Author Topic: Bolts and Lefties?  (Read 525 times)

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Offline BRL

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Bolts and Lefties?
« on: April 18, 2006, 11:45:12 AM »
I would like to own a bolt some day! I like my autos and levers but my collection just doesn't seem complete without a bolt. Although, I want something other than what is traditionally offered for lefties....30-06, .270 and .308. I am looking for 25 wssm, .25-06 or maybe the .243 wssm. What do you fellow lefties have and what is available?

Thanks.
B. Leeber
Nutritional Biochemist

Offline MGMorden

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Bolts and Lefties?
« Reply #1 on: April 18, 2006, 03:49:43 PM »
If you're willing to put some money into it, you can have just about anything you want.  Just pick out a left-hand action.  Most of the custom action makers have left hand versions, but these will run $1000+  just for an "in the white" action.  It'll take at least another $500 turn turn it into a most basic rifle.

The other option is to buy an existing left-hand factory rifle (many gunmakers do this).  Then you've got a left handed action and a stock to start with.  Many gunsmiths can then fit a new barrel to it and reblue.  If you go through somewhere like ER Shaw it'll run around $300 or so for the whole process, but you can choose just about any chambering you want, so long as the bolt face matches your action.

Offline blittle2003

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Bolts and Lefties?
« Reply #2 on: April 18, 2006, 03:57:35 PM »
http://www.savagearms.com/111gl.htm

http://www.savagearms.com/111fl.htm

http://www.savagearms.com/110glxp3.htm

These cover the .25-06.  Savage also offers left handed rifles in .270 WSM, 7mm WSM and the .300 WSM.  It is too bad that the options are so limited for left handed people, but Savage does offer these rifles in one of the three calibers you mentioned.

Brandon

Offline Gregory

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Bolts and Lefties?
« Reply #3 on: April 18, 2006, 04:09:16 PM »
Left handed bolt guns that I own:

Remington 581 22LR (purchased used)
Savage 93GL 22 Mag
Savage 11FL 7mm-08
Browning A-bolt Stainless Stalker 25/06 (no longer available in this caliber)

Had a Savage 110 in 270 at one time, picked up used also a Ruger 77 LH in 300 Win Mag I bought new.  

Saw a Browning Stainless Stalker in 280 LH recently on one of the online auctions.
Savage has the most options in LH new guns, but keep your eyes open in gunshops, pawn shops, and online and you may find something different. Ruger is offering two LH Model 77's in 25/06 (blue or stainless).
Greg

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Offline grousehunter

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LH BOLT
« Reply #4 on: April 18, 2006, 04:26:31 PM »
I for 1 do not believe that they ( any MFG) make a LH up to standard of norm! I have bought several and have not had the success that friends have had with their RH versions, I live in western PA, and recently bought a RUGER 77sslh, It dove tacks till the temps. hit 20 degrees and would not hit the broadside of a barn till after the 3rd shot (warming) then it would drive tacks again! I personally blame the bedding/lam. stock (but still am not sure)

Offline grousehunter

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LH BOLT
« Reply #5 on: April 18, 2006, 04:29:24 PM »
I for 1 do not believe that they ( any MFG) make a LH up to standard of norm! I have bought several and have not had the success that friends have had with their RH versions, I live in western PA, and recently bought a RUGER 77sslh, It dove tacks till the temps. hit 20 degrees and would not hit the broadside of a barn till after the 3rd shot (warming) then it would drive tacks again! I personally blame the bedding/lam. stock (but still am not sure)

Offline kenscot

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Bolts and Lefties?
« Reply #6 on: April 18, 2006, 04:54:22 PM »
I have a few
browning micro hunter 223
rem 700 vs 22-250
rem700 bdl 243 win
browning hunter 25 wssm
rem 700 bdl 270 win
browning stainless stalker 270win
browning medallion 270 wsm
browning micro hunter 7mm-08
rem 700 bdl 7mm rem mag
rem 700 bdl 30-06
browning medallion with BOSS 30-06

My favorite of late has been the browning in 7mm-08

Offline Slamfire

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Bolts and Lefties?
« Reply #7 on: April 18, 2006, 05:52:01 PM »
Buy a left handed Savage action or rifle, then get the bolt head and barrel appropriate for the cartridge you want. You can swap 'em out yourself.  :wink:
Bold talk from a one eyed fat man.

Offline BRL

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Bolts and Lefties?
« Reply #8 on: April 20, 2006, 03:53:56 AM »
Thanks for great replies. I do like ballistics of the .25-06. Any lefties own and/or shoot a right handed bolt? Any thoughts on that? I only bring it up due to the fact that if I ever wanted to trade/sell the gun, I would probably have a better chance of doing so with a right hand gun. Also, caliber selection.

Thanks!
B. Leeber
Nutritional Biochemist

Offline dukkillr

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Bolts and Lefties?
« Reply #9 on: April 21, 2006, 10:25:01 AM »
i shoot right handed guns left handed.  I've never had a problem and I can't think of a situation where I would have been better off with a lefthanded gun.  That being said, my next bolt will be a left handed gun, just for variety.

Offline Slamfire

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Bolts and Lefties?
« Reply #10 on: April 21, 2006, 06:12:46 PM »
I've had some, still do have right handed milsurps. You have to take the rifle down from your shoulder to operate the bolt, whereas, with the left handed ones you can keep the rifle shouldered. Thus get back on target faster.  :wink:
Bold talk from a one eyed fat man.