.350 Legend & Straight-Wall: Left-Handed Rifles for Restricted States

The best left-handed .350 Legend rifle is the Ruger American Generation II Ranch — a compact, hard-hitting true left-hand bolt action built for straight-wall deer hunting. For a value pick, the Mossberg Patriot and Savage 110 are strong options, and the single-shot CVA Scout is the budget choice.

Why straight-wall cartridges matter

Several Midwestern states — Ohio, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan's shotgun zones, and parts of Pennsylvania — restrict rifle deer hunting to straight-wall cartridges. The .350 Legend has become the runaway favorite: mild recoil, affordable ammo, flat enough for typical ranges, and effective on whitetail. Other legal options include .450 Bushmaster, .400 Legend, .360 Buckhammer, and .45-70. Always confirm your state's exact rules before buying.

Check your state's specific cartridge requirements (case length, caliber minimums) before you buy — they vary, and they change.

Best overall: Ruger American Generation II Ranch

The Ruger American Gen II Ranch is the standout true left-hand straight-wall rifle. The compact Ranch configuration suits close-cover whitetail hunting, and it's also offered left-handed in .450 Bushmaster and .400 Legend for hunters who want more thump.

Best value bolt actions: Mossberg Patriot & Savage 110

• Mossberg Patriot — an affordable, left-hand-friendly .350 Legend with a good trigger.
• Savage 110 Carbon Hunter — a true left-hand .350 Legend with a carbon-wrapped barrel and AccuTrigger; also offered across the 110 lineup.

Best budget single-shot: CVA

• CVA Cascade XT — a true left-hand bolt action at a budget price.
• CVA Scout — a simple, affordable break-action single-shot that's inherently ambidextrous and a great youth or backup straight-wall gun.

Left-handed straight-wall rifles compared

Frequently asked questions

What is the best left-handed .350 Legend rifle? The Ruger American Generation II Ranch — a compact, true left-hand bolt action built for straight-wall deer hunting. The Mossberg Patriot and Savage 110 are strong value alternatives.

What states require straight-wall cartridges for deer? Ohio, Indiana, Iowa, parts of Michigan and Pennsylvania, and others restrict rifle hunting to straight-wall cartridges like .350 Legend and .450 Bushmaster. Always verify your state's current regulations.

Is .350 Legend good for deer? Yes — it's an effective, mild-recoiling whitetail cartridge inside about 200 yards, which is why it's become the most popular straight-wall option.

Browse straight-wall options in the full catalog, or see the best left-handed deer rifles.