Understanding the Left Hand Remington 700 Action
At its core, the Remington 700 is a bolt-action rifle known for its inherent accuracy and reliability. The “action” refers to the heart of the rifle – the mechanism responsible for loading, firing, and ejecting spent casings. The standard Remington 700 action is designed for right-handed shooters, with the bolt handle positioned on the right side of the receiver. The shooter, using their right hand, cycles the bolt to chamber a round, then ejects the spent casing.
The Left Hand Remington 700 Action, however, reverses this configuration. The bolt handle is situated on the left side of the receiver. This seemingly simple change creates a world of difference for left-handed shooters. Instead of awkwardly reaching across their body or contorting their posture to operate the bolt, they can now cycle the action smoothly and naturally using their dominant hand. This fundamentally alters the shooting experience, making it far more comfortable and efficient.
Inside the action, while the overall design remains the same, there are mirrored internal components specific to the left-handed model. The bolt itself is reversed, including the lugs that lock into the receiver. This means the action must be a dedicated left-handed design from the outset; you cannot simply convert a right-handed action. The ejection port, the opening through which spent casings are expelled, is also typically mirrored to accommodate the left-hand bolt. This allows for more natural ejection away from the shooter’s face and line of sight.
Remington has recognized the needs of left-handed shooters for a significant amount of time. While not always as readily available as their right-handed counterparts, they have consistently offered left-hand versions of the Model 700 throughout its history, demonstrating a commitment to serving the entire shooting community.
The Advantages for the Left-Handed Shooter
The Left Hand Remington 700 Action isn’t just about a mirrored bolt; it unlocks several significant advantages for left-handed shooters that directly translate to better performance and a more enjoyable shooting experience.
One of the most immediate benefits is improved ergonomics and comfort. When using a right-handed rifle, a left-handed shooter is forced to reach across their body, contorting their posture and interrupting their natural alignment with the sights. With a left-hand action, the shooter’s left hand can naturally grasp the bolt handle, allowing for a comfortable and relaxed shooting position. This reduces strain, allowing the shooter to focus on the target, and allows for better follow-up shots.
The increased speed and efficiency are another major advantage. The natural motion of the left hand, combined with the improved ergonomics, allows for faster bolt cycling. This is particularly beneficial in situations where quick follow-up shots are needed, such as hunting or competitive shooting. A shooter can chamber the next round and get back on target with significantly less movement and time wasted.
The easier access to the bolt handle also plays a crucial role. With the handle on the left side, there’s no need to break the cheek weld (the contact between the cheek and the stock). The shooter can maintain their sight picture and remain focused on the target while operating the bolt. The benefits extend to loading as well: accessing the loading port is far easier with the left hand without obstruction.
Additionally, a better cheek weld is achieved. A more comfortable and consistent cheek weld promotes more accurate shooting because the shooter’s eye aligns perfectly with the scope or sights every time. The shooter experiences reduced movement and a better connection with the rifle.
Safety is also worth noting. The ejection of spent casings from the right side of a right-handed rifle can sometimes pose a risk to left-handed shooters, as ejected brass might strike the face. The Left Hand Remington 700 Action ejects brass to the left, away from the shooter, further enhancing safety.
Finding Your Left Hand Action: Exploring Your Options
When it comes to acquiring a Left Hand Remington 700 Action, shooters have several paths they can take. The options range from purchasing complete rifles to building custom ones.
Factory-Made Rifles
Remington, or a company that makes a licensed version of the 700, has historically offered complete rifles with left-hand actions. These rifles provide a convenient and often cost-effective way to acquire a reliable firearm. Finding a brand that still produces them may require a bit of research. Be sure to check model offerings of Remington or licensed versions for the availability of left-handed configurations. While the specific models available will vary over time, look for rifles designed for hunting, target shooting, or even tactical applications. These factory-made rifles offer the benefit of being ready to shoot out of the box, backed by the manufacturer’s warranty.
Aftermarket Actions
The aftermarket offers a broader range of options for left-handed shooters looking for even more customization or a high-performance action. Several manufacturers specialize in producing precision actions specifically for custom builds. These actions are designed to the same footprint as the Remington 700 and often offer enhanced features and tolerances. This gives the shooter a great starting point to build their ideal rifle.
Choosing an aftermarket action gives a shooter the ability to select from a wider range of features, materials, and levels of precision. Many custom action manufacturers also offer features such as integral scope rails, improved bolt designs, and enhanced bedding surfaces. These additions contribute to superior performance and accuracy.
Building or Upgrading Your Left Hand Remington 700
Deciding to build or upgrade a Left Hand Remington 700 allows for a completely personalized rifle tailored to the shooter’s exact needs and preferences. This process involves several components and requires a basic understanding of firearms and potentially the assistance of a gunsmith.
First, consider the parts needed. You’ll need a left-hand action, a barrel, a stock, a trigger, and any desired accessories like scope mounts and scopes.
The process typically begins with selecting the action. The receiver is the heart of the rifle, and must be specifically designed for the left-handed user.
A calibrated barrel
is then mated to the receiver via threading. The barrel’s contour, length, and caliber are chosen based on the rifle’s intended purpose.
The stock
which houses the action, offers many materials and designs.
The trigger
is a critical component that directly impacts accuracy.
Scope mounts and a scope
complete the build.
Custom builds provide an opportunity to select premium components and to tailor the rifle to very specific needs. They’re popular for long-range shooting, hunting, and tactical applications where every detail matters. However, custom builds are more involved than purchasing a factory rifle.
Consulting a gunsmith is a critical step in a custom build. They have the experience and expertise to guide the shooter through the process, offer recommendations, and ensure the final product is safe, accurate, and reliable.
A key element of a custom build is selecting a suitable caliber. The chosen caliber will greatly influence the rifle’s ballistics, range, and suitability for different types of shooting.
The selection of a barrel is critical. Barrel contour, length, and twist rate must all be chosen based on the desired caliber, intended use, and accuracy requirements.
Stock selection
is also vital for comfort and accuracy. The stock should fit the shooter well, allowing for a comfortable cheek weld and proper eye alignment with the scope. Bedding the stock to the action is a process that improves accuracy by ensuring a solid and consistent interface between the two components.
Trigger upgrades
are frequently used to enhance precision. A high-quality trigger with a crisp break and adjustable pull weight will make a significant difference in the rifle’s accuracy potential.
The costs can vary, and the expense will depend on the parts and services needed.
Important Considerations When Choosing Your Action
Careful thought must be given when considering the Left Hand Remington 700 Action. Making an informed decision will ensure a positive shooting experience.
- Compatibility: Always consider compatibility with existing accessories, such as scopes and scope mounts.
- Aftermarket Support: While the Remington 700 design enjoys immense aftermarket support, availability for left-handed versions may be slightly more limited.
- Accuracy and Reliability: Both factory rifles and custom actions can achieve impressive accuracy.
- Resale Value: Rifles with left-hand actions may have a slightly lower resale value in the used market, but the benefits far outweigh the trade-off for many left-handed shooters.
- Gunsmith Expertise: Finding a gunsmith with experience working on left-hand actions is essential, especially for custom builds.
Maintenance and Upkeep
Proper maintenance is essential for all firearms, including those with a Left Hand Remington 700 Action.
- Cleaning: Regular cleaning after each use is essential to remove fouling and residue from the bore, action, and other components.
- Lubrication: Apply appropriate lubricants to all moving parts to ensure smooth operation and prevent corrosion.
- Troubleshooting: If any problems arise, consult the owner’s manual or a qualified gunsmith for assistance.
Conclusion
The Left Hand Remington 700 Action offers a significant advantage for left-handed shooters, providing enhanced comfort, efficiency, and a more natural shooting experience. Tailoring your equipment to your natural handedness is paramount, and this action is a valuable option. While the initial investment or custom build may require an upfront cost, the benefits in terms of accuracy, comfort, and overall enjoyment are undeniable. For southpaws seeking a precision rifle that feels like a natural extension of their body, the Left Hand Remington 700 Action is a great choice.
