Left-handed M16

[ron1948]

When I was in the army over 50 years ago, I, like all my fellow troops had to qualify with the M16. I am right-handed but my father was left-handed so that is how I learned to shoot. For the life of me I cannot shoot right-handed. Well, I don't know how it is today but back then the M16 ejected the HOT brass straight back and right down my collar. I had to wrap a scarf around my neck to prevent getting burned. That is the reason I chose to carry a shotgun instead of the M16. Also in a jungle situation most encounters were close quarters and a shotgun with 00 buckshot was much more effective at close range than the puny 5.56 rounds. Did anyone else from that era have the burned neck syndrome from the M16?

 

[Bazookajor]

I'm assuming this was before brass deflectors were added? either way thank you for your service!

like all my fellow troops had to qualify with the M16. I am right-handed but my father was left-handed so that is how I learned to shoot. For the life of me I cannot shoot right-handed. Well, I don't know how it is today but back then the M16 ejected the HOT brass straight back and right down my collar. I had to wrap a scarf around my neck to prevent getting burned. That is the reason I chose to carry a shotgun instead of the M16. Also in a jungle situation most encounters were close quarters and a shotgun with 00 buckshot was much more effective at clos

 

[4CERTN]

Indeed @ron1948 thank you for your service!

@Bazookajor your comment made me remember why I switched from left-hand to right-hand long-gun shooting.

I’m a righty but am left-eye dominant. I shoot handguns right-handed but found left-handed shooting of long-guns easier.

One day I bought a PSA 9mm AR, a gun that remains one of my favorites. The only downside to this gun is that it has NO brass deflector. Shooting left-handed, I was getting occasional brass but also just powder / blast debris / whatever to the face.