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Best Left-Handed ARs: Parts & Complete Rifles

The left-handed struggle is real...but we're here to help! We've gathered the best AR-15 rifles and parts so lefties can finally shoot comfortably.
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    If you’re a leftie, you’ve probably noticed that a lot of gun gear and firearms are built for right-handed people.

    While we know you’ve also likely dealt with this all your life (and learned how to adapt, because ya’ll rockstars) sometimes you deserve things that are truly your own.

    Left Side Ejection AR-15 Pistol
    While we’re not lefties, some people we know and love are…this is for them.

    But if you’re just diving into guns, you might not which left-handed parts and ARs deserve your attention. So, if you’re interested in buying or building a left-handed AR-15, we’ve got you covered.

    We’re going to go over everything you need, including uppers, BCGs, lowers, controls, and even pre-built rifles if you don’t want to roll your own on this one. 

    Summary of Our Top Picks

    1. Editor's Pick Upper

      Stag Arms Complete 3 Gun Elite Upper Receiver Left Hand

      Can be used for 3-gun or regular use

    2. Best Ambi Charging Handle

      BCM Gunfighter Ambi Charging Handle

      Large and easy to use

    3. Best Ambi Safety

      Battle Arms Development Ambi Safety

      Mil-spec 90 degree throw and short 60-degree throw

    4. Best Ambi Mag Release

      Troy Ambidextrous Magazine Release

      Reliable and easy on the wallet

    5. Best Shorty LH Rifle

      Stag 15 Tactical LH QPQ 7” Complete Rifle

      SBA3 pistol brace, pistol-length gas system

    6. Best Full-Size LH Rifle

      Stag 15 Tactical LH 16-inch Rifle

      FDE, 13.5-inch free-floating M-LOK handguard, Magpul furniture

    Let’s start with the parts you need to make an AR-15 a little more lefty-friendly. 

    Table of Contents

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    Left-Handed AR-15 Uppers

    First, let’s talk left-handed uppers because this is where most people will start.

    Most lowers are ambidextrous these days, so the upper receiver is where most people will really start their build. 

    Why is a leftie upper a nice commodity?

    Left Side Ejecting AR-15 with Raptor Charging Handle
    Merp. Happens to lefties, too!

    Well, it keeps you from getting ejection port gases right in your mouth, nose, and eyes, which is certainly nice, especially if you’re running a suppressor. 

    We’ve gathered a list of the left-handed uppers we think work the best.

    1. Stag Arms Complete 3 Gun Elite Upper Receiver Left Hand

    Stag Arms is basically the name in left-handed AR-15s, so we’re going to start off with their Complete 3 Gun Elite Upper Receiver Left Hand.

    This upper is built around an 18-inch 416R stainless heavy barrel.

    It sits in a free-floated M-Lok upper, making it perfect for 3-Gun or general use. 

    Whatever you need an AR-15 for, if you’re going with a left-handed option, the Stag 3-Gun Elite series deserves some very serious consideration.

    649
    at Brownells

    Prices accurate at time of writing

    Prices accurate at time of writing

    Available Coupons

    2. Cross Machine Tool UPUR-1LH Left Hand Eject Billet Upper Receiver

    Next up, we have the CMT UPUP-1LH upper.

    This upper is machined from a solid aluminum billet and is a great no-frills option.

    If you’re looking to get a left-handed AR-15 built without breaking the bank, this should be your go-to. 

    Don’t mistake cheap for cheaply made, however.

    Everything CMT produces is high-quality, with excellent machining and finishing. That’s all you can really ask out of a stripped AR-15 upper. 

    Available Coupons

    3. Gibbz Arms Left-Handed Side-Charging AR-15 Upper

    Lastly, we have the Left-Handed Side-Charging Upper from Gibbz.

    Side chargers are cool because you don’t have to move your head or support hand to charge the rifle, meaning you can keep your firing position when clearing a malfunction.

    Also, they’re just plain cool in general.

    Nothing wrong with adding a little uniqueness to your AR-15 to make it stand out, certainly not when you’re also adding really useful functionality. 

    245
    at Brownells

    Prices accurate at time of writing

    Prices accurate at time of writing

    Available Coupons

    Best Left-Handed Bolt Carrier Groups (BCGs)

    One of the most important things for your leftie AR-15 is a left-hand ejecting BCG.

    Without one of these, you’re not going to be able to really use your rifle. So, be sure to pick one up if your upper doesn’t include one. 

    Lefty Ice Cream Scoop
    Your left-handed upper without a matching BCG.

    4. Black Rain Ordnance Left-Handed BRO-BCG

    Black Rain Ordnance’s Left-Handed BRO-BCG is a great drop-in solution if you’re in need of a leftie bolt carrier group.

    This one is nickel-boron coated to maintain smoothness and to help prevent carbon fouling from sticking to the steel too terribly badly. 

    As we’d expect from BRO, it’s a solid product that offers a good value for the cost and won’t let you down when you need it. 

    Best Drop-In BCG
    209
    at OpticsPlanet

    Prices accurate at time of writing

    Prices accurate at time of writing

    Available Coupons

    5. Stag Arms Left-Handed BCG

    Again we have Stag Arms, this time with its Left-Handed Bolt Carrier Group.

    This one is designed to work with any left-eject upper. All in, it’s a great option if you’re already running other Stag parts.

    It has a mil-spec staked gas key and a manganese phosphate coating with chrome lining in the bolt area and gas key.

    169
    at Brownells

    Prices accurate at time of writing

    Prices accurate at time of writing

    Available Coupons

    6. F-1 Firearms Durabolt Left-Handed BCG

    F-1 Firearms nails it again with their Durabolt Left-Handed BCG.

    These are some of the most durable BCGs around, as the name implies.

    They are machined out of a hardened Carpenter 158 tool steel and then coated to prevent corrosion and to improve slickness.

    The coatings also can prevent wear and keep carbon from binding to the steel — which makes it easier to clean!

    329
    at OpticsPlanet

    Prices accurate at time of writing

    Prices accurate at time of writing

    Available Coupons

    Best Left-Handed/Ambi AR-15 Lower Receivers

    We’re going to keep this short, just because we could do a whole article on the best ambidextrous AR-15 lowers. 

    In fact, we have done an article on the best ambidextrous AR-15 lowers. So yeah, leave this tab open, click that link, and go find a lower over there that you like. They rock. 

    Lewis Machine and Tool New Zealand Reference Rifle
    Lewis Machine and Tool New Zealand Reference Rifle — one such ambi rifle we love!

    Best Left-Handed/Ambi AR-15 Charging Handles

    Charging handles are another topic that we’ve covered before, this time in our best AR-15 charging handles article.

    But we want to highlight some that are specifically great and also ambidextrous and therefore leftie-friendly.

    Weld and Pin 17
    Ambidextrous, and tough as nails.

    7. BCM Gunfighter Ambi Charging Handle

    Bravo Company Machine is one of our favorite brands here at PPT, and their Gunfighter Ambi Charging Handle is a good indication of why.

    These handles are well machined, with large, easy to disengage latches that work well with or without gloves — really the most important thing you can ask for in a charging handle. 

    They’re also available in a variety of finish options so you can get exactly what you want to match your build.

    Best Ambi Charging Handle
    39
    at Primary Arms

    Prices accurate at time of writing

    Prices accurate at time of writing

    Available Coupons

    8. Radian Raptor AR-15 Charging Handle

    You probably already knew the Radian Raptor was going to be here, but just in case you didn’t, let’s talk about it anyway.

    Simply put, this was the industry standard for a while when it came to higher-end, aftermarket charging handles.

    There simply weren’t a huge number of options available for a long time, certainly not many that were this high-quality.

    Radian has more competition these days (a lot more) but that says more about the industry than it does about Radian.

    If you’re looking for a great charging handle with perfectly designed latches and an impressive pedigree, the Radian Raptor is a great choice.

    74
    at Brownells

    Prices accurate at time of writing

    Prices accurate at time of writing

    Available Coupons

    Best Left-Handed/Ambi AR-15 Safety

    An ambi safety is something we actually think every AR-15 should have, but more obviously lefties are going to want one.

    CA HD AR SI Ambi Mag Release
    Just look at those ambi controls!

    They’re easy to install, and they add a lot of functionality for support-side shooting, which you may have to do in certain training scenarios, or worse if your strong-side arm or hand is injured. 

    9. Battle Arms BAD-ASS

    The Battle Arms Development BAD-ASS Safety Selector is one of the most popular around, and not just because of the name.

    This awesome little ambi safety has mil-spec 90-degree as well as short-throw 60-degree throw options.

    It’s also truly ambidextrous, and you don’t need a special trigger to make use of the short-throw function. 

    Best Ambi Safety
    39
    at Primary Arms

    Prices accurate at time of writing

    Prices accurate at time of writing

    Available Coupons

    10. Seekins Precision Ambi Safety Selector

    Lastly, for the safeties, we have the Seekins Precision Ambi Safety Selector

    This one is just as high-quality as the BAD safety above, but it has the added benefit of being available in cool colors.

    If you’re looking for a nice blue, green, or red anodized accent, this is a great choice.

    Or you can be boring and get the plain black one. Up to you. 

    47
    at Brownells

    Prices accurate at time of writing

    Prices accurate at time of writing

    Available Coupons

    Best Ambi/Left-Handed Mag Releases and Bolt Releases

    If you’re going to swap your mag release over to the left side (as you should) then you need an ambi release button and a compatible bolt catch.

    An ambi mag release is also just useful in general for doing support-side shooting drills.

    Controls Left
    Ambi Controls are really nice!

    11. Forward Controls Extended Serrated Ambi Mag Release

    Forward Controls makes a lot of neat stuff for AR-15s, and their Extended Serrated Ambi Mag Release is a good example of that. 

    This little guy is a bit on the expensive side, but it does give you the option of hitting your mag release with either hand and on either side.

    And, it does so reliably, without much risk of accidentally dropping a mag. What more can you ask for?

    The bolt release is also great, and installs quickly and easily, especially if you’re used to building ARs and have done a lower receiver build before. 

    67
    at Brownells

    Prices accurate at time of writing

    Prices accurate at time of writing

    Available Coupons

    12. Troy Ambidextrous Magazine Release and Bolt Release

    Troy also makes a number of really great AR-15 parts and accessories.

    Its Ambidextrous Mag Release and Ambi Bolt Release are both rock-solid, reliable, and not too terribly expensive for what you get.

    Overall, Troy just makes really good stuff. Both releases don’t do anything to tarnish their reputation as an excellent manufacturer. 

    Best Ambi Mag Release
    50
    at OpticsPlanet

    Prices accurate at time of writing

    Prices accurate at time of writing

    Available Coupons

    Best Left-Handed AR-15 Rifles

    Of course, if you read all that and still think “screw all that, I want to buy a pre-built AR” we’ve got you covered.

    Here are the best left-handed AR-15s that are ready to go straight out of the box.

    Brass in the face
    No more of this — ever!

    14. Stag 15 Retro LH CHPHS

    If you’re looking for something a little more retro, the Stag 15 Retro LH is the way to go.

    This A2-styled rifle captures that classic M16 look, but with a left-handed setup and a semi-auto-only fire control group.

    Sorry, no giggle switch here. 

    Stag 15 Retro RH CHPHS (Tactical Life)
    Stag 15 Retro RH CHPHS. Again, the right-handed version. Maybe if you hold your screen up to a mirror…? (Tactical Life)

    Other than that, this is a faithful recreation of those old-school rifles, albeit with modern materials and design. So, they should be more reliable than those old workhorses.

    The one we tested ran like a dream and was great at popping clay pigeons resting on a berm all the way out at 200-yards. 

    1149
    at Stag Arms

    Prices accurate at time of writing

    Prices accurate at time of writing

    Available Coupons

    15. Stag 15 Tactical LH QPQ

    Next, we have the Stag 15 Tactical QPQ 7-inch.

    This little guy is absolutely great if you’re a leftie in need of an AR-15 pistol or SBR.

    Stag 15 Tactical LH QPQ 7” and RH QPQ (Tactical Life)
    Stag 15 Tactical LH QPQ 7-inch (bottom) and RH QPQ (top). Twinning! (Tactical Life)

    These come with the excellent SBA3 pistol brace, pistol-length gas system, and a short 7-inch barrel shrouded in a free-floating M-LOK handguard. 

    This thing makes a great truck gun, range toy, or even home-defense weapon. Just be ready for that big fireball when you touch off a round in the dark.

    Best Shorty LH Rifle
    1139
    at Stag Arms

    Prices accurate at time of writing

    Prices accurate at time of writing

    Available Coupons

    Tried the Stag? What do you think? Rate it below!

    Readers' Ratings

    5.00/5 (793)

    Your Rating?

    16. Faxon Firearms ARAK-21

    This isn’t technically an AR-15, but it has mostly AR-15 compatible parts and is also damn cool. 

    The ARAK-21 is a modern, modular rifle based on the AR-15 platform. But its design goals go a little further than “spruce up the ole AR.”

    Faxon ARAK-21
    It’s so sexy…

    Faxon has made something really cool here, but the main thing we’re interested in is the ambidextrous ejection

    Beyond that, you can swap this upper onto your existing AR-15 or buy the complete rifle. Then you have a platform that can swap from 16-inch and 20-inch 5.56 NATO or .300 BLK barrels in just a couple of minutes.

    1899
    at Faxon Firearms

    Prices accurate at time of writing

    Prices accurate at time of writing

    Available Coupons

    17. STAG 15 Tactical 16-inch

    For a reasonable price, Stag offers yet another great value option for the more creative-oriented segment of the population with the Stag 15 16-inch in FDE.

    Stag 15 FDE Lefty
    Stag 15 FDE Lefty

    Keep in mind, that this is not an ambidextrous option. While the mag release and bolt catch/release are standard orientation, the ejection port orients left and the fire controls are set up for the left thumb.

    Other great features such as a 13.5-inch free-floating handguard replete with M-LOK, a mid-length gas system, and Magpul MOE furniture make this rifle fun and functional.

    Oh and the color? It’s a dreamy FDE that matches the furniture making sure lefties not only have a great rifle, but they can choose a different color too.

    Best Full-Size LH Rifle
    1199
    at Stag Arms

    Prices accurate at time of writing

    Prices accurate at time of writing

    Available Coupons

    Conclusion

    Left-handed AR-15s are a huge upgrade for wrong-handed left-handed shooters and make range days a pleasure instead of a pain.

    Having left-handed controls and a left-handed ejection really make life easier.

    If you’re looking for a left-handed AR-15, you should have everything you need to know to build or buy your own leftie version. 

    Are there any parts that will make it into your next build? Let us know in the comments! Also, check out our list of the Best Guns for Left-Handed Shooters for more lefty-friendly firearms. And for more AR-15 parts, see Best AR-15 Upgrades

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    4 Leave a Reply

    • Commenter Avatar
      wm sollenberger

      Okay, here's one I ain't seen but would love to score, a left-handed LAW Tactical Stock folder. That hinge can be a real pain and I'd love it on the other side. (mirrored engineered for any standard stock to fold on the right side of the weapon)

      July 28, 2023 8:30 am
    • Commenter Avatar
      W. J. Bailey

      Tired of eating ejection port gasses (especially when not fully extending the stock) I purchased a Stag to make a CQB rifle. However, after 25+ years of shooting right handed guns, I now feel for the bolt release on the "wrong" side. So either I have to change my operations or install an Ambi bolt release. Was also looking for a compatible hard chrome BCG.
      1 in 7 people are left-handed. This article perfectly highlights the struggle of Southpaws in a Right-handed world. Thank you so much for the summary, and please update it as new products come out!

      September 28, 2022 12:15 pm
    • Commenter Avatar
      jonathan mcgowen

      I did my 1st lower build last year. I bought an Anderson lower before realizing it needed work to become full ambi. I ended up notching it to accept the PDQ bolt release. I followed that up w/ a Battlesteel mag release, Strike Industries charging handle, and a generic safety (the part # is FCS-AMBI). It was a great learning experience, but I think I'll get an Aero ambi lower for my next build.

      July 13, 2021 5:22 pm
      • Commenter Avatar
        Travis

        How did you feel about the PDQ? Was it reliable at all?

        I heard people needed to shave off material on it to get it to work

        March 6, 2023 10:33 am
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