Best bolt/port configuration for FTR?

[Tim N]

Hi All
I'm interested in FTR and am currently shooting FO with a right bolt/left port action which I prefer to use.
Is this style of action suitable for FTR?

[bshrestha01]

I don't see why not.

Apart from the rifle being kicked around all over the place, due to the weight limitation and generally heavier projectiles, it is pretty much similar to any F-Class shooting.

Also remember that you will be shooting off a bipod and I have had no issues with them what-so-ever.

[Tim N]

Thanks for the reply
I was concerned about moving about too much while shooting, but if the bi pod needs re aligning after each shot the left feed should be ok.
My plan is to have a few shots with an ftr rig before investing.

[ShaneG]

Hi Tim
I started F class with a R Bolt R port single shot XR100 Rem in 223 off bipod.
Once I discovered I needed a 308 to be 100% competitive I had a Barnard R Bolt Left Port built.
This was mainly to be able to observe the action port and check if I had a round in same.
The first time I shot that rifle I wished I had of ordered a Left bolt L Port.

Assuming you are a right hander? The left bolt does not disturb head position; shoulder position or strong hand trigger position.
The majority of the time I actually work my R Bolt with my left hand so I can maintain my position.
Bipods rarely track perfectly and different mounds; bipod height; rear bag height along with body position all effect tracking.
I have found adjustable bag rider stocks to be the best for bipod use.
A Seb Joy pod will achieve a similar result as well.

I have actually set up a couple of long range rabbit rifles in this configuration - LBLP.

A final word of advice - get an ejector bolt for when you want to shoot quickly.

Cheers
Shane

[johnk]

Never had an issue with popped primers or suspicious loads, but I still prefer that anything that potentially might spit out is donated to the shooter beside me & not my face. Besides, I've used conventional actions for 50 odd years & I suspect changing now might be a challenge.

[Tim N]

Shane thanks for the advice.
Dave G who is in my club (Cessnock) has a LBLP set up in a RH stock, might try a few rounds out of it.
I have a feeling he may not be so happy with it.......might be able to work out a deal???
Can you cycle the bolt without moving your head?
I've heard the joy pods are hard to get hold of, are they good to use?
Do most people "bag squeeze" for fine adjustment with the more standard bi pods?
Any advice appreciated.

[ShaneG]

Hi Tim
As I said the main advantage of LBLP is not disturbing the R shoulder; trigger hand or head.
Works very well prone for me being a RH.
I hate bag squeezing! The Joy Pods are hard to source currently.
I was only able to get one and Vicki is using that so I can't personally comment much on them.
My stock has a rear bag rider thumb wheel adjuster which is sensitive enough to give <1/8moa in vertical adjustment.
Unfortunately they are quite expensive - UK made Gemini.
We have just had Phil Mastin produce a bag rider LBLP right hand F/TR stock - on his website.
Cheers
Shane

[Tim N]

Hi Shane, thanks for info.

[jasmay]

I shoot left handed, RBRP.

I wonder if shane didn't get the hint when he seen me doing this a year or two back

Definetly works better, much less positional change when reloading.

[ShaneG]

Nope Jason, I have had my current RB LP Gemini for almost 5 years.
The first day on the mound with same I realised what an idiot I was not going full LB LP.
Murray and Liz Wilson were onto it about the same time - 3/4 years ago.
Vicki's new rifle was always planned as LBLP.
Cheers
Shane

[RDavies]

Tim, my F/TR rifle was a left bolt left port, did you ever use it? I preferred the LBLP when using a bipod. You can try it again in a few months but it wont be on a bipod.

[EbenF]

I shoot left handed, RBRP.

Same here

I've removed the ejector, so just flick the empty out before picking up the fresh round. Trigger hand stays on the pistol grip all the time.

[ned kelly]

G'day all,
as a lefty I've been shooting prone with a RBRP on varmints', BR, 500mFly and FO for 30+ years. Works for me.
My current FO is LBRP and love it. But recently bought a RBRP Barnard for FTR.
Cheerio Ned

[bsouthernau]

Could I suggest that, unless you're shooting at the highest level (and I note that that's exactly where most of the previous respondents to this thread are) it doesn't matter. I came into FTR by way of Match Rifle so, being left handed, all my rifles are LBLP. I have had a modicum of success and a good deal of failure. I would suggest that the configuration of your rifle has less to do with your results than where you choose to point it when it goes bang.

Barry

[ned kelly]

G'day all,
when shooting prone, whether or not you use a rest or bipod, using the wrong handed action i.e. a right handed person using a LBLP action should have more control of the rifle because their trigger hand never releases the grip on the rifle. Think about this points carefully.....
Their other hand operates the bolt and feeds the rifle. I personally use my trigger hand thumb to flick the bolt forward, along the bolts centreline, this avoids any binding that may occur when you only use the bolt handle and I use the non trigger hand to close the bolt.
Very smooth and slick which makes for efficient operation and minimal movement of the rifle. Minimal effort and less disturbance of the rifle in the bags and/or rest, faster return to target. This gives you more time to watch the WIND/MIRAGE!
Of course, you need to be comfortable in your personal technique, but if you ever get the chance to try an off hand set up you might find it refreshingly simple.
As a lefty in a RH world, I LOVE using a RHRP action and feel I have more of an advantage over any RH person using a RBRP action as I can see the load port and can quickly sort out any feeding issue if it occurs because I can SEE it. I can literally throw the round into the chamber if I have to shoot fast when conditions require me to do so.
Again it is all personal choice and as a Lefty in a RH world it is the ONE advantage I know I have in using a RBRP action. Thank you to all RH target rifle action makers!
Food for thought.
Cheerio Ned