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[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Lefty?

11/7/2011 9:40:24 AM EDT
My Dad hinted to me over the weekend that he wanted to get an AR (which is his way of saying go figure it out and get back to me). He has shot mine and likes it, but he is a lefty, so thinking I should look into that kind of a setup. He was in the Army 30 years ago and has plenty of trigger time. I recall him complaining about brass landing in his colas b.c he was a lefty. So here is my question - should I look for just a lefty upper or do I need a lefty lower as well?  Not sure if a lefty configured complete rifle comes with ambi functional controls  

Thanks for your help. If it helps, budget for the rifle is about 1k and we live in NY, so it needs to be band compliant.
11/7/2011 9:56:14 AM EDT
[#1]
Most left handed shooters use the standard AR set up without issue & will tell you that there is no need to use ambi parts. There are lowers, mostly billet, that come with ambi parts or he can use a standard lower & add which ever aftermarket ambi parts that he sees fit. Stag makes a lefty upper.
11/7/2011 10:05:07 AM EDT
[#2]
Been shooting AR's lefty for over 20 years... Camp Perry, Blackwater and elsewhere.  Ambi safety is the only thing I would recommend.  The rest can be managed with technique.
11/7/2011 12:27:28 PM EDT
[#3]
The early M16s didn't have a brass deflector so they could pelt you with brass but most uppers now have the deflector so it isn't a problem. I'm a lefty and my ARs are right handed other than an ambi safety and norgon mag release.  The mag release isn't a necessity but it's nice.
11/7/2011 1:33:44 PM EDT
[#4]
I'm lefty and don't see would you would want a left handed AR. With a brass deflector none of it comes back at me.
11/7/2011 1:50:30 PM EDT
[#5]
Im a lefty as well and also from Buffalo. How much you looking to spend? I built myself a lefty AR exactly how I wanted. Reason I want one is yes you can sometimes get brass in your shirt it does happen rarely and hell Im a lefty thats reason enough. PM if you have any questions.
11/7/2011 1:54:05 PM EDT
[#6]
Left Handed AR FAQ
11/7/2011 3:05:24 PM EDT
[#7]
the only thing i did with my rifle is put on an ambi selector.
11/7/2011 3:09:06 PM EDT
[#8]
I have done nothing to mine other than a BCM charging handle, I can operate the safety with my left thumb, mag release with my right hand as I pull the mag out, and bolt release with my trigger finger
11/7/2011 3:22:33 PM EDT
[#9]
Im a righty thats always shot left. Ambi selector and release.
11/7/2011 4:29:36 PM EDT
[#10]
Im a lefty, what i did was i bought a Smith and Wesson M&P 15 sport for 650 then i got a lefty upper receiver and bcg from stag arms for 380.  I know shooting a right handed ar is no problem but i like the fact that no one else has a rifle like mine.Left handed ar-15s are fun and people I have shown they really like it
11/7/2011 11:32:15 PM EDT
[#11]
Lefty here, been shhoting AR's for 22 years. Get a standard rifle, add ambi controls, bad ass selector, Troy mag release, have fun.
11/8/2011 12:05:06 AM EDT
[#12]
For years I didn't see the need for a left handed upper. Then I shot one. They're nice. Not a big enough improvement that I'm retrofitting any of my existing rifles, but doubt I'll do anymore right handed builds for myself.

Still prefer the normal lower config though.
11/8/2011 3:05:32 AM EDT
[#13]
the down side to left handed uppers is that one maybe 2 companies make parts for them stag an noveske(they might even get their parts from stag) making replacement parts harder to get
11/8/2011 6:10:06 AM EDT
[#14]
I started shotting righty because I am right handed and only later found out that I am left eye domiant. I primarily shoot lefty now but practice using both.

The only problem I've ever had shooting left handed was when having my support hand fully extended using the firehose grip technique. The brass would hit my bicep on occasion. On my rifle though, most of the time the brass is deflected forward and just over my arm. Getting a left handed AR wouldn't help because I practice shooting right handed as well and would be in the same situation. Therefore I've decided to keep a standard "righty" AR because if I ever have to replace any part of the bolt carrier group parts would be easier to find.

In reality a failure of that type is actually quite rare with quality components but lots of people like to have spare parts on hand or easily available. You could just buy an extra BCG or two to have in your spare parts kit.

I do run an ambi safety selector but use the standard magazine catch. I'm considering an ambi mag release but am still undecided.
11/8/2011 7:33:10 AM EDT
[#15]
Dupe: http://www.ar15.com/forums/t_3_118/551494_FAQ__Left_handed_ARs_and_accessories.html

[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Lefty?

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