A question for lefties

[0122358]

so heres my delemma...im right handed but due to a biological imperfection i have to shoot rifles/shot guns left handed. My AR15 is like every other AR with the magazine release on the right, and bolt relsease on the left.

Im looking for a better way to reload after an empty mag. Right now i (slowly and clumslily):

hear clack, bring my right support hand back to drop the empty mag,

reach down and grab a fresh magazine and then insert into the mag well,

then roll the rifle over 90 degrees so that the firing port is parallel to the ground and slap the bolt release home with my right hand before,

resetting the rifle into the proper firing posistion.

This method works...but is really slow...im eventualy going to upgrade to ambidexterous parts but do any lefties have any advice on how they reload?

[Killswitch009]

I use a magpul B.A.D lever. I drop the mag with my right hand, bring the mag up with my right hand, and hit the bad lever with my right thumb, dropping the bolt.

[Lex1785]

Here is my suggestion after testing it on both a full size M16 and M4 and a AR15

1. Bring right hand back to magazine well, hit magazine release, retain magazine (either let it drop to ground or retain in mag pouch, what ever your comfortable with or what purpose you need). Insert fresh magazine.

2. Return right hand to forward hand hold on hand guards. With left hand index finger (Trigger Finger) while still holding pistol grip in your left hand, reach up, and hit bolt release button. Most people can easily reach the Bolt release button with their index finger while still maintaining control of the weapon on the pistol grip, it may be a slight stretch for smaller hands but its possible.

3. Engage targets.

No need to flip weapon nintey degree's in any direction, or reach over the weapon. It will take some time to get used to it but it is possible and will increase your speed at reloading and manipulating the weapon. And you will not have to modify your bolt release button if you do not want to.

Good luck, Hope this helps and Semper Fi.

[0122358]

Here is my suggestion after testing it on both a full size M16 and M4 and a AR15

1. Bring right hand back to magazine well, hit magazine release, retain magazine (either let it drop to ground or retain in mag pouch, what ever your comfortable with or what purpose you need). Insert fresh magazine.

2. Return right hand to forward hand hold on hand guards. With left hand index finger (Trigger Finger) while still holding pistol grip in your left hand, reach up, and hit bolt release button. Most people can easily reach the Bolt release button with their index finger while still maintaining control of the weapon on the pistol grip, it may be a slight stretch for smaller hands but its possible.

3. Engage targets.

No need to flip weapon nintey degree's in any direction, or reach over the weapon. It will take some time to get used to it but it is possible and will increase your speed at reloading and manipulating the weapon. And you will not have to modify your bolt release button if you do not want to.

Good luck, Hope this helps and Semper Fi.

wow just tried that and it is faster then my method...although i can tell installing an ambi mag release would smooth it up a bit by a second or two. That way as the empty is falling free i can take my right hand and grab a fresh one and insert it.

[RickOShea]

Here is my suggestion after testing it on both a full size M16 and M4 and a AR15

1. Bring right hand back to magazine well, hit magazine release, retain magazine (either let it drop to ground or retain in mag pouch, what ever your comfortable with or what purpose you need). Insert fresh magazine.

2. Return right hand to forward hand hold on hand guards. With left hand index finger (Trigger Finger) while still holding pistol grip in your left hand, reach up, and hit bolt release button. Most people can easily reach the Bolt release button with their index finger while still maintaining control of the weapon on the pistol grip, it may be a slight stretch for smaller hands but its possible.

3. Engage targets.

No need to flip weapon nintey degree's in any direction, or reach over the weapon. It will take some time to get used to it but it is possible and will increase your speed at reloading and manipulating the weapon. And you will not have to modify your bolt release button if you do not want to.

Good luck, Hope this helps and Semper Fi.

That's how I've been doing it. I have the Wilson extended paddle button on a few of my ARs.

[Lex1785]

Here is my suggestion after testing it on both a full size M16 and M4 and a AR15

1. Bring right hand back to magazine well, hit magazine release, retain magazine (either let it drop to ground or retain in mag pouch, what ever your comfortable with or what purpose you need). Insert fresh magazine.

2. Return right hand to forward hand hold on hand guards. With left hand index finger (Trigger Finger) while still holding pistol grip in your left hand, reach up, and hit bolt release button. Most people can easily reach the Bolt release button with their index finger while still maintaining control of the weapon on the pistol grip, it may be a slight stretch for smaller hands but its possible.

3. Engage targets.

No need to flip weapon nintey degree's in any direction, or reach over the weapon. It will take some time to get used to it but it is possible and will increase your speed at reloading and manipulating the weapon. And you will not have to modify your bolt release button if you do not want to.

Good luck, Hope this helps and Semper Fi.

wow just tried that and it is faster then my method...although i can tell installing an ambi mag release would smooth it up a bit by a second or two. That way as the empty is falling free i can take my right hand and grab a fresh one and insert it.

Definitely would in that case and glad it helped. But a little practice and you'll find it quiet comfortable and fast in no time.

[Kutter_0311]

Have you given any thought to running an AK? Some would say it's designed more for a lefty...

[Gun_Nut_2k1]

Well I am not a lefty, but I shoot with my left hand sometimes. I also sold a bucha guns to lefties. I would suggest getting a left hand AR. Like from Stag or something.


Lefty AR

[Murgatroy]

Have you given any thought to running an AK? Some would say it's designed more for a lefty...

That is kinda what I was thinking.

His manual of operations sounded just like what a right handed person goes through with an AKM pattern.

[0122358]

Have you given any thought to running an AK? Some would say it's designed more for a lefty...

That is kinda what I was thinking.

His manual of operations sounded just like what a right handed person goes through with an AKM pattern.

I eventually plan on buying an SGL21..but not for another year or so. So i want to work with my AR

[Swoop411]

I am a lefty, and my armorer would never install any sort of aide to help a guy out in all my years in the Corps. My solution/method of reloading is to use my right hand to drop the empty, insert the fresh mag. Again I take my right hand and I smack the shit out of the side of the weapon causing the BHO to release the bolt and chamber the next round. That or pay attention to how many rounds you have in the mag vs how many fired then do a tactical reload so your bolt is never locked to the rear.

[Kutter_0311]

Have you given any thought to running an AK? Some would say it's designed more for a lefty...

That is kinda what I was thinking. His manual of operations sounded just like what a right handed person goes through with an AKM pattern.

I eventually plan on buying an SGL21..but not for another year or so. So i want to work with my AR

Yeah, rolling the rifle was what caught my eye. I hope Arsenal has SGL's again by the time you want one. They don't even list the SGL series on their website anymore, glad I bought my two last year. RWS really left us in the lurch, being the new importer, but I guess they have a pile of paperwork to sort out, and contracts to negotiate. I anticipate the price of Saigas to rise a bit...

[DeadPool-AK]

Use Lex1785's method, Im a lefty and have always done it that way, with my duty weapons and personals.

Additionally charging the weapon as a lefty can be tricky I find I cant get on target and put rounds down range faster by keeping the right hand in the support position on the rifle pushing it into your shoulder and grabbing just the left side of the charging handle with your left hand and rack it. Use this method also for immediate and remedial action. keeps your rifle pointed level and down range and your able to still keep your eyes on target.