How to carry your Lever action while hiking and plinking ?

[BC_bush_man]

I'm new to guns and rifles.
I've been googling scabbards and rifle cases etc...

Just wondering if anyone had some advice on how best to carry a rifle while hiking through the wilderness and plinking.

I realize that a sling would work, but does leave the gun exposed to the elements. I'm not sure how comfortable it would be to dangle a sling over a shoulder for hours on end as I have never used one yet.

I just discovered "scabbards" and it looks like a cool idea. I saw a scabbard back pack with the rifle stock sticking out of the top so that you can quickly pull it out from behind and over your head and shoot.

Then there are the full wrap cases that I could sling over my shoulder but I would have to unzip it and pull out the rifle everytime some imaginary enemy pocked his head from behind a tree.

Is that it? 3 options?

My criteria would be some minimum protection yet quick or somewhat quick rifle access and comfortable for long hikes.

Thanks in advance for any advice on how you old pros carry your rifles in the bush.

The guns I plan to do this with are an 1894 Win and Marlin 39A. (One gun at a time, I don't want to carry 2 on a hike)

 

[Art Eatman]

I've always been a walking hunter. I don't like sitting in a stand. Down here in my desert country, back when my legs still worked okay, I'd cover ten to twelve miles in a day. A few were a fair amount above that. My one 24-mile day was seriously wearying.

Mostly, I toted 9.5 pounds of long-barrelled Weatherby Mark V. I'd alternate between using the sling on my right shoulder, carrying across my body with support from my left forearm and hand, and commonly back to the sling. And, sometimes, just carrying in my right hand at the balance point. "Share the misery," so to speak.

A sling that's cut wide where it's across your shoulder is a Good Thing. Leather is not as slippery as nylon. On one of my other rifles, the sling is a rather narrow leather strap with a six-inch-long soft pad for my shoulder.

It's never occurred to me to ever worry about scabbard-type protection for my rifle when I'm out hunting. I've never hurt a rifle, even with some unplanned quick trips down some steep slopes. I guess a balloon or condom over the muzzle if it's sorta rainy weather, and covers for the scope lenses...

Art

 

[Byron]

The 94 seems to fit in your hand like a glove.I have used the saddle ring by putting a 11/2" soft leather strap through it and let it dangle somewhat allowing the use of both hands but yet the 94 comes up easily when needed. I hunted the N Ga mountains near the NC line for many yeras and this worked well. Byron

 

[ECVMatt]

I have used a sling and an attachment that went on a packframe..

The great thing about leverguns is that the carry so well. Although generally have a sling on mine, I end up mostly carrying it by hand. There is just something very American about the feel of a levergun's receiver in your hand. I like the packframe carrier. It worked well and was reasonable quick to use.

I have heard from well informed folks that the backpack scabbard works very well too.

I would recommend taking it out with just the sling first and see if you need to come up with plan B if it doesn't work out.

Enjoy,

Matt

 

[Nicolai]

Had a work colleague in Anchorage who was an avid backpacker. He carried a 12-gauge pump in a scabbard on his strong-hand side of his pack. Not only did he practice reaching for the shotgun, clearing the scabbard, and getting it ready for action, he also experimented with loads that would be appropriate for bears. I think short answers to your questions are scabbard and practice.

 

[Brian Williams]

I either use a Supersling or just carry mine at the balance point. Sometimes a modified portarms.