Rifle Slung Over Shoulder or Attached to Pack

[General RE LEE]

I have carried my rifle attached to my pack for a couple years and considering going back to the traditional shoulder sling. I am not a western hunter. I hunt in the Southeast and I rarely carry my rifle more than half a mile. I have found when its on my backpack it is out of reach if I jump a deer, my barrel bangs into everything cause I cant quickly change carry positions when walking through brush, my muzzle hits the walls of my shooting box when I get in and try to take off my pack. I have found the backpack style just doesn't provide as much versatility to change positions when needed.

Anyone else get pumped up they can carry their rifle on their fancy hunting backpack only to find out it isn't all that great?

 

[WyoKid]

Depends on the situation. Packing meat or packing camp in, definitely on the pack. Traveling between locations and not really hunting but won't pass up an opportunity, slung on the shoulder. All other times, in my hands.

I learned a long time ago to carry my rifle and not sling it when hunting - missed way too many opportunities if it isn't readily available.

 

[OrangeMan73]

Slik sling, check it out. Game changer for me.

 

[flyinsquirel]

Gun bearer. Readily available for quick shots with minimal practice.

 

[ElPollo]

I started using a Kifaru gun bearer for hauling a long gun this year and really like it. It puts the weight on your pack belt, has all the benefits of carrying a gun strapped to a pack, but is also quick and easy to get it on target.

 

[justin davis]

Kifaru Gunbear is the way to go

 

[General RE LEE]

Just a quick watch on the Gun Bearer, looks like it would be awkward to naturally let your arms swing on a hike or walk with the rifle no?

 

[wyodan]

Just a quick watch on the Gun Bearer, looks like it would be awkward to naturally let your arms swing on a hike or walk with the rifle no?

It's not bad. Personally, I prefer the Stone Glacier or the Gunslinger Corral carriers.

 

[Bellator12]

Great info here- thanks all for sharing!

 

[EastMT]

I’ve tried a few of the options, and didn’t really like them. I attached a eberlestock scabbard to my pack and haven’t looked back. I like it covered, keeps it clean, out of the weather, protected it I fall. I even cut the rifle carrier off my pack bag

 

[ElPollo]

Just a quick watch on the Gun Bearer, looks like it would be awkward to naturally let your arms swing on a hike or walk with the rifle no?

If I’m not carrying a gun in hand and am on steep ground, I tend to use trekking poles. This puts your arms out in front of you where the gun is hanging and I have no problems with it. If the gun bearer doesn’t affect trekking pole use, it certainly won’t affect normal arm swing.

 

[amassi]

Both- slung while hunting, I use a sling hook on my pack strap best $20 ever.https://talarik.com/shop-talarik-products/slinghook
Gun bearer for pack outs/ covering ground

Sent from my SM-G991U using Tapatalk

 

[General RE LEE]

Glad I posted this thread it gave me ideas. I just ordered a sling saddle shoulder clip. That way I can be hands free and not worry and the sling sliding off my shoulder.

 

[DB Cooper]

Kifaru gun bearer. Adjustable to a wide range of overall gun lengths, allows you to glass easily, use trekking poles, and you level the gun to the target quickly

 

[Shootinsurveyor]

Gunbearer is super comfortable and quick to get the gun out. Its fairly cheap so give it a try.

 

[WCB]

If it is during shooting time I have it over my shoulder or the sling thrown over the stays on my pack (takes the weight off the shoulder and no chance slipping.

If I am just traveling before or after the hunt Ill strap it to my pack

 

[BluMtn]

I have tried them all but the Kifaru and the new KUIU. I had an old style KUIU that was hard to get my butt stock into and out of. Traded it for the new style KUIU with the buckle on the butt stock and I really like it. I can unbuckle and allow the stock to slide down to allow the barrel out of the barrel keeper on the top of the pack and with my strong hand swing it around to a shooting position. I will pack it on my pack until I get into an area that I will be hunting and when I am ready to carry it on my pack, I drop my pack and reinstall the gun on my pack. But overall I really like this system for me. YMMV

 

[RaggedHunter]

After going to a gun bearer, I'll never go back to a sling.

 

[archp625]

I use the Stone Glacier quick release sling now. But I wouldn't hesitate using the Kifaru sling. Both are good systems.

 

[madcalfe]

Kifaru gun bearer is the bees knees. Especially with a 20” tube! I thought having the rifle under my arm would be awkward but it’s not. And it’s also some extra insurance if you fall your arm kinda protects your scope from being bashed.