With all this "modular" design and such, I find no mention of being able to configure this weapon for LEFT HANDERS.. Is there a left handed ejection port configuration?
While I always qualified expert throughout 9 years in the army, I got Damn Tired of buttoning up my collar every time I had to fire my weapon.
The one I fired was not so arranged; ejection was out the right side, though more happily it's pretty much straight out the ejection port at around 90º, not rearward to bounce off the nose or in the eyes of a southpaw-side shooter. If there's a leftward-ejection version available, it wasn't mentioned, one reason I'm about equally fond of the XM-8 and the southpaw [or driver]-adaptable French FAMAS G2. The real advance, of course, would be downward ejection, probably requiring a Calico-type helical-type feed atop the receiver. But we're getting there.
I agree with you about the problem of rightside ejection for lefties, and it's not *just* limited to southpaws, either. H&K has been making a big fuss over the ambidextrous operating controlds on the new rifle, now if they'd just take that one extra step...but I've also been playing with a reversed Kalishnikov action design for tank crews and the like, and it features a bullpup configuration with ejection to the left side and forward, very neat for either left-handers or righties. And the top-mounted magazine is easily available for quick changes with either hand, and there's a sight rail on either side, with the operator mounting an optical sight on the side of his/her preference, with backup iron sights on the other. Developing...
I believe there is another model with the same optional left or right ejection available as well. ( although in pistol calibers )
Seems to me that if the U.S. Government is going to invest in the latest, most innovative arms for their troops, then left-right/ambidextrous is a must..
Just a guess, but if 30% of your combat force is left-handed, firing a right handed weapon really cuts down on combat effectiveness..
In my case, I'm able to shoot left or right handed equally well, but I'm blind in the right eye..
In order to shoot a long arm of any kind right handed, I have to lay the bridge of my nose against the stock.. OK for a lever-action, or some light calibers, like the Ruger 22, but a real (literal) pain with a 1903 Springfield ..
I warned my brother about that bolt, but he ignored me and ruined a brand new pair of $300 glasses..
My Remington 1100 12 ga. is a left-hander, and it has spoiled me.. I will never buy another right handed long arm as long as I live..