Best way to keep a rifle handy

[mrstang01]

Hi gang,

A group of us are discussing meeting in Canada for an outdoors gathering. Since handguns are prohibited, the subject came up of keeping a rifle as handy as a pistol. I've never been able to keep a rifle that close, I tend to wind up resting it against a nearby object, and then working my way out from that.

The problem is, it's too easy to get more than a step or two away from a rifle (which is why I always have a pistol handy when outdoors). Since the area we are going to is frequented by black bears, this is obviously a problem. (And yes, I know, we can't shoot the bears anyway, they might be offended at such a politically incorrect solution )

Any suggestions on how to overcome this? I suspect most of us would be carrying short, handy rifles like my .44 Mag Trapper.

 

[cheygriz]

Keep the chamber unloaded and use an across the back sling, or one of those weird looking things that carries it across your chest with the muzzle up.

Better yet, have one designated person at the camp fire that ISN"T nipping on the bottle, and have him/her keep a rifle across their lap.

 

[George Hill]

Sling it and deal with it.
I had my rifle with me ALL the time in the ARMY. Sling it across the back, or vertically along side your pack. There is no easy way to do it. You just do it. Lighter shorter rifles make things easier - but it's relative.

 

[ReadyontheRight]

This only works with pistol grip stocks:

Compact Rifle Holster

Or a new Canadian Government might help.

 

[CaesarI]

Rifle Holster

Not a bad idea really. But I like the way some people are wearing it a lot better than others. If you're gonna use this rifle holster, don't wear it on your back, wear it on your side.

Why do you ask?

Same reason you don't carry a gun SOB.

See:
http://communities.prodigy.net/sportsrec/gz-sob.html

And I think your odds of falling on your back while climbing over rocks (as the pictures demonstrate it being used) are a lot greater than running around with a handgun SOB.

-Morgan

 

[Still Learning]

Reread Moderator's Post

"And deal with it."

Slings are the best way. Not as handy and easy as carrying a handgun but, you're going to Canada, eh?

Try slinging it across your back and try African style carry, weak side, muzzle down. Both have advantages and disadvantages.