Colt SP1 OK for southpaws?

[vanfunk]

Hi Folks,
I'm contemplating the purchase of a minty Colt SP1 that is available locally. I've always been attracted to the "plain-jane" look and function of the original AR, and think it would be a nice addition to the arsenal. However, I am a southpaw and have come to rely on the brass deflector on my A2's to keep the brass from kissing me in the face. As the SP1 is a slabside, I'm concerned that I may get pelted when firing it from the left shoulder.

Any lefties out there care to comment on the issue?

Thanks!

vanfunk

 

[ktd]

The biggest problem I had with A1 types southpaw is that the brass would occasionally clip my earmuffs. But then wearing earmuffs with any AR is annoying (you can hear the buffer spring vibrate through your muffs).

k

 

[VG]

Back in the day I carried an M16A1 and fired left handed. I never worried about the brass (even full auto) but I did wear glasses while firing.

 

[Chipperman]

One of my M16 uppers is a 10.5" without the deflector. The brass pings me pretty good on the cheek. I came home after shooting it the first time and my wife said it looked like someone slapped me across the face.

I bought a clip-on deflector from Bushmaster. It works very well; no brass in the face, and the cases drop about 3 feet to my right when firing.

 

[Dave Markowitz]

I shot an M16-A1 and an XM16-E1 and didn't have any problems. However, I think that was the luck of the draw. A lot of slick-side AR uppers will pelt a lefty in the face with the ejected emptied. My AR-180B, which uses almost the same bolt as an AR-15, put nearly every empty into my face. Not fun at all.

Bushmaster sells a clip-on brass deflector:

http://www.bushmaster.com/shopping/magazines/db-a2.asp

I'd get one if I was buying an SP1.

 

[AZRickD]

I had an SP-1 which I gave to my wife (later sold to take advantage of post-ban/end-of-ban economics).

My right cheek would be pretty sooty by the end of the a few mags full of blammo.

Rick

 

[Pinned&Recessed]

I am a lefty and I built a Pre-A1 style AR with an early slabside Air Force upper and I have no problems. The brass has changed its direction it gets thrown though. When I first got it, it would throw brass to the 2 O'Clock position. now, it seems to throw it to the 4 O'Clock and I never get hit. I do see brass marks on the raised ridge at the back of the ejection port though. I guess that little 1/8" sliver of aluminum is acting as a deflector.

GET THE SP1!!!

Mine (lower has since been refinished in Colt Gray to match the upper):

 

[JackDRipper]

Here's a cheaper shell deflector that has worked great for me.
JR
http://www.sportsmansguide.com/cb/cb.asp?a=169543

 

[shoobe01]

It seems to be luck of the draw. I know people who have and have not been hit as lefties.

Judging from the way pistol ejectors work, it should be possible to tune where the brass goes if you are careful. The face of the ejector (on some handguns at least) can be filed with a slight angle, which changes how the brass is kicked out.

Someone probably knows the secret ninja trick to how to file ejectors to get specific behaviors, but its not me.

 

[clown714]

I,shot my buddy's CAR SP1,

with no problem at all.

man,do I,like that lightwt.BBL.

clown

 

[ID_shooting]

Get the brass deflector. Although I am not left handed, I had few show up to my ranges. Some of them didnt want to use the deflectors, but one hot case down your sleave will make you a believer. They are cheap and work great.

 

[Zach S]

A buddies SP1 threw brass in his face, it doesnt anymore since he starting shooting from the correct shoulder. Not ten minutes after he told me that, I fired it, and got hit in the face with brass, lol.

If the SP1 is attractive because of its slick sides, putting a brass deflector on it may ruin it for you. However, if you want it for the collector value, or just because you want it, brass deflectors are cheap.

Persoanlly I dont like the SP1 handgaurds, so its A2s and A3s for me, works out nicely IMO.

 

[vanfunk]

Thanks Guys,
The SP1 is mine . I'm going to try it out in about an hour. If I come home with any new scars on my face then I'll have to invest in the add-on shell deflector.

BTW, I love the handling characteristics of the SP1 - light and fast, just right. I won't be giving up my Colt M4 anytime soon, but this new "original" AR may prove to be my favorite!

Thanks again,
vanfunk