Gun bearer or similar

[goathunter]

I've always carried my rifle with a sling. I've been noticing my scope has really been rubbing on my pack waist belt. The focus is always spun.

Years ago I tried the kifaru gun bearer and couldn't get used to it poking straight up while crawling through timber or even climbing uphill.

I have an SG rifle sling on my pack but only use when not actively hunting because I like having my gun handier.

So I'm thinking of trying the gun bearer again or does anyone else have a better system they're happy with?

 

[swavescatter]

Rifle Sling | The Slik Sling V3

Highly rated rifle sling for hunting ease and efficiency. Designed and assembled in Montana. Our hands-free rifle sling, the Slik Sling V3, is the latest product from Creative Outdoors designed to improve the comfort and performance of your hunt.

www.creativeoutdoorsmt.com

 

[goathunter]

Rifle Sling | The Slik Sling V3

Highly rated rifle sling for hunting ease and efficiency. Designed and assembled in Montana. Our hands-free rifle sling, the Slik Sling V3, is the latest product from Creative Outdoors designed to improve the comfort and performance of your hunt.

www.creativeoutdoorsmt.com

Think this is much different than the Stone Glacier sling I have?

 

[eaglemountainman]

I have an earlier version (V2?) of the Slik Sling that I'm very happy with. It looks quite different than the V3 version posted here.

 

[sndmn11]

I have an earlier version (V2?) of the Slik Sling that I'm very happy with. It looks quite different than the V3 version posted here.

Likewise! The all nylon webbing version we have is a gem.

 

[Juan_ID]

I first started with the gun bearer and while it worked ok I didn’t like the rifle/barrel position while hiking. I then switched to the all nylon slik sling and liked it a lot more but still felt it could be better.
I then switched to the exo rifle carrier and slik sling combo. Exo bottom and slik sling top strap. I have come to like this combo the best. Having the weight of the rifle supported by the whole suspension system of the pack is much more comfortable than having it supported by a strap in one small section of the waist belt. It seemed to always create a pressure point on my hip during extended hikes no matter where I positioned it, that is no longer a problem with current combo. Retrieval is almost as quick as the standard slik sling in my experience.

 

[goathunter]

Likewise! The all nylon webbing version we have is a gem.

So you're not a fan of the V3 version? The thing that I don't like the looks of is the metal bar in the saddle seems like it could bang against your stock and make noise

 

[sndmn11]

So you're not a fan of the V3 version? The thing that I don't like the looks of is the metal bar in the saddle seems like it could bang against your stock and make noise

I've only seen the pictures and video on their site. From those, it looks like that basket can grab stuff,ight be in the way, perhaps less secure if you sit and the butt lifts because of the ground.

I also wonder about the shoulder attachment being bulky and creating a pseudo pressure point/hot spot. Lastly, I don't know the thickness of those rubber straps.

With the webbing cradle on the other version, it hugs the butt well to where if I sit, the butt doesn't come out of the cradle. Important to me because I don't want to stand up and then my rifle falls down. It is svelte enough I keep it in permanently, even in summer and archery.

The attachment at the shoulder is out of the way, so it is always on. The webbing is thin enough that if it slide in the free float of the barrel/stock it slides out easily.

I also can use it behind my shoulder, or I can set it like the under the armpit carry of the Kifaru.

Again, haven't seen anything more than the pics/video on the site, so I may be seeing things wrong.

 

[eaglemountainman]

^^^^^^^^
I keep mine permanently attached to my pack, as well.

Truth be told, I prefer to hand carry my rifle. But for the times when I need it, it's quick, handy and secure.

 

[wapitibob]

I have the V2 slik sling. Used it in WY last year and tested it by crawling under a fence with the rifle attached; I'm a believer. You can also have the rifle muzzle in front or behind the arm.

 

[goathunter]

^^^^^^^^
I keep mine permanently attached to my pack, as well.

Truth be told, I prefer to hand carry my rifle. But for the times when I need it, it's quick, handy and secure.

Ya I actually prefer a traditional sling but not liking the scope rubbing on the pack. I've removed my hip pouches thought that's what it was hitting. Going to have to strap it on in a mirror and see what's going on. I did like my SG sling when I used it but it doesn't seem super accessible in a pinch and I worry about it coming undone

 

[shootnrun]

It took me miles of walking to get my gun bearer tuned just right for my liking. I am now a big fan. The barrel in my FOV is a little irritating, but it's hard to beat the rapidity of deployment. Combining that with the ability to use the barrel to stabilize my binos when hand hold glassing between movements, it's worth the minor inconvenience.

 

[Bluumoon]

Frankenstiened my gun bearer. Lower part now attaches where the water bottle carrier does on the K4, the upper strap is attached at top of pack frame, release strap hangs over right shoulder. The release strap should have been made bright orange or red to avoid pulling the wrong strap and dropping rifle.

Rifle rides behind right shoulder, up tight against the pack.

 

[goathunter]

It took me miles of walking to get my gun bearer tuned just right for my liking. I am now a big fan. The barrel in my FOV is a little irritating, but it's hard to beat the rapidity of deployment. Combining that with the ability to use the barrel to stabilize my binos when hand hold glassing between movements, it's worth the minor inconvenience.

I think the FOV bugged me when I tried years ago, it would probably really bug me now with a fat suppressor

 

[goathunter]

Any other products? I remember seeing a sling where you carry the gun upside down "Aussie style" - does that ring a bell for anyone?

 

[justinspicher]

Frankenstiened my gun bearer. Lower part now attaches where the water bottle carrier does on the K4, the upper strap is attached at top of pack frame, release strap hangs over right shoulder. The release strap should have been made bright orange or red to avoid pulling the wrong strap and dropping rifle.

Rifle rides behind right shoulder, up tight against the pack.

After seeing how Bluumoon set his up, I did the same thing on my MR frame.