Hey guys,

Not that there aren't still some interesting threads, but I don't remember seeing this come up in my time here. I once saw a pic (IIRC) of a springfield or mauser that had a cam setup so that it was operated left handed even though it was a right handed rifle.

What I would like is to see pictures of original right handed to left handed conversions and explanations or discussions of how it was done.

I KNOW, it isn't necessary now. I see guys always wanting to do something nostalgic, or just because, but I never see them doing this.

Red

Google "Sedgley Conversion"

I believe I read of Craig Boddington having an 03 with a left hand conversion. Maybe a PM will get you a few pics and information.

Von Gruff.

My Dad has one that was done by a San Antonio gunsmith back in the 50's. I'd post a pic but he's in TX and I'm in GA.

The ejection port is still on the original side, but the bolt has been modified for a left handed handle. The bolt now rotates in the direction opposite to normal when the handle is lifted.

Of course it also wears a custom left handed stock.

I found a few pics of a sedgely converted one, can't believe the cheap price it went for (I think 650 on gunbroker). it looked like that too, bolt operated the opposite way but ejection port on same side and everything.

If you have any pics that would be great, or if you could get some later.

Red

I have a 1941 model 70 converted from right to left handed operation. It came to me as a 30-06. I had it rebored to 35 Whelen. Here are a few pics.

As you can see it still ejects off the right side. I am not crazy about the screw for a bolt stop but have not yet figured out what to do about it. I have heard of a Ruger bolt stop being used. I will have to check that possibility out.

quote:

Only left handed rifles are interesting

Finally another one of us with common sense

Nice rifle ; I'm curious as not being a gunsmith which Rifles are candidates for conversions an typically what's it cost for conversions .

For $$$ ?, evaluation sake lets say staying in original Rifle's caliber ?.

quote:

Originally posted by Doc224/375:

quote:

Only left handed rifles are interesting

Finally another one of us with common sense

You know what rthe psychiatrists and neurologists say, Doc...."Only left handed people are in their right minds"....

do they have to do anything to the locking lug raceways of the actions for them to rotate the opposite way? Or modify the lugs themselves maybe? very interesting.

Red

quote:

Originally posted by Dago Red:
do they have to do anything to the locking lug raceways of the actions for them to rotate the opposite way? Or modify the lugs themselves maybe? very interesting.

Red

I have seen conversions done on Mausers, Remington 721's, Springfields and Winchesters. I never got a good look at the Mauser to see the modifications. On the Springfield the lug in the center of the bolt was removed so that the bolt would be able to rotate the opposite direction. In the cases I have seen, the bolt ends up rotating opposite of original, the right lug now mates with the upper receiver and the left with the lower. I don't think there has to be any modification to the raceways or the lugs.

As far as finding someone to do a conversion today , good luck. I checked with a smith recently who had done a few but he declined to do any more. I would love to get a few Springfields converted and build some custom rifles similar to what was available pre WWII. I am unaware of anyone who will do a conversion to left handed.

Mart

quote:

Originally posted by mart:


As far as finding someone to do a conversion today , good luck.

If I were looking to have this conversion done I would contact David Gentry. IIRC he did several of these conversions Col. Charles Askins, and Askins spoke highly of them/him. Askins was not an easy guy to please.

I have a couple of left bolt right ejects--

My fav--A Roy Gradle spur drive--what a craftsman

quote:

Originally posted by JBrown:

quote:

Originally posted by mart:


As far as finding someone to do a conversion today , good luck.

If I were looking to have this conversion done I would contact David Gentry. IIRC he did several of these conversions Col. Charles Askins, and Askins spoke highly of them/him. Askins was not an easy guy to please.

I contacted David Gentry several years ago about a conversion. At the time he stated he was no longer doing them. More recently, a few months ago I contacted Gary Stiles who has also done some conversions. He also stated he was not doing them any more.

Duggaboye,

I would love to see some pictures of the Gradle spur drive. I am always fascinated by the ingenuity of some of the left hand conversions.

Mart

Mart ,
the gun is at my brothers house I'll see if he can shoot some pics.

Is the spur drive what I saw once where it is left bolt but still rotates the bolt counterclockwise to pull it out of battery?

Red

Duggaboye,

That would be great. I know some very ingenious conversions have been made over the years. When I was young I used to watch for every article of Charles Askins. Not because I was enamored with him as a writer but to check out his left handed rifles.

I would have been one of Sedgley's best customers had I been born 50+ years earlier. They offered left handed conversions on the Springfields in several interesting classic calibers.

Mart

Here is an interesting gear drive conversion on a Springfield done by Hoffman in the 20's. It is item #43. This is a pretty cool rifle.

http://www.amoskeagauction.com/83/auction83_2.html

Mart

That is a very neat rifle.
Looks as though the operation is achieved through a redesigned bolt shroud and a modified standard bolt with no modification to the action.
A bit bulky, but a very reasonable solution.

quote:

Originally posted by Huvius:
A bit bulky, but a very reasonable solution.

Funny, my first thought was that is was surprisingly compact.

Here's a small one, a Sako L461 that I barreled in 6x45:

quote:

Originally posted by JBrown:

quote:

Originally posted by Huvius:
A bit bulky, but a very reasonable solution.

Funny, my first thought was that is was surprisingly compact.

For what it does, yes it is

OK,
Having gone back and taken a second, third and fourth look, I retract my "bulky" assertion...

In fact, if I were a southpaw this is the conversion I would be most interested in.
Especially on a Springfield.

I'd sat that would be just about the easiest left hand conversion to complete.

.

quote:

Here's a small one, a Sako L461 that I barreled in 6x45:

The first rifle I ever purchased was a Sako 461 converted to left-hand. It had a custom straight-taper contour heavy barrel chambered in 222 Remington and an outstanding figured walnut custom stock.

On the barrel was engraved the name "C. Grossman".

Never knew if C. Grossman was (1) the gunsmith who converted the action, (2) the gunsmith who barreled it, or (3) the person who originally had the gun made for themselves.

Complete with Sako scope mounts, a Redfield scope, and a hard gun case paid $250 for it all.


Since then, in addition to factory made lefties, have had converted left-hand actions on '03 Springfield, 98 Mauser, and Model 70 Winchester actions.


.

That geared Hoffman looks very neat. Being a left handed shot I have a left handed heym, but having a left handed bolt but right facing loading port would make life even easier as easy to see straight into the action for loading / clearing etc when you are prone. Did they though sort out the gas holes so that in the event of case failure gas is directed away form the shooters eyes?