Carrying a Rifle on Horseback
Looks Like Guy Eastman and I share more than just our common love of hunting the western mountains. In his blog post titled Rifles, Horses and Grizzly Bears , he elucidates an Eastman’s reader on why he carries his rifle with the butt to the rear.
I find it interesting since we had this discussion on Sage Creek Forums, not to long ago in the Backcountry riding forum. My reasoning stood that it was quick to access, and there was less chance of snow accumulating in the scabbard. I do seem to have the additional advantage of a flap which snaps behind the rifle bolt, making the rifle more secure, and the scabbard more weather proof, yet quick to remove if necessary.
I do make a habit of removing the rifle sling with quick detach swivels when I put my rifle in the scabbard. I think I will start taping the muzzle as was mentioned by Guy, to reduce the chance of debis getting into the muzzle.
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July 29th, 2008 at 5:19 pm
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July 29th, 2008 at 5:40 pm
Good stuff, John.
I’m still trying to figure out a comfortable way to carry the rifle. I hate the way it feels under my leg, but I haven’t tried situating the scabbard that far back (as in the pic above). Maybe that’ll work.
Or maybe it’s just because I’m riding this close-contact (Bob Marshall) saddle?
I need to look into a bow scabbard as well. Any experience with that?
July 30th, 2008 at 7:50 am
Good idea - that’s how we’ve always done it - I never knew rhyme nor reason - I just did it that way because that’s how my dad did it and that’s how his dad did it, so who was I to question!
July 30th, 2008 at 9:17 am