Skip to main content

10 Best Left-Handed Shotguns

The top shotguns for left-handed shooters available right now.

10 Best Left-Handed Shotguns

These are the best guns built strictly for you, my left-handed friends. (Photo By: Brad Fitzpatrick)

Pity the lefties. They must come to terms with living in a world where most everything is designed for right-handed individuals—scissors, school desks, spiral notebooks, even handshakes. Southpaws suffer indignities that the right-handed universe doesn’t comprehend: being forced to sit at the end of the lunch table so they won’t bump arms with their colleagues or an ink-stained dominant hand after writing a letter. But one product that long-suffering lefties don’t have to learn to manipulate in reverse any longer is shotguns.

Franchi Affinity 3

Franchi Affinity 3 Shotgun
Franchi Affinity 3 Shotgun

Once upon a time writers liked to call the Franchi Affinity “the best kept secret in semiauto shotguns,” but those days are long past. By now most shooters know that the Italian-made, Inertia-Driven Affinity is one of the most popular semiauto shotguns on the market. It’s easy to see what makes this gun so attractive: a tough-as-nails inertia system that runs cleaner than gas guns, an ergonomic stock design with recoil-absorbing TSA pad, a beveled loading port, oversized controls, red fiber optic front sight, and much more—all for a price well below a grand. The left-handed version is available in 12-gauge with a 3-inch chamber and comes with a black anodized receiver, matte blue chrome-lined 28-inch barrel, and weighs just under seven pounds. It’s an ideal all-around shotgun that’s suitable for hunting upland birds, shooting clay games, and waterfowling. No, the Affinity is no longer a secret and lefties can take full advantage of all the Franchi has to offer.

$849; Franchiusa.com  

TriStar Viper G2

TriStar Viper G2 Shotgun
TriStar Viper G2 Shotgun

If you’re in search of an affordable left-handed semiauto shotgun the Tristar Viper G2 is an excellent choice. Turkish-made guns like the Viper G2 are viewed skeptically by some, but that’s unfair: as is the case anywhere else, there are Turkish gun factories of varying quality and the TriStar factory is outstanding. These gas-operated semiautos are reliable and offer a high level of build quality considering their cost of ownership. The Viper G2’s gas operation system dampens recoil impact but doesn’t add a lot of mass to the forearm or make these guns especially heavy (average weight for the left-handed 12-gauge model is about 6.8 pounds). Three Beretta/Benelli Mobil Choke pattern choke tubes, a shim kit, fiber optic front sight and chrome-lined chamber and bore all come standard on the two left-handed 12-gauge offerings. You can choose either the basic black model or a Realtree MAX-5 camo version. Another nice feature of these guns is the magazine cutoff: simply push the lifter up and you can unload the chamber without releasing another shell from the tube—a handy feature when handling dogs.

$655 (black), $745 (Realtree MAX-5); Tristararms.com 

Benelli 828U

Benelli 828U Shotgun
Benelli 828U Shotgun

Benelli built their reputation in the United States on the back of their semiauto shotguns. Since that time, the company has expanded their product portfolio to include rifles and over/under shotguns including the 828U. And—no surprise from Benelli—this gun offers innovative, class-leading features that set it apart from the competition, namely a unique action wherein the steel breech block mates directly to the monoblock, reducing wear on the gun and increasing longevity. That never-say-die build quality makes this an automatic choice for left-handers who are going to put tens of thousands of rounds through their gun at the clays course, but this gun’s balance and minimal weight (about six-and-a-half pounds in 12-gauge) makes it equally well-suited for upland hunting. Opening the top lever resets the triggers which equates to smoother operation. The Progressive Comfort stock noticeably reduces recoil and five screw-in Crio chokes come standard. Benelli also did well on the aesthetics of this gun which include a AA-grade satin walnut stock and engraved nickel-plated receiver. There are two 12-gauge left-handed options, one with 26-inch barrels and the other with 28-inch pipes.

$3,199; Benelliusa.com  


Browning BPS

Browning BPS Shotgun
Browning BPS Shotgun

To be fair, the BPS is the only gun on this list not available in a left hand-specific model, but Browning’s clever pump gun is truly ambidextrous thanks to its bottom loading/ejecting design and tang-mounted safety. Unlike other pump gun manufacturers who have switched to aluminum receivers, the BPS is still built with a one-piece steel receiver, which adds a bit of heft. That’s not always a bad thing, though: these guns are available in 10-gauge with a 3 ½-inch chamber. The Browning’s slide action is silky smooth and it drops your empties right at your feet so you won’t have to wade through brush and briars to collect spent hulls. If you’re a lefty looking for a shotgun with a full range of gauge options, the BPS is a great choice. The Field version with walnut stock is available in .410 bore and 28-, 20-, and 12-gauge. The Field Composite is available in either all black or with Mossy Oak camo. The BPS design has been around for roughly half a century, and this sleek slide-action remains a popular favorite for both right and left-handed hunters and shooters.

$759.99-$829.99 (Field); Browning.com 

Caesar Guerini Tempio/Tempio Light 

Caesar Guerini Tempio/Tempio Light Shotgun
Caesar Guerini Tempio/Tempio Light Shotgun

First, let’s take the time to appreciate Ceasar Guerini and its sister companies Syren and Fabarm for offering almost every gun in their catalog in a left-handed version, not just a few of their most popular models. Not only are CG guns southpaw friendly, they’re also elegant and refined. The Tempio over/under is one of the top options for dedicated upland hunters and features a low-profile boxlock action mated with a trim, oil-finish walnut stock with a Prince-of-Wales pistol grip, and a Schnabel fore-end and gorgeous engraving and gold inlay. The Tempio comes with a steel receiver and nickel finish and weighs about 6 pounds, 10 ounces in the 20-gauge configuration. The Tempio Light features an alloy receiver that cuts weight by about a pound. Both of these Italian beauties are available in 12-, 20- and 28-gauge and .410 in two and three-barrel combos. They’re also backed by Caesar Guerini’s outstanding lifetime warranty and customer service that includes complimentary tune-ups and pit stop maintenance. These guns aren’t cheap, but firearms of this quality never are.

$4,785 to $4,985 (single barrel models); Gueriniusa.com

Benelli Super Black Eagle III

Benelli Super Black Eagle III Shotgun
Benelli Super Black Eagle III Shotgun

The Super Black Eagle set a new standard in semiauto shotgun performance and the third-generation version, the Super Black Eagle III, is the most refined SBE ever to hit the market. It shares the same Inertia-Driven system that made the original gun famous, and like its predecessors, the 12-gauge SBEIII runs reliably with a wide range of ammo up to and including 3 ½-inch magnums. The new beveled loading port and oversized controls make this gun easy to load and operate, and the Crio barrel has a smooth interior surface that reduces maintenance. Anyone who shoots magnum loads from these guns will appreciate the Comfort Tech 3 stock with its internal chevrons that dampen recoil, and the Combtech comb insert reduces impact on the face which is a primary cause of discomfort that can lead to flinching. There are three 12-gauge left-handed versions available, two with a black synthetic stock, black anodized receiver, and matte blue finish with either 26- or 28-inch barrels and a Realtree MAX-5 camo version with 28-inch barrel. The Super Black Eagle has nothing left to prove in the shotgun market, and these workhorse semiautos will survive years of hard shooting and hunting.

$1,899 (black), $1,999 (Realtree MAX-5); Benelliusa.com 

Browning Citori 725 Sporting Left-Hand

Browning Citori 725 Sporting Shotgun
Browning Citori 725 Sporting Shotgun

This year, Browning is offering a limited number of left-handed 12-gauge Citori 725 Sporting shotguns, and whether you’re a collector, serious clay target shooter, or upland hunter this is a gun worth considering. The Citori 725’s low-profile receiver has intricate engraving with gold accents. The engraving pattern on the side of the receiver is comprised of a series of small ovals, but that description doesn’t do the finished product justice and the engraving looks fantastic with the silver nitride receiver, nicely complementing the gloss-finish grade III/IV walnut stock. Other key features include ported barrels (30- or 32-inch), an Inflex recoil pad, mechanical triggers, HiViz Pro Comp bead, and five Invector DS extended choke tubes. Naturally, the top lever is oriented for left-handed shooters, as is the stock. These guns weigh just under eight pounds, which is great for clay targets and hunting on small acreage, but it’s a bit heavy for long walks in the field for most shooters. Nevertheless, the Citori 725 Sporting Left-Hand is an outstanding option.

$3,419.99; browning.com 

Syren Elos D2

Syren Elos D2 Shotgun
Syren Elos D2 Shotgun

For decades, dedicated female hunters and shooters have dealt with the notion that designing a shotgun for women simply meant cutting down the stock. Syren changed that when they redesigned the shotgun stock with the help of elite women shooters and created guns that genuinely fit the female form. The Elos D2 features a color case hardened receiver with gold game bird inlay and a Turkish walnut stock with Triwood finish that offers a level of protection against the elements. Five Inner HP choke tubes, a single selective trigger, 6mm rib, and Microcell 12mm soft rubber recoil pad all come standard. Available in either 20- or 28- gauge with 28-inch barrels (both in left-handed versions), the ELOS D2 weighs just at six-and-a-half pounds and makes an excellent upland and clay target gun. It’s also backed by an outstanding warranty and superb customer service.

$3,110; Syrenusa.com   


Beretta A400 Xtreme Plus Synthetic Left-Handed

Beretta A400 Xtreme Plus Synthetic Shotgun
Beretta A400 Xtreme Plus Synthetic Shotgun

The 12-gauge A400 Xtreme features Beretta’s Blink gas-operated system that utilizes a piston with an elastic band that serves as a gasket. As a result, the gun runs clean and softens the impact of recoil. Further reducing the gun’s kick back, is Beretta’s Kick-Off system, which uses hydraulic dampers to soften rearward impact and reduce muzzle rise. As with other Beretta guns, the A400 Xtreme uses Steelium barrels and the A400 Xtreme left-handed model comes with a 28-inch pipe. New coatings on the metal parts reduce rust and glare and the polymer stock is durable enough to survive lots of time in a duck blind. Speaking of waterfowl, the Beretta A400 Xtreme can handle 3 ½-inch magnum shells, but it will also handle lighter 12-gauge loads, so it’s also suitable for breaking clays and hunting upland birds.  These guns feature a striking dark grey receiver and come with five Black Edition 20mm extended chokes.

$1,799; Beretta.com   

Fabarm Autumn

Fabarm Autumn Shotgun
Fabarm Autumn Shotgun

The Autumn is an elegant Italian-made side-by-side with a much higher build quality than entry-level doubles without the eye-popping price tag of top British models. There’s no shortage of luxury features on this gun including a deluxe oil-finished Turkish walnut stock, round body action with ornamental scroll engraving and color case hardened finish, a traditional “swamp” style textured rib, and a hand-fit walnut butt plate. Visually appealing as it is, the Autumn is a workhorse with a monolithic machined steel action, lightweight TRIBORE barrels with INNER HP choke tubes, four lug action, and barrels constructed from high-temperature solder for years of service. A steel insert in the forearm connects with the barrel lug, so if the action needs tightening after years of use, Fabarm’s technicians can do so easily, bringing your gun back to an as-new feel. Available in 20-gauge with 28- or 30-inch barrels, the attractive Autumn comes with your choice of a straight grip stock with splinter forearm or a pistol grip stock with beavertail forearm. Weight is around six pounds, and these guns shoulder, swing, and balance as only a proper double can.

$4,255; Fabarmusa.com 

To Continue Reading

Go Premium Today.

Get everything Gun Dog has to offer. What's Included

  • Receive (6) 120-page magazines filled with the best dog training advice from expert trainers

  • Exclusive bird dog training videos presented by Gun Dog experts.

  • Complete access to a library of digital back issues spanning years of Gun Dog magazine.

  • Unique editorial written exclusively for premium members.

  • Ad-free experience at GunDogMag.com.

Subscribe Now

Already a subscriber? Sign In or start your online account

Phone Icon

Get Digital Access.

All Gun Dog subscribers now have digital access to their magazine content. This means you have the option to read your magazine on most popular phones and tablets.

To get started, click the link below to visit mymagnow.com and learn how to access your digital magazine.

Get Digital Access

Not a Subscriber?
Subscribe Now
Dog jumping out of phone with Gun Dog website in the background
Make the Jump to Gun Dog Premium

Gun Dog Premium is the go-to choice for sporting dog owners and upland hunting enthusiasts. Go Premium to recieve the follwing benefits:

The Magazine

Recieve (6) 120-page magazines filled with the best dog training advice from expert trainers.

Training Videos

Exclusive bird dog training videos presented by Gun Dog experts.

Digital Back Issues

Complete access to a library of digital back issues spanning years of Gun Dog magazine.

Exclusive Online Editorial

Unique editorial written exclusively for premium members.

Subscribe Now

Already a subscriber? Sign In or Start your online account

Go Premium

and get everything Gun Dog has to offer.

The Magazine

Recieve (6) 120-page magazines filled with the best dog training advice from expert trainers.

Training Videos

Exclusive bird dog training videos presented by Gun Dog experts.

Digital Back Issues

Complete access to a library of digital back issues spanning years of Gun Dog magazine.

Exclusive Online Editorial

Unique editorial written exclusively for premium members.

Subscribe Now

Already a subscriber? Sign In or Start your online account