Best Left-Handed .22 LR Rimfire Rifles for 2026
The best true left-hand .22 rifles — the CZ 457 bolt action, the left-eject Ruger 10/22, the budget Savage Mark II, and ambi lever guns — for plinking, small game, and training.
By Brian Reinke
Founder & Editor · May 29, 2026 · 7 min read
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
| Rifle | Action | Best for | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| CZ 457 American LH | True LH bolt | Accuracy, small game | Best trigger in class |
| CZ 457 Varmint LH | True LH bolt | Benchrest, varmints | Heavy barrel |
| Ruger 10/22 Carbon Fiber | True LH semi-auto | Plinking, fast follow-ups | Left ejection |
| Savage Mark II G | True LH bolt | Budget, training | Cheapest true lefty |
| Henry H1 Classic | Lever | Casual, fun | Ambi-friendly |
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.
Rifles mentioned in this article
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