[robkrik]

I'm looking to get my first shotgun to be used for all around clay shooting. My budget is only $700. I was originally going to get a Lanber 2097 or a Verona 500 series O/U, but I really like the Beretta 391 as well. My question is... will the fact that the 391 is right handed make a difference since I am left handed. I have never shot a semi-automatic, so I was hoping someone had experience with this. It looks like the shells will eject far enough in front, but I'm not sure. Also, would any powder get blown into my face? Any comments are appreciated, as I am brand new to the sport. My only experience shooting, other than pistols, was on a friends farm 15 years ago. We shot trap with an O/U and I had a blast.
Thanks, Rob

 

[Burnt Powder]

I'm not so sure you can't get a left handed 391? Seems like I saw someone shooting one the other day. I shoot with folks who do shoot right side port autos from the "wrong" side. Granted, they would like it better if it fed and ejected out the "port" side, but it can be learned to tollerate.

BP

 

[oletymer]

I am left handed and shoot right handed autos with no problem. If you are concentrating on the target the ejection is barely noticeable. I never had any problem with stuff blowing in my face either. There are a lot of left handed people shooting right handed autos.

 

[Brazos]

I am LH and have a 391 in 20ga. They only come right handed but they do have a reversible safety so you can turn it around for a LH shooter. I have no problems with the gun being right handed and shooting it LH.
Brazos

 

[jtelli71]

Look at the Rem 11-87 in LH model. I've had one for 6 years and haven't had a single prob. I started with a BPS pump, but it's a bit heavy for the field. I also just picked up a Franchi Alcione O/U Field Model with LH cast. Great gun! It's a bit more expensive than $700, but I got it OTD for $950.

Can't complain.

Good Luck.

Jtelli71

 

[Ruger Shooter]

Welcome to Shotgun World and to the world of the left-hand shooter.

I have done some research on this subject and the findings were not that good.
Most all of the automatics are supposed to have straight stocks. However, many including the 391 are right-hand only. Benelli, Remington, and maybe a few others make lefties.
Over-Unders are not much better. Almost all of the comp guns are cast for right-handers unless otherwise noted. Some have alot of right-hand cast, and others are hardly bent at all. Field guns are mostly straight. You just have to look at them to see what they did on that gun.
I am right-handed but left eye dominate, so I shoot left. I have shot right-handed autos and pumps without much trouble. I have never been bothered by the empties going out on the right side. Loading them is more of an issue to me than the empties. You have all the gases and stuff coming out in front of you face, but most shooters don't seem to mind.

Good luck and enjoy your search.

 

[MrBen]

Most all of the automatics are supposed to have straight stocks. However, many including the 391 are right-hand only.

Umm.....I don't think so. Not as far as the stock and safety are concerned, anyway.

The 391 comes with shims that allow you to adjust the stock for cast off (righthanded) or cast on (lefthanded). The safety is also reversible.

 

[Ruger Shooter]

You are correct as usual MrBen.

I own a 391 and should have mentioned the shims. I think that Brazos pointed out the reversible safety. I should have stated that in my opinion, left-handed autos eject out the left side.

 

[MrBen]

I took your statement to mean that the stock was right-hand only, which was apparently not your intent. You are correct that the 391 is not availible with a left-handed ejection port.