A Challenging Question About 30-30 Rifles
Here's a challenging question concerning 30-30 rifles: Is there or has there ever been a manufacturer that has produced a left-handed bolt action 30-30 rifle tapped for a scope mount?
I've been hunting for decades with a Winchester Model 94 30-30. I've taken a lot of deer with this gun. However, now that I am older, I've acquired a unique form of astigmatism that glasses cannot fully correct. As such, I've come to terms with myself that I can no longer shoot effectively with open sights. I need the benefits of a low powered scope. Moreover, I really would like to stick with a 30-30 rifle, for two reasons. One, I hunt in an area of the country where I've rarely had to take a shot over 100 yards. (Every deer that I've taken has been within 75 yards.) Secondly, I know what a 30-30 shell can and cannot do with regard to making a kill shot. All in all, the ideal rifle for me would be a left-handed bolt action 30-30 tapped for a scope. I would appreciate any help or advice. Much thanks.
I've been hunting for decades with a Winchester Model 94 30-30. I've taken a lot of deer with this gun. However, now that I am older, I've acquired a unique form of astigmatism that glasses cannot fully correct. As such, I've come to terms with myself that I can no longer shoot effectively with open sights. I need the benefits of a low powered scope. Moreover, I really would like to stick with a 30-30 rifle, for two reasons. One, I hunt in an area of the country where I've rarely had to take a shot over 100 yards. (Every deer that I've taken has been within 75 yards.) Secondly, I know what a 30-30 shell can and cannot do with regard to making a kill shot. All in all, the ideal rifle for me would be a left-handed bolt action 30-30 tapped for a scope. I would appreciate any help or advice. Much thanks.
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Why not put a scope on a 94 30/30???? 0 -
Go with a Marlin 336, the receiver is already drilled and tapped for scope mounts. Being a fellow left handed shooter, I've never had issues with Marlin lever guns. A 336 with a 1.5-4.5 variable scope will do you well. 0 -
Mr. Bachmann,
First, welcome to GB forums!
Your chosen rifle may turn out to be as scarce as the proverbial "hen's teeth." 30-30 bolt guns were produced by Winchester (M54), Savage (M40 & M340), & Remington (M788)but to my knowledge, none were made left handed except the Remington 788.
The remington 788 in left hand is a conversion, it has the standard bolt & ejection port with only the bolt handle moved for the lefty.
If any exist in 30-30, they will be hard to find & harder to buy (read spendy).
As already suggested, you may have to accept a substitute or go without. Lever, pump, or auto can be more desirable for the lefty than standard right hand bolt guns while much more plentiful than L/H guns. Also there are many modern caliber guns avalible such as 7mm-08. (on the auction side, search "7mm 08 left hand") Based on the 308 Win. case, it is slightly superior to the 30-30 in velocity & range but not so much as to be over-powered as some Mag. calibers are.
Option 3) have you tried a reciever sight? A small aperture in a peep sight works like a lens for us geezers with optical rectitis (can't see for pooo). A good peep may keep you with iron sights for awhile longer.
Hope this helps, Jim0 -
I thought of the Remington 788 but although they were made in left-hand and in .30-30, they were not cataloged in left-handed .30-30; only 6mm and .308.
I think your only options are the Marlin .30-30 or a different caliber LH bolt action.0 -
You could also mount a long eye relief scope on the barrel of your present 94 and pretend it's a Jeff C. Scout. 0 -
Late model side eject model 94 are bored and tapped for scope mounts and that would keep you with the rifle you know and like and get you scoped. I also need a scope on my 336 and use a Burris Fast Fire red dot on my '94 trapper (not so hot for any distance shooting). 0 -
there is another option that would make no difference if you are a lefty or righty---a Thompson Center Contender in either the rifle or pistol configuration. You can mount a scope on it and with the new Hornady Leverevoulution ammo you can reach out a little farther. 0 -
Get an optical 'aimpoint' sight. The dot stays on target, even if the shooter's eye is not true to the scope axis. Removes astigmatism from the equation. You realistically don't have to look for another rifle.
You can have it mounted on the barrel just ahead of your 30-30's receiver, or you can get the Marlin (already D&T'd for scope mounts) and have the aimpoint on top of the receiver. The system really compensates for less-than-perfect eyesight. Available in zero magnification (1X), and can be used with both eyes open. Best, Joe0 -
quote:You could also mount a long eye relief scope on the barrel of your present 94
for the older top eject guns that's the way to go. there's some newer mounts available that require drilling the receiver and/or barrel.
look for new old stock mounts made by Burris and Leupold. the use the rear sight dovetail and a hole tapped in the front strap. no holes in the barrel etc. I picked up a couple of these 2 years ago on ebay.
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The savage 170 is a pump in 30-30 that may work they show up on the auction side quite a bit and I installed a burris fastfire on my marlin 1894 .357 and like it alot doen't mess the weight of the gun up like a scope I haven't used it in a hunting conditions yet
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