Setup for Lefties in Prep for Classes

[curtisl]

So I've searched and found some threads discussing certain products for lefties but I'm interested in how classes are taught to lefties. I've got a totally rh setup now and am working on putting a good 1k round through my first ar to get relatively comfortable with the platform prior to investing in a class this summer. So my question is, not wanting to be "that" guy how are classes generally taught to lefties and should I change anything prior to the class? Specifically interested in failure drills and reloading drills. Below are my thoughts so far as a lefty shooting a completely rh setup.

charging handle - currently rh bcm. I know this is backwards but is pretty much the same operation as a lh semi auto rifle and even similar to my bolt action.

safety selector - this is my biggest gripe as I have to adjust trigger hand to flip with my left finger.

bolt release- this seems like us lefties have it easier as this is easier to operate with trigger finger.

mag release - I've seen the norgon option. This is where I'm especially curious about what's thought in classes wrt reloads and failures for lefties.

[militarymoron]

i'm a lefty and have everything currently ambi on my rifle. but, this has been a gradual process over the past 27 years of shooting the AR-15, and weighing the pros and cons of doing so.

if i were you, i wouldn't change a thing before the class - leave it righty. then, ask the instructor to demonstrate the techniques he recommends for left-handed manipulation of standard AR controls and reloads etc.

then, practice those techniques until you're proficient at them, and later on if you still feel that you'd benefit by swapping out some of the parts to ambi, then give them a try.

[Army Chief]

Concur with MM.

I've gradually retrofitted most of my rifles for ambidextrous operation, but there is some wisdom in just taking a bone-stock weapon to class. If you're concerned about being able to consistently manipulate the selector lever with your (left index finger) knuckle, then it might make sense to invest in a quality ambi unit, but most of the other mods aren't essential. Truthfully, I find that when stressed (by the clock or a difficult drill), I still end up operating the rifle as if the mods weren't there with surprising regularity. That's doubtless a bit of muscle memory kicking in after so long in uniform, but the point is that the AR is pretty southpaw-friendly once you figure out the work-arounds for a couple of operations. I would subscribe to the idea that it makes good sense to learn and practice those first, and move on to modified rifles later on. You might also find, as I have, that contemporary offerings like the SR-15E3 really unlock whatever potential wasn't otherwise being realized, by giving you a deliberate ambidextrous capability that even something like a Norgon can't completely match.

AC

[curtisl]

Thanks both for your input. I was thinking I could either A. switch everything to ambi and just mirror what is taught to rh shooters or B. keep everything rh and let the instructor show his preferred method for lh. Looks like B is the most conventional option.

I was also thinking it couldn't hurt to call the instructor and ask how they teach lefties before scheduling it. Better to ask before hand before wasting his time and mine.

[The_Swede]

Something I found helped quite a bit being a lefty was adding a Magpul BAD-lever or similiar device to the weapon. Personally, I think the bolt release and everything concerning it is the hardest for a lefty using the AR. I also have quite small hands so I cannot consistently reach the bolt release with my trigger finger but using a BAD lever it's possible and it also allows me to send the bolt forward using my right hadn thumb during reloads. I've been happy with my BAD especially considering that they aren't very expensive

[Matt O]

I am not naturally left-handed, but I am cross eye-dominant and shoot carbines/rifles lefty. I'll echo MM and AC's advice here. Practice with a stock carbine and through that process, then decide what necessary upgrades there are. For example, I have only added an ambi-safety. It's not difficult to operate the standard safety as a lefty (and is a necessary skill), but I found that it was faster and more intuitive for me to use an ambi safety. YMMV.

Originally Posted by The_Swede

I also have quite small hands so I cannot consistently reach the bolt release with my trigger finger but using a BAD lever it's possible and it also allows me to send the bolt forward using my right hadn thumb during reloads.

Again, for the OP, practice and determine what you need. I have normal/largish hands and have no issues reaching the bolt release with my trigger finger. Invest in rounds down range first, then make informed decisions.

[MTechnik]

Originally Posted by Matt O

I am not naturally left-handed, but I am cross eye-dominant and shoot carbines/rifles lefty. I'll echo MM and AC's advice here. Practice with a stock carbine and through that process, then decide what necessary upgrades there are. For example, I have only added an ambi-safety. It's not difficult to operate the standard safety as a lefty (and is a necessary skill), but I found that it was faster and more intuitive for me to use an ambi safety. YMMV.



Again, for the OP, practice and determine what you need. I have normal/largish hands and have no issues reaching the bolt release with my trigger finger. Invest in rounds down range first, then make informed decisions.

Same. Aside from the ambi safety, and a BCM Gunfighter charging handle, my rifle is stock.

The ambi safety should be obvious. The BCM gunfighter removes any flex when using the charging handle across the gun.

Otherwise I think my reloads are smoother as a lefty with the standard controls than they would be as a righty.

[Guns-up.50]

Originally Posted by curtisl

charging handle - currently rh bcm. I know this is backwards but is pretty much the same operation as a lh semi auto rifle and even similar to my bolt action.

safety selector - this is my biggest gripe as I have to adjust trigger hand to flip with my left finger.

bolt release- this seems like us lefties have it easier as this is easier to operate with trigger finger.

mag release - I've seen the norgon option. This is where I'm especially curious about what's thought in classes wrt reloads and failures for lefties.

I have been running a carbine for about 8 years now and have never had any type of ambi/bad switch/lever on it. This includes civ and mil.

Safety: LAV has an awesome method, break master grip dis-engage with trigger finger while rolling back to master grip. I didnt learn this while in the Marines but could have been very helpful.

Bolt release: To me is not easier for a lefty, righties can use their thumb with more leverage, but if you cross you middle finger over your pointer it will give you more leverage making it much easier.

Mag release: I'll tuck the rifle for support and strip the mag(obviously thumb on release) for posative release+ my hand is already there. Retrieve new mag and incert then follow step 2

This is one of the great things aobut lefties we will adpt to the right handed mans world, not the other way around

Good luck to you and there are some good instructors out there to help you

[jpeezy]

As a lefty, an ambi safety on the rifle is a great idea and the only adjustment I've had to make. A sure way to end all of the lefty ridicule we may endure is to outshoot the righties. Good luck!

[JW1069]

Agree with the first two replies that you should focus on getting to the class and keeping an open mind toward learning. There is this unholy urge to add all kinds of gadgets to a rifle because you think you "need" it. Truth is, a good carbine class will allow you to figure out what works and what doesn't for you; things that can save you a bunch of cash by not buying stuff you'll just dump later on.

I shoot rifles lefty too and have gone through a number of different ambi components. The one piece I wouldn't argue adding now is an ambi selector (just started to use a BAD-ASS and it's a very well crafted piece). Any class will have you working the safety quite a bit and a quality ambi selector really helps.

Other things you can assemble to set yourself up for success include a bunch of mags, speed loader, quality brass 55 gr ammo and a good sling. Have fun!

[rojocorsa]

Thanks for raising this issue.



--a lefty.