Shooting a right handed rifle, left handed?

DocShay

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Hey guys,

Having never shot a semi-auto rifle before, i'm wondering if it's safe to do so - being a left handed shooter, with a right handed firearm?

The ejector is on the right side, so i'm wondering if I were to fire it - would a hot casing fling into my face? I've never had any issue with pump shotguns before.

I'd like to one day get a AR15 of sorts, and i've only found one left handed model thus far. It also seems that i'd probably have a hard time re-selling one day, given there are more rightys then leftys!
 
We... are... the 11%!
Left handed anything is good to go, save for some bullpup rifles, but we don't get them in Canada anyways.

I'd say the biggest hurdle for us southpaws is RH bolt actions.
 
Hmmmmm.

Left handed with an M-14 is no problem since the brass usually goes straight out or even a little forward. AR-15's are back and to the right so they might hit you occasionally depending how you hold the rifle. How about buying a righty and just adding a lefty upper. You can sell it later separately or as a kit.
 
I'm a lefty and shot C7, C9, C6, AR15, mini-14, M14 and XCR without any problem. But we're still a little more endangered if we have an obstructed barrel, bolt failure, slamfire, etc. Many of which are not exclusive to semi-auto but all right-ejection firearms.

If you buy an AR15, you can't go wrong with a Stag Arms L model. There's less people to buy it but also less used L rifle on the market.
 
Yeah, the Tavor ejects right on your chin if you shoot off-hand. Thankfully it can be modified for left-hand shooting in about 10 minutes if you buy the left-hand bolt ($200). Got some nice burns from it when they first came in and the left-hand bolts weren't available.

The RFB doesn't have that problem since it ejects forward.
 
Both my father and my brother shoot left-handed and it's not an issue at all.
The "controls" are often badly located but southpaws are used to this and learn to do funky and quirky moves to operate their weapons!

Most armies make it a requirement for weapons to be readily used by both left and right handed shooter (it's a big tactical advantage).

Alex
 
We... are... the 11%!
Left handed anything is good to go, save for some bullpup rifles, but we don't get them in Canada anyways.

I'd say the biggest hurdle for us southpaws is RH bolt actions.

Ya we can get bullpup's in Canada, some are even lefty friendly by switching the bolt and charging handle or by ejecting forward or below the gun with ambi controls. As far as right hand bolts go it's all about practise, I've been shooting right hand guns left handed for over 35 years! you get use to it and it's not a big handicap at all.
 
I'm left handed, but prefer a right hand bolt action. About the only issue is safety. If a cartridge ruptures, the spray tends to be towards the opening in the action, which is now directed more towards the centre of your face and right eye. Hopefully this is never an issue, but makes eye protection all the more important. I've gotten sprayed by a few 22's over the years and it isn't fun.
 
As evidence here you will have no issues being a lefty. Actually most are easier for a lefty to use, and don't bother wasting you money on a special lefty gun unless you really want it. It will cost more and parts are harder to find.

Shawn
 
Ya we can get bullpup's in Canada, some are even lefty friendly by switching the bolt and charging handle or by ejecting forward or below the gun with ambi controls. As far as right hand bolts go it's all about practise, I've been shooting right hand guns left handed for over 35 years! you get use to it and it's not a big handicap at all.

My mistake, you're right.
 
The only time shooting lefthanded has been a disadvantage for me is when I've used a right handed biathlon rifle. You simply cannot reaquire targets as fast after cycling the bolt - so you are slower through the range during a race. Recreational shooting with Semi autos - no problems.
 
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