RodB Posted 1 January , 2011 Author Share Posted 1 January , 2011 How about the lad below - a Boer guerilla, not subject to any military orthodoxy : Looks like he shoots left-handed. Would that be a Lee-Metford or some sort of Mannlicher ? This is my favourite military photograph, it tells a story, and I think this is where my starting question came from subconsciously. I understand Boers relied on extreme marksmanship rather than massed fire, so I would assume that any slowness in operating the bolt would be more than offset by his accuracy resulting from using his preferred action ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thunderbox Posted 1 January , 2011 Share Posted 1 January , 2011 How about the lad below - a Boer guerilla, not subject to any military orthodoxy : Looks like he shoots left-handed. Would that be a Lee-Metford or some sort of Mannlicher ? This is my favourite military photograph, it tells a story, and I think this is where my starting question came from subconsciously. I understand Boers relied on extreme marksmanship rather than massed fire, so I would assume that any slowness in operating the bolt would be more than offset by his accuracy resulting from using his preferred action ? Marksmanship might be ok if he enjoyed the luxury of (i) range and (ii) time, but he'd be fairly quickly shot down if he got mixed up in a more typical close-range firefight - he'd be much slower to load and aim accurately than a right hooker. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TonyE Posted 1 January , 2011 Share Posted 1 January , 2011 Rod - both the guys at the front have Lee-Enfields, probably Mark I*, but the picture does not show the muzzles, so it is unclear whether they have clearing rods fitted. The chaop at the left rear has a Mauser M 1895 in 7x57mm calibre, probably made by Steyr. Regards TonyE Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
coppertales Posted 2 January , 2011 Share Posted 2 January , 2011 Greetings and Happy New Year.....I shoot with either hand/shoulder and do not have a dominate eye. I prefer to shoot rifles left handed and have no problem working the bolt with my left hand. I just reach over the top of the action and work the bolt. I have never had any problems with semi, or full auto, rifles shooting from the left shoulder. I shoot against myself with pistols. It depends on the day which hand is a better shot. Straight bolts are easier to work than turned down bolts. Close on cocking are a bit more difficult to close than cock on opening bolts. But, the issue at hand is to enjoy shooting. I doubt if I will ever need to answer the call to arms to defend my country, again. My right hand rifle shooting will pick up in the near future when the scope for my M1 Garand arrives.....chris3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rayessex Posted 2 January , 2011 Share Posted 2 January , 2011 I shoot against myself with pistols. Crickey bet that hurts!!! Ray Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
centurion Posted 3 January , 2011 Share Posted 3 January , 2011 I shoot against myself with pistols. There was an early comic book superhero who used to play tennis against himself beating the service delivery so he could return it but even he wouldn't manage a pistol duel against himself. Am impressed but couldn't you just agree that you'd get the girl? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Piorun Posted 3 January , 2011 Share Posted 3 January , 2011 If you continue to shoot against yourself, coppertales, I'm sure you'll come to no harm However, I have a hunch that Centurion and a couple of other Old Sweats around here would drill you between the eyes while you were still trying to reach over the breech. You'll find the scope will limit your scope for a practical firing rate quite a bit further. We are discussing this topic within the context of WW1, not a civilian rifle-range. Have a good and accurate New Year. Antony Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
4thGordons Posted 3 January , 2011 Share Posted 3 January , 2011 You'll find the scope will limit your scope for a practical firing rate quite a bit further. Probably not as he was talking about it being fitted to a semi-automatic (M1 Garand) rifle.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Piorun Posted 3 January , 2011 Share Posted 3 January , 2011 Probably not as he was talking about it being fitted to a semi-automatic (M1 Garand) rifle.... Good shot! Antony Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
centurion Posted 3 January , 2011 Share Posted 3 January , 2011 Probably not as he was talking about it being fitted to a semi-automatic (M1 Garand) rifle.... And so not very relevant to the discussion in hand Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Michael Johnson Posted 3 January , 2011 Share Posted 3 January , 2011 I'm right-handed but have a dominant left eye. When I shoot I have to keep my left eye shut in order to be able to see through the rear sight. Years ago I qualified Expert with the M16 so it works OK for me, but I can't practice the military technique of using my left eye to watch the enemy and my right one to aim the weapon. I've heard it said that this condition can have a bad effect on hand-eye coordination. I have that problem as well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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