Looking For A Lefty Bolt Action Big Bore ~8k

[rookhawk]

Again, here it is:

For Sale Frederick Beesley Left-hand 416 Rigby With Scope

FREDERICK BEESLEY LEFT-HAND BOLT ACTION RIFLE . 416 Rigby caliber 23 1/2" barrel weight 13 lbs with scope & sling 44 3/4" overall LOP 14" over 7/8" leather covered recoil pad raised blade front sight & quarter rib 50 yard rear 'V' sight trigger currently set at a 3 lb 8 oz pull. EAW quick...

www.africahunting.com

In @Roohaw's defense, which I know he doesn't need me to, but. The point I think he was trying to make is that lefties usually complain about not having the same options in rifles as righties do. Here is the OP looking for a left-hand rifle, with a set budget of 8-10K, and there is a gorgeous rifle in this forum, and no one has taken advantage of this deal.

Bingo.

If I lived in a world of so few choices, (a belief not supported by evidence) why do so many amazing choices sit out there for LESS money than a righty option for years?

If that British 416 Rigby was a righty gun it would have ended in a ten-way bidding war at $7500, rather than rotting on the market for five years. If it were righty, I'm confident I'd double my money on it if I ever sold it.

Your move lefties.

 

[HankBuck]

For purposes of saving a boatload of money on best grade guns, I wish I could "Identify as a lefty" to appropriate your culture.

Unfortunately, I'm Cis-handed, part of the right-hand patriarchy.

There are tremendous deals on left handed weapons. I would never, ever own a production gun if I were a lefty. I'd drive ferraris for the price of chevys. There are all forms of lefty things for cheap. Fine shotguns "converted lefty" are a bargain if they were cast-on, many of them had their triggers twisted so they don't cut into those very sensitive lefty hands. Obviously doubles of all proper types have tang safeties so the only real inconvenience is the toplever which as you point out a handful of firms actually made lefty toplevers too.

Older Steven Grant and other sidelever double guns have the sidelevers on the right, I'd actually prefer to operate them reversed so a like-minded lefty might find those to be quite awesome. If they were otherwise lefty configured it would take a $10k shotgun and turn it into a $5k best shotgun. Go for it bargain hunters.

I've even seen winchester model 70-type side safeties reversed for lefty. EAW or Rechnagel makes one, so you can even get your cocking pieces reversed which I'm not sure I would do myself, as I think operating it via thumb is a better deal for a lefty using a righty bolt shroud safety.

At any rate, the world is the lefty's oyster when it comes to fine guns. They languish for years and sell for super cheap. Go get 'em!

RookHawk, where are you finding these “fire sales” on lefty rifles? I’m rarely seeing them but then again, I’m usually looking for something specific. So, if you want a LH .25-06 for an Antelope hunt but stumble across an LH Dakota in .416 —— is that the “bargain of the Century”? Some lefties are so “thrilled” to find anything nice in LH that they actually would be very flexible ie: wanted a 28ga w/LH cast for quail but settled for LH cast found on a 10ga. I’ve been told by two gun shops that also sell used guns on consignment - prices on LH guns can go both ways, sometimes for cheap but other times for a premium because Lefty’s willing to pay “over market” when GOD leads them to find a LH in “exactly what they wanted”. SO for a Lefty selling a fine gun - just be patient, list it for 5-15 years and you’ll find a buyer with big $$$.

 

[HankBuck]

Again, here it is:

For Sale Frederick Beesley Left-hand 416 Rigby With Scope

FREDERICK BEESLEY LEFT-HAND BOLT ACTION RIFLE . 416 Rigby caliber 23 1/2" barrel weight 13 lbs with scope & sling 44 3/4" overall LOP 14" over 7/8" leather covered recoil pad raised blade front sight & quarter rib 50 yard rear 'V' sight trigger currently set at a 3 lb 8 oz pull. EAW quick...

www.africahunting.com

In @Roohaw's defense, which I know he doesn't need me to, but. The point I think he was trying to make is that lefties usually complain about not having the same options in rifles as righties do. Here is the OP looking for a left-hand rifle, with a set budget of 8-10K, and there is a gorgeous rifle in this forum, and no one has taken advantage of this deal.

Yep, I got his point, Lefty’s are picky and feel discriminated against — but Not slow witted (Not too slow anyway——except maybe me?). On the positive side, being a Lefty often results in an ability to be somewhat ambidextrous — forced to use lots of righty hand me down stuff etc..

In the movie “Saving Private Ryan” you likely noticed the American Sniper in Tom Hank’s group is a Lefty shooting a right handed bolt action.... I think that’s likely realistic and I doubt the Army was handing out any LH rifles in 1944

 

[rookhawk]

RookHawk, where are you finding these “fire sales” on lefty rifles? I’m rarely seeing them but then again, I’m usually looking for something specific. So, if you want a LH .25-06 for an Antelope hunt but stumble across an LH Dakota in .416 —— is that the “bargain of the Century”? Some lefties are so “thrilled” to find anything nice in LH that they actually would be very flexible ie: wanted a 28ga w/LH cast for quail but settled for LH cast found on a 10ga. I’ve been told by two gun shops that also sell used guns on consignment - prices on LH guns can go both ways, sometimes for cheap but other times for a premium because Lefty’s willing to pay “over market” when GOD leads them to find a LH in “exactly what they wanted”. SO for a Lefty selling a fine gun - just be patient, list it for 5-15 years and you’ll find a buyer with big $$$.

I find lefty guns all over the place. The key is to buy what is at a great price, not what you dream of. I dream of owning a nice collection of guns for all occasions, so I'm going to jump on the deals I see, not sit around spending my life looking for a $20,000 28 gauge best gun being offered for $2000. That's just a nonsensical way to spend one's life if you're looking for "Deals".

Examples:

That one is about 1/3rd of current replacement cost.

Left Hand Dakota 76 Safari Grade .375 H&H Magnum With Upgrades LH

This one is also 1/3rd of replacement cost.

Dakota Arms Left Hand Model 76 Traveller 2 barrel set

Dakota Arms Left Hand Model 76 Traveller 2 barrel set for sale online.

www.gunsinternational.com

This one is half of replacement cost:

Left Hand Dakota Arms Varminter in 223 Remington

Half of replacement cost:

DAKOTA 450 DAKOTA LEFT HAND BEST AFRICAN GRADE- REMAINS in 98% ORIG COND- VERY NICE BASTOGNE WALNUT- PLENTY of AMMO- DEEP MAGAZINE BOX- TALLEY BASES

I ignored the two lefties online that were at or above what I consider FMV by the way.

So there you go, piles of high grade dakotas for cheap. So next question is, just how cheap will they go? If it were my money, I'd grab the images and do reverse image searches. I'd find the web URLs of those photos. I'd google search their descriptions. Why? Because I bet you that some of those guns have been for sale for a VERY long time.

I'd then pick up the phone and confront the sellers. You have an unsalable gun languishing, trying to find someone that will own a gun suitable for about 5% of the US population. Do you have a serious sale price in mind, or are we all just wasting time here?

Three sellers will tell you to take a long walk off a short pier, the other will start sweating, realizing you're the first serious buyer he's heard from in 3 years. Sounds like a recipe to buy an MSRP $20,000 gun for $4k to me.

 

[rookhawk]

In the movie “Saving Private Ryan” you likely noticed the American Sniper in Tom Hank’s group is a Lefty shooting a right handed bolt action.... I think that’s likely realistic and I doubt the Army was handing out any LH rifles in 1944

I thought that nuanced element of the movie was awesome. It also added more action and motion to the sniper's screentime. A very smart director figured that out. It would be extra cool if it turned out the actor was righty and they did this to make for more impressive screen performance rather than the smoother, inactive look a righty would have had on camera.

Postscript: Barry Pepper, the actor is indeed left handed. He makes weapons as a blacksmith that he uses in some of his movie roles. Was watching him forge and file, definitely lefty. Pretty cool dude.

 

[NIGHTHAWK]

I find lefty guns all over the place. The key is to buy what is at a great price, not what you dream of. I dream of owning a nice collection of guns for all occasions, so I'm going to jump on the deals I see, not sit around spending my life looking for a $20,000 28 gauge best gun being offered for $2000. That's just a nonsensical way to spend one's life if you're looking for "Deals".

Examples:

That one is about 1/3rd of current replacement cost.

Left Hand Dakota 76 Safari Grade .375 H&H Magnum With Upgrades LH

This one is also 1/3rd of replacement cost.

Dakota Arms Left Hand Model 76 Traveller 2 barrel set

Dakota Arms Left Hand Model 76 Traveller 2 barrel set for sale online.

www.gunsinternational.com

This one is half of replacement cost:

Left Hand Dakota Arms Varminter in 223 Remington

Half of replacement cost:

DAKOTA 450 DAKOTA LEFT HAND BEST AFRICAN GRADE- REMAINS in 98% ORIG COND- VERY NICE BASTOGNE WALNUT- PLENTY of AMMO- DEEP MAGAZINE BOX- TALLEY BASES

I ignored the two lefties online that were at or above what I consider FMV by the way.

So there you go, piles of high grade dakotas for cheap. So next question is, just how cheap will they go? If it were my money, I'd grab the images and do reverse image searches. I'd find the web URLs of those photos. I'd google search their descriptions. Why? Because I bet you that some of those guns have been for sale for a VERY long time.

I'd then pick up the phone and confront the sellers. You have an unsalable gun languishing, trying to find someone that will own a gun suitable for about 5% of the US population. Do you have a serious sale price in mind, or are we all just wasting time here?

Three sellers will tell you to take a long walk off a short pier, the other will start sweating, realizing you're the first serious buyer he's heard from in 3 years. Sounds like a recipe to buy an MSRP $20,000 gun for $4k to me.

I find lefty guns all over the place. The key is to buy what is at a great price, not what you dream of. I dream of owning a nice collection of guns for all occasions, so I'm going to jump on the deals I see, not sit around spending my life looking for a $20,000 28 gauge best gun being offered for $2000. That's just a nonsensical way to spend one's life if you're looking for "Deals".

Examples:

That one is about 1/3rd of current replacement cost.

Left Hand Dakota 76 Safari Grade .375 H&H Magnum With Upgrades LH

This one is also 1/3rd of replacement cost.

Dakota Arms Left Hand Model 76 Traveller 2 barrel set

Dakota Arms Left Hand Model 76 Traveller 2 barrel set for sale online.

www.gunsinternational.com

This one is half of replacement cost:

Left Hand Dakota Arms Varminter in 223 Remington

Half of replacement cost:

DAKOTA 450 DAKOTA LEFT HAND BEST AFRICAN GRADE- REMAINS in 98% ORIG COND- VERY NICE BASTOGNE WALNUT- PLENTY of AMMO- DEEP MAGAZINE BOX- TALLEY BASES

I ignored the two lefties online that were at or above what I consider FMV by the way.

So there you go, piles of high grade dakotas for cheap. So next question is, just how cheap will they go? If it were my money, I'd grab the images and do reverse image searches. I'd find the web URLs of those photos. I'd google search their descriptions. Why? Because I bet you that some of those guns have been for sale for a VERY long time.

I'd then pick up the phone and confront the sellers. You have an unsalable gun languishing, trying to find someone that will own a gun suitable for about 5% of the US population. Do you have a serious sale price in mind, or are we all just wasting time here?

Three sellers will tell you to take a long walk off a short pier, the other will start sweating, realizing you're the first serious buyer he's heard from in 3 years. Sounds like a recipe to buy an MSRP $20,000 gun for $4k to me.

See, that was my compromise for that .416 Rigby; Value. Where my true interest is in a LH .458 Lott.

I have several Custom rifles from MOA Rifles that are Left Handed.

MOA Rifles - The Evolution of Long Range Hunting

MOA Rifles uses the industry's leading cutting-edge technology and components to produce premium long range hunting rifles.

www.moarifles.com

I’ll try to get them to build a Custom .458 Lott, if they will. It will likely be a premium… Or I’ll wait until a suitable good condition used one comes available…

 

[rookhawk]

See, that was my compromise for that .416 Rigby; Value. Where my true interest is in a LH .458 Lott.

I have several Custom rifles from MOA Rifles that are Left Handed.

MOA Rifles - The Evolution of Long Range Hunting

MOA Rifles uses the industry's leading cutting-edge technology and components to produce premium long range hunting rifles.

www.moarifles.com

I’ll try to get them to build a Custom .458 Lott, if they will. It will likely be a premium… Or I’ll wait until a suitable good condition used one comes available…

That's a personal choice. I have no doubt that your custom builder is making a quality item. But righty or lefty, that quality item is $500 at a pawn shop in ten or twenty years even though it was $10,000 or more new. That's the nature of "high tech" guns that have milspec resins, unique alloys, and high tech plastics.

But a Dakota (extinct, no longer made) or that Beesley (london best on a true magnum lefty action) is in a different class altogether. Whereas 25,000+ people on the planet can make you a high end plastic rifle, about 250 people on the planet can make you a best gun of the quality and hand finish we are discussing in my examples.

Its probably a personality thing. If I want to go out for steak dinner, but the steak is $200 and the all-u-can-eat lobster and crab is $19.99, my requirements quickly change. It appears lefties dig in their heels and just buy the $200 steak.

For me, if I had my heart on a $20,000 500 Jeffery but I found the same gun in 505 Gibbs for a quarter the price, I would sway like a reed changing my requirements to take a roughly equivalent gun at a fraction of the price.

 

[HankBuck]

I find lefty guns all over the place. The key is to buy what is at a great price, not what you dream of. I dream of owning a nice collection of guns for all occasions, so I'm going to jump on the deals I see, not sit around spending my life looking for a $20,000 28 gauge best gun being offered for $2000. That's just a nonsensical way to spend one's life if you're looking for "Deals".

Examples:

That one is about 1/3rd of current replacement cost.

Left Hand Dakota 76 Safari Grade .375 H&H Magnum With Upgrades LH

This one is also 1/3rd of replacement cost.

Dakota Arms Left Hand Model 76 Traveller 2 barrel set

Dakota Arms Left Hand Model 76 Traveller 2 barrel set for sale online.

www.gunsinternational.com

This one is half of replacement cost:

Left Hand Dakota Arms Varminter in 223 Remington

Half of replacement cost:

DAKOTA 450 DAKOTA LEFT HAND BEST AFRICAN GRADE- REMAINS in 98% ORIG COND- VERY NICE BASTOGNE WALNUT- PLENTY of AMMO- DEEP MAGAZINE BOX- TALLEY BASES

I ignored the two lefties online that were at or above what I consider FMV by the way.

So there you go, piles of high grade dakotas for cheap. So next question is, just how cheap will they go? If it were my money, I'd grab the images and do reverse image searches. I'd find the web URLs of those photos. I'd google search their descriptions. Why? Because I bet you that some of those guns have been for sale for a VERY long time.

I'd then pick up the phone and confront the sellers. You have an unsalable gun languishing, trying to find someone that will own a gun suitable for about 5% of the US population. Do you have a serious sale price in mind, or are we all just wasting time here?

Three sellers will tell you to take a long walk off a short pier, the other will start sweating, realizing you're the first serious buyer he's heard from in 3 years. Sounds like a recipe to buy an MSRP $20,000 gun for $4k to me.

RookHawk, that is a very nice Dakota .375 H&H, much better wood then one I had custom built in 2008 for $5200. I buy ammo in bulk when I see good prices and figure out when I’ll use it later but rarely guns and especially not of that quality - just don’t have that extra scratch to take advantage of “good deals” that I don’t have a Near Future need for. I think your strategy makes sense if you can afford it, quality firearms rarely loose value over time and seems after 10 years can be sold “used” for at least what they cost New - although I’ve seen some exceptions (double rifles 15+ years old that Sell for less then original purchase price). Handguns also seem to appreciate over 10-15 years if “mint” condition and/or discontinued. I will keep my “left eye open” for these bargains you find !!

 

[hntr58]

That's a personal choice. I have no doubt that your custom builder is making a quality item. But righty or lefty, that quality item is $500 at a pawn shop in ten or twenty years even though it was $10,000 or more new. That's the nature of "high tech" guns that have milspec resins, unique alloys, and high tech plastics.

But a Dakota (extinct, no longer made) or that Beesley (london best on a true magnum lefty action) is in a different class altogether. Whereas 25,000+ people on the planet can make you a high end plastic rifle, about 250 people on the planet can make you a best gun of the quality and hand finish we are discussing in my examples.

Its probably a personality thing. If I want to go out for steak dinner, but the steak is $200 and the all-u-can-eat lobster and crab is $19.99, my requirements quickly change. It appears lefties dig in their heels and just buy the $200 steak.

For me, if I had my heart on a $20,000 500 Jeffery but I found the same gun in 505 Gibbs for a quarter the price, I would sway like a reed changing my requirements to take a roughly equivalent gun at a fraction of the price.

I’m with ya Mr Rookhawk, over the years I’ve changed over all my big game rifles to left hand. Most have been ones I picked up used. Some I had built. Sometimes the length of pull on the used ones isn’t perfect but I usually can make it work. Point is, if I come across one that seems interesting, I pick it up. Some I hunted with all over the place and some haven’t gone anywhere. But having everything situated on the proper side of the gun for me is definitely worth it. I guess I’m just a guy who’s willing to “settle “ for having that convenience. Either way, the options are better these days than years ago. I won’t mention what I have in left handed big bores because that will just opened up Pandoras “opinion” box. LOL

 

[rookhawk]

I’m with ya Mr Rookhawk, over the years I’ve changed over all my big game rifles to left hand. Most have been ones I picked up used. Some I had built. Sometimes the length of pull on the used ones isn’t perfect but I usually can make it work. Point is, if I come across one that seems interesting, I pick it up. Some I hunted with all over the place and some haven’t gone anywhere. But having everything situated on the proper side of the gun for me is definitely worth it. I guess I’m just a guy who’s willing to “settle “ for having that convenience. Either way, the options are better these days than years ago. I won’t mention what I have in left handed big bores because that will just opened up Pandoras “opinion” box. LOL

 

[Mauser3000]

I’m also a South Paw, grew up shooting RH bolts & semi autos - then in the 1990s manufacturers startedmaking more LH actions. I bought a double rifle .470 NE (Chapuis) in 2006 for my one African Safari and ordered it with exhibition grade Turkish Walnut and LH cheek piece, had trigger worked on, detachable scope —— really treated myself. I know I won’t get that $$ back now that I’m thinking about selling it but I certainly “enjoyed” having something built for ME. Later did similar with custom .375 H&H - although that was less then 1/2 the price of the Chapuis. I think Lefty’s should treat themselves to a rifle designed for them ...either off the shelf or (if they can afford a little more) custom built. The World was designed by and for Righty’s — so Lefty’s need to look harder for equal equipment but it’s out there !

I did the same thing except went with lighter calibers. I had a pair of rifles built from left hand actions with my wood blanks. They are 30-06 and 375 H&H.

 

[Garrett89]

I genuinely have no idea how to convey how much I appreciate the leads and the entertainment that you all have provided with it lol I have just gotten a good look at the Beesley .416 and see the auction has only about 3 hours to go. Myself not being a master of knowledge regarding that maker I'd rather it go to someone who knows what they're getting. I do trust you all when you say it is top shelf quality I just don't like to make snap decisions. Mom always said "haste makes waste" lol I may go ahead and have one built after some more research.

Does anyone know how to differentiate between a Dakota built during the remington days versus before and after? Did it actually matter or did they suffer a drop in quality during that time?

 

[Garrett89]

First stop guns has a left hand Dakota M76 African action for $2595 which would be a good starting point for a nice custom.

Any way to tell what cartridges that action would be best suited for?

 

[rookhawk]

I genuinely have no idea how to convey how much I appreciate the leads and the entertainment that you all have provided with it lol I have just gotten a good look at the Beesley .416 and see the auction has only about 3 hours to go. Myself not being a master of knowledge regarding that maker I'd rather it go to someone who knows what they're getting. I do trust you all when you say it is top shelf quality I just don't like to make snap decisions. Mom always said "haste makes waste" lol I may go ahead and have one built after some more research.

Does anyone know how to differentiate between a Dakota built during the remington days versus before and after? Did it actually matter or did they suffer a drop in quality during that time?

You’re welcome.

Let’s translate your post:

The best gun offered lefty in this country is 3 hours from selling for turd-gun money. But I don’t want to bid on that, I’d rahter hesitate because hesitation is always the safest play, could you please tell me the difference between Dakotas that cost more than that and Dakotas that are less desirable but still cost more than that? I like to let things linger.

I’m just poking fun at you, but you’re being quite silly. The ACTION for that Beesley costs as much new as most Dakotas. Double square bridge magnum mausers are a unicorn. They sell for $5000-$8000 in the white before they are turned into low-grade $15,000 guns or high-grade $40,000 guns.

But anyway, you’re Asking me now about Dakotas for collector value purposes. Proving once again why I’m anti-lefty bigot #1. You want to enter the realm of speculative gun collectibility when you have requirements that limit your choice by over 95%, probably over 99%.

Short answer: Don’t ever buy a lefty gun for investment potential, this post and every other one proves why a fool would ever own lefty guns to make money. The hesitation, plus plethora of choice guns available cheap (way under FMV for righties), proves that a lefty gun in general is an unsalable item And has no collector appeal. I was just pointing out very, very expensive guns to reproduce that are being sold cheap.

On to the Dakota answer: You have to call Parkwest and ask for the build sheet of the gun to determine the era it was made. Further answer: Remington era versus non-remington era makes not a damned bit of collector difference, you judge the gun by Don Allen era versus all other eras, squared by the apparent quality of the gun of which there are lousy Don Allen era guns and exhibition grade Remington era guns. Focus on buying the best gun for the lowest price, getting to the level of requirements of pre-Remington plus lefty configured plus the caliber of your choice plus at super-duper-deal price is a bridge too far.

I’ve had dozens (hundreds?) of people hire me to find them guns worldwide. I’ve NEVER had a lefty approach me. A lefty needs no guidance or expertise to buy guns, the world is awash with lefty guns nobody wants even if the prices are way too good to be true.

I’m heading back to the garage to hit my left hand with a sledgehammer upon reflection of this thread and the advice given that doesn’t work for lefty-thinkers.


P.S. - all friendly over here, drink bourbon with me anytime, but I absolutely hate the lefty thing. It’s a friggin aberration and I cannot understand it whatsoever. So much self flagellation that good guns don’t exist in spite of the facts, so much hesitation when the fallacy is disproven.

 

[rookhawk]

Any way to tell what cartridges that action would be best suited for?

Up to 450 Rigby. Which begs the question, why would you buy a $2600 action to then spend another $8000 more to make a worthless never-heard-of-him custom rifle on a dakota action when you can pay half that and just get a high end Dakota?

 

[Tanks]

I have one for sale at less than the $8K

Details are here in the original thread.

McMillan Heritage LH CRF .375 H&H For Sale

I had ordered this rifle a while ago and NEVER even fired it, so for all practical purposes it is brand new. It has been a safe queen ever since I received it. Here are the build specifications: LH G30 CRF 3-Position safety .375 H&H Jewel Trigger 24" barrel 1-12 twist Heritage Stock 14" LOP...

www.africahunting.com

 

[Mauser3000]

Any way to tell what cartridges that action would be best suited

Any way to tell what cartridges that action would be best suited for?

The African action was chambered in several full length magnum cartridges including 338 Lapua, 416 Rigby, 450 Rigby and 458 Lott. It should work for any of the chambering you mentioned.

 

[Rifle57]

Just wondering if anybody has any ideas on something I might pair with a double in .450-400 3" for around 8-10k ? Thinking .375, .416, .450-something etc

Been looking around at Dakota but I hear they had some kind of bad spell while owned by Remington? How might I avoid ending up with a rifle from that era?

Open to all advice on what I might go with or if anyone knows anyone who might build a rifle for around that amount.

Thanks!

I have a friend that is a lefty getting up in age and he has several bolt guns. I know he has a Ruger m77 375 and a rem700 in 358 STA . I will see if he is ready to sell some. I think he has 2 or 3 in 338 cal also.

 

[Mauser3000]

I’d love to hear about those rifles.

 

[RLL]

Up to 450 Rigby. Which begs the question, why would you buy a $2600 action to then spend another $8000 more to make a worthless never-heard-of-him custom rifle on a dakota action when you can pay half that and just get a high end Dakota?

Dakota had 2 magnum length actions actions with varying dimensions. 375-458lott, etc and 416-450 rigby. If you buy one, make sure you know which one it is.