HATE being left-handed!!

[captain2k_ca]

It is soooo frustrating to be a left handed shooter who wants to shoot left handed rifles!

I can shoot righty's just fine...but why should I?? A left handed rifle is so much easier to cycle....you can cycle the bolt without losing sight in the scope....

I am planning to purchase a new varmint rifle...but the choices are so limited if I want to get a left handed rifle!!

Im still not sure on just what caliber to go with...choices im thinking are .204 Ruger, .223 Rem, .22-250.

Not really wanting the .22-250(Wife already has on that I can use whenever I want)

The only manufacturer I can find that makes the .204 ruger in a left handed rifle is Tikka....I really like the T3 Super Varmint...but I really doubt I can find that in Canada...grrrrr....its really frustrating!!!

Be alot easier if I had unlimited funds...then I would just calla good gunsmith and get it made!!

[captain2k_ca]

Just had another look and cant get the T3 Super Varmint in LH :(

Can get the Stainless Varmint though!! But can I find one in Canada???

[VaRedneck]

maybe?

http://www.savagearms.com/12Varminterleft.htm

[captain2k_ca]

Whoopsy! I forgot to add that I am really not a fan of Savage Firearms :D

Not trying to be picky, but if Im gonna fork over a grand or two for a new rifle, im gonna get what I want :D Ive looked at a few Savages and I am just not happy with the way they fit, look, feel.

[VaRedneck]

How about...

http://www.remington.com/products/firearms/centerfire_rifles/model_700/model_700_SPS_varmint_specs.asp

or...

http://www.remington.com/products/firearms/centerfire_rifles/Model_R-15_VTR.asp

[captain2k_ca]

Yeah I looked at the SPS...if I go with a .223 its good...but if I decide I want a .204 they dont make it in left hand yet....

The R-15 would be a complete waste of money for me...First off its a right hand action...I can get an ARMS EAST LEFT HAND upper in canada! Or a complete AR-15 from Arms East all left handed! Its well built and reasonably priced! Second off since I live in Kanada ANY AR-15 derivitive is classified as RESTRICTED. While I can purchase any restricted firearms in Canada, we are very regulated on where we can use them!! In other words an AR would be mostly a safe queen! Restricted weapons can ONLY BE FIRED AT CERTIFIED GUN RANGES. Stupid isnt it?? I can buy a Mini 14 and shoot it anywhere, it is unrestricted...Also to even get the AR-15 home, or to the range I need a special permit from the police!!

[VaRedneck]

Sorry about your luck, living in Canada and all. I've only just learned a few things about the "great white north" and fire arms regulations...none of it good.

As to the caliber. I've never seen a .204...but .223 is everywhere.

[captain2k_ca]

Yeah .204 isnt near as common! I reload so im not to worried about availability of ammunition!

If I could build on an AR platform I would be soooo happy!! I could easily make a really nice rig!! And Arms East is offering a left handed Stag-15 in 6.8SPC :)

[captain2k_ca]

And yeah, alot of our firearms regulations(Read that gun-control)are totally stupid...they do absolutely nothing to limit or reduce crime...the money used for the gun registry would have been much better spent hiring more police officers, and buying better equipment for existing police! 2 BILLION dollars and counting!!

And it didnt stop a madman from killing 4 RCMP officers in Mayorthorpe...even considering he had a LIFETIME PROHIBITION from owning guns....Stricter gun control does not keep guns out of the hands of criminals...I do believe that history has already proven that!!

[Swift]

Whoopsy! I forgot to add that I am really not a fan of Savage Firearms :D

Not trying to be picky, but if Im gonna fork over a grand or two for a new rifle, im gonna get what I want :D Ive looked at a few Savages and I am just not happy with the way they fit, look, feel.

Not Canadian myself but if yer gonna fork over a grand or two as you say I'd think ya could get one made to yer specs.

[captain2k_ca]

Not Canadian myself but if yer gonna fork over a grand or two as you say I'd think ya could get one made to yer specs.

No decent gunsmiths near me that I know of....do know of a really good one in BC...but I doubt he would have it ready by June!!

[Ridge Runner]

I like being left handed, ya get to spend insane amounts of cash having what you want built!
http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h274/wv_Ridge_Runner/100_0509.jpg
http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h274/wv_Ridge_Runner/rimfires.jpg
http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h274/wv_Ridge_Runner/HMR.jpg
http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h274/wv_Ridge_Runner/minis.jpg
http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h274/wv_Ridge_Runner/gunparts002.jpg
the parts in the last pic are in transformation into a 20 tac as we speak!

I have several AR's all right handed, there is no issue with shooting a right handed AR left handed. and mini's can be made into very capable varmint rifles, just takes another insane amount of cash, the 2 up top are ARS conversions, the TH is a 6mm PPC, the other a 12 twist 223.
RR

[jplonghunter]

Left handers; the only people in their right mind?

jplonghunter

[captain2k_ca]

Too bad I dont have insane amounts of cash to spend :D

Sucks living on a budget!!

[Ridge Runner]

go with the tikka, the rems are a 12 twist, the tikka's are 8, better accuracy with heavy bullets and better terminal velocity with the lighter ones, and accuracy is good down to 45 gr bullets.
RR

[GoodOlBoy]

I shoot my VTR left handed with no problems. I don't lose sight in my scope when cycling either. Just takes a little getting used to AND a Short Action.

GoodOlBoy

[captain2k_ca]

So I went down to my local gun store today to talk about a T3 stainless varmint in .204 Ruger...

With the economy crush, firearm prices have gone up quite a bit in the last few months...he quoted me $1369 as MSRP, and said he would sell it to me for $1125. Fairly reasonable. However, it would be at least 4 months to get it.

Sigh....I am not sure I would get it in time to use it for the gopher shoot I have planned in June.

Talked about it with a buddy, and Cabelas Canada lists the Remmy 700 SPS in .223 for about $790 shipped to my door. I think I might give them a call and see if they have one! If they do, me thinks I might just buy it!! This will also free up about $300 to help me top it with some uber cool optics :D As well, gives me an excuse to save up and buy that .204 later this year or next spring!!

What do you guys think? I think the Tikka might be a bit nicer of a rifle, but I also dont think that I will go wrong with the SPS...ahhhh...gotta love lifes hard decisions!!

[captain2k_ca]

Okee, so I found either a left hand tikka in 204 for 1119, and a remmy 700sps varmint in 223 for 679! Now I don't know what I should get! I prefer the tikka in 204, but the remmy is a lot cheaper! Aaaggh! Help me out guys!

Gun going to be used for gophers to 500 yards and coyotes to 200 yards....

[Rustywreck]

I had always had a negative opinion of Savage as well - thought they were cheap junk.
A couple years ago when looking for a new rifle I did some reading and decided to try one, 243. Well, my opinion of Savage has changed 100%. Now, it would be the first manufacturer I consider.
My 243 is freaky accurate and the trigger is crisp, light and easily adjustable.

[captain2k_ca]

Glad you like Savages :D Id keep one if it was given to me...

But this thread is between the Tikka and the Remmy 700SPS...

Help me out peeps!! LOL! I can save $400 by getting the Remmy! But...I think I would prefer the Tikka...

What caliber is gonna be better for me? .204 ruger or .223 rem.

Gophers to 500 yards or so, and coyotes under 200??

HELP!! LOL! Im so undecided!!

[captain2k_ca]

Remmy 700 SPS Varmint.
http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g293/captain2k_ca/Shooting/lgsil_700spsvarmint.jpg


Tikka T3 Varmint Stainless.
http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g293/captain2k_ca/Shooting/varmint.gif


I gotta say the Tikka sure looks alot nicer! But really,is it worth the extra $440??

And is the .204 worth it? Or should I just get a .223?

Hmmmmmmmm..........

[jplonghunter]

captain2k

The $440 will be worth it if Tikka is what you really want.JMHO

jplonghunter

[jmarriott]

I think i saw something i was interested in left handed.

IT SOLD.
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewBidHistory.asp?Item=122692658

aND IT WAS 7-08.

[captain2k_ca]

WOOHOO!! Called Bashaw Sports today to make sure they still had the Tikka in stock....the girl who answered(Very nice lady named Donna)told me they had one but that it was already set aside for a customer :(

She told me she would call their supplier and see how long to get another one in, then get ahold of me.

About 20 minutes later she called to say that it could take up to 5 MONTHS to get one in!! OWCH!! BUT, she also said that the person who spoke for the one they had, had NOT put a deposit on it!!! BOOM!! Out comes the Visa and its now MINE! I put a $500 deposit on it, and will pay the balance next month. I would have preferred to fondle the gun a bit before buying it, but the only store that I could find it in stock is about 5 hours away! So I said screw it, Im buying this rifle! Now I just cant wait to get it!! WOOHOO!!

[jplonghunter]

captain2K

Let us know how it shoots!

jplonghunter

[captain2k_ca]

Oh I will! Gotta shop for reloading recipes now! I bought 204 dies today....just need brass powder bullets and primers! Soon as I find a good recipe to work with!

[Lilred]

HEY!
I resemble that remark!! ;) I am a lefty too, and when I was younger, my Pop said there wont no way in hell he was gonna buy me a left-handed gun. So I was trained and still shoot today, right handed guns. I have tried shootin left handed guns, but now it just feels funny after all these years.

Lefties rule!

[TKO]

Being a lefty myself I went with a Tikka in 223, its a great little rifle. There seems to be a lot of left handed shooters, I guess we just don't create enough demand for the rifle companies to provide us with many options.

[captain2k_ca]

YAY!!

Went to Bashaw and picked up my shiny new Left Handed Tikka T3 SS Varmint in .204 Ruger!! I am very happy with this gun! Very nice feel to it!

I wanted to play with the action a bit more, but my dam snap caps wont chamber :mad:

Anyways, felt good to drop about $1400 in one sitting...got the rifle, 2lbs of powder, 2000 primers, cleaning rod, and some hot camo lingerie for the wife :D

Here are the piccies(Less the lingerie)

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g293/captain2k_ca/Tikka%20204/IMG_8732.jpg

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g293/captain2k_ca/Tikka%20204/IMG_8733.jpg

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g293/captain2k_ca/Tikka 204/IMG_8734.jpg

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g293/captain2k_ca/Tikka%20204/IMG_8736.jpg

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g293/captain2k_ca/Tikka%20204/IMG_8737.jpg

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g293/captain2k_ca/Tikka%20204/IMG_8748.jpg

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g293/captain2k_ca/Tikka%20204/IMG_8752.jpg

[captain2k_ca]

YAY! New scope arrived today! Leupold VX-III 6.5-20X40mm

Now to get to the range!!!

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g293/captain2k_ca/Tikka%20204/IMG_8775.jpg


http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g293/captain2k_ca/Tikka%20204/IMG_8780.jpg

[captain2k_ca]

Well had the new Tikka out to the range today and am quite happy with how it shoots!

The 26 grain Barnes Varmint Grenades did not perform nearly as well as I had hoped and am not going to worry about any more load workup with them at this time.


The 32 grain Hornady V-Max grouped considerable better. Best 5 shot group was about 1.1" at 100 yards with one shot being a flyer. These loads had the bullet seated at 2.300" and were loaded with 28.3gr of H335. This was a max suggested load, and showe ZERO signs of pressure. So I may play with seating depth and increase load by .1gr increments and pay very close attention for any signs of pressure.


I am also going to try the 40 grain V-Max now as alot of people have had great luck shooting these bullets.




The only real issue I am having however, it seems as though there may be some flaw that doesnt allow the mag to seat properly...I was having to physically hold it in place for the rounds to feed properly...I am going to have to perhaps try a new mag, or see if there is something wrong inside the mag-well...It will have to wait for now though, don't have time to wait for it to be sent away for any repairs!! LOL!!

[Dan Morris]

Try loading one rd less in the mag....sounds too simple but it just mite be a over compressed spring. Does the mag seat and lock when empty?
Dan

[captain2k_ca]

Does it whether its one round or 6 loaded in the mag...And no, doesnt seat and lock when empty...might have to send it for warranty :( AFTER gopher derby in June!! LOL!!

[Dan Morris]

Shop where you bought it, have they got another mag you can try????????Sounds like a mag problem.
Dan

[captain2k_ca]

The place I bought it from is almost a 4 hour drive from here...

Wifey also has a T3. Tried both mags in mine, then both in hers...they both are loose in mine, and tight in hers...

Took both recievers off the stocks and put the calipers to the steel bedding block(Or whatever the hell that is...)and mine is .007" longer...might make a difference?? Rounds fed fine with her block in my stock...

Might get my friend to surface grind it for me...more field testing...LOL!!


Just trying to decide if I should play with powder charges a bit more, or seating depth....

[captain2k_ca]

Went to the range for an hour or so today to try out some 40grain V-max in the .204.

My gun seemed to like these a bit more! Best group was with 26.8 grains of H335 and well under an inch! The bullets were seated at a COAL of 2.250"

Going to try starting at 26.6 and go up .1 to 27.0 grains...and pay close attention for signs of pressure. Tho at 26.8 there was nothing to indicate any over pressure.


http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g293/captain2k_ca/Tikka%20204/IMG_8787.jpg

See from there what the best groups are, then maybe mess with the COAL and see what happens...

So far I am just having fun shooting it! LOL!!

[captain2k_ca]

Tried out some H322 yesterday...40 grains bulles were more of a pattern than a group.

The 32 grain Vmax shot pretty good at 24.5 grains of powder...4 shots less than half inch, but one flyer...and that might have been me...going to test a 5 shot ladder starting at 24.3 and go to 24.7 by .1 gr increments and see what happens...then mess with COAL.

Going to pick up some RL-10X yet, and my friend has some Benchmark for me to try out.

I still have some time to get a good load worked up for this rifle...just wish this caliber wasnt quite so picky!!

And so far I have at least 2 loads that will work decently in it. They just wont be great for the 500 yard shots! LOL!!

[Okie Hog]

The only manufacturer I can find that makes the .204 ruger in a left handed rifle is Tikka....

The CZ 527 American is available in .204 Ruger.

http://cz-usa.com/products/view/cz-527-american/

[captain2k_ca]

Good ol CZ.

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g293/captain2k_ca/Brads%20223/IMG_0951.jpg

[Brithunter]

Ok so what happened?

[captain2k_ca]

We are not 100% sure....but do know the case head seperated....this thing blew up right beside me...sounded like a 300 wsm going off.

We dont think the cases were over charged...but they were old...so perhaps weak cases?? Blew back and caused another case in the mag to discharge. Pretty scary!!!

[toxic111]

that wasn't a CZ capt.. but a Norinco...

[captain2k_ca]

Heh....whoopsy!! Ya, I was thinking it was a CZ....My bad....


Anyway, where that CZ is concerned...its a wood stock...I prefer synthetic...and a SS barrel.

The CZ 527 Varmint looks nice, but not left handed....meh.

Ah well, I loves my Tikka T3 SS Varmint :D Well worth the money I paid for it!!!

[Brithunter]

Ahhh we are almost total opposites then as not only am I right handed but I detest plastic stocks and I do like blacked steel (blued so some) ;) give me nice warm friendly wood any day. Heck I am even going to make a Walnut grip to replace the plastic one on my recurves riser. Plastic feels so alien :eek:.

[captain2k_ca]

I hate cleaning my rifles :D So blued is a bad idea....lol!! I dont have any "Pretty" rifles...I beat mine up pretty good :D

[skeet]

I am a wood and blued steel man myself..Not even real keen about the laminated woods.(better'n plastic). But I just gotta say..if you hunt some of the areas I hunt..you would probably be using plastic stocks too. I have a pre 64 M-70 in 300 H&H that the original stock was broken on..someone made an ugly stick for shooting it..I did find another original stock that I have fitted it to like a glove..but I also bought a plastic stock for it to hunt elk with..It also fits really well and shoots better than it ever did in that ugly piece of walnut somebody made years ago. I won't feel bad about hunting with that plastic POS and getting it all beat up. That ol gun shoots really well. Never thought I would have a use for a maganum...but it ain't one of them new whiz bang calibers that are so necessary fer shootin a deer

[Okie Hog]

Yep, that is not a CZ in the photo. It's not even a good copy of a CZ.

[captain2k_ca]

If its wood and blued they all look the same to me :D