Looking at a nice SP-1 and thinking of trading my R6551 Sporter for it. Good idea or no? FWIW, I'm left handed and don't know the SP-1's ejection pattern.

I haven't had the chance to shoot an SP-1 but my old man (left-handed) claims that the rounds bounced off his cheek regularly.  Someone else can give you a little more description but that's my .02

Quite honestly, aside from adding an SP-1 to a collection for history's sake, I would avoid it if it was a choice between ONLY an SP-1 or the R6551.

Please take this with a grain of salt.  I'm only 19 and havent gotten the funds for a pre-ban yet.  I've done a lot of shopping and I must say that I wouldn't give up a R6551 for an SP-1 due to its limitations/age.

SP1 is a nice rifle, get the one you like the most, If I remember right there was a snap on deflector for left hand shooters ?

With a SP1 you will probably get hot brass in the face.