What to do...with a left handed 223

My dad was left handed and I am right. I do not shoot left handed and have no desire to do so. Anyway he passed last year and left me a very accurate 223 model 16 (blind mag), top release. He had the barrel shortened and he refinished the synthetic stock (sanded, painted, textured). While I am not fond of safe queens, I really want to do something with this gun. I have throwing around the idea of trying to converted to right handed, but not sure what is involved or who would do it.

None of his grand kids are lefties and I hate seeing a gun sitting around not being used. I guess I can always shoot it right handed, but I cannot operate the bolt without hitting my right hand gripping the stock.... Humm

Well for shooting from a bench many people myself included like the bolt on the wrong side.
Its easier loading than with the opening on the opposite side. So you have choices other than selling it.
My sons will face the same dillema.

Fred from SSS can convert the rifle from left bolt left release to right bolt left release. I was in the same predicament years ago when I purchased a top bolt 30-06 for $100. Fred converted the bolt and timed and trued it. I would talk to him.

That would be a conversion from left bolt/left eject to right bolt/left ​eject.

psharon977
Thank you for that information. I sent them en email. Is it possible to see what it looks like? Interested in seeing what was done and how it looks in the stock. Thank you.

Hotolds442
I would have no problem with that. I know it is easier to just get another rifle, but it is still not the same. I have so many 223's and don't need this one, but I would love to put it to good use and maybe become as good as he was one day with it. I can always sell one of my others since they do not have the sentimental value as this one does.

I'd never suggest selling a gun, let alone one with sentimental value.
I haven't sold one since about 1985

I agree with Yobuck. I shoot left handed, have a lefty hunting rifle, but for all my bench shooting, all single fire feeding, I prefer RH rigs. It allows you to see the round as you chamber and eject a round. I use the off hand to grip the stock underneath, just forward of trigger guard, and cycle bolt with other one, the trigger hand.
I dont think I have ever sold a gun I bought, couple of the auction guns and trade guns, yes. The heritage of some of my guns are way more valuble than the steel and wood would ever be.

http://i644.photobucket.com/albums/u...7/P6241934.jpg
http://i644.photobucket.com/albums/u...7/P6241935.jpg

This is what Fred did for my rifle. Thanks for the correction Hotlolds. I couldn't remember the exact terminology.

Fred will change the bolt from right to left, as said, and true and time the action. He does great work. His T&T work is AWESOME, if I knew he would also change the bolt to left for only $90 more, I'd have had him do that as well. As Yobuck said above, I really like the right port when shooting off of a bench, or even reloading in the field. I had no idea this could be done so well and affordably... dang it, I have some thinking to do!!!!

So will he be able to convert it from left bolt to right bolt? I am taking it that afterwards all I will need is a new stock?

Correct, but with a LEFT port for loading and unloading. Many shooters, once they've tried it, prefer the loading/eject port to be on the "wrong" side so they can see into the action while loading, particularly if they load one at a time.

For example, I usually shoot left handed, but have always shot right handed bolt actions. I like the fact that I can see into the action while sitting at the bench, shooting a right bolt from my left shoulder. TO me, it was natural, and I did not fully understand the advantage of being able to see into the action until I finally got a true left handed bolt with left handed port. It SUCKED! LOL I could not see what I was doing, and decided I hated left handed actions. Well, that's not actually the case, I think I would like being able to work the action with my left hand (primary hand, as normal), but being able to see into the action as well. This way, you can have your cake and eat it too.

If I were a "righty", I think I would buy used, left hand actions and have Fred T&T them and switch the bolt to right. As it is, I am thinking I will start having him make all my right bolt actions left and T&T them.

My problem is they've already been T&T'ed, I don't know what he'd charge to make them left now that they've already been T&T'ed by him. He probably has to re-do his original work, I'd be better -off selling those actions for a premium (due to the fact they are T&T'ed) and starting over. IDK

I have a left handed bolt action rifle that was left to me from my dad. I am looking just looking to converting the bolt handle from left to right. Not interested in moving any ejection port or anything else, just so I can shoot it right handed and be able to operate the bolt with my right hand and maintain proper cheek weld during bolt operations.

Gotcha.

A traditional, factory left handed bolt action has bolt on the left and the loading, ejection is also on the left (just like your dad's). Normally, a right handed action has the bolt on the right, along with the loading and ejection on the right. When you convert left action to right bolt, you would have the bolt on the right, but load from the left side (which is good).

I am just encouraging you to do exactly what you are asking b/c it is so nice to be able to operate a right hand bolt with a left hand port (which is what you would have by doing what you say) :)

Sharp Shooter Supply can change the bolt to a RIGHT BOLT, and the loading and ejection would remain on the left side. If I understand his website correctly, he will do that, along with a T&T job for $250. Normally, a T&T job is $165. His T&T work is great. He will make it smooth as silk to operate and I think you'd like it, a lot.

Sounds perfect! The only thing I will not like is losing his stock. I will have to find something pays tribute to him.

Stock is anther issue, though. Would have to cut/inlet for the right bolt. You could do it, but there would be an open slot on the left side where the original bolt was. You could fill it, of course.

Got a reply and he stated $285 to do the conversion.

The one thing to remember with a right bolt. left port, shooting RH, you might get brass beck in your face. Take it from a lefty that had to go through basic training with the M16A1 ('72) you do NOT want that hot brass down your neck. Their fix was for me to button top collar button. All that did was trap the darn thing on my neck.

Maybe look into a real strong ejection spring to make sure it clears your face.

Nice looking rifle, and I know EXACTLY the spot you're in. My dad passed in '06 and I got several of his rifles. The 375 Big Bore is the prized one, but the others are righty. The difference is I can shoot just as well either way. Good luck, and I agree with you on the safe queens. I have a 307 Win barrel for my 375, so I can hunt with it here in Kalifornia, land of lead free bullets. Ever try to find a levergun bullet for 375 Win, that a normal guy can afford?

If you like the rifle, it's worth it.