Looking for left hand bolt action rifle

[Questor]

My son is left handed and I'm looking for a relatively light weight left hand bolt action rifle in a caliber similar to 7mm-08. I prefer a short action rifle with a synthetic stock. Can you recommend one? Thanks.

[ncsurveyor]

savage model 11's have left hand, synthetic stocks in youth models available (just a different stock than the adult model).  7mm-08 available.

[superdown]

would have to agree with ncserveyor.Besides youth left-hand rifle selection really stinks not that their is anything at all wrong with savage i would recommend them to anyone . the 7mm-08 is a wonderful cartridge but i would personally recommend the 308win their is no noticeable difference in recoil in like firearms in addition their are numerous low recoil factory loadings for those youngsters and you can find the 308win in countless more jerkwater towns than the latter.

[basdjs]

I'd also highly recommend Savage in a bolt action.  I've had a LH Model 110 .243 for 45 years and taken a number of deer with it without ever losing one.  I switched to an Encore in .260 3 years ago because of the versatility of the Encore but my Savage is always going to have the memories associated with it.  My son hunted with a RH in .243 for several years and took a number of deer as well.  Savages are consistently one of the best out-of-the-box shooters.  If you happen to get one with the accutrigger, you can adjust the trigger pull.  Depending on your son's age, stature, experience shooting, and what he's hunting, I'd try to  minimize felt recoil as much as possible, especially if you are getting a lighter weight rifle.  Most of us shoot better if we can concentrate on the shot without worrying about recoil or whether the scope is gonna wrap you in the eye.  Unless he doesn't mind recoil, I'd stay with the 7mm-08 or even the .243 which are both .308 cases necked down to 6.5mm or 6mm respectively.  I'd also suggest that you consider putting a Simms recoil pad on.  It reduces felt recoil greatly on any caliber.  Enjoy the time afield with your son.  There's nothing more special.

[LEO]

I concur with the others here regarding the Savage, in fact it is the only rifle that I am aware or in production that meets your specifications right out of the box (youth, synthetic, left hand, 7-08).  I would however do as someone else recommended and install a Simms recoil pad on the rifle it is incredible the difference they make in perceived/transferred recoil.  I have one on a 308 carbine and it seems to recoil less than a 243.  It will definitely make the rifle more pleasant for a beginner to use.  The 7-08 is a fine deer/hog cartridge , many would say the ideal one due to its balance of recoil, and power, and for most shots an adequate elk/black bear rifle it will serve well for the young hunters career.  Ammo selection in a lot of places is limited but this should only be an issue if your ammo is lost during the trip because there are plenty of choices in 7-08 ammo out there they just aren't on every dealers shelves but the 7-08 is popular enough that you should be able to find something if you are on a hunting trip and your ammo is lost so I wouldn't let that influence my choice as to caliber.

[Gary paugh]

I've got a left hand Remington 700 BDL in .308 CAL its been beded and had the trigger worked on.

you can e-mail me it elkkiller9@msn.com

[whiskey101]

I am a Savage bolt fan. BUT depending on the size and age of your son, you may want to look at the Handi Rifles. These are about the only centerfire that my daughter is able to shoot offhand. All the centerfire bolts are too heavy/big.

[Bubber]

I have to put in with the majority here. For what you described, Savage takes the cake. I own a couple and would gladly buy another.

[12Bravo]

I have only owned Savage rifles as far as lefty bolts go. I would definitely recommend Savage rifles. I just picked up a H&R Handi Rifle in .223 but haven't had a chance to shoot it yet. I had a Savage 111 in .270 which was a good shooter. My current favorite rimfire is my lefty Savage Mk II.

[smoky]

Browning makes their micro hunter in LH and 7mm-08.  Its gonna be more than the savage, but is a really nice gun for not too much money. I think between $600 and $650.  It has a nice walnut stock and detachable clip magazine.  A 65 year old, small framed gentleman I hunt with has the right hand version in 7-08. It work really well for him.  If they had made it a few years ago, I would own one instead of the custom job I had built, although I really do like my custom gun.

[demented]

I got a Savage Weather Warrior Stainless 16FLSS in 308.  Dry, without scope mounted, it weighs just under 6-1/2 pounds. This is not super light, but its balance makes it seem much lighter.  I was surprised just how light the recoil is with typical 150 grain factory loads, I've seen .243's with more "kick" than this rifle produces. IMO, there is nothing in Savages price range that will shoot with it.  If  Savage isn't one of your options, Browning A-Bolts are the next step up, for me, the only step.  My Stainless Stalker will, with Federal Premium, shoot three shots inside three inches at 250 yards, all day.