If youโre looking for the best left-handed AR-15 rifle, then youโre in the right place. Yes, we know how frustrating it can be for a lefty trying to shoot an AR-15 designed for a right-handed shooter.
To solve this issue, most gun manufacturers take it upon themselves to design ambidextrous accessories. But what about rifles themselves? Yes, they do exist in an effort to help left-handed shooters.
But rifles like the seven weโll be listing down below are made exclusively for those who are left-handed. No ambidextrous accessories needed at all.
Before we get to our list, letโs take a look at the difference between ambidextrous, left-handed, and right-handed rifles. Weโll also provide you with a brief guide on how you can choose your own left-handed AR-15 rifle.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for Left Handed AR 15 Rifles
- BEST OVERALL AND BEST LEFT-HANDED LOWER RECEIVER: Aero Precision - AR-15 Ambidextrous Lower Receiver 5.56 Black
- RUNNER-UP: Stag 15L Tactical
- Stag Arms - AR-15 Complete 3 Gun Elite Upper Receiver 5.56mm
Comparison of the Best Left Handed AR-15 Rifles and Parts
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Ambidextrous vs. Left-Handed vs. Right-Handed
There are different kinds of rifles and accessories for all kinds of shooters, no matter which hand they is most dominant. Some are exclusive to either hand and some will accommodate either/or. So whatโs the difference between them? What are the advantages? Any disadvantages? Letโs answer these questions so you know what sets them apart from each other:
Right-Handed
First, youโll notice that the ejector port will be pointing towards the right on an AR-15โs upper receiver. This may pose as a safety hazard for left-handed shooters because the magazine casings fling out of the ejector port after it is fired.
You donโt want a piece of metal flying out at full speed hitting you in the face or worse, your eye. Plus, those discarded shells get pretty dang hot when they get ejected so the risk of burns will be an issue.
Source
Left-Handed
The difference in this type is the ejector port will be located on the left side of the upper receiver. Likewise, this will also affect accuracy and performance for those who typically shoot right-handed. It will also pose the same risk of being injured by discarded rounds being ejected from the port.
Some of the parts assembled on the lower receiver of an AR-15 will have ambidextrous accessories like safeties. These can be turned on by pressing the safety button in either direction.
Ambidextrous
Ambidextrous is defined as using either hand. Left or right, it doesnโt even matter. The ambidextrous parts, like the safety, will be much easier to install compared to a safety designed for either handed shooter. However, most ambidextrous accessories will be a larger benefit for left-handed shooters.
This means the main disadvantage would be that right-handed shooters would eschew the idea of using these kinds of accessories because they donโt have the struggles of most left-handed shooters. Therefore, they donโt see the need to use them.
How to Choose a Left-Handed AR-15
Before making a decision on which left-handed AR-15 rifle will be yours, it is important to consider a few factors that will drive you to make the final purchasing decision.
Plus, youโll need to think about the fact that this is an AR-15 rifle that youโll probably rely on long-term. So itโs always paramount to choose wisely.
To help you along the process, here are a few things we recommend that you look for before making your choice:
Price
If youโre a first-time buyer or someone who is consistently on a budget, the price will most likely play an important role. As you take a look at the price, you should consider looking at the overall quality of the rifle itself. High quality, but affordable is what youโre looking for. Most will associate a low price tag with low quality. But it takes a bit of research to find the best quality rifle that you can afford.
Building Project or No?
The easiest way to build a left-handed AR-15 rifle is by building it piece by piece. This means getting the parts you need in order to make sure itโs adaptable for left-handed shooters.
This will also mean getting parts and accessories designed for ambidextrous use. Obviously, more left-handed users will take advantage of ambidextrous safeties and upper receivers than right-handed users.
Alternatively, you can also purchase an AR-15 already assembled and ready for action. Either way, you can still use one. The only difference is the amount of money and time that you invest in it.
Design
It is important to pay close attention to the design. Especially when youโre looking for an AR-15 rifle designed specifically for left-handed shooters. Make sure the ejector port is on the other side so it wonโt eject rounds quickly and hit your face in the process.
The important thing to note is that you may not find an AR-15 for lefties at your local gun store. So that would mean ordering a custom-made rifle, which may cost more money. Youโre better off finding one at a handful of online gun stores. Alternatively, you can purchase a build kit if youโre up for the challenge.
Review of the Best Left-Handed AR-15 Rifles
Below are seven of the best left-handed AR-15 rifles currently on the market. As youโre going through each of them, be sure to note some of the features and functions. Is it worth the investment? Is it reliable? These are a sample of the long list of questions that youโll be answering while your search progresses.
In the meantime, letโs begin with our list by unveiling the โbest overallโ left-handed AR-15 rifle:
Best Overall:
Stag Arms - AR-15 Complete 3 Gun Elite Upper Receiver 5.56mm
Pros
Cons
Next, weโll be taking a look at the left-handed upper that is the best fit for an AR-15 rifle. We get it, maybe you donโt want to get a left-handed AR-15 outright.
Maybe youโre more of the building type. And we wonโt blame you if thatโs the case. In fact, weโll salute you for taking matters into your own hands.
If youโre looking for an excellent upper receiver to convert your rifle into a left-handed machine, the Stag Arms AR-15 Complete 3 Gun Elite Upper Receiver is a great choice. This will best fit on rifles among the 5.56 NATO caliber.
The first thing youโll notice is that it has an 18-inch barrel that is fully fluted. This means heat dissipation will be fast and debris will be easy to clean out of the barrel.
Made from stainless steel with a barrel twist of 1:8, this will be the perfect upgrade or addition to any build if youโre looking to get maximum accuracy out of it.
This upper receiver has a rifle-style gas system, but the gas block itself is low profile. The handguard is an M-LOK style measured at 16 inches in length. This also will give you the opportunity to customize your rifle to how you like.
So if you have a scope or an optic youโre willing to give a try, youโll want an upper receiver that will be able to accommodate that. The Stag Arms product is something that will be definitely up for the challenge.
Bottom Line
If youโre more of a builder, then youโll definitely need the appropriate parts so your project is a great success. Building a rifle, no matter if itโs for righties or lefties, can be a challenge.
But if youโre looking for an excellent accessory that will be best-designed for the lefty shooter like yourself, this Stag Arms AR-15 Complete Upper receiver might be the first thing to start with.
Best Left-Handed Charging Handle:
Phase 5 Tactical - AR-15/M16 Ambidextrous Charging Handle
Pros
Cons
Next, weโll be taking a look at the Phase 5 Tactical AR-15/M16 Ambidextrous Charging Handle. This is the perfect addition to have if you want a handle that will best accommodate left-handed shooters.
And since this is an ambidextrous charging handle, once again we provide you with a part considered the closest thing you can get to left-handed.
This is made of high-quality aluminum, so it will be durable and be able to handle rough and tough usage. Expect this to last you a long while since itโs thicker than regular charging handles.
The charging handle is provided to give you a more positive charge while youโre using your AR-15, especially when youโre using one designed to retain your weapon in place, in times when you need it most (like a competitive shooting contest).
This has contact points so broad that will be easy to manipulate your rifle if you so choose to do so.
Bottom Line
If youโre looking for a product that will be reliable and last you a long time, the Phase 5 Charging Handle is probably what youโll want to add on to your new AR-15 build. It will also serve as a suitable replacement for all other currently existing left-handed AR-15 rifles.
Either way, youโre getting something thatโs beefy in size and will aid in making your firing ability much more reliable.
Best Left-Handed Mag Release:
Troy Industries, Inc. - AR-15/M16 Ambidextrous Magazine Release
Pros
Cons
Finally, weโll be taking look at the best left-handed mag release currently on the market. Our mag release of choice is brought to us by the Troy Industries brand. There will be times your magazine will malfunction. Yes, it happens.
But what if you want a mag release that is quick and reliable? What if you want something that will easily allow you to release your magazine and replace it with a spare? Youโll find it in the AR-15/M16 Ambidextrous Magazine Release.
This is an easy to install magazine release that will work like your normal factory made an accessory. Even better, it will also work without interfering with any ambidextrous bolt releases. This is the closest mag release you can get to a full-blown left-handed release.
So if youโre looking for a mag release that will best benefit you and save you time and struggle, this ambidextrous magazine release might be the best possible option for your current AR-15 build.
This puppy is built solidly and is quite durable. In fact, this is the kind of magazine release that you would find in most military or tactical style weapons. Built tough and able to handle extreme conditions, youโve got a magazine release that will work whenever you need it most.
Bottom Line
Nothing makes an AR-rifle more reliable than a magazine release that will work quickly. Magazines will malfunction. Your spare mags will be used at some point during a competition or a long day at the range.
Either way, youโll need a magazine release that will let the mags fall freely without jamming and will give you more time and speed to slide in a new, freshly loaded magazine.
If saving time and fast magazine loading is what you look for, this magazine release will do the trick for your AR-15 left-handed rifle.
Best Left-Handed Lower Receiver:
Aero Precision - AR-15 Ambidextrous Lower Receiver 5.56 Black
Pros
Cons
For those who want to build their left-handed AR-15 rifle from the ground up, this is the top choice. Yes, while an upper receiver is important, so is a lower receiver.
Our best choice for a left-handed lower is the Aero Precision AR-15 Ambidextrous Lower Receiver. This product will work with uppers that have barrels chambered in the 5.56 caliber. So chances are it will work well with an upper like the Stag Arms AR-15 Complete Upper Receiver.
This is constructed in high-quality, super durable aluminum. In plain English, it can take on a lot of abuse. For a rifle that has the ability to rapidly fire powerful shots, it can handle large amounts of rounds and the recoil that goes with them.
For added strength, this includes a black anodized finish. Since this is made in the USA, you know it has to be top quality. Most gun manufacturers in America wonโt settle for anything less than the best when it comes to strict standards on quality.
This will fit with most drop-in trigger assemblies. So if you plan on finding one that will give you a crisp, no-creep kind of shooting, this lower receiver is worth the investment. While weโre at it, you should find a trigger assembly that will give you a light, smooth pull.
Because the smoother the pull, the quicker youโre able to get a shot off. No matter the application, timing is everything.
Getting back on course, this lower receiver is an ambidextrous lower that will most benefit left-handed shooters. In fact, itโs as close as you can get to anything remotely left-handed.
Bottom Line
The Aero Precision Ambidextrous Lower Receiver is probably the only reliable lower on the market that will fit left-handed shooters. If your goal is to build a left-handed AR-15 rifle outright, youโll obviously need the right kind of parts to accommodate you.
A lower receiver is what youโll need to house the trigger assembly and all the parts needed to help your rifle function. So why not choose something like the Aero Precision lower to give you a feel thatโs closest to being left-handed?
Runner-up:
Stag 15L Tactical
Pros
Cons
Next, weโll be taking a look at the Stag 15L Tactical. This rifle is available in either the 5.56 NATO or the .223 caliber. Whichever you prefer, youโll love having a rifle that wonโt give you difficulty just because youโre a left-handed shooter.
The barrel of the gun has a 1:7 twist, making it a potentially accurate rifle that can shoot with pinpoint accuracy. No matter the purpose, if you can hit the bullseye, itโs good enough for you. Itโs measured at 16 inches and has a carbine gas system.
The safety selector is designed for left-handed shooters (and nothing else), so if youโre looking for something that has an ambidextrous safety instead, you might be disappointed.
This comes equipped with a 30-round magazine. Youโll have just enough rounds to get you through the day while youโre hunting for the big game targets.
However, itโs always good to have spare magazines handy if youโre out in the field or if youโre spending the day at the range. Having that many rounds doesnโt seem like too little or too much for most shooters.
If youโre looking for a high-quality rifle constructed with high-quality parts and accessories, the Stag 15L Tactical might be exactly what youโre looking for in a left-handed AR-15 rifle.
Bottom Line
The Stag 15L is the manufacturerโs left-handed answer to their signature Stag 15 rifle. Now, left-handed shooters enjoy the same shooting experience and benefits that their right-handed counterparts have long enjoyed. This is a multi-purpose rifle best used for hunting, home defense, or target practice.
No matter the purpose, left-handed shooters will no longer have to worry about accuracy issues or anything else that theyโve long dealt with while trying to shoot with a right-handed rifle.
Second Runner-Up:
Stag 15L SL SBR
Pros
Cons
Next on the docket is another Stag 15L rifle. This time, we'll be taking a look at the SL SBR. Stag Arms rifles have long been the best in terms of durability and reliability. If those are two of the top priorities on your list, then you may want to pay close attention to this rifle in particular (or any of the other Stag brand rifles on this list).
One of the things you'll notice right away is that it includes a free-floating handguard. This is considered one of the best accessories to have on an AR-style rifle. That's because free-floating handguards not only improve your accuracy considerably, but they are also designed to give you faster heat dissipation.
Also included is a Magpul CTR stock. The stock is made from a polymer material, making it very durable. It will aid in helping reduce recoil and give you complete control over your rifle in the process. When you have less recoil and better control, your shots will be consistently accurate.
Also included in the rifle itself is your left-handed safety selector and your 30-count PMAG magazine.
Stag is so confident in their rifles lasting a long time that they stand by a lifetime warranty. So if youโre looking for a rifle that wonโt steer your wrong for years or even decades down the road, the Stag 15L SL SBR rifle might be yours to own.
Bottom Line
If you hold accuracy to a high standard, this rifle will be your best friend for as long as you live. The free-floating rail and the ability to give you full control over your rifle thanks to the polymer Magpul buttstock will certainly give you consistent, accurate shots each time you pull the trigger.
At the same time, itโs light in weight and will take a lot of poundings over the course of many years. If youโre looking for the last AR-15 rifle youโll ever need to buy for a while, youโd be insane not to give this Stag 15L rifle a close look.
Best for the Money:
Stag 15L Bones
Pros
Cons
Now, weโll be taking a look at the best left-handed AR-15 rifle for the money. If youโre on a budget and you want a product that will be reliable no matter the application, the Stag 15L Bones is something that deserves a closer look.
What makes it the best rifle that can be affordable for most budgets? For one, itโs customizable. For example, the stock is customizable since it includes a six-position buffer tube. This will fit any shooter regardless if youโre short in stature or a big-and-tall kind of shooter.
Customization is always one of the top qualities AR-15 shooters look for. They want something that will fit them personally. Why settle for something that is considered a โone-size-fits-allโ kind of rifle?
At the same time, you can customize it to your desire by adding your favorite scope or optic. Plus, a good free-floating handguard will look nice on this. That will up your accuracy game quite a bit.
Speaking of accuracy, the barrel has a twist rate of 1:7. Most barrels with this kind of ratio will be more accurate than other rifles with different twist rates.
These will work with rounds that weigh from about 55-grain to about 70-grain. If you have some rounds of that weight that youโre dying to fire off, then this is the rifle youโll probably want.
This product is your best possible option for a left-handed AR-15 if youโre on a budget. Even if you have money to play around with, youโll want this rifle for the customizability and hard to match performance.
Either way, the Bones AR-15 rifle from Stag will stand out among the rest. The question is: how will you customize it?
Bottom Line
As expected, the Bones is the kind of rifle that goes above and beyond the norms of a budget AR-15 rifle. Customizable and the best fit for left-handed shooters? How can you resist? If you want a rifle that will allow you to customize it to your advantage, the Stag 15L Bones might be the rifle youโll want to own.
The first step to a custom left-handed AR-15 rifle is purchasing this one. Once you have it, find the accessories you want to install on it and be ready to go.
Cautious Considerations Before Buying
In situations like this, there are some additional aspects that youโll need to consider while youโre in search of a new left-handed AR-15 rifle. These are things to pay attention to since it pertains to the legality of purchasing and owning an AR-15 rifle. Knowing these considerations will save you a lot of time, money, and even legal headaches in the long-term. Hereโs what you need to know:
Compliance Laws
In nearly a dozen states, there are gun compliance laws. States like California, Illinois, Maryland, New York, New Jersey, and a few others have recently passed laws regarding AR-15 rifles. However, they will differ from the other in terms of what you can or cannot use for parts or accessories on an AR-15 rifle.
For example, in the state of New York, no AR-style rifle barrel should be less than 16 inches in length. Depending on the state you live in, see if any of the rifles or accessories above are in compliance with your stateโs laws.
To err on the side of caution, you should also double check to see which laws exist in your jurisdiction. This way, you wonโt face any legal repercussions.
The Other Legal Stuff
Nationwide, youโll have to be at least 18 years of age to purchase a semi-automatic rifle like an AR. Of course, you must also not be a convicted felon or have had a history of being held for psychiatric reasons. An AR-15 rifle should be used responsibly and for the appropriate applications.
Conclusion
Finding the best left-handed AR-15 rifle can be a challenge. But the correct one is out there for you. Alternatively, you can build one from scratch. Either way, left-handed shooters can rejoice in the fact that all the right parts and accessories are out there to make shooting an AR-15 rifle more enjoyable.
So consider which route is easier for you and make your next trip to the range or the hunting field more enjoyable for you and your fellow left-handed shooters.
