Top Tips for Left-Handed Rifle Shooters on Left Handers Day

Today is National Left Handers Day! We are thrilled to celebrate the unique community of left-handed shooters. This special day is an opportunity to recognize the unique challenges and strengths of left-handed individuals in the shooting sports. Whether you’re a seasoned shooter or just starting, understanding the importance of using a left-handed rifle can make all the difference in your shooting experience.

More about Southpaws

Before diving into shooting tips and rifle recommendations, let's explore some interesting trivia about left-handedness. 

The term "southpaw" is commonly used to describe left-handed individuals, but do you know where it originated? The term is believed to have come from the world of baseball in the 19th century. Baseball diamonds were typically oriented so that the batter faced east, meaning that a left-handed pitcher's throwing arm was on the south side. Thus, "southpaw" became synonymous with left-handedness. Other nicknames for left-handed individuals include "lefty," "port-sider," and even "cack-handed" in British slang. These terms reflect the unique identity and culture of left-handed individuals, celebrating their distinctiveness in a predominantly right-handed society

Approximately 10% of the world's population is left-handed. 

Studies have shown that left-handed individuals may have a more developed right hemisphere of the brain, which is associated with creativity, intuition, and spatial awareness.

Some people can use both hands with equal proficiency, a trait known as ambidexterity. While true ambidexterity is rare, many left-handed individuals develop a degree of ambidexterity due to the need to adapt to a right-handed world.

The Challenges Left-Handed Shooters Face

Left-handed shooters often face unique challenges that can affect their performance and enjoyment of the sport. Here are some common obstacles that left-handed shooters encounter:

Limited Equipment Options: The firearms industry has traditionally catered to right-handed shooters, leading to a limited selection of left-handed rifles and accessories. While this has improved over the years, left-handed shooters may still struggle to find suitable gear. Savage is proud to lead the industry in left-handed rifle offerings with a wide lineup of models. More on this later!

Safety: While it may be tempting to use a right-handed rifle, it is not advised for left-handed shooters.  Some controls like the safety selector, bolt release or magazine latch may be located for ambidextrous use depending on the model. However, the bolt handle and ejection port are typically positioned on the right side for right-handed firearms, which can be cumbersome, inefficient, and potentially dangerous for left-handed shooters.

Training and Instruction: Finding qualified trainers who can appropriately instruct left-handed shooters can be challenging. Many shooting courses and training programs are designed with right-handed shooters in mind, which can leave left-handed shooters at a disadvantage.

The Importance of Shooting a Left-Handed Rifle

For left-handed shooters, using a left-handed rifle is not just about comfort—it's about performance and safety. Here are a few reasons why shooting a left-handed rifle is crucial for left-handed shooters:

Enhanced Safety: Using a left-handed rifle reduces the risk of injury by ejecting spent shells away from your face and body. It increases overall safety by allowing you to focus more on your shooting and less on adjusting your grip with your non-dominant hand.

Improved Comfort and Control: Left-handed rifles are designed with the ejection port, bolt handle, and safety mechanisms on the left side, making them more accessible and comfortable for left-handed shooters.

Better Accuracy: With a rifle tailored to your dominant hand, you can maintain a natural and stable shooting position, leading to improved accuracy.

Left-Handed Shooting Tips

As a left-handed shooter, all of the typical shooting tips still apply to you with the modification to use your dominant left-hand. Let’s review some general techniques and tips that can help you optimize your shooting performance. 

Remember: Always practice gun safety.  Gun safety is paramount to prevent accidents and ensure responsible handling. There are four fundamental rules to follow:

1. Treat Every Firearm as Loaded
2. Keep Your Finger Off the Trigger Until Ready to Shoot
3. Never Point a Firearm at Anything You Do Not Intend to Shoot
4. Be Sure of Your Target and What Is Beyond It

Read more on Gun Safety from the 10 Things Every Gun Owner Should Know blog.

Stance and Grip: Ensure your shooting stance is balanced and comfortable. Your feet should be shoulder-width apart, with your left foot slightly forward. Grip the rifle with your dominant left hand firmly but not too tightly, maintaining a natural and relaxed posture.

Eye Dominance: Determine your dominant eye, as it plays a crucial role in aiming. Most left-handed shooters have a dominant left eye, but it's important to check. If your right eye is dominant, you may need to adjust your shooting technique or consider an eye patch to improve focus. Learn more about determining your eye dominance here.

Trigger Control: Practice smooth and steady trigger control. Avoid jerking the trigger, as it can throw off your aim. Squeeze the trigger gently and consistently with your left forefinger.

Breathing Techniques: Proper breathing can significantly impact your shooting accuracy. Practice deep, controlled breaths and try to squeeze the trigger at the natural respiratory pause.

Practice Regularly: Consistent practice is key to becoming proficient with a left-handed rifle. Spend time at the range, experiment with different shooting positions, and refine your technique. Practicing regularly also can help improve your hunting skills. 

Leading the Industry with Savage Left-Handed Rifles

We take pride in offering a wide variety of left-handed rifles to cater to the unique needs of left-handed shooters. As a leader in the industry, our commitment to innovation and quality ensures that every left-handed rifle we produce meets the highest standards of performance and reliability. Here are some of our top left-handed rifle models:

1. 110 Elite Precision Left Hand
2. 110 Ultralite Left Hand
3. 110 Storm Left Hand
4. 110 Magpul Scout Left Hand
5. 110 Apex Hunter XP Left Hand
6. Axis II Left Hand
7. B22 F Left Hand
8. 93R17 BTVSS Left Hand
9. Rascal Left Hand
10. 220 Slug Left Hand

You can find out complete lineup of left-handed rifles at our firearms page! If you don’t find what you’re looking for, reach out to our Special Order Shop about building a custom rifle to suit your exact needs! 

National Left Handers Day is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate and support the left-handed shooting community. By understanding the importance of using a left-handed rifle and following essential shooting tips, left-handed shooters can enhance their performance and enjoy a safer, more comfortable shooting experience. At Savage Arms, we are proud to offer a diverse selection of left-handed rifles, ensuring that every left-handed shooter can find the perfect firearm to meet their needs.

So, embrace your inner southpaw and join us in celebrating National Left Handers Day with the perfect left-handed rifle from Savage Arms. Whether you're a seasoned "lefty" shooter or new to shooting, our industry-leading rifles are designed to help you achieve your best shot every time.