BCM Training Tip - AR-15 Left-Handed Manipulation

[@pro-tekprofessionalservice1531]

As a left-handed shooter, this is the way I was taught to run the AR-15 platform in the USMC and it works like a charm.

[@DutchK75]

Me too. I do like a ambi saftey however.

[@pro-tekprofessionalservice1531]

@@DutchK75 nice to have but I agree with Mr Vickers. Easier to train to work with any AR platform not set up for lefties. I even find it a little difficult to use the the ambi slide stop on modern handguns. Been "wrong handed" my whole life and I'm used to adjusting to right handed controls.

[@DutchK75]

@@pro-tekprofessionalservice1531 I'm willing to bet most of the M4's out and about are running a ambi saftey now. I'm willing to bet any, "battlefield" pickup in the states may have some jank to it. I bought a 12.5 BCM upper with the MK2 upper and ambi charging handle. I still roll it over. 🤷‍♂️

[@pro-tekprofessionalservice1531]

@@DutchK75 like I said, nice to have if it's there but you can't always count on it. I'm pretty sure battlefield pick-ps (more than likely National Guard guns) won't have all the bells and whistles depending on the unit and State.

[@RichardOlsonar15]

Agreed!

[@davechurchill1546]

I'm a lefty rifle shooter also. Never seen this topic covered before.

[@richardfriend5438]

As a leftie, manipulating a right handed AR reminds me of righties manipulating an AK.

[@maxwellclark6992]

The AK is a lefty gun amirite

[@Minotaur-ey2lg]

Never thought about it, but a lefty AK would be pretty sick.

[@kkrummelrhs]

The AK is a dream as far as controls go for lefty shooters. Reloads, selector switch, and charging the rifle all with the right hand

[@cream2257]

@@kkrummelrhs but manipulating the AK as a lefty sucks. Gotta take your support hand off the handguard for something you should be able to do with the main hand

[@davidguymon1673]

I'm left handed and right eye dominant, so it's the opposite for me. I do however shoot AR and 12 gauge from the hip sometimes, and when I do I like to do it with my left hand. I always shoot my pistols left handed though.

[@TheRobman139]

Good video. As a 61-year-old southpaw and army infantry vet I have had to adapt to right-handed weapons my whole life, and I’ve been shooting since I was seven. I had a Vietnam War-era M16A1 in the army and own a right-handed AR-15 today. It’s no big deal, and I do everything he suggests, except that I got in the habit of using my thumb for the safety selector during my army days and it just feels so natural for me that I just am not gonna change. All I really needed in my personal AR was that built-in brass deflector and I was good (the occasional hot brass down my shirt in the army was no fun).

[@krainex]

Looking great Larry

[@MoarteaLunii]

What? You want your pooper gaped?

[@gabelstapler19]

Appreciate the info. My daughter is left eye dominant, and I've always had her shoot left-handed. We're now working on ARs, so the video is very timely.

[@angry_zergling]

That's the way to do with it. After a decade+ of resisting I'm finally transitioning to left-hand rifles (right-handed, left-eyed). I wish I knew about eye dominance at the start or had at least transitioned to left-handed when I learned that's the best way to do it. I have a LOT of muscle-memory to retrain in regards to manual of arms. It's nice she has someone to teach her to shoot right. =)

[@TheMostHigh13]

Thank you. I'm left eye dominant, and I was thinking about shooting long guns with my left hand. You helped me make that decision easier.

[@jbrunner122]

Good to know I naturally picked up these methods on my own. Only thing I prefer is a Ambi safety on my gun but have no issues running a gun without it.

[@tommyj7087]

Thanks for showing us left eye dominant folks some love Larry! Next, I would love to see how you do transitions with the left handed AR and right handed pistol as well as your belt setup for something like that, not necessarily a vest, but a belt.

[@KriegZombie]

As a right handed shooter I am interested in this because I may have to switch it up in a firefight. You could injure your right arm or be limited by cover. Anyway, thanks for the advice.

[@noahjackl2240]

It’s good for both handed and eye dominant shooters to train ambi, especially if you are in the military or want to train for home defense. It’s especially relevant yet also convenient for me as I am left handed and right eye dominant, meaning I am losing and gaining both ways

[@goowy1256]

As a right handed but left eye dominant shooter - this video is a god send. Thank you

[@felix4820]

You can shoot with both eyes open

[@WarriorNoldor]

I'm left-handed and left eye dominant this is great info.

[@frooskys22]

Well actually doesn't matter if you are left handed or right handed, that it is important in handguns. But for long guns the important thing is the dominant eye

[@driesmertens8]

@@frooskys22 why is it? for me its a lot more important for pistols, i see a big difference there, for my rifle me not-dominant eye does just fine!?

[@MCgrease08]

Wow what timing on the video release. I took LV's Advanced Carbine class today in Lebanon, Indiana and got this lesson first-hand. Using the trigger finger of your left hand to click the safety on and off works really well. I haven't done much leftie rifle shooting or transition to weak side. I was pleased with the hits I got. Running through some of those drills today gave plenty of things to work on and try. I definitely recommend training with Larry.

[@VickersTacticalLAV]

Thanks!! Stay safe !

[@petesheppard1709]

Though a leftie, I learned to shoot back when right-hand was STRONGLY encouraged, but I also strive for proficiency either way. Thanks for the video; it confirmed what I worked out for myself over the years.

[@skibus17]

Larry awesome video! This is something I struggle with too, would love to see more in-depth on this such as transitions to pistols and sling setups for that as well.

[@herknorth8691]

When I try to run my AR left handed, a nun appears out of nowhere and hits me with a ruler.

[@davidplatt8915]

THAT's funny. I don't care who ya are!

[@kdog1227]

That really is funny. Now you're making me remember being whacked as a child the way I held my pencil. Good one. But if your a righty with an out of focus right eye and a great left eye the AR running left handed is great.

[@greggb3079]

Herk North Hahaha, I am 57yrs young, left handed, and went to a catholic school, never had my hand(s) whacked by the "penguins", but my dad (left handed) went to catholic school, and told me about getting his hand whacked by them for that... He was still left handed when he passed... You made my day sir, with your comment.

[@AdolfSchicklegruber]

Underrated comment

[@Flako92]

Eiiivvll. I'm to young to understand that whole thing about being left handed making you evil. Then again I don't consider myself being a good person to begin with so I guess it can check out.

[@budstermcgreen6360]

Great tips for the lefties...I'm right handed but still like my ambi safety and charging handle. Keeps me on my toes and never know when a family member or trusted friend would need to use my rifle if that ever came about. Thanks for everything you do LAV! ✌️

[@MTMILITIAMAN7.62]

I ran a standard A4/RCO in the Marines left handed and adapted fine to it. The rifle served me fine. My personal ARs still have Radian Raptor charging handles and ambi safeties because they are mine.

[@tombombadil4222]

More videos on left handed reloads would be nice to see. Not a lot of material out there on it. I’m also right handed but left eye dominant so I appreciate videos like these.

[@danthenic74]

25th year active duty. My Dad, also left handed, taught me from the beginning I'd have to figure how to do lefty things in a righty world. The position of the safety is perfect for a lefty and I actually prefer to adjust the safety exactly like you do. Bolt release as well. Depending on the situation, I almost always release the mag with my right thumb. Great video!

[@proudbrownconservative]

Larry, I am a veteran too, and I am the exact way, left eye dominant right handed, i thought when I was small that I was tought wrong til I joined the military.

[@stevenkennedy4130]

Good stuff! That being said, I do use the ambi safeties & charging handles, myself. Thanks for the great content!!

[@harrycollinsakadick]

1968 Viet Nam vet here. I just lost sight in my right eye due to Giant Cell Arteritis. This was great information as I transition to being a left handed shooter. I'm practicing. Thanks!

[@johnkeesee9160]

I'm 64 and just lost my right eye to a stroke. Relearning left side operation of long guns. It's weird, but necessary...

[@hainhatphung1371]

I am also left-eye. Shooting handgun I do side it over my left eye for sight, otherwise the right one is as blurry as porn censor. Rifles, all but bullpup (never tried), left is more natural for me to operate, since handling on the right feels off, like can't even hold it for a minute without shaking a bit. FNC is my favorite for its good brash deflect, right hand pulling the charging handle much easier and stronger, and I don't hold grudges with changing mag. 3 or 5 seconds under cover is way safer than exposing yourself. Reaching my thumb on AR bolt release was an accidental discover, and since then my best handling method. My first build was an F1 upper w/ 16in barrel, BCM full lower part kit (very nice trigger!) and old ass Aimpoint Pro (soon to be SIG Romeo). Upgrades over the year never needs ambi setup, as long my left pointer isn't broken.

[@therealericjackdaniels]

I'm always down for a 3 min knowledge bomb from LAV when it comes on my feed. Thanx Boss

[@AmaniLindsey]

Mad love, I feel like hes replying to my last comment. Stand tall lefties!

[@MrSteverwise]

I'm 73 and been a right shoulder shooter all my life, now since my right eye as gone bad now my left eye is my dominant now, fire a pistol is know probem since I shoot with both eye's open. But with a AR rifle it's a whole different problem, now I have to retrain myself using my left shoulder and left eye. Your video helped a lot.

[@williamhornsby5720]

Hello Larry. Love the videos. I'm ambidextrous but dominant left handed and have also found it easy to roll the rifle to the left and reach under my left arm and pull the charging handle with my tight hand thumb allowing me keep my arms in tight in close quarters training.

[@migyverman]

Good advice from a right handed left eye dominant shooter. Learned to manipulate the safety like you, but now I have Colt reversible(one sided) safeties on my ARs.

[@ricepresident2990]

As an amateur cross-sighted shooter, this was a very informative video, thank you and keep up the amazing content👍!

[@RoadkillFXSTC]

Watching Wet Fire in my son's basic training video, I was elated to see a follow Lefty. I manage in my Air Force career.

[@Fir3LocksTV]

Very good point I’m here beating up my self to get a lefty ar but I’m sold on the way your explain your reason not to use ambi controls

[@CFairNH]

Good tips, as a lefty I have made my AR more South paw friendly. I've added the ambi safety and the Gieselle maritime bolt release. Thanks for posting, always enjoy the content!

[@VickersTacticalLAV]

Thanks!

[@fjamato]

Awesome Larry. Cannot wait to get in another class with you soon! Amazing instructions.

[@xiexieantonidas9585]

Right handed left-eye dominant myself. Great tips! Good to know you and I share more than that quirk as my mom's maiden name was Vickers. You're doin' great stuff there, cousin! lol!

[@obxburg]

I have found as a true lefty that is left eye dominant. That using my right hand to release the mag, my right hand to manipulate the charging handle and hitting the bolt release with my trigger finger doesn't take a ton of practice to become extremely efficient. The real training comes in when developing muscle memory for "locating" and efficiently inserting the mag with YOUR RIGHT HAND 😉 That's where the fun begins. Especially when you are training/practicing for efficient speed loads. My comment is for the beginners that you teach past, present and future. Great video as always Sir! Thanks

[@docgillygun9531]

Instinctively this is how I adapted to use controls as a lefty. Thank you for the reinforcement LAV.

[@Spike-13]

Just got my new MKII complete upper from BCM and I love it!

[@kdog1227]

Good stuff Mr. Vickers. I have the same eyes design. Left eye dominant. Right handed. Was told as a child my right eye is lazy eye. 6 yrs Army Reserve 1981 to 1987. Basic training Ft. Dix, NJ. Got my training at time with A1 left from Vietnam era that would jam with just a little of that good ol sand at Ft. Dix. Had 45 pistols at time n when I got out Berettas came. Worked through use of M16 A-1 rifle for righty shooting as lefty because of eyes. It feels so natural and easy now that I don't even feel the rifle was made for right handed shooters. It's no big deaI. Guess it just what you get use to with training n practice.

[@tillerzeit]

Hi, lefty handed left eye dominant guy here. Been running it this way for a while now. Yes it works great and everything. My one gripe about the AR platform is that after 60+ years of innovation and improvement they didn't bother to make it a bit more left handed friendly aside from the brass deflector. Other than that great rifle and so there's a reason why it's been used for 60+ years

[@TheCoolestRob]

As someone who isn't a lefty, but has lefty friends who want to learn to shoot, this was exactly what I needed to show them how to run an AR.

[@TheColoradoRunner]

As a right handed, left eye dominant shooter, I appreciate this video. Thank you.

[@andysmith4673]

I love watching you run the rifle left handed Larry. I'm in the same boat, righted pistol shooter but a lefty rifle shooter. I need to work being able to run the controls like you do. My rifle is ambidextrous.

[@SNOs_W0RLD]

Man I have been shooting pistol for years and just started picking up rifles. I am right handed and left eye dom so this was extremely helpful.

[@jaimepowell5033]

I too am leftie eye rightie hand. Always always done it this way. The AR isn't my favorite platform, but i work with it.

[@chrisjosekuehl]

As a lefty I always thought it’s easier for us, especially when you put a ambi mag release on it and a Geiselle maritime bolt catch, I can drop the mag and lock open or close the bolt with my hand on the grip.

[@jamarcus1118]

That set up is beautiful!

[@stephenjoy5021]

Iam a true southpaw and have never really liked ambi safetys.Biught the ambi from triggertech,installed it,then switched the larger lever to right side of rifle.Works awesome!easily flicked with my thumb on or off without changing my grip.Also run the radian raptor charging handle in all my rifles!

[@nomnomfpv3136]

Someone told me I should buy the $800+ Knights Armament ambidextrous lower receiver 😂 I’m glad I came across this video. And the comments from veterans stating “this is how I was taught to manipulate a rifle as a lefty in the military” helps a lot. Now I gotta get to the range!

[@patricklawrence2755]

Much appreciated. there sint a lot of info out there on how to run AR's when you are left handed. This is clear and it works. good vid

[@matthewurynowicz9163]

I am a lefty so this helps a lot when i get my AR

[@burnerloco4138]

Being left hand I’m glad I found your video much appreciated. Have only had mine about a year or so will definitely try these drills and I subscribed 👍🇺🇸 Thanks

[@NPAMike]

Thanks for the video. As somebody who is blind in my right eye i figured i would have to be a lefty rifle shooter and was thinking about looking at guns for left handed people.

[@simplerick256]

Best trainer video ever!

[@pavelkubicek3732]

Perfect video for me as AR15 rookie from Czech. 👍

[@TheLanden11]

Thanks for the tips Larry I have the same issue left eye dominant right handed.

[@hollyfoxThe]

I have both a right-handed AR and a full lefty one. Good tips. I guess I should see if I can run both the same way if possible.

[@michelemantovani9718]

Tks Larry

[@mandyland6679]

As a Lefty this was really helpful thank you

[@NateSail82]

Haven't seen a vid of you in a while, I have to say you're looking much healthier now. Badass man and congrats, much respect as always.

[@Cmoth040]

I'm also right-handed but left eye dominant. Ambidextrous pistol but right-handed rifle and shotgun except when I use an Ar15 or an Ak. I'm not comfortable using a bolt-action rifle left-handed, even rifles set up with a lefty receiver, but the Ar15 platform is super easy to run from either side. It just takes practice from both sides and doing drills transitioning from left to right often, including reloads and clearance drills. If you learn to run the gun from both shoulders you'll find that clearing a corner is absolute cake, regardless of which side you're addressing it from. You don't need ambidextrous control either.

[@Giutter]

Excellent! I'm was thinking about bought ambi controls for my AR... But really, is better learn to use it originally! Thank you

[@MySideWinch]

Also right 🖐🏼, left 👁 dominant. I was practicing these exact manipulations last night! It just the most logical way. I'm glad you confirmed that is the best way for me to run n gun. Thank you

[@elijahrichards1718]

Preciate this video left hand shooter left eye dominant here and just picked up an AR-15 and unfortunately it’s right hand friendly

[@IBDASHOOTER]

Nice video I’m right handed and left eye dominate and been training myself this exact way......Glad to see I been doing it right

[@kenseavey9165]

Love the look of that little rifle. The gray really brings it to life, as well as that front sight. I’m an iron sight guy. Don’t care for optics. Just my preference.

[@mn_rifleman]

Left handed tips (from a fellow lefty) on the AR Steps: 1 Drop AR. 2. Pick up 5.45 AK. Done ✅ 👍🏻

[@ipanzerschrecku4732]

thank you for bringing us the sexier side of the firearm...

[@VickersTacticalLAV]

Your welcome!

[@drewwright727]

As a leftie, Magpul BAD lever helps a great deal too. Especially for those with smaller hands that cant reach the bolt release with their index finger.

[@msims1250]

Great stuff! I’m the same way, right hand pistol, left hand rifle. I don’t like ambi safeties, but I do use Radian Raptor ambi charging handles and Magpul BAD levers. I also have KAC, LWRC, and Primary Weapons rifles that are fully ambi from the factory.

[@RyanSmith-vb3ug]

Left eye dominant, right handed here as well. This is a truly awesome video, super informative too. Thanks for sharing

[@Dougs-Ear-Hole-Entertainment]

Thanks Larry, I was always worried about casing ejection into my face with my ar. Found out it is absolutely no problem. This is my first ar platform and I love it. Had no idea why I sucked with a rifle, but was dead on with a pistol. Yep, left eye dominant all the way. Now I'm accurate with both pistol and rifle. Thanks

[@John-tx1wk]

I'm also right handed and left eye dominant and shoot rifles left handed. I had to run the M4/16 without ambi controls due to Uncle Sugar having an odd aversion to modifying them. So I'm good with standard controls. But on my own AR platform rifles I do run ambi safeties. I find if I don't think about it I use my thumb to put ARs on fire using the right side control and use my trigger finger to put it on safe using the left side control. I'm pretty ambidextrous on most things such as batting and golf to a lesser degree. But I can't shoot a pistol left handed for love or money. Beyond running weak hand drills which I'm adequate at I just don't even try anymore.

[@ovk-ih1zp]

Since I mounted a Geissele Maritime Bolt release all I really am looking for now is a good Ambi Mag release. That Maritime Bolt release is a fantastic design, can't recommend it enough.

[@squashhead1374]

Holy shit I learned to run my right handed AR15 as a lefty the exact same way as Larry Vickers. I kind of feel like a badass. I know it saint true.

[@angry_zergling]

I'm right-handed but left-eye dominant, and after years of resisting it I've decided I'm gonna start shooting left. I'm married to it - I already ready moved my light and sling to the opposite sides - blue locktite in place so it's all or nothin'. xD. It is just so much better left. Even with both eyes open on an unmagnified EOTECH I would lose the reticle or shoulder the rifle and the reticle wouldn't be lined up. It was enough of an issue where I needed to depend on the integrated laser in my OLight when rapidly shifting targets close-in half the time and wasn't confident in hitting the target with any precision unless I had my left eye closed - going from low ready and getting a shot off as fast as I could both eyes open would give me a four inch group at like 5 meters. Left eye behind the optic, though? Smoooooooth as butter. I can skulk around with my rifle shouldered and pretend I'm a Navy SEAL from the movie The Rock (if you haven't seen that movie, when they walk they violently check left, then jerk right, then look up, then look down...while moving down a solid cooridor - it's great! xD) and I actually manage to stay behind the optic! I hadn't realized how bad shooting wrong-eyed was impacting me and I'm really excited now to see how I'll improve. Kinda pissed about all the time I wasted doing mag-retention reload drills right-handed but that's why I'm here - gotta learn the cross-eye dominant manual of arms from a pro!

[@rucksackransack]

God bless you LV going forward.

[@ShredderSensei]

I'm the same way Mr Vickers because I'm blind in my right eye. Thanks sir!

[@trevordunn4338]

Dear Mr Vickers, I was wondering if you can do some videos on guns for lefties. Like you I’m left handed but right eye dominant. This video was a huge help for me so I thank you for the info and the work you do on the channel.

[@fastcars.4093]

Thank you. As a lefthander,this makes more sense.Nice rifle.❤👍

[@Slick64]

had to do this for eight years in Army. It is time for all rifles to be ambitious. All my ar15 both right hand and left ambitious. I still train with one right hand only to keep up with and with my Ak’s. We need to shout out to the military and gun company’s to it more ambitious. First time in basic training I got burnt on chest for shell case from M16A1.

[@Slick64]

Eric M Gun Channel your are to stupid to own a gun

[@BlackRifleBear]

I'm a lefty on rifles as well due to being cross dominant. I use all right handed controls as well with the exception of the safety. I believe in the same idea that I want to be able to pickup any AR pattern rifle and be completely familiar with it. I have large hands so control manipulation isn't a problem. The charging handle I rack a little differently though. I want to see the chamber when charging so I roll it to the left instead of the right (ambi charging handle as well on my rifles but I can do the same technique with a standard).

[@adolfogonzalez3930]

Awesome advice I got a practice round ammo to practice and getting the hang of it and I’m getting faster every time grate video….

[@Verdha603]

I’ll admit I was pretty dang happy when the Army finally started making ambi safeties standard with the M4A1’s. That and a brass deflector is pretty much a minimum requirement for me to run an AR without slowing down too much. An ambi charging handle is a nice to have feature though since I get a better purchase on both sides of the handle when I go to pull it back.

[@kkrummelrhs]

I think an ambi bolt release is more important than ambi charging coming from a southpaw

[@paulhoover6746]

another great video Larry. if you would how about doing a video on battle belt set up for a cross dominant eye shooter!

[@jezdelion7729]

Great video!! This was very helpful because I too am right handed but left eyed, and I was wondering how to get around that without compromising my accuracy by using my right eye.

[@chuck6d]

Thanks! My son is a lefty and I had no idea how to teach him the controls on an AR.

[@ghostinthemachine88]

Straight to the point. Confirmed that im naturally left handly manipulating right. Also my charging handle is on the opposite side with my upper... so its perfect. I dont have to orient the rifle sideways for that.

[@davidsides4808]

Thank you so much for this video. I have the same situation right handed and left eye dominate

[@P46345]

My Colt LE901 came will all ambi controls and I love being one of the cool kids when I palm strike the bolt release. ;-) It's all about what you want out of the gun, my buddy told me that I had a $2,300 rifle with an $800 sight and I couldn't hit shit with it, to which I replied "Ya, but I look good." ;-)

[@Skylyned]

As a left hander, I think the AR is setup better for left handers than right handers. Can lock / drop bolt without taking hand off grip. Can pull charging handle back without taking hand from grip. Brass deflector is plenty to keep brass out of your face

[@irafowlerjr.7492]

really big help, thanks

[@thrillkill1184]

Great info to keep in mind. I try my damnest to run both my AR and AK from both positions as much as I can afford too.

[@jondoe4667]

I shoot long guns left handed also and got used to making it work. I thought I'd treat myself e and purchased a lefty bolt gun for hunting and I barely ever use it. I got so used to using a standard bolt gun over the years that a lefty feels wrong even though it's made for me. Since then I've kept all my weapons in right hand configuration because I don't want to rely on ambi controls to be proficient. 🇺🇲

[@kkrummelrhs]

The AR platform isn't too bad for left besides the bolt release. Having an ambi bolt release definitely makes a difference

[@amoswhitwam2691]

Thank you.

[@drain_001]

Ex-paratrooper here, I too am left eyed & right handed and run an AR and pistol almost the same way you do. Only difference is I use my trigger hand (left) to pull the charging handle with my pointer and middle fingers like I'm pulling back an arrow.

[@warren010h]

Wow, didn't know it was this common. I feel strange when I tell people I shoot a pistol right handed, but a rifle left handed. I'm left handed but my right hand is my dominant in many things. Can be a bit odd at times. Growing up as a kid, I learned early on when shooting a .22, I'd have an issue with the case ejection sometimes too close to my face.

[@TrackSol]

As a right handed left eye dominant person as well, I think left handed manupulation is easier, despite the gas face. Also great point about not using ambi controls. It’s sort of liek Jimi Hendrix playing as a lefty playing a standard guitar upside-down. It’s the user, not the tool. Adapt and overcome.

[@greaterairandheating3680]

Awesome video thank you so much I am a lefty