Yes, left handed shooters can use Bergara right handed rifles, but there are important considerations regarding comfort, safety, and performance. While it is technically possible to shoot a right handed Bergara rifle left handed, the rifle’s design features tailored for right handed users may impact the shooting experience and effectiveness.
Background on Bergara Rifles
Bergara is a well-respected Spanish firearms manufacturer known primarily for producing high-quality bolt-action rifles favored by hunters, competitive shooters, and tactical users. Their rifles are widely praised for accuracy, build quality, and reliability. Most Bergara bolt-action rifles come configured for right handed shooters, with features such as bolt handle placement, safety lever orientation, and stock ergonomics designed specifically for right handed use.
Left handed rifles from Bergara are less common and typically must be special ordered or custom configured. This limited availability means many left handed shooters consider using standard right handed Bergara rifles.
How Right Handed Rifles Are Designed
The design of a right handed bolt-action rifle includes several key features optimized for right handed shooters:
- Bolt Handle Placement: The bolt handle is usually on the right side, making it easier for a right handed shooter to operate the action quickly.
- Safety Mechanism: The safety lever is often positioned so it can be manipulated by the right thumb without changing grip.
- Stock Shape and Cheek Rest: The stock is contoured to fit a right handed shooter’s cheek and shoulder alignment.
- Ejection Port: Spent cartridges eject to the right, away from a right handed shooter’s face.
These design elements streamline handling and improve ergonomics and safety for right handed users but can pose challenges for left handed shooters.
Using a Right Handed Bergara Rifle Left Handed
Left handed shooters can physically operate a right handed Bergara rifle, but must adapt to some inconveniences:
- Bolt Operation: The bolt handle on the right side requires the shooter to reach across the rifle with their right hand or awkwardly reposition their grip to cycle the action.
- Safety Use: The safety lever may be harder to engage or disengage smoothly with the left hand.
- Stock Fit: The cheek rest and stock shape may feel uncomfortable or cause inconsistent sight alignment.
- Spent Case Ejection: Empty cartridges eject towards the shooter’s face, which can be distracting or unsafe.
Despite these challenges, some left handed shooters become proficient with right handed rifles through practice and adaptation, especially if left handed rifles are unavailable or cost-prohibitive.
Common Problems Left Handed Shooters Face
Using a right handed Bergara rifle left handed can lead to several common issues:
- Safety Concerns: Ejecting cases close to the face can cause burns or distractions.
- Slower Reloading: Manipulating the bolt with the non-dominant hand or awkward grip slows follow-up shots.
- Reduced Accuracy: Poor cheek weld or misaligned sights due to stock shape can negatively impact precision.
- Fatigue and Discomfort: Unnatural positioning may cause quicker fatigue or soreness during extended shooting.
These issues may be tolerable for casual shooting but become significant in hunting or competition scenarios where speed and accuracy are critical.
How to Choose Between Right and Left Handed Rifles
When deciding whether to use a right handed Bergara rifle left handed or seek a left handed model, consider these factors:
- Frequency of Use: Regular shooters benefit more from a rifle ergonomically suited to their dominant hand.
- Budget: Left handed rifles may cost more or have longer wait times.
- Purpose: For casual plinking, a right handed rifle may suffice; for hunting or precision shooting, a left handed rifle is preferable.
- Availability: Left handed Bergara rifles are less common; some models may not be offered left handed.
- Comfort and Safety: Ensuring safe ejection and comfortable handling is paramount.
Testing both options in person helps determine what feels most natural and effective.
Comparisons with Other Brands
Many other rifle manufacturers produce dedicated left handed models with similar considerations as Bergara. Brands like Tikka, Ruger, and Savage offer popular left handed bolt-action rifles designed from the ground up for left handed shooters.
Compared to Bergara, some brands have broader left handed options, making it easier for left handed shooters to find a rifle that fits perfectly without compromise. Bergara’s reputation for accuracy and quality remains strong, but the limited left handed availability is a drawback for some.
Costs and Availability of Left Handed Bergara Rifles
Left handed Bergara rifles typically carry a price premium due to lower production volumes and special order status. While exact pricing varies by model and retailer, expect to pay slightly more and possibly wait longer for a left handed version.
Some dealers may not stock left handed Bergara rifles regularly, requiring customers to place custom orders or search secondary markets. This limited availability can be a barrier for left handed shooters who want Bergara’s quality but need a left handed setup.
Safety Considerations for Left Handed Use
Safety is a critical factor when using a right handed rifle left handed. The primary concern is the ejection port that expels hot spent cases to the right side. When shooting left handed, cases eject near the shooter’s face, which can cause burns or distractions.
Additional safety concerns include:
- Difficulty engaging the safety lever quickly with the left hand.
- Potential for awkward bolt manipulation leading to accidental misfires or jams.
- Unnatural stock fit causing inconsistent shooting posture and increased risk of injury.
Using proper eye protection and practicing safe handling techniques is essential if shooting a right handed rifle left handed.
Alternatives for Left Handed Shooters
Left handed shooters who want Bergara-quality rifles but face availability or cost issues have several alternatives:
- Custom Gunsmithing: Modifying a right handed rifle to better suit left handed use, such as reversing the bolt or reshaping the stock, though this can be costly and complex.
- Other Brands: Exploring left handed models from manufacturers like Tikka T3x LH, Ruger American LH, or Savage 110 LH, which offer excellent performance and broader availability.
- Ambidextrous Rifles: Some newer models feature ambidextrous controls and reversible bolts, providing flexibility for left or right handed shooters.
- Training Adaptation: Some left handed shooters train to shoot right handed rifles effectively, though this requires commitment and may not suit everyone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can left handed shooters safely shoot a right handed Bergara rifle?
Yes, with caution and proper eye protection, left handed shooters can safely shoot right handed Bergara rifles. However, ejected cases may come close to the face, so awareness and safety gear are crucial.
Is it possible to convert a right handed Bergara rifle to left handed?
Converting a right handed Bergara rifle to left handed is generally difficult and expensive. It involves swapping or modifying the bolt, stock, and safety, often requiring professional gunsmithing.
Are Bergara left handed rifles as accurate as right handed ones?
Yes, Bergara left handed rifles maintain the same quality and accuracy standards as right handed models. The difference lies mainly in ergonomic design, not performance.
Why are left handed Bergara rifles less common?
Left handed rifles are produced in lower quantities due to smaller demand, making them less common and sometimes more costly or harder to find.
Can left handed shooters train to shoot right handed rifles effectively?
Some left handed shooters adapt to right handed rifles with training, but it requires practice to overcome ergonomic challenges and may not be ideal for everyone.
What should a left handed shooter consider when buying a Bergara rifle?
They should consider availability, budget, intended use, and comfort. Testing both left and right handed models, if possible, helps determine the best fit.
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