Gun cradle systems

[TradLife406]

I've used a Kifaru Gun Bearer for years. But I'm having a hard time justifying $80 for the universal for my SG Terminus. I usually just keep the gun strapped to my pack but there's times where a shot could present itself in a hurry.
One down side to the Kifaru is the gun is kind of in the way. But that makes it faster to get out.
Looking at the SG version. But I'm wondering how my T. rex arms would be at reaching back and grabbing the barrel.
Are there any other options? I'll use a sling sometimes but find slings to just be a pain. Though I like my Armageddon gear.

 

[FZMT]

There’s also the Slik Sling. I have no personal experience with it but have looked at the v3 pretty hard, especially for the upper strap.

The cradle seems unnecessarily heavy compared to the SG or GB. The strap seems like it has potential to be a decent improvement over the other options.

I have the SG and universal GB, I definitely prefer the GB bucket for ease of rifle removal. The SG is also a bit small which contributes to hang ups on the recoil pad during removal.

You should be able to order a universal cradle strap and upper strap from Kifaru, it should be much less than $80.

 

[WCT3]

I've been using the v2 Slik Sling and like it pretty well. I somehow lost part of my v2 swapping between packs so I may order the v3 but I'll probably only use the top strap. I like the simple webbing cradle of the v2 and I didn't lose that part.

 

[Tradchef]

The SG sling is pretty solid. Not perfect but It does work pretty well. FHF has a nice looking sling. I used the old version of the Slick Sling that I liked. Similar to the SG sling but I think they have changed it and I can't speak for that newer design.

 

[RADunfee]

Still running the original Slik Sling and very happy with it.

 

[TradLife406]

There’s also the Slik Sling. I have no personal experience with it but have looked at the v3 pretty hard, especially for the upper strap.

The cradle seems unnecessarily heavy compared to the SG or GB. The strap seems like it has potential to be a decent improvement over the other options.

I have the SG and universal GB, I definitely prefer the GB bucket for ease of rifle removal. The SG is also a bit small which contributes to hang ups on the recoil pad during removal.

You should be able to order a universal cradle strap and upper strap from Kifaru, it should be much less than $80.

Is that the thing Steven Drake is using with the two foot long orange belt hanging off of it?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[ChrisAU]

You can easily emulate a Slik Sling V2 upper with webbing and clips once you see how it works. Then I use the Exo lower piece and it has been a delight after years of using Kifaru style with the rifle out in front of me. Still very easy to get the rifle quickly but now my arms are free!

 

[Mighty Mouse]

FWIW the SG sling can be used for behind-the-shoulder carry or forward carry. SG doesn’t market it as a forward carry sling, but if that’s your preferred method, just shift the buttstock cradle a little further forward on your pack belt and loop the quick release strap around your pack’s shoulder strap or load lifter. I use my SG sling in forward carry mode when actively hunting and shift it to behind-the-shoulder mode if I’m tagged out or hiking a long way in the dark.

 

[McCrapper]

I have tried the gun bearer and much prefer the slik sling.

 

[TradLife406]

FWIW the SG sling can be used for behind-the-shoulder carry or forward carry. SG doesn’t market it as a forward carry sling, but if that’s your preferred method, just shift the buttstock cradle a little further forward on your pack belt and loop the quick release strap around your pack’s shoulder strap or load lifter. I use my SG sling in forward carry mode when actively hunting and shift it to behind-the-shoulder mode if I’m tagged out or hiking a long way in the dark.

Honestly the forward position I've noticed can kind of suck at times. It can pull on the shoulder strap and and sometimes the rifle can get in the way. No one perfect answer.

That Silk looks slick. A bigger butt cradle would be nice for the Rokstok.

I did score a GB off of here so play with but I'll be doing some testing with other products as well this summer.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[WCT3]

Honestly the forward position I've noticed can kind of suck at times. It can pull on the shoulder strap and and sometimes the rifle can get in the way. No one perfect answer.

That Silk looks slick. A bigger butt cradle would be nice for the Rokstok.

I did score a GB off of here so play with but I'll be doing some testing with other products as well this summer.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Yeah I agree, I don't love the forward carry because of the weight on the shoulder strap and the scope position under my arm. I do like being able to brace against the barrel of the rifle while free handing binos, I found that helps me stabilize pretty well.

 

[Bluumoon]

I've used a Kifaru Gun Bearer for years. But I'm having a hard time justifying $80 for the universal for my SG Terminus. I usually just keep the gun strapped to my pack but there's times where a shot could present itself in a hurry.
One down side to the Kifaru is the gun is kind of in the way. But that makes it faster to get out.
Looking at the SG version. But I'm wondering how my T. rex arms would be at reaching back and grabbing the barrel.
Are there any other options? I'll use a sling sometimes but find slings to just be a pain. Though I like my Armageddon gear.

I don’t know the SG pack frame, here’s what I did w a standard GB lower and a universal upper (they sell pieces). I want to try the slick sling V3 rubber upper, just got an email saying they won’t sell just that piece.

 

[JHubbard2010]

Anyone have any experience using the Kifaru GB with your rifle strapped into your compression straps? Ive been looking at it and I just dont know if I want it in that forward position all the time. Customer service at Kifaru said it was possible (everything is) but I'm not sure if I trust it. I have the SG Terminus 7000 and I cant find a terminus QD sling anywhere.

 

[WCT3]

Anyone have any experience using the Kifaru GB with your rifle strapped into your compression straps? Ive been looking at it and I just dont know if I want it in that forward position all the time. Customer service at Kifaru said it was possible (everything is) but I'm not sure if I trust it. I have the SG Terminus 7000 and I cant find a terminus QD sling anywhere.

Are you talking about putting the rifle butt in the lower GB carrier and then strapping the upper part of the rifle under your compression strap? If so that shouldn't be a problem at all it just won't be as quick to access.

 

[JHubbard2010]

Are you talking about putting the rifle butt in the lower GB carrier and then strapping the upper part of the rifle under your compression strap? If so that shouldn't be a problem at all it just won't be as quick to access.

Yes that’s what I’m getting at. In steep terrain ,where you’re basically crawling or using trekking poles a lot, I could just see how the forward carry might be an issue.

 

[WCT3]

Yes that’s what I’m getting at. In steep terrain ,where you’re basically crawling or using trekking poles a lot, I could just see how the forward carry might be an issue.

I really liked the idea of the forward carry but I could never get used to it, maybe with a smaller scope it would be more comfortable. I switched to the Slick Sling which I liked better but I think this year I'm going to just use the compression straps and hand carry if I expect to jump an animal.

 

[mgstucson]

I use the GB on my EXO K4 frame, KUIU bag, and KIFARU belt. However, I do not mount the GB slung low on the rear of the KIFARU belt as suggested by KIFARU, but rather I mount it high on the front of the KIFARU belt. For the attachment at the top of the pack, I use a hunters orange SLIK SLING strap mounted to the pack frame top carry handle. From the one configuration, I can carry rifle barrel vertically in front of my shoulder (not tilted forward as KIFARU suggests.) I can also carry in back of my shoulder, with rifle barrel tilted slightly backward, but still nearly vertical. I can easily mount and dismount the rifle from either position at will while walking with my pack on, nearly as quickly as I can retrieve a rifle on a sling. I can also switch the rifle from front of shoulder to back of shoulder or back again while walking with pack on. This is nearly as quick to deploy the rifle for use as a sling, but much more convenient and secure.

GB position on front of belt, mounted in upper position and adjusted as short as possible.



SLIK SLING strap mounted to carry handle on top of K4 frame. (I use a KUIU bag, on a K4 frame, with a KIFARU belt.)



SLIK SLING strap post mounted on shoulder strap.



Front of shoulder carry. (Notice the rifle barrel is behind my ear, out of view, and largely out of the way, though not as out of the way as rear shoulder carry.)



Back of shoulder carry.



Carried in front or back of shoulder this way, the rifle barrel does not impede field of vision, or ease of walking or climbing. Dismounting rifle for use is VERY fast and silent from front of shoulder carry, still silent and nearly as fast from back of shoulder carry, and completely out of the way in back of shoulder carry for hand over hand climbing situations, and very quickly and easily switched back and forth as needed. I can stalk low on all fours with rifle in either position.

 

[lil' bear]

I basically made my own slick sling. With a buckle attached to front sling of the rifle and a tension adjuster running down the opposite shoulder strap so I can clip and pull and it snugs it up nice and tight.

 

[mgstucson]

Do you have a picture of that? It sounds interesting.

 

[taskswap]

As a Gunbearer owner I've never loved the shoulder attachment. I've also tried the Talarik Sling Hook and one other brand I can't remember the name of. They always feel like they aren't secure enough, are in the way, or hurt more than they help. The Slik 3 looks really nice but I can't get over its weight, which that metal bar in the bottom rest is probably half of. I just pinged them because they don't post an official number and they said it's 13 ounces. Shoot, my BTR glassing stool is 16 and I was thrilled to get it down to that. Are y'all really rolling with a rifle carrier that weighs that much?