Left-Handed Models of the Ruger American Rifle Generation II

For years, left-handed shooters have had to make do. They’ve adapted to right-handed bolts, dealt with ejected brass, and waited for manufacturers to finally listen. That wait is over. Ruger has just announced left-handed models of the Ruger American Rifle Generation II, and the first to hit the market is the Ranch configuration in 7.62x39mm. This isn’t a niche afterthought; it’s a purpose-built, compact, and capable rifle designed from the ground up for the southpaw shooter. If you’re a lefty in Kentucky who’s been wanting a no-compromise, hard-use rifle for everything from deer in the hardwoods to hogs in the thickets, this is the announcement you’ve been waiting for. We’ve got the first shipment on order, and it’s a game-changer.

Specs at a Glance

• Manufacturer & Model: Ruger American Rifle Generation II Ranch (Left-Handed)
• Chambering: 7.62x39mm
• Action: Bolt-Action, Left-Handed
• Barrel: 16.1″ Cold Hammer-Forged, Threaded (½”-28)
• Muzzle Device: Factory-Installed Radial Port Muzzle Brake
• Stock: Flat Dark Earth with Black Splatter Texture
• Magazine: Detachable Box Magazine (Ruger American pattern)
• Trigger: Ruger Marksman Adjustable Trigger
• Safety: Tang-Mounted, Two-Position
• Overall Length: Approximately 36.5″

Why We’re Stocking This

When the press release hit our inbox, I called my distributor immediately. At Kentucky Gun Shop, we talk to left-handed shooters every single week. They’re tired of settling. They want a modern, feature-rich rifle that fits them, not the other way around. The Ruger American Rifle Generation II in a left-handed model, especially in 7.62×39, answers that demand directly. This cartridge is a favorite among practical shooters for its low cost, mild recoil, and effectiveness on medium game at sensible ranges. Pairing it with a true left-handed bolt in Ruger’s updated American platform is a no-brainer for our inventory.

We believe in stocking tools that work without fuss. The Gen II improvements—like the vastly better stock with its textured grip, the integrated Picatinny rail, and that excellent muzzle brake—make this a serious rifle right out of the box. The fact that Ruger is leading with this 7.62×39 Ranch model tells me they understand their audience: shooters who want a compact, versatile, and affordable rifle that just works. We’re stocking it because it fills a glaring gap in the market for our customers, and it’s built to the standard of quality we insist on.

Who It’s For

• The Practical Woods Hunter: The left-handed hunter who needs a short, quick-handling rifle for whitetail in dense Kentucky cover. The 7.62×39 has more than enough power for deer-sized game inside 200 yards.
• The Left-Handed Homesteader: Someone who needs a single, do-it-all rifle for property defense and putting meat in the freezer. The affordable ammo and low recoil make for realistic practice.
• The Suppressor Enthusiast: The threaded barrel is ready for a can right now. A suppressed left-handed Ruger American in 7.62×39 is a phenomenally quiet and fun rig for pest control or discreet hunting.
• The New or Re-Entering Left-Handed Shooter: This is an ideal first centerfire rifle. It’s simple, reliable, easy to shoot well, and won’t break the bank on the rifle or the ammo.
• The Truck or ATV Gun Owner: Its compact 16-inch barrel and overall length make it easy to stow, and its rugged build can handle the bumps and weather of farm or ranch life.
• The Ammo-Conscious Plinker: For the shooter who wants to burn through magazines on steel without burning through their wallet. 7.62×39 remains one of the most cost-effective centerfire rounds to shoot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What magazines does this left-handed Ruger American Rifle Gen II use?

A: It uses the standard Ruger American Rifle detachable box magazines. For the 7.62×39 model, that’s a 5-round rotary magazine. They are widely available, affordable, and proven reliable. The magazine release is on the right side of the trigger guard, which is actually ambidextrous and easy to operate with your trigger finger as a lefty.

Q: Is the muzzle brake removable for a suppressor or flash hider?

A: Absolutely. The factory radial port brake is threaded onto the ½”-28 threaded barrel. You can easily remove it to direct-thread a suppressor or install a different muzzle device of your choice. The brake does a great job of reducing felt recoil, which is already mild with the 7.62×39 cartridge.

Q: How does the 7.62×39 perform for deer hunting in Kentucky?

A: With proper shot placement and good hunting ammunition (we recommend soft-point or expanding rounds, not full metal jacket), the 7.62×39 is a very capable deer cartridge within its effective range. Think of it as a modern .30-30 in a bolt-action package. It’s perfect for the thick, wooded areas and hill country where most shots are well inside 150 yards. It hits hard, recoils lightly, and won’t over-penetrate like some higher-powered rounds.

In Stock & Ready to Ship

The left-handed Ruger American Rifle Generation II Ranch in 7.62×39 is a landmark release. We have our initial allocation secured and are taking orders now. This is the rifle left-handed shooters have been demanding—a fully-featured, no-compromise tool built for them from the start. Don’t adapt to another right-handed gun. Handle the rifle that was made for you. Contact us today to reserve your left-handed Ruger American Gen II or to discuss the perfect optic and ammunition pairing for your needs. See you at the shop.