I didn't grow up with other shooters. My dad hunted when he was a kid and taught my friend and I gun safety, but I had no idea that working the action was supposed to be done any other way.
My first bolt action rifle, a Marlin 880C if I recall correctly, was a righty bolt. I used it to good effect on different critters, mostly squirrel, rabbit, and pigeons and sparrows that terrorized Dad's fishing boat in the old barn where he kept it.
To this day, there are bass which will run from the smell of the boat soap we used
I eventually found a lever action and later, a lefty action .22. I really liked that Marlin, though, and wish they made an 880c with a lefty bolt. I stopped using it solely because I hadn't gotten the technique down, yet, and I moved a bit too much while I was trying to hide from critters.
If you do this, I really suggest starting with a straight bolt handle like on a Mosin, Mauser 98 rifle, or even a Gewehr 88. (This latter I use as a standard of smoothness to which all my bolt guns must operate. Yes, this includes the Mosin!)
Regards,
Josh