Left or Right

Big Gaz · Sep 11, 2016

I have a strange question. Are shotguns typically made as true left or right handed guns, or are they the same gun with a left or right cast applied?

Therefore a new gun can be cast to make it a left or right handed.

Or are they true left or right i.e. the stock is not symmetrical and different for left handed and right handed models.

I'm looking at the Miroku catalogue and I can't see a left handed option.

ips · Sep 11, 2016

they are true right or left in as much as the cast and also some other differences as in an offset either way of the butt. Then you have palm swell if fitted. Of course to the best of my knowledge only kriegoff do a "true" left handed as there top lever favours left hand all other makes do not alter there actions (maybe bespke English game guns do though) some manufacturers such as miroku (I believe) have fairly neutral cast as in almost straight.

westley · Sep 11, 2016

A true left handed gun is just that, even the top lever moves to the left to open the gun, however having said that they are a rare beast. I think it was Blaser who offered their gun as a true left hand opener, due to the top lever mechanism, but I may be wrong. I have seen an English pair of side by sides that were true left hookers, but they had been made that way. Otherwise it is as ips has said.

Finners · Sep 11, 2016

For Over/Under guns - Your question has two main elements as I understand things.

Dealing with the easier issues first, a true left had gun will have palm swell to suit a left hander (ie on the left hand side of the grip) and the top lever can be operated by pulling rather than pushing with the thumb of the left hand.

Most "left handed" guns may have correct palm swell, but few have the "correct" top lever operation. Notably Blaser sell guns with a top lever specifically designed for left handers.

The other main differences are as you say, in the cast at heel and toe of the stock. In reality, normally this only amounts to about 4mm off centre in either direction to suit the left or right handed shooter, ie about 8mm difference in cast between a left and right handed gun.

A true left handed semi auto (I can hear IPS shudder) throws the empties to the left of the shooter, whereas a right handed semi throws the empties to the right. Benelli produce a left hander, I think Beretta have introduced one recently. Thats about as much as I know.