right vs left hand twist?

[Ub3rDorK]

So i picked up a Kimber Custom TLE/RL and it says it has a left hand twist. My AR has a right hand twist, is there much of a difference in a 1911 with left or right hand twist?

[Jel]

It really depends if you are are shooting in the northern or southern hemispheres. You will get slightly less rotation on the Kimber because of its left hand twist orientation ...IF... you are firing it in the northern hemisphere.

Now, whether or not there is a detrimental effect on the bullets trajectory and stability in flight because of the less than normal rotation, has yet to be scientifically determined.

j/k

I have no clue and I'm just as curious as to the true answer.

[billped]

I can't imagine it makes much difference in a handgun, given the short ranges. For a rifle it will probably drift/pull (not sure the right phrase) opposite like a curve ball vs. screw ball.


Bill

[sevensix2x51]

on some left handed 1911s, the builder actually reversed the rifling in the barrel to emulate the recoil of a right handed shooter, but the other way. how much of a difference it makes, i have no idea. but its a true story.

[Ub3rDorK]

hmmm i just thought that was interesting because i've never shot a left hand twist firearm.

[Fjold]

The old Colt revolvers were all left hand twist while S&W used right hand twist rifling. I don't know if they are all that way now.

[Mickey D]

I like the Northern Vs Southern Hemisphere theory

[ricksOe]

I like the Northern Vs Southern Hemisphere theory

I know it does sound like it could be the true answer.

[sevensix2x51]

i may be totally bs-ing you all right now, but i vaguely remember hearing from a guy who's second cousin knew the ups driver that delivered qvc stuff to the builder's wife (not really, my buddy owns a left-handed caspian) and the twist supposedly torques the pistol into your palm, having it the other way would torque it towards your fingers, and be less controllable. i have no sources, and cant check my work, but that is something i remember hearing.

[Ub3rDorK]

whats funny is that other forums like 1911 forums and just through searches have noted something with the norther and southern hemispheres.... interesting

[Jel]

i may be totally bs-ing you all right now, but i vaguely remember hearing from a guy who's second cousin knew the ups driver that delivered qvc stuff to the builder's wife (not really, my buddy owns a left-handed caspian) and the twist supposedly torques the pistol into your palm, having it the other way would torque it towards your fingers, and be less controllable. i have no sources, and cant check my work, but that is something i remember hearing.

That has some logic to it that makes it somewhat believable assuming that the bullet going through the barrel even causes any sort of torque that is noticeable.

Maybe we need to submit it to the Mythbusters?

BTW, I'm sticking to my northern/southern hemisphere theory.

[loose_electron]

oh dear, and the first time you fly into Australia, are you going to watch which way the water spins when you flush it?

[Voo]

if you're looking for it, and your grip is fairly neutral.. you can notice the slight torque as you track the front sight as it lifts off the target- you'll see that it doesnt' come straight back and up..

[Rekrab]

I've heard about the rifling torquing your hand as well.

I also saw a left handed Coonan 1911 built with a LH barrel for that very reason.