Best AR system for left-handed users?

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northern skies

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I am planning to get into the AR world, and would like to explore my best options. The plan is to be able to drive the gun in a fast, efficient manner, with no ergonomic compromises.

I would like to discuss how the manual of arms is affected for a left-handed user, and the options availiable:

-Safety: can get an ambidextrous one.

-Mag release: can get ambidextrous one. Do these work well?

-Charging handle/latch: can get ambi.

-Bolt catch: Is it easy to operate it with with your trigger finger?

-Ejection port: It seems that there are pros and cons to having it on either side. One one hand, a right-handed ejection port would allow the shooter to keep it in his peripheral vision, and immediately diagnose whether a stoppage is due to an empty mag/stovepipe/double feed/etc., allowing enhanced situational awareness and increased speed. I believe this may be advantageous over using a left-handed upper. On the other hand, The shooter would have gas blown into his face? That doesn't sound pleasant. What are your thoughts on either configuration?

-Forward assist: I can reach it with my thumb on a right-handed gun, But I am unsure if that would operate it effectively. I see that most users strike it with the palm of their hand. Would a lefty need the forward assist on the left side to use it effectively?

-anything else to think about?

These considerations would decide whether something like a Colt or Noveske is the right thing, as opposed to a Stag. I might purchase a cheap one like a norc as a temporary measure, but I am really interested in getting a high-quality rifle and sticking to it, and being able to operate it subconsciously.

Your experience on this matter is much appreciated, as I have very little experience of my own with black rifles. Thank you.
 
Thank you. However, looking at the photos of Stag left-handed rifles, it appears that they are a left-handed upper on a regular lower. Due to most of the controls being on the lower, I wonder whether this helps much if at all. This is why I would like to think about the operation of the rifle with respect to each individual control.
 
northern skies said:
Thank you. However, looking at the photos of Stag left-handed rifles, it appears that they are a left-handed upper on a regular lower. Due to most of the controls being on the lower, I wonder whether this helps much if at all. This is why I would like to think about the operation of the rifle with respect to each individual control.
Click to expand...

I hear ya, but a left handed upper might be a good start. You can find a lot of other bits to assist left handed operation with the right handed lower.

I'm sure some lefty AR owners will chime in and offer you some suggestions.
 
Clubhopper said:
Knight's Armament SR-15-E3-IWS
It has ambi controls. If you've got the cash.
I love this rifle.
Click to expand...

Not a lefty, but I echo these sentiments; the SR-15-E3-IWS is a very sweet setup. I upgraded to a BAD A.S.S. ambidextrous safety (preferred it over KAC's) and ACLM ambidextrous charging handle.

You could also look at a stag (lefty) upper on a mostly ambidextrous lower - such as a POF-USA (hard to find, but they occasionally show up every now and then) - and then just add the ambidextrous options. There are some other non-AR options as well.
 
Hey,

You've obviously thought this out thoroughly, and I'd like to share some insight. Southpaws are at a bit of a disadvantage with the AR platform, but not so much as the gun companies would have you believe. I have used an AR professionally for almost 8 years now. Keeping in mind that I have been trained in the "gunfighter style," where the operator keeps his control hand on the pistol grip at all times. Here's what I've found works;

1 - Ambidextrous magazine release. If you do nothing else to your gun, install one of these. The right-side mag release is too far forward to engage with your thumb, so it requires messing with with your grip.

2 - Ambi cocking handle. Vital. Since I don't use the bolt release on stoppages. Under stress it is easy to miss the small bolt release with a finger, and even miss it with a slap. To let the bolt forward, I reach back with my right hand and rack the cocking handle. There are several left handed cocking handle latches available on the market, but I would caution against anything with too many moving parts. Crud gets in, and Murphy's law will certainly take effect. The CF style of long cocking handle works perfectly for me. The only issue is the extra torque applied to the handle creates a lot of stress on the small roll-pin. I've had 2 break, thankfully both in training. It's not a show stopper, but it's certainly annoying when all of a sudden your cocking handle is bouncing around. My temporary solution is to pack an extra cocking handle in my range bag.

3 - Ambi safety. Useful, but not vital. I find that I've gotten used to flicking the safety off with my thumb, but putting it back on with my trigger finger knuckle. So like I said, useful. For the price of the piece it's definitely worth adding.

4 - "Left-hand" upper. Not required, AT ALL. As you mentioned, being able to view the ejection port in your peripheral vision is very convenient. As for your concern about gas blow-back, you can rest easy. On the direct impingement system some gas will always blow back in your face, but it comes from the top rear of the receiver at the cocking handle cut-out, NOT from the ejection port. Unfortunately, there is no solution to this that I've found. The Gas-buster cocking handle from PRI cuts the rearward gas travel, but it diverts it to the right. Not advantageous for us lefties.

5 - Forward assist. I strike the forward assist every time I ready my rifle, but it's more of a force of habit than anything. I use the heel of my right hand, while maintaining my hold on the pistol grip. When you use the cocking handle instead of the bolt catch, the bolt has enough forward momentum to seat itself, even when the gun is filthy.

So my overall advice is to stick with a standard upper, and add the ambidextrous controls that you've mentioned. In my opinion, designated left handed uppers are just a gimmick. That's my 2 cents, hope it helps.

Tim
 
Clubhopper said:
Knight's Armament SR-15-E3-IWS

It has ambi controls. If you've got the cash.

I love this rifle.
Click to expand...

Lefty here, and +4 to the above.
Skip the Stag left eject uppers - If I was right handed, I'd run one of those in a heartbeat.

I too ran a C7 for years without an ambi safety, or mag release and you are definately handicapped without those. The bolt release is in a good spot as is.
Regular charging handles work just fine too.
 
Am I the only person on the planet who doesn't see anything wrong with the controls as Gene Stoner designed them?

I am as lefty as you can get. I have owned an AR for years and years. I carried on in the CF. I have never once felt the need to screw with the controls nor have I ever felt at any disadvantage compared to a right handed shooter. In fact I have several trophies on my wall to prove that as a lefty I am not at any disadvantage using the AR.

Learn to use the controls that are there. It really isn't all that difficult just think for yourself and figure out what works best for you rather than listening to all the tactical "experts" out there.
 
If you learn to run a right handed gun (which are probably 99.something of all ARs out there), then you'll develop the muscle memory to operate any AR that you pick up in the future, too.
 
I am lefty

-Mag release: Get a Norgon release, but I have done okay without one for years.
-Charging handle/latch: There are more options now but regular handle can be used. It doesn't have to be ambi, but those large tactical locking pieces/handles (ie. Dlask) really help.
-Left hand-Bolt catch: That is harder to use with left finger. I highly recommend GP Tactical's tactical latch. I love it.
-Ejection port: It makes no difference unless you buy an AR without case deflector (SP1). They will spit hot brass directly against your cheek.
-Forward assist: Holding rifle in right hand, I charge handle with left hand and use left thumb for forward assist.
-Safety - easy and recommended drop in.
 
Tim H said:
4 - "Left-hand" upper. Not required, AT ALL. As you mentioned, being able to view the ejection port in your peripheral vision is very convenient. As for your concern about gas blow-back, you can rest easy. On the direct impingement system some gas will always blow back in your face, but it comes from the top rear of the receiver at the cocking handle cut-out, NOT from the ejection port. Unfortunately, there is no solution to this that I've found. The Gas-buster cocking handle from PRI cuts the rearward gas travel, but it diverts it to the right. Not advantageous for us lefties.

Tim
Click to expand...

Tim,

I agree with not required. I don't agree with AT ALL.

From a safety perspective, being able to view the ejection port with your peripheral vision, meaning your right eye can see into the ejection port. This becomes a non-advantage should your rifle KB, for whatever reason, bad ammo, etc. If something is coming out of an AR15 rifle, its usually the extractor + brass and flame out the ejection port. Rare, but not unknown rare. Much more dramatic to a leftie with a RH gun, than a RH shooter with one.

Beyond safety, gas comes out the back at the charging handle, but it also comes out the bolt/ejection port. There will be less gas in the non-dominant eye for a lefty shooting a lefty gun than a right hand gun.

I know what it is like to shoot a RH gun as a Leftie. I tried it, I shot a LH gun on the right side, same diff. The cartridge deflector works. Would I buy a LH gun as my go-to gun if I am a RH shooter? Not likely. The logic follows. Not ejecting across your face is a +.

It's not a knock against those who were trained on RH guns and function 100% with them. But I think it stands to reason that a LH gun is more comfortable/safe to shoot. Worth a try at least.

Other than side it ejects on, it's the same gun for any milspec AR15 lower or accessory.

My 2c.

Regards,
DT
 
dangertree said:
Tim,

I agree with not required. I don't agree with AT ALL.

From a safety perspective, being able to view the ejection port with your peripheral vision, meaning your right eye can see into the ejection port. This becomes a non-advantage should your rifle KB, for whatever reason, bad ammo, etc. If something is coming out of an AR15 rifle, its usually the extractor + brass and flame out the ejection port. Rare, but not unknown rare. Much more dramatic to a leftie with a RH gun, than a RH shooter with one.

Beyond safety, gas comes out the back at the charging handle, but it also comes out the bolt/ejection port. There will be less gas in the non-dominant eye for a lefty shooting a lefty gun than a right hand gun.

I know what it is like to shoot a RH gun as a Leftie. I tried it, I shot a LH gun on the right side, same diff. The cartridge deflector works. Would I buy a LH gun as my go-to gun if I am a RH shooter? Not likely. The logic follows. Not ejecting across your face is a +.

It's not a knock against those who were trained on RH guns and function 100% with them. But I think it stands to reason that a LH gun is more comfortable/safe to shoot. Worth a try at least.

Other than side it ejects on, it's the same gun for any milspec AR15 lower or accessory.

My 2c.

Regards,
DT
Click to expand...

I won't argue that there is a place or not for a LH Ar15, but ANY shooter should be wearing SHOOTING GLASSES.
 
Suputin said:
Am I the only person on the planet who doesn't see anything wrong with the controls as Gene Stoner designed them?

I am as lefty as you can get. I have owned an AR for years and years. I carried on in the CF. I have never once felt the need to screw with the controls nor have I ever felt at any disadvantage compared to a right handed shooter. In fact I have several trophies on my wall to prove that as a lefty I am not at any disadvantage using the AR.

Learn to use the controls that are there. It really isn't all that difficult just think for yourself and figure out what works best for you rather than listening to all the tactical "experts" out there.
Click to expand...

There is nothing wrong with learning the contols as they come, but for most who can afford to make their AR truely ambi, why not?
The controls that Gene Stoner did up in the Knight's SR15 are nothing short of brilliant - how ARs should have come in the first place...;)

The speed you can obtain with right handed controls can be even faster with left handed controls
 
Thanks! That is exactly the kind of info I was looking for. That post by Tim H was especially informative.

That knight's rifle looks like the sort of thing I would be interested in. Also checked out POF, those are interesting too. How much do those KAC SR15's cost?
 
re: safety

Dangertree,

You raise a good point about the safety of having the ejection port facing towards the shooter. I think it is a risk I am comfortable taking though. I have had 3 separate bolt failures, two were bolt locking lugs breaking off from normal use, and fairly uneventful. The third was a little more spectacular however, there was a detonation of some kind with the ammo, and the extractor was blown off. I was definitely startled, but completely unharmed.

As for the gas, of course some gas comes out of the ejection port. It is unavoidable with the design of the gun. However, I've never noticed any gas against my face/right eye from the ejection port. I do notice some against my left cheek/eye, including splatter on my eye pro from CLP. Under normal use, this is easy to ignore, it only becomes an issue when using a suppressor, as much more gas is routed back towards the shooter.

I have to agree with some of the other posters that using & getting used to a RH AR's controls is a good idea. My personal AR has no left hand modifications, but I don't use it for competitions. If I entered any competitions I would set it up with the same accessories that I use at work, because I've become accustomed to using them. I think they all improve the ease of use for a left handed shooter. Sure, a lefty can get fast using a RH gun, but I would argue that they can get fastER using one with LH controls.

Cheers.

Tim
 
I've just picked up a Daniel Defense M4 and I'm fine with the controls but I might get an ambi safety by Battle Arms from The Shooting Edge. I might not. This is my first AR and I find it quite comfortable to run except for one aspect with regards to brass ejection. It hits my ear muff from time to time and the brass gets deflected towards my face giving me some light cuts on my cheek. The Peltor Shotgunners are not big cans but I think I'll have to wear ear plugs instead.
 
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