a quality rifle for a lefty?

[matt85]

my dad would like to buy a nicer rifle to take to Africa next year. his current rifle is a Rem 783 in 308 win and while accurate its ugly and doesn't feed reliably. due to his caliber choice and his need for a left handed gun im having trouble finding a suitable rifle for him. could you guys/girls please help me find him a nice rifle?

he asked me to find a rifle that fits this these specifications:

1. chambered in 308 win (he's very fond of the caliber)
2. left handed
3. a nice wood stock
4. isn't too heavy (he didn't specify but ill assume 7 pounds or less unloaded)

his price limit is around $2000.00.

thank you
-matt

 

[Just Passing Through]

You have described a Ruger Hawkeye left handed rifle. These are very nice and you could put a good scope on it and stay well under the budget.

 

[Norwegianwoods]

A Tikka T3 Hunter Lefthand.
http://www.tikka.fi/pdf/specs/HunterLH.pdf

Great accuracy for a very good price.

 

[Cliffy]

My hunting buddy shoots a lefty 308 Savage Used it twice with me in Africa. Loves the 308 also.

 

[Royal27]

Pretty sure Browning makes the xbolt in .308 and the rifle is certainly light. The xbolt in some configuration will probably be my next rifle, unless you inspire me to get that double

 

[PHOENIX PHIL]

A Tikka T3 Hunter Lefthand.
http://www.tikka.fi/pdf/specs/HunterLH.pdf

Great accuracy for a very good price.

+1, this was what I'd recommend. I've had a few T3's and they've been great. My son has a .308Win in the T3 Lite and it is lights out accurate.

 

[matt85]

Tikka's, Savage's, and Hawkeye's are all decent economy guns but my dad is going for something a little nicer. the wood should be at least as nice as the Winchester M70, preferably even nicer.

-matt

 

[PHOENIX PHIL]

Tikka's, Savage's, and Hawkeye's are all decent economy guns but my dad is going for something a little nicer. the wood should be at least as nice as the Winchester M70, preferably even nicer.

-matt

Finding a lefty M70 is not impossible, but it won't be new. At least I don't think it will be as I don't think they're making any lefty models at the moment.

If he wants to step up a bit, then check out Sako.

 

[Cliffy]

Why not make it special and have a good basic rifle restocked just for him?
I'll bet there is a way to do the entire rig for 2K.

 

[Macs B]

You can't go wrong with a good Browning, and left handed rifles are not difficult to fin in your caliber of choice. Blaser would be another great choice but the money will be tight.

 

[Royal27]

Finding a lefty M70 is not impossible, but it won't be new. At least I don't think it will be as I don't think they're making any lefty models at the moment.

If he wants to step up a bit, then check out Sako.

You're right Phil, no new M70s.... GRRR.....

Matt, the Medallion might fir your criteria though?

X-Bolt Medallion, Left-Hand, Detachable Magazine Bolt-Action Hunting Rifle, Browning Firearms Product

 

[matt85]

I will speak with my dad shortly but so far im going to suggest a Remington 700 CDL or a Sako 85. seems like both rifles are nice looking and will shoot right.

-matt

 

[Norwegianwoods]

The Sako 85 is a very good choice and personally I rate that over the Remington.

 

[gutterdoc]

Well, I had to throw Savage out there. Can't beat the price or the "out of the box accuracy".

 

[Just Passing Through]

Good luck on your search. As I am sure you are aware picking the LH rifle you want and finding one for sale chambered in .308 are different quests.

 

[matt85]

im hoping we can order the needed rifle threw cabelas. he wont need the rifle till next year so waiting a little bit for a special order isnt a problem.

-matt

 

[Sika98k]

Rifle choice

I will speak with my dad shortly but so far im going to suggest a Remington 700 CDL or a Sako 85. seems like both rifles are nice looking and will shoot right.

-matt

If that is what you have it narrowed down to go for the Sako.
Recently I watched a YouTube video of a bore scope being used on a brand new Remmie barrel. Let's say it as enough to put me off ever buying another one.

 

[Hogpatrol]

If that is what you have it narrowed down to go for the Sako.
Recently I watched a YouTube video of a bore scope being used on a brand new Remmie barrel. Let's say it as enough to put me off ever buying another one.

Factory rifles? Tikka, Sako, Browning, Anschutz or CZ. My two cents on the "American made rifles"? "make 'em as cheap as possible and live off our name" (Especially Big Green).

 

[Brett Becker]

Finding a lefty M70 is not impossible, but it won't be new. At least I don't think it will be as I don't think they're making any lefty models at the moment.

If he wants to step up a bit, then check out Sako.

I have a left handed Sako in 30/06, great rifle, shoots better than I can but was a little disappointed with the quality of the timber. As far as I am aware they only make the left hand version in the 30/06 length action, so you maybe out of luck with the 308

 

[buckcurtin]

Look at Montana Rifle Companies line of rifles. They are less than 2000, come in action similar to a Model 70 and are available in a 308. I have a 404 Jeffrey and used it on a Buff, Elephant and Sable a few years ago. Nicely made and great shooting. I am a lefty also and frustrated by lack of rifles for us. Want a weighty 300H&H or 300WM with 26 inch barrel and have been unsuccessful.