I’ve been left-handed since I made my appearance into this world, and I do most everything left-handed.
The world has conspired against lefties since antiquity. As a matter of fact, the Latin word for left is “sinister” – ‘nuff said. It seems gun manufacturers have gone along with that, as well.
There are few guns out there that are truly lefty friendly…but don’t worry, lefty models exist.
And that’s what we’re exploring today – left-handed rifles and pistols. So, follow along as I tell you my favorites models and why they make this list.
Summary of Our Top Picks
Table of Contents
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What Makes a Gun Left-Handed?
Before I start throwing photos of guns at you, we need to define a left-handed gun. The way I see it that could include two families of firearms.
The first (and most obvious) would be those guns manufactured from the get-go to be left-handed.
Those would include rifles with the bolt handle or ejection ports on the left side. There are even 1911 pistols set up in mirror images of traditional ones.
In terms of bullpup rifles, don’t get me started… unless the ejection port is moveable to the other side, those are out for most of us wrong handers. Hot brass zipping past your face or arm is not my idea of a good time.
The second family of guns is those that can be made left-friendly. I’m talking about semi-auto pistols with reversible magazine releases and similar features.
These guns are not out-of-the-box left-friendly but can be made that way with a few swappable parts.
With that out of the way, let’s get down to business – rifle and handgun business, that is.
Best Rifles for Left-Handed Shooters
We have two main actions in this category – bolt and semi-auto. Notice I didn’t mention lever-action rifles. They are pretty much already ambidextrous, so we don’t need to discuss them.
Worth mentioning that right-handed bolt-action guns are a bit easier to shoot by lefties than righty semi-autos –the whiz-bang ejection of the empty case out of a semi-auto makes for interesting range trips.
Unlike pistol makers, many rifle manufacturers make left-hand versions of their more popular models, so let’s dig into some of my favorites.
1. Savage Arms Rascal
If you’re looking for an easy plinker or a trainer for the new shooter in your life, you can’t beat this single-shot .22 LR from Savage.
There aren’t too many teaching-type rifles for lefties, but the Rascal is one of the best.
It features the Savage AccuTrigger, scope bases, and a manual safety. Not to mention, sling swivels, a lock, and a free set of earplugs round out the package.
If you have a pint-sized southpaw who is clamoring to shoot, the Rascal offers a perfect option for him or her.
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2. Browning X-Bolt Stainless Medallion
Who hasn’t heard of Browning guns? I could spend this whole writing venture on that storied company alone. But I won’t. Instead, let’s talk about the X-Bolt Medallion – specifically the left-handed model.
Browning’s X-Bolt opts for a three-lever Feather Trigger. This brings a crisp pull with no take-up or creep and minimal overtravel. That’s a win in my book!
The gun’s X-Lock scope mounts provide a new four screw per base design that replaces the traditional two-screw system. This is a good thing as it secures the bases at all four corners.
New for Browning is the detachable rotary magazine on the Medallion. The magazine is designed to feed cartridges directly in-line with the bolt, which should help avoid any feeding issues.
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And did I mention, this is a good-looking rifle? OK, this is subjective and not official, but when I see a polished blue rifle with a high-grade walnut stock and rosewood accents, I take notice. There aren’t too many of them around anymore!
This rifle was once available in 15 calibers, but that has since been pared down to seven. I could see this rifle going on a deer hunt in .243, .308, or .270. Other calibers include .30-06 and magnums for those that need stronger medicine.
3. Ruger Gunsite Scout
Ruger makes more guns than any other American gunmaker, so it’s not surprising that they would make left-handed versions of their popular sellers.
I did a quick website survey and counted 25 left-hand models in calibers from .22 LR to Africa-ready. But the cream of the crop is the Gunsite Scout in .308. Some folks call it the do-it-all rifle – they aren’t wrong.
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When I tested this gun out, I was able to get decent groups. And it’s a sweet rifle to shoot!
Based on Jeff Cooper’s visualization of the perfect scout rifle — short barrel, box magazine for quick reloads, open aperture rear sight, all in a serious caliber — the Scout performs well and looks great.
Its laminated stock is set off by the stainless barrel.
In addition to its looks, the Gunsite Scout has a few other features going for it. A flash suppressor helps “tame the flame,” while a long Picatinny rail allows you to mount whatever optic you want on it
The front blade sight is surrounded by “ears” to protect it, and the adjustable ghost ring aperture rear allows you to adjust the sight for different loads.
Ruger offers variations on the Gunsite Scout to include different calibers (.308 Win, .350 Legend, .450 Bushmaster) and blue or stainless finish and stocks.
4. Weatherby Mark V Backcountry
Weatherby has earned a reputation for building high-end, top-quality rifles since 1945.
Essentially custom guns, the Weatherby rifle was available in proprietary calibers early on, which are still available today. Production was moved at various times in the company’s history to Germany and then Japan.
Today, Weatherby makes two models: the Mark V and the Vanguard, a lesser-expensive rifle.
The Weatherby Mark V utilizes either a 6- or 9-lug, push-feed action. It’s also proven to withstand 100,000 lbs./sq. ft. pressure.
The Mark V offers a short, 54-degree bolt throw — one of the lowest in the industry.
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And there are 15 available Weatherby calibers – that ought to cover hunting just about everything from mouse to moose.
According to Weatherby, any 9-lug action can be ordered in left hand, but not the 6, so that’s worth keeping in mind.
5. Stag Arms STAG-15
Stag Arms makes beaucoup ARs, several of which are left-handed — 38 left-hand ARs, in fact.
The Stag Arms STAG-15 comes with a few nifty features, including a nitride 16-inch barrel with a mid-length gas system, an A2 flash hider, Stag 13.5-inch M-LOK handguard, and Magpul furniture.
A long Picatinny rail on top allows you to put almost any sighting gizmo on it, while a multi-position buttstock lets you bring it in close if desired.
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The mag release, bolt release, and safety are on the correct sides of the gun for lefties. Empties will zip off to the left, away from your face — so no Hot Brass Two-Step need be performed.
Best Handguns for Left-Handed Shooters
6. Charter Arms Southpaw
Before we get into listing the pistols that work for lefties, I feel the need to tell you about one revolver that is set up for us wrong handers…the Charter Arms Southpaw.
The cylinder swings out to the right, with its release on the same side, which just makes sense.
This 12-ounce, 2-inch-barreled .38 Special is based on Charter Arm’s Undercover Lite — only in mirror image.
If you are looking for a decent revolver in left hand, check this little guy out.
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For $435, you could do worse. I’ve owned two different Charter Arms revolvers, and they work as advertised.
Now for a few pistols…
7. Beretta APX Centurion
For $400, this gun is a steal. Made with Beretta’s legendary quality, this carry gun exemplifies what a left-handed pistol should be.
Features include an ambidextrous slide stop and reversible mag release. Serrations run across the whole of the slide.
The APX Centurion is the 15-round version, with smaller and larger guns available.
For Beretta fans, this pistol is definitely a great option.
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8. H&K VP9
I really like the VP9. This is one truly ambidextrous pistol.
Given its lineage and H&K’s many years of proven manufacturing prowess, the VP9 is the answer to many questions asked about what constitutes a top-quality carry pistol.
The paddle mag release works equally well from both sides. And you have a long, right-side lever to drop the slide.
Switch out the back strap and change the palm swell side panels for a custom fit. — three backstraps and two grip panels accompany the VP9. With 16 configurations, there’s something for everyone.
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Check out our full review of the HK VP9 or peep the video review below.
9. Glock 19, Gen 5
Of course, I have to include a Glock.
With the Gen 5, the company added a slide release to the right side of the frame and made the mag release reversible.
Even though I’m not a strong fan of the Austrian pistol, I acknowledge its popularity and reliability.
The Gen 5 G19 ditches the finger grooves and introduces a newer, textured grip. In terms of left-friendly features, the gun sports a reversible mag release and ambidextrous slide release.
You can’t go wrong with a Glock when all is said and done.
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Their chambers are just a touch larger to provide functioning and reliability with different ammo types, three mags are included, and the ambi slide release is very appreciated.
Whether I’m a fan or not, 65% of American police agencies use Glock for a reason – they tend to work.
Check out our full review on the Glock G19, Gen 5 here!
10. CZ P07
The Czech company Česká Zbrojovka has long been known for manufacturing guns popular with many types of shooters. This includes their extensive number of pistol models, one of which is the P-07.
Introduced in 2009, the P-07 was their modern interpretation of the venerable CZ-75. This iconic DA/SA pistol captured the hearts of many shooters, including legendary 1911 aficionado Jeff Cooper. If you go to many pistol competitions, you will see derivatives of that pistol in competitors’ hands to this day.
So, CZ upped the ante by bringing out the P-07.
The gun is not truly ambidextrous, to be fair – the slide lever is port-side only. But I’m sure most of you lefty shooters have learned, as I have, to operate the slide release lever with your strong-hand index finger. So, it’s not a big deal.
Other factors outweigh that design feature. The guns ship with two safety levers. One lever is a safety that allows cocked and locked carry. The other is a decocker. It’s a simple switch-out of the ambidextrous lever to whichever one you want.
Worth mentioning that the slide rides in the frame, not on it – this lowers the bore axis, which can help with recoil and accuracy.
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Other features include metal sights, a new trigger, and “de-horning” for a comfortable carry gun. Interchangeable backstraps allow custom fitting of the gun to the shooter. Rounding this gun out are 15-round magazines and tritium night sights.
If you are a fan of traditional DA/SA pistols, you might want to check out the P-07 or one of its many variants from CZ – they are truly well-built guns.
11. Walther PDP
The Walther PDP (Personal Defense Pistol) is available in several configurations. The 4-inch barreled, 24-ounce, 18-round 9mm hits most of the buttons where southpaw pistols are concerned.
Offering a truly ambidextrous, long-lever slide release and reversible mag release, this gun works well in the hands of lefties.
It also brings an easy takedown experience. The takedown lever in front of the trigger guard makes the process painless.
Slide serrations go over the top of the slide, and it provides an optics cut for the addition of a red dot.
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Sean took the PDP for a test drive. Read up on his thoughts or watch the full video review below.
Conclusion
As a left-handed shooter, I have adapted to a right-handed world of guns. So, it’s nice that more and more guns can now be enjoyed by everyone – not just righties.
Whether you need a hunting rifle or home defense gun, any of the above models would make a great addition to your gun safe.
Are you a Southpaw? What are your favorite gun models? Let us know in the comments below. Want more lefty-friendly models? Check out our round-up of the Best Left-Handed AR-15s.
77 Leave a Reply
The BERETTA ARX100 is 100% ambidextrous, from the safety switch, bolt catch, and even shell ejection from the right or left side, I love shooting it being a lefty
How did the H&K P30 variants not make the list? I saw someone caught the FN omission already.
Being left-handed as well, I'm curious to learn what features you feel S&W's M&P 2.0 (Full/Compact) pistols are missing to not have been mentioned in this article along with other pistols that might be called "ambi" or "lefty-friendly"? I ask because I'm about to move on from the S&W 5906 I've stuck with for 20+ years to something that's smaller, weighs less, & is more "lefty-friendly".
As I recall, the [American Made] M&Ps included at least some "ambi" features before others you mentioned, including (I believe) Glock.
In any event, as a 50+ year shooter of Remington's* fully Left-Handed long arms (Model 700BDL .30-06; and Model 870 12ga. mag.) [both "toss left"], I feel pretty strongly that the biggest distinction between a firearm qualifying as "Ambi" or "Left-Handed" is whether it "tosses left" or "tosses right", so any firearm that ejects empties to the right can't be called "Left-Handed" & is, at best, "Ambi".
I did see the Kel-Tec RDB reference in another post. Even that's what I'd call "Ambi" &, while "down" is better than "right", I'll be even more excited to learn about a 9mm pistol that "tosses left". Stag's 15L has a left side ejection port, so there's no question it CAN be done. I just haven't seen it yet in a 9mm pistol.
*I'm a little disappointed you didn't mention -- for the benefit of some of the "younger crowd" -- just how far back Remington began its long support for Lefties by producing truly Left-Handed versions of the same long guns they made for "Righties". I've long felt a degree of loyalty to Remington for doing that.
KelTec RDB, a lefties dream.
Ejects downward so it's good for all.
compact, rugged and you can hang anything on it.
Should be on the list big time
You forgot one of my favorites!
I have a Browning BAR in 30.06
True Left hand ejection.
Other calibers also available.
Frustrated lefty here, i opted for a Beretta Arx 100 in 556 for my “AR” type rifle. Like it so far (after a mod or two, cheek weld mainly).
One just has to click a button on the side of the receiver to change which direction the brass ejects. Also Charging handle slides through to the other side (thru the ejection port) if one needs to change from one side to another. Quite handy.
Many manufacturers have done more for the right brained left dominant shooter that most "normal" left brained right handed folks realize. You just need to look a little harder and think a little more. First realize that most handguns are ambidextrous the controls just need to be addressed differently. Once you learn to use the index finger (that shouldn't be on the trigger anyway) rather than the thumb on magazine releases, for example, and you will swear many handguns are designed to be left handed. I like double action semi-automatics and am not bothered by two different trigger pulls, but resisted the CZ-75 decockers until I finally broke down, tried one, and realized my thumb crossed over to operate the decocker as easily as if I were holding the handgun in my right hand. Most 1911s can be modified with either left handed or ambidextrous thumb safeties fairly easily. If you don't trust yourself most gunsmiths will have an easy time with this modification.
The two big exceptions are bolt action rifles and shotguns. Several manufacturers produce a large number of left handed bolt action rifles. Savage comes to mind as they have many lefthanded products, as does Browning and Anschutz, but Bergara seems to eventually produce a left handed pretty much mirror image version of everything. As to shotguns I have had some luck finding left handed Remington 870s, Francis, Beretta, and over and under CZs (Huglus). The Remingtons, Berettas, and Francis are both true left handed offerings, while the CZ shotguns feature right handed actions as there is little real difference except the direction you push the lever with cast-on stocks for leftys instead of cast-offs.
As to specialty arms two of the prides of my collection are 1970s BSA Martini International Mark IIs. This British target rifle was manufactured in both right and left handed versions by hand, no CNC back then. They are both scoped with 7/8 inch tubed scopes, but I also have two sets of sights both with left handed rear aperture sights. Two others are left handed Anschutz rifles a 64 Silhouette and a 54 action Free Rifle both also 70s or early 80s vintage.
Pistol— As mentioned in the article… I LOVE my H&K VP9. Great feel. Accurate. Full ambidextrous. I like the paddle style mag release too.
Thank you so much for your sympathy empathy and understanding of we the 6%ers. You are a rarity and appreciated.
This article has been passed around my family and they all, right handers of corse, laughed not realizing that it is a very serious issue. To a person they all stopped when they got to the part explaining the real hazards for leftys.
I thank you for the eye opening pice.
CMT Tactical makes and excellent left handed upper and ambitious lower. I've built multiple ar15s with them. A little pricy because they are billet but the quality is amazing.
How could you not include FN on this list?! Ambi right out of the box. The takedown lever is the only control that isn’t ambi
Brad, I had to limit my choices. I love FN pistols! If I update this piece, I'll be sure to include one. Thanks for writing!
Savage make an excellent L/H bolt action rifle. I owed a 30.06 and loved it
I am surprised to learn the founder of Stag Arms is a Lefty. Why? Because after looking for 50 years, stores, ranges, gun shows, I finally saw my first "AL" (Armalite Lefty) in a store. Picked it up, marveled at the left side ejection, bolt assist, and brass kicker, then went to work the charging handle, only to see it was a standard righty, then learned it had the righty only safety, AND right hand only mag release (yes, not even ambidextrous for ANY of those controls. My thoughts at the moment? In ALL of Stag, there is not a single Lefty Engineer, OR even a LEFTY QA person? Now I learn the FOUNDER allowed this? Anyway, before I saw the Stag disappointment, my son had presented me with a "build" using a RedX Arms (Great company by the way) LEFT HAND upper, and ambidextrous controls on everything, for my retirement. AND YES, it is so nice to have that BLAST and HOT BRASS going away from my face. As ALL tactical training now mandates ambidextrous practice, it is no longer about Left or Right, but rather ALL AR's should be updated to AMBIDEXTROUS, 100%. That said, Right Handed AR style BOLT actions, are great for Lefties, because your dominant hand stays on the control (just like in tactical training), AND you don't get the top of your Left thumb removed when working the bolt, AND the safety is in the same place as your AL.
Cz p10c great for lefties
I can comfortably run about any handgun with adjusted technique but my favorite 'left hand friendly' pistols are the FNX-45 Tactical, S&W M&P 9 and Canik TP9 Combat Elite.
This is what you get when a right handed person tries to decide what's best for you.The two best options a completely ambidextrious, and a gun designed specifically for left handed are the bottom of the list. First choice a glock really?
Bobby, the guns are in no particular order. I wasn't slighting any brand. Glock just happened to be the last one I listed. Thanks for writing!
As a lefty, I’ve had to adapt all my life. I can’t use left handed scissors because I grew up using right handed ones in school. As for firearms, I learned on revolvers. I have no problem switching the gun to my right hand to reload; it lets me load with my dominant hand. For semi autos, I drop the magazine with my index finger, don’t use the slide release and haven’t had any serious problems with hot brass. The problem I have is the mag release getting in the way of my trigger finger; solution is to hav it filed down a bit if it can’t be switched. BTW, the Colt SAA is a left handed gun. It’s much easier to load when held in the left hand. Shotguns? Mossberg tang safety. Rifles? Left handed bolt actions, Stag Arms and the Mini 14 safety in the trigger guard. Evaluate…Adapt…Overcome!
my wife is left handed, doesn't like the noise of a 9MM, and ideas for lefties for pistols that she can open carry while hiking? She does like my 22LR revolver, but I would rather her have a semiauto. Thanks Jerry
Taurus 24/7 G2 is a great little pistol for lefties. I know I have one. It has ambidextrous mag drop and thumb safety.
FNS9 AND FNS9C are the best for us lefties, bar none, mossburg 500 and browning are best shotguns ,safeties are on top , and browning ejects at bottom,.any bolt action rifle with safety in front of trigger,
Any ideas for a LEFT Hand AK-47? The struggle is real. Classic, NOT the AR Hybrids.
Nick, I'm not aware of any strictly LH AKs, although I'm sure they're out there. From my (limited) experience with them, LH shooters are generally OK with them the way they are, as the brass goes mostly to the side and not towards your face with most models. Maybe another reader who has more experience with one can help us out here. Thanks for writing!
I was right handed right eyed dominant until I was about 56 and an eye surgeon botched a right retina repair. "Whoops, you only need just one". Shooting pistols is still do-able, but rifles have been a big challenge the last dozen years. I've tried to do offset scope mounts and other things that haven't worked either. I took my AR out to the range this week and finally concluded I was just going to have so be a portside long gun shooter. Not so easy to teach an old dawg new tricks. Anyhow, browsing the web for left handed rifles I found your article/s this evening. The have given me little bit more light at the end of the tunnel. Thank you for your insight, and thank you for sharing.
When I was in training in the US Army back in 1970 I never heard of M 16s for lefties. Shooting in the kneeling or standing position I got used to hot brass hitting me in the face below my right eye high on my cheek. During my tour in the Army I had a black line On my cheek as if it was drawn on with a pencil. This line never went away until I was out of training and not shooting daily. But the hot brass that went down my t-shirt in the prone position was worse.
I really do appreciate this article, it has helped me to best navigate handguns that a lefty can use. But a quick point... I recently became the owner of the Axe 19 50 of 99, the frame is Gen 4, not able to switch the mag release and the slide lock is only on the left. But damn it, what an amazing piece!
I'm a right eye dominate, obligate (due to loss of right hand fingers) left handed shooter. Now that adds to finding firearms that work for me. To the most part I have. Browning R-1 is my rifle. Browning Super Black eagle in left hand.
I found your article in my search to find a semi auto hand gun I can work with my compromised right hand and still be efficient. I think a Glock 19 with a charging handle may fill the bill.
I have burn scars on my chest from Glock brass ejections. Most lefties I know have the same issue. The ones who don't complain about it can be considered "fanboys". Springfield and even straight 1911's (most of the ones I have tried) are more kind with the backsplash and brass then the Glocks are. It would be a lot nice if this article was written by a lefty instead of the once removed stories of what someone else likes. However, all left shooters have become accustomed to dropping a mag with their index finger.
Rich, I've been a lefty for over 70 years. Appreciate your comments!
For the hammer fired crowd that want a truly ambidextrous experience check out the Taurus TH series, right out of the box the safety, slide stop and mag release can be activated from both sides. No futzing will g swapping mag releases, it sticks out from both sides and can be pushed in either direction.
Walther ppq sc for this lefty
Thanks for the info and interesting read. As another left handed, left eye dominant shooter, I can say that we do get used to living on the other side of the mirror. After having spoken with industry reps who always tell me there is little demand for left handed models, I think I can explain why that's been the case until now. First, as the author pointed out, they generally stick to plain vanilla offerings. Second, they generally don't bother to advertise what little they do make. I'm a regular reader of several firearm publications, but I didn't learn about Browning's left handed BAR's until two years after they'd been discontinued for "lack of interest." Third, until very recently, most of us had to adapt to right handed designs when learning to shoot, and people tend to stick with what they're accustomed to, even when there are better choices available. So, the industry complains of poor sales in this sector while ignoring the fact that they're the ones who've sabotaged those sales.
On that third point, most people learn to shoot as kids, with a .22 rifle. How many left handed .22's are there? Twenty years ago, virtually none. That's changing, and with it, demand for left handed choices will increase as more new left handed and left eye dominant shooters learn with proper tools. Now, we have the uber expensive Anschuetz models, the Browning T-Bolt, and a few models from Savage. Savage is really the go to for southpaws, by the way. As long as you can live without controlled round feed, their special order department can build a bolt action for almost any cartridge you might want. They even make a left handed .22 autoloader. There was a left handed CZ 455 for a short time, but CZ has dropped almost all of their left handed models as of last year.
There is one other CRF option besides Ruger's Scout rifle and their tiny selection of left handed Hawkeyes. Zastava is finally, finally, beginning to import their Mauser 98's in quantity, including a left handed model. I'm eyeing the 9.3x62mm.
Due to the ejection issues mentioned, I've never owned an auto pistol. I have no problem operating revolvers, in fact I think most revolvers are already left handed, save for the cylinder latch. The one thing I would wish for is a cylinder latch on the other side of the gun.
A last point and I'll shut up. There were actually two production auto pistols made in the last century, the Walther P38 and P5, that eject to the left. Both, unfortunately, have right handed controls. I would be very interested in reading about any gunsmiths who can outfit these guns with ambi levers.
BTW - kudos on the pie chart and the pics of graphite-covered hands.
As a lefty, I've never been bothered by RH ejections. I think I was tagged in the head once and started wearing ball caps after that. I also hold the gun relatively centered across my body. I don't even "see" the ejections because I'm focused on the sights/target. I've fired plenty of .22, 9mm, & .45 rounds to know this isn't an issue.
For my handguns I like my Glocks (G19 gen5 & G45) well enough. Even though my Springfield XDM isn't fully ambi, I do like its ergonomics enough to want to acquire an XDM Elite (which is full ambi). I also desire to purchase an HK VP9 when supply & demand balances out more. For shotguns, the Keltec KS7 & Mossberg 500/590 are on my short list. For rifles, I've built an AR-15 lower w/ full ambi controls. It cost me a little more but it was well worth it as the rest of my family are RH.
The bersa trp9 has safty, slide release and I think mag releases on both sides of gun. I'm right handed I got this pistol in case girl needs to use it. Her being left handed. She likes
You didn't mention three of the best options for fully left-handed pistols: Cabot Guns S100 Southpaw, the Cabot Guns S103 Southpaw, or the New Order Firearms NO9 (left-handed version).
The NO9 may be ugly, but there are articles in NRA magazines attesting to its quality. And it's not often you can find a good quality left-handed pistol at such a low price as the NO9.
As a lefty, what d you think about using a Ruger 10/22 Takedown or the Henry AR-7 Survival Rifle?
Scott, I've owned a few 10/22s over the years and have one now. It isn't a takedown model but I've shot one of those and find it works pretty much as the standard model. The Henry is a modern production version of the Air Force's Armalite survival rifle and works just fine. I've had no issues shooting either one left-handed... as always, adaptation is key. (Example, the Ruger cross-bolt safety works backwards for me). Thanks for writing!
I was looking for recommendations for a left-handed or bottom eject shotgun. Looks like that is the only ammunition we can find these days. Any suggestions. PS - Thanks for the wonderful article and other options.
Check out the Keltec KS7 or KSG. The Mossberg 500 & 590 series have an ambi safety (still RH eject though). I think the Ithaca 37 is LH friendly as well?
Victor, the first one that comes to mind is a Browning BPS. They come in different finishes and stock configurations and all are bottom-eject. You can see them on Browning's web site.
Thanks for writing!
I’m left handed and didn’t see any guns here that would be on my list.
Ones that I do own and feel accommodate lefties.
Springfield XDM 45 3.8 Compact
Springfield EMP4 9mm Champion (ambi safety)
Springfield 1911s 45s Loaded and Range Officer Elite (both have ambi safeties)
FNX-45 Tactical (ambi safety)
Rifle and shotgun wise, you just learn to adapt and are more cognizant of discharge and eating brass or spent shells...
Scott, I'm with you. I love the Springfield Armory XD series pistols. For those of you who don't know, they have ambidextrous mag releases as well as the passive safeties on the butt and and trigger. Fumbling (thumbling?? :-) ) with safeties are a real problem for me. Savage makes a nice series of LH bolt long guns, and Marlin lever action rifles work well for me as well. Thanks for addressing our problem, Pew!
ALL OF THIS!
I’ve found my left-handed resolve in the form of the AK platform. Never looking back to AR’s. There, I said it.
I think I'm really lucky I was trained to shoot right-handed but I'm a dominant Lefty and I see equally well with both I wish I had the money back I have wasted on left-handed guns because they seem awkward and unorthodox to me
The pie-chart with things people say is excellent, by the way.
P.S. Jimi Hendrix, widely considered the most talented rock & roll guitarist of all time, was left-handed. He played a right-handed Fender Stratocaster upside down. I think I can manage a standard AR.
I operate a Tavor X95 with left-side ejection port. Can't understand why the righties insist I take the far-left position on the firing line.
You have to analyse what works best for your situation, and adapt everything else around it. Lefties and cross-dominants face similar AND different issues. As a right-handed left-eye dominant shooter, I am much more agile loading cartridges and magazines and running the action with my right hand. So a left-handed firearm only solves half of the issues. And as a left-shoulder shooter with right-handed guns, some lessons were "hotly" learned: I now wear long sleeves, large glasses and a cap.
While you bring up some good points, most of us lefties that have been shooting for 40 or 50 years long ago figured out how to use right hand guns left-handed without even thinking about it. It’s just not a big deal. For example, I’m so used to reaching under the trigger guard to push the safety on my Remington shotguns off that I would be confused to use a gun with a left-hand safety. I’ve also worked RH bolt guns with my left hand when locked in a sling, and with my right hand when not. I don’t even think about it. AR’s are not a problem either - we just adapt when the controls aren’t ambi. The only RH gun I ever got rid of was my Tavor because the brass was hitting me in the chin, burning me and causing occasional jambs. Yes, I know you can have a left-hand bolt installed, but I opted to swap the Tavor for a CZ Bren - another right handed rifle. With all that said, I will agree that in the event of a catastrophic failure, I would sooner be shooting right handed. In addition, I will say us lefties get a lot more heat and a blow back from ejections ports; although, this has been going on so long I don’t even think about it. Fun article - thanks.
Mark, I agree. I adapted a long time ago to RH firearms, but I wanted to let fellow lefties know that there are LH-friendly guns out there. A true LH gun might confuse me for a while until I got used to it, but I think it would be worth the effort. Thanks for writing!
I’m surprised you left out the Colt Single action revolver. Another handgun actually made to be used by everyone in its application as a mounted Calvary member in the LEFT hand. Yes the loading gate is on the right side so so the gun is in left hand it is reloaded with ejection and loading with the right hand.
History failed to remember that the members of the mounted Calvary would have had their saber in their right hand and the pistol in the left.
Very good point.
George, yup, you're right - I should've included it. It is truly set up for lefties out of the box. Thanks for calling me on it!
Please get to the point quicker... and cease repeating info just to fill up the page...
So I just purchased my first handgun and also a southpaw. I went with the Glock 19 gen 5. I for one like the front slide serrations for one particular reason.. when I am checking the chamber for a round, if I grab behind the ejection slot, I cannot see if anything is in the barrel because my right hand blocks the view. I’ve noticed in the short period I have had the gun, that I always grab the forward serrations for this exact reason. I haven’t researched yet, but is there an upgraded slide with the ejection on the opposite side?
J, I'm not sure about that. It would have to be a frame set up with the ejector on the right side, instead of the left, to throw empties to the right. Since the whole top of the slide is open at the barrel hood, that part wouldn't be an issue - but I'm no gunsmith. Maybe someone out there might know of an altered Glock-compatible frame set up this way?
I really appreciate this column. One of the commenters here mentioned the palm swell.
I have small, weak (arthritis increasing) hands and yeah, a lot of grips are difficult for me to manage then add the left-hand issue.
I cannot shoot my beautiful Bond Arms pistols with my left had at all. Fortunately, most lefties have learned to function in a right-hand world without complaining too loudly.
Yeah, those ejection issues are real.
Glock 19 and most of the others pistols are in no way real lefty pistols. There are a few really ambidextrous pistols in the market. It means their controls can be used with both hands without any modifications. (especially mag release). I am lefty and I shoot P10c - it allows me to shoot with my dominant hand but at the same time, if I need to, I can easily move it to my right hand and still be able to shoot and change the mags by depressing my mag release button with my right hand.
If you thought getting a hot piece of brass on your cheek is a bad experience, you probably don't wear eyeglasses and have a hot piece of brass get lodged between your face and the eyeglasses. That is truly an unforgettable experience!
No offense but the handgun list is kinda worthless. Get an M1 PPQ and be done with it. Every control is fully ambidextrous and the mag release levers are longer than they are on a VP9.
Southpaw here, I know the list was limited to 5 per handgun and rifle, but the FN FNS-9/FNS-9c both have ambidextrous controls and I have both for this exact reason. FN is a great manufacturer with quality firearms.
The H&K VP-9 is also a joy to shoot with fully ambidextrous controls. That might be my next purchase.
I know people will have their own tastes and preferences and was testing out different carry guns, such as the Springfield Hellcat and Sig 365xl; neither of which have any ambidextrous controls. (Hence why I went with the FNS-9c, and with two 12-rd and a 17-rd magazine that comes with it, it’s heck of a deal!)
Thank you for actually acknowledging the Berreta APX Centurion! I have carried one of these nail driving little devils concealed since Dec. 2018, eightteen hours a day, seven days a week. It is really hard to find reputable information or reviews on the APX series in general, let alone the Centurion. I have multiple handguns, including SIGs, Glocks, S&W, etc... but I choose on a daily basis to carry the APX. The low bore axis makes it extremely comfortable to shoot and lowers felt recoil. I am a cross eye dominant shooter( left eye dominant and right handed) so this is just what I needed in my life. Everything can be switched around on it. Hell, if you wanted just a smidge more concealability you can buy an APX compact frame. It takes a mere minutes to swap frames and that is the only thing you have to do. It costs around 50 bucks for a frame. Every person i have blessed with letting shoot my Centurion has LOVED it. Its an extremely affordable weapon, ready to use, right out of the box with 2 mags and 3 different grip selections. It's a real shame that the APX series (mostly by no ones fault but Beretta themselves) hasn't had the opertunity to excell. Beretta was one of the last major manufacturers to jump on the polymer train because they spent YEARS designing this masterpiece. Not just in offices, they went to law enforcement and competitive shooters to get information on what THEY wanted or didn't want out of a handgun. People can hate on Beretta all they want, but the Centurion is an amazing weapon that should get the credit it deserves. Maybe Pew Pew Tactical should actually do a review on it. Food for thought.
People are going to have their own opinions on which is best. That's ok. It works for you, maybe not others. If put in the hands of a shooter, not a fanboy, there is little to dislike.(Slide Serrations Aside. You either love them or hate them. I have found no disadvantage to them at all. I personally love them) At the end of the day, something other than a Glock, Sig, or S&W should get at the very least a review. Not just a snippet in another article.
P.S. All original APX holsters and mags work with the Centurion and the Compact.
Thank you for this! I will definitely check the APX centurion out!
I have Pico and certainly appreciate even the ambidextrous mag release.
I have a randall left hand curtis lemay commemorative. 45acp. Fully left handed.
So one was made for a while.
My wrong-handed friends always ask 'why do you need a left-handed gun? what's the big deal?' Then I hand them my left-handed AR to shoot. 'That's awful! The f%&<ing thing ejected right into my face!' Yup. That's why I need a left-handed gun.
What about Kel-tec's lineup of bullpups? Ambi all the way!
I love my Kel-Tec RDB! I'm also a big fan of Beretta's rifles for the same reason. I have a CX4 set up for left-hand, and I am looking at the ARX-100.
My personal favorite rifle I currently own is a Tikka T3 Scout CTR. There is very little info on them, but from the best of my knowledge and HOURS of web searching. It is the predecessor to the actual CTR lineup. Its got the absolute smoothest bolt I have ever come across from factory or anywhere. Its gives a new meaning to glass smooth bolt. Ohh Tikka is imported by Beretta so that's why I am writing this. Lol
It was a joyous day for left handed bullpup enthusiasts when KEL-TEC made the RDB. No more worries about busted out teeth from the charging handle on other bullpup models. I never knew I had it so bad until I actually shot an RDB. I have always just used right handed rifles. Now I am building my 1st left handed AR-15 in 6.5 Grendel. She sure will take some retraining, but for my dream rifle, it will be worth it!
Smith & Wesson, M&P handgun is available with ambidextrous safety that I as a Lefty find convenient.
Also have a Stag Lefty AR 15
The title of this article is “ 10 Best Guns for Left-Handed Shooters” not the 10 most popular guns for left hand shooters, with that being said, the H&K P30 and VP9 ate the best out of the box pistols for left hand shooters, Not only are all of the controls are ambidextrous with the need to swap side of the magazine catch or slide release but the palm swells can be interchanged for a excellent left hand grip, i own both glocks and HKs so I’m not being biased just smart
Completely agree. In fact, most things HK are ambi. If not, they can be reversed-like the USP. Plus, they always go bang!
Can’t believe the p320 isn’t in here. You talk about a beretta for crying out loud and mention the Sig as an afterthought. It’s just as ambi capable as the others (source: I’m lefty who owns one)
I have no issues shooting the Glock 17,19,43x or 48 left handed. Same with the Sig 365.