Options, Features, and Where to Buy

Finding the right firearm is all about fit, comfort, and performance. For left-handed shooters, this can be a challenge—most rifles are designed with right-handed users in mind. That means standard controls, ejection ports, and stock designs often feel awkward or even unsafe for lefties, as hot shells would be hitting a left handed shooter in the face.

Thankfully, the firearms industry has come a long way in recognizing the needs of southpaw shooters. Today, you can find a wide variety of dedicated left handed rifles built to give lefties the same level of precision, comfort, and safety as right-handed shooters.

In this guide, our team at Next Level Armament will cover everything you need to know about left handed rifles, including how they differ from standard rifles, why they matter, the top models on the market, and the best place to buy them.

What Is a Left Handed Rifle?

A left handed rifle is a firearm specifically designed for shooters who shoulder and operate their rifle from the left side. The main differences compared to a right-handed rifle include:

• Bolt Placement – On bolt-action rifles, the bolt handle is located on the left side, making it natural for left-handed shooters to chamber rounds quickly.

• Ejection Port – Brass ejects to the left side, preventing hot casings from crossing the shooter’s face.

• Safety Controls – Controls like the safety selector and magazine release are often reversed or ambidextrous for easier access.

• Stock Configuration – Some models feature left-hand cheek rests, cast, and ergonomic shaping for a proper fit.

By mirroring the design, a left handed rifle provides better ergonomics, smoother operation, and improved accuracy for left-handed users.

Why Use One?

Some left-handed shooters simply adapt to right-handed rifles, but there are real drawbacks to doing so. Choosing a rifle designed for your dominant side comes with major benefits:

1. Safety First – Left-handed rifles keep hot brass and gas away from your face and shooting hand.

2. Faster Shooting – Cycling the action is smoother and quicker since the bolt and controls are within natural reach.

3. Better Accuracy – A proper stock fit leads to more consistent sight alignment and trigger pull.

4. Comfortable Handling – Shooting feels natural instead of awkward or forced.

5. Confidence on Target – With no distractions from poor ergonomics, shooters can focus fully on accuracy.

For hunting, competition, and tactical use, these differences can be game-changing.

Popular Types of Left Handed Rifles

The term left handed rifle applies across multiple firearm platforms. Whether you’re a hunter, target shooter, or tactical enthusiast, there’s a model for you:

1. Left Handed Bolt-Action Rifles

Perfect for hunting and precision shooting, these rifles are built with mirrored actions for smooth cycling. Brands like Savage Arms, Browning, and Remington lead the way with numerous models.

2. Left Handed Semi-Automatic Rifles

Companies like Next Level Arms and Stag Arms offer left-handed AR-15 platforms, with mirrored ejection ports and ambidextrous controls. These are ideal for tactical training, home defense, and competition shooting.

3. Lever-Action Rifles

Lever guns are naturally ambidextrous, but some are offered with left-handed friendly features for added comfort.

4. Left Handed Shotguns and Specialty Rifles

Several manufacturers offer shotguns and competition rifles built specifically for left-handed use, giving southpaw shooters a complete lineup of firearm options.

Choosing the Best Left Handed Rifle for You

When selecting the right rifle, think about:

• Purpose – Hunting, sport shooting, tactical training, or home defense.

• Caliber – Match your rifle to your shooting needs, from .223/5.56 AR style platforms to big-game calibers.

• Fit & Ergonomics – Ensure the stock length, cheek rest, and control layout work naturally for you.

• Budget – While left-handed rifles can sometimes cost more due to lower production, investing in quality pays off in comfort and performance.

Where to Buy Left Handed Rifles

When it comes to finding a left handed rifle, availability can be limited at big-box gun stores. That’s why it’s important to shop with a retailer that specializes in quality firearms for left-handed shooters.

Next Level Arms is our favorite place to buy left handed rifles (though we may have just a bit of bias). They are known for producing high-performance rifles tailored to both right- and left-handed shooters, with unmatched attention to detail and reliability. Whether you’re looking for a precision AR platform or a rugged rifle for everyday use, Next Level Arms offers superior craftsmanship and support.

Final Thoughts

For too long, left-handed shooters had to make do with right-handed rifles, sacrificing comfort and efficiency. Thankfully, today’s market offers an incredible selection of left handed rifles built for safety, speed, and precision.

From bolt-actions for hunting to AR platforms for tactical applications, left-handed shooters now have more options than ever before. If you’re serious about performance, there’s no reason to settle for less—invest in a rifle built specifically for you.

And when it comes to buying your next left handed rifle, look no further than Next Level Arms. Their lineup of precision-engineered rifles makes them the top destination for left-handed shooters who want the best.

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