Other I'm right-handed, but I prefer charging handle on the left side. Am I doing it wrong?

[JimD]

I am right handed but shoot from my left shoulder because my left eye is my master eye. I shoot both eyes open. Cocking on the right is much preferred. I switched my Caiman X. Easier for me to let the left pull the trigger but the right lock and load magazines and work the monopod if shooting from the bench.

 

[SteveV]

Hey fellas, whatever hand you're using, you're not charging anything, you are cocking the gun. No need to invent a new term.

 

[syndicate360]

You can’t operate charging handle on the right side without coming off your target. With semi-auto rifles it’s not a problem as the only time you need to let go of the grip is when you need to swap a mag and cock it. With single shot you have to do it after every shot. If we are talking about firearms than I must note that I always liked HK delight with forward charging handle on the left side. But I totally understand and respect tat everyone has own preference .

I'm not sure if I understand what you are trying to say, but that is exactly why the handle is on the right side for right hand shooters and on the left for left hand shooters. You support the rifle with your non-dominant hand and push it into your shoulder (2 points of contact), the dominant hand is only responsible for pulling the trigger and manipulating the controls, it does not bear any weight. If you take your non-dominant hand off, you will come off target, because you just created a huge lever.

 

[357cal]

I wouldn't say you're wrong because I am right-handed as well, but I have to shoot left-handed since my left eye is more dominant. Most rifles are designed for right-handers, as the majority of people are right-handed. It's pleasing to see that some manufacturers are accommodating by making rifles with the charging handle on either side.

 

[coastal drifter]

I would say there is no wrong or right way particularly if you're shooting from a bench. I have seen speed silhouette competitors shooting right-handed with the cocking lever on the left.

 

[syndicate360]

particularly if you're shooting from a bench

That changes what I said, if you don't support your rifle with your off-hand, you can definitely use it for other tasks to speed things up.

 

[john8]

I've often wondered about switching the lever to the left side. It would appear to offer you the ease of loading while leaving your trigger finger near the trigger. It's a moot point in my case as all my rifles are semiautomatic.