Is this gun upgrade worth it?

[Gophs]

I was gifted a left handed Savage 111 in .270 (I shoot right handed), and I’m thinking about selling it and getting a 7mm mag or 30-06. This will mainly be an elk gun, but I do want to use it for antelope and deer on occasion, too. I mostly archery hunt, and this .270 is the only rifle I have ever owned besides a muzzleloader, so I am new to this for the most part.

To get to my actual question...is this a good move, or am I not going to gain much? I’m looking at getting a Weatherby Vanguard, or something in that price range. I’ve read a few threads on elk calibers, and I know a .270 will kill an elk, but I don’t want to be on the lower end of the spectrum for elk if I can help it.

Looking for some advice from guys that know more about hunting rifles than me...

 

[MT257]

I’d say get rid of it if it’s left handed and your right handed. Any of the calibers you listed a suitable for elk deer and antelope if you know your limitations. With those calibers you won’t be on low end of the spectrum. Heck I watched an elk hit the deck harder from a 243 than from many magnum calibers.

 

[Maverick1]

I would sell it and buy the correct handed rifle for you. There are a number of calibers that will work well for your intended purposes, including those you listed, and a number of threads on that topic, too!

 

[Storman]

I was gifted a left handed Savage 111 in .270 (I shoot right handed), and I’m thinking about selling it and getting a 7mm mag or 30-06. This will mainly be an elk gun, but I do want to use it for antelope and deer on occasion, too. I mostly archery hunt, and this .270 is the only rifle I have ever owned besides a muzzleloader, so I am new to this for the most part.

To get to my actual question...is this a good move, or am I not going to gain much? I’m looking at getting a Weatherby Vanguard, or something in that price range. I’ve read a few threads on elk calibers, and I know a .270 will kill an elk, but I don’t want to be on the lower end of the spectrum for elk if I can help it.

Looking for some advice from guys that know more about hunting rifles than me...

Well I’m a lefthand shooter that primarily uses right hand rifles and have zero issues. So unless you just want to spend money for an item that won’t be used that much then go for it. The .270 is plenty of gun for elk up to moose just use a quality bullet. There will be guys saying go bigger but man there is no need. Whatever you decide just use a good quality bullet for the task. Elk and bigger use a bonded bullet. Good luck!

 

[Where's Bruce?]

List it now...find a buyer that's looking for a south paw model and has $$$ to burn.

 

[reaper10]

Are you in New Mexico?


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[Gophs]

Are you in New Mexico?


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Minnesota

 

[reaper10]

Oh ok I’m in Texas close to New Mexico which is why I was asking.


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[Gophs]

Well I’m a lefthand shooter that primarily uses right hand rifles and have zero issues. So unless you just want to spend money for an item that won’t be used that much then go for it. The .270 is plenty of gun for elk up to moose just use a quality bullet. There will be guys saying go bigger but man there is no need. Whatever you decide just use a good quality bullet for the task. Elk and bigger use a bonded bullet. Good luck!

Appreciate the insight. Do you have any issues with follow up shots on elk with an opposite hand rifle?

I will be doing more rifle hunts going forward, so a new purchase wouldn’t just collect dust. Just haven’t done it much in the past. Mostly due to not having a big game rifle until recently haha

 

[Storman]

Appreciate the insight. Do you have any issues with follow up shots on elk with an opposite hand rifle?

I will be doing more rifle hunts going forward, so a new purchase wouldn’t just collect dust. Just haven’t done it much in the past. Mostly due to not having a big game rifle until recently haha

You’re welcome! No I have no problem as all my years of hunting I only had to take one follow up shot on a moose. I lift my head up anyway after i shoot so I don’t have a problem cycling another round while watching the animal. All this comes with practice. I do own lefthand rifles and they are nice to use but I use my fathers rifle the most what is right handed. If you have no sentimental connection to it then sell it and buy left handed . If you haven’t looked your options are slim.

 

[2ski]

Who was it gifted by? I mean a rifle is kind of a big gift and for me, the only people that would gift a rifle, just by them gifting it to me would add some sentiment to it. I'd learn to use it. My uncle is left handed and I don't think he owns a LH rifle.

If there is no sentiment, then sell it for a RH rifle, but I would feel plenty comfortable with a 270 with what you want to do. Or a 308.

 

[carsonkeys]

I'm not qualified to speak to on the caliber question, however I'm one of many uniquely qualified to speak about the perceived handedness issue. I'm right hand dominant, left eye dominant, and shoot lefty. Until recently, I've only ever owned and fired right handed rifles and never allowed it to be a hindrance. For instance, the billy in my profile picture took multiple follow-ups and I was using a RH gun. With enough practice it's a non-issue.

I guess what I'm trying to say is don't let the rifle hold you back. If it's what you've got you'll be absolutely fine. @2ski's comment also holds water.

 

[Moneyball]

I'm not qualified to speak to on the caliber question, however I'm one of many uniquely qualified to speak about the perceived handedness issue. I'm right hand dominant, left eye dominant, and shoot lefty. Until recently, I've only ever owned and fired right handed rifles and never allowed it to be a hindrance. For instance, the billy in my profile picture took multiple follow-ups and I was using a RH gun. With enough practice it's a non-issue.

I guess what I'm trying to say is don't let the rifle hold you back. If it's what you've got you'll be absolutely fine. @2ski's comment also holds water.

Agree. I’m a lefty and have never owned a left handed rifle.


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[Steve O]

This is crazy. To shoot a rifle in the opposite hand is something you should try to avoid. I understand gifts and sentiment but I guess hunting is too important to me to purposely use improper equipment. BUT...I thought the (only) beauty of Savage rifles was the ease of changing the barrels. If I were going to keep it and wanted a different caliber (I would have in my youth but not now) I would get a 30-06 barrel and then go forth and slay. Nothing a 30-06 won’t kill with ease in North America.

 

[elkguide]

Another vote for if there is no great sentimental value, sell/trade it and get a rifle that fits you. Makes no sense to start into a new opportunity having to compromise your self. Can it be done? Of course but why handicap yourself? Time to go rifle shopping!!!!!

 

[Gophs]

Thanks for all the input. I have thought about all these things, but couldn’t make up my mind on my own! Haha Just wanted to get some other opinions. It was gifted by my wife’s grandpa, and although it was an awesome gift, no sentimental value for either of us. I think a new rifle will be worth it. Thanks again!

 

[Sterlingb06]

I think cartidges similar to the 270 would be perfect for game size from deer to elk. A 7 rem mag or 280 rem are other options.

 

[Wassid82]

I think 7mm would be a good elk gun with the definite coverage for deer/pronghorn too

 

[jjohnsonElknewbie]

I just turned 46 last week and have been shooting left handed my whole life. No, you won't have any 'problems' shooting a right handed bolt gun left handed on the bench or from a rest. However, if you're faced with a real life hunting situation when you have to shoot offhand, you may not have time to shoot, dismount the gun, change hands, cycle the bolt, remount the gun, and get back on the target. I finally 'treated' myself to my first left handed bolt gun for my upcoming elk hunting trip this fall. There is no question at all that follow up shots are faster and more efficient using a gun that you do not have to dismount to reload. Shoot, work the bolt, reacquire target, shoot, rinse and repeat...

Regarding caliber, the .270 is a legendary big game round. Don't believe the hype and feel like you need more. For big game use heavy for caliber quality bullets like the other guys have already said.

 

[Jakerex]

Don’t ever sell your guns.
Just buy a new one, whatever caliber you want.


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