but do-able.
Just a few seconds for the vid -
http s://www.youtube.com/shorts/6FxNO353nNE
 
My buddy only has one hand (left hand) and he shoots his Savage 64F all the time. When standing, he supports the fore-end of the rifle with his right arm "wrist". He has never had issues loading the magazines - I believe he supports the magazine against his chest/body and loads them left-handed.
 
Shooting benchrest does not require a repeater... a single shot would work well and be the easiest to use...
 
or a nice lever action with a tube mag would be simple to load, or any bolt action, , rather then a separate mag, if he wanted a used gun to start.
a ruger 10/22 would not be my first choice, thou there lots out there.
 
Would he/you consider the GSG 16? It is an MP5 look alike - has the large bolt cocking handle on the left. Big paddle mag release for ease of use. Ambi safety lever. As previously mentioned, as with any mag fed, it will be challenging to load the mags. Runs about the same cost as a 10/22, but has the advantage of being able to use more than 10rd mags, so less mag loading and changing. Plus the 10/22 rotary mag may be a bugger to deal with for getting it in and out of the rifle.
 
there are charging handles for LHS for the 10/22... Tandemkross

There are last shot hold open which do not require the bottom latch to be manipulated ....from CST

make a bench block to hold the mags while loading... every mag needs to be held so some tool to hold the mag will be a good idea.

hope this helps

Jerry
 
Marlin 60 with tube magazine. Cartridges can be dropped into the magazine tube while the rifle is held between the knees. DO NOT #### THE BOLT WHILE THE RIFLE IS STILL HELD BETWEEN THE KNEES.

Cocking should be done only with the rifle muzzle pointing straight downrange, butt supported by shooter's groin.
 
I honestly think a savage 64 left handed is your best option to try. First off it's cheap, like $170-200. The single stacked magazines will be easier to load with one hand compared to the rotary ones on say a Savage A22 or Ruger 10/22. I can load it one handed if I hold the magazine in the crease of my leg or my opposing arm pit. It's not perfect but it's 100% doable and I'm sure with practice he could get good at it. I just tried operating the action while standing and with only one arm and I had zero issues doing so. The bolt hold open and safety can be operated with one arm and hand as long as the butt stock is held under the arm pit. It being so light it was not in anyway hard to hold up with only my one arm or to move it around to get it into my arm pit to use the safety or bolt hold open. I also didn't have too much of an issue loading an empty magazine into the firearm with the one arm, but it wasn't as easy as I would of liked.

I'm not seeing to many downsides to using this platform. If you told me I had to pick one gun from my safe but I can only use one arm, I think I would actually pick this one.
 
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