Best Hands Free Rifle Carrier, By Jake Lamphier

[Tingrao]

Thanks again for the great review and images too. I am looking to upgrade packs before next season and the gun sling is a consideration. Since I have no problem switching and intermixing equipment, I really appreciate you getting the Stone Glacier piece to work as a reference point for us DIY folks.

 

[Coloshooter]

I like the stone glacier, has worked well for the last two years

 

[Bluumoon]

The universal Kifaru worked well for me on a Seek pack across three seasons this year, albeit with a couple minor adjustments. I didn't like the way the universal lower cradle strap wrapped around my hip belt and dug into my hip, so I used a gatekeeper strap to attach it to the molle webbing on the hip belt, huge improvement. Second improvement was to use a carabiner, secured around load lifter strap, to secure the quick release higher on my right shoulder strap and keep it from sliding down , this kept the rifle snug into my body and much more out of my vision. I think my biggest suggestion for improvement on it would be to make the quick release strap red or orange instead of the same black as all my other straps, still it was intuitively the strap that I grabbed when needed.

 

[WyoHuntr]

I wrap my Slik Sling in the other direction, and hook it around the top of my frame inside of my load lifter (SG Sky 5900) It sucks it up to the side of the pack instead of my shoulder. Still slides out smooth. I've actually been contemplating the Kifaru bottom. (I have one rifle on a Trekker stock that sticks a bit in the Slik).

I tried the Stone Glacier last year but the wind kept blowing the ribbon part out of the retainer. I needed the strap where i could find it every time.

 

[Kurtm2323]

I have been using the Kifaru gunbearer for a few years now and like it for most things. But, It is miserable to use with a headlamp. The shadow created by your gun is highly annoying and I end up just carrying my rifle. For this reason alone I'm looking at something that carries it behind my shoulder.

 

[Bluumoon]

I have been using the Kifaru gunbearer for a few years now and like it for most things. But, It is miserable to use with a headlamp. The shadow created by your gun is highly annoying and I end up just carrying my rifle. For this reason alone I'm looking at something that carries it behind my shoulder

Try raising the position of the shoulder quick release. I attached mine to the shoulder strap where the riser strap attaches, no more wagging in front of my face, snugged tight to my shoulder.

 

[Kurtm2323]

Try raising the position of the shoulder quick release. I attached mine to the shoulder strap where the riser strap attaches, no more wagging in front of my face, snugged tight to my shoulder.

I guess I don't have any issues with it wagging in front of my face, my issue is the shadow the barrel creates from my headlamp.

 

[Bluumoon]

I guess I don't have any issues with it wagging in front of my face, my issue is the shadow the barrel creates from my headlamp.

My barrel is pretty short, maybe more of an issue with a longer barrel/suppressor on the end. I haven't played with it, but seems like you should be able to mount the upper piece behind the shoulder some how.

 

[asmxxiv]

@lamp_ak thanks for the review. I switched from the SG to the Creative Outdoors Slik Sling 2 years ago and have been much happier with that setup for my needs. Divergent question: what is the stock wrap/dope card holder on your rifle?

 

[Where's Bruce?]

Nothing is lighter, faster or more adjustable than a Gunbearer...holds a bow too.

 

[ID_Matt]

I wrap my Slik Sling in the other direction, and hook it around the top of my frame inside of my load lifter (SG Sky 5900) It sucks it up to the side of the pack instead of my shoulder. Still slides out smooth. I've actually been contemplating the Kifaru bottom. (I have one rifle on a Trekker stock that sticks a bit in the Slik).

I tried the Stone Glacier last year but the wind kept blowing the ribbon part out of the retainer. I needed the strap where i could find it every time.

Can you post a closer picture of this? Specifically where the securing strap ties in inside the load lifter

 

[WyoHuntr]

Can you post a closer picture of this? Specifically where the securing strap ties in inside the load lifter

Unfortunately, I won't be back home for several months. Wish I had a better photo from the season. (This was the best I could do)

 

[Engineerd]

Great write up and summary. I used the Gunbearer this year and loved it with the exeption of steep climbs. I found myself strapping my gun in the carry pocket of the pack in these situations.

 

[sufishent]

Another great system that's not mentioned is the Akek quick release weapon holder. It can be used for guns or bows.

This is pretty cool I bought a new Kuiu pack and not a huge fan of the rifle carry set up.

 

[Teetoa]

Great review! Ty

 

[TX_Diver]

Slightly old thread but if you guys who are running a SG carrier on a kifaru frame could post some more pics that'd be appreciated! I'm looking to hang one off my 22 mag on a tactical lite frame.

Thanks!

 

[Bubba_13]

Thanks for the review was looking at the SG system and if it would work on packs that weren't SG.

 

[TheYukiYama]

Appreciate it. I ended up going with the Outdoor creative Slik Sling.

Also fyi, a link seems to be broken with the first video on the review.

 

[RADunfee]

Appreciate it. I ended up going with the Outdoor creative Slik Sling.

Also fyi, a link seems to be broken with the first video on the review.

Three years my Slik Sling is going strong. No reason to change it.

 

[asilmas]

If you run a search on rifle carrier systems you will see a bunch of threads on the topic. @lamp_ak took the time to test out three very popular systems and break them down to help you choose what's best for you. Check out his latest review.

Best Hands Free Rifle Carrier

I run the Kuiu butt pad holder off the waist of my pack and a slinghook for up top.