Best Left-Handed .22 LR Rimfire Rifles for 2026

The best left-handed .22 LR rifle is the CZ 457 American LH — a genuine left-hand bolt action with a superb trigger and tack-driving accuracy. For a semi-auto, Ruger now makes a true left-hand 10/22 that ejects to the left. On a budget, the Savage Mark II is the cheapest true left-hand .22 you can buy.

Why a left-handed .22 is worth it

A .22 LR is the rifle you'll shoot the most — for plinking, small game, and training new shooters. That makes ergonomics matter more, not less: thousands of rounds across a season reward a true left-hand action that cycles naturally and keeps brass out of your face. The good news is that the rimfire market now has real left-hand options in every action type.

Best overall: CZ 457 American LH

The CZ 457 American LH is the rimfire enthusiast's pick. It's a true left-hand bolt action with a crisp, adjustable trigger, a 60-degree bolt throw, and the kind of accuracy that makes it a favorite for NRL22 and small game alike. Want a heavier barrel for benchrest and varmints? The CZ 457 Varmint LH is the same action in a heavy bull-barrel configuration.

Best semi-auto: Ruger 10/22 (left-hand)

For decades the iconic 10/22 was right-eject only. Ruger now offers true left-hand 10/22 models with the ejection port and bolt handle on the left:

• Ruger 10/22 Carbon Fiber — a lightweight, modern left-eject build.
• Ruger 10/22 Competition — a target-oriented left-hand version for rimfire matches.

Best budget: Savage Mark II

The Savage Mark II G is the least expensive true left-hand .22 on the market, and it punches well above its price thanks to Savage's AccuTrigger. Want a heavy varmint barrel and laminate stock? Step up to the Mark II BTVS.

Best lever .22: Henry Classic

Lever guns are inherently ambidextrous-friendly — no bolt handle to reach over and top ejection that clears either shoulder. The Henry H1 Classic is a smooth, affordable lever .22 that's just as comfortable for a southpaw as a righty.

Left-handed .22 rifles compared

Frequently asked questions

What is the best left-handed .22 rifle? The CZ 457 American LH — a true left-hand bolt action with an excellent trigger and outstanding accuracy. The left-hand Ruger 10/22 is the best semi-auto and the Savage Mark II the best budget choice.

Is there a left-handed Ruger 10/22? Yes. Ruger now makes true left-hand 10/22 models, including the Carbon Fiber and Competition, with the ejection port and bolt handle on the left side.

What's the cheapest true left-hand .22 rifle? The Savage Mark II G is the least expensive true left-hand .22 bolt action, and it still includes Savage's adjustable AccuTrigger.

Do I need a left-handed .22, or is an ambidextrous one fine? Lever-action and many youth .22s are ambidextrous-friendly. But because you'll shoot a .22 a lot, a true left-hand bolt or the left-eject 10/22 is the most comfortable long-term.

See specs and prices for every option in the rimfire catalog or the full left-handed rifle catalog.