Hey guys, I've kind of played with both bags and both have pros and cons as far as storage. Tbis is for prs matches, run and gun matches and some bushcraft/survival type stuff which is why I'm willing to eat the weight for something that'll last and I can be hard on. Any opinions?
Eberlestock gunslinger 2 or mystery ranch 3 day assault
- Thread starter A.Bennett
- Start date
I own the Gunslinger II and I would take the Mystery Ranch pack over it any day of the week and twice on Sunday. The GS II has a lot of organization, which I liked in the beginning but the suspension system is mediocre and I quickly got tired of having to undue multiple buckles to get into the main compartment. Initially the idea of the gun scabbard was great too and I used that way during a few matches but truth be told I ended up hand carrying the rifle more often than not. I've also had some quality issues with the GS II with seams coming loose but I just fixed those myself and drove on.
I've handled a MS pack a few times and the suspension systems appears superior to me and while it doesn't have the same level of organization, let's face, most of the junk is just going to end up in the main compartment anyway. Also, if push comes to shove you can probably just strap your rifle to the pack if you need your hands free and be perfectly fine.
I've handled a MS pack a few times and the suspension systems appears superior to me and while it doesn't have the same level of organization, let's face, most of the junk is just going to end up in the main compartment anyway. Also, if push comes to shove you can probably just strap your rifle to the pack if you need your hands free and be perfectly fine.
I had a GS 2 and liked it but just couldn’t get it to ride right (I’m 6’5”). I never used the scabbard like I thought I would and it was a pain to get to stuff in the pack. I switched to a Mystery Ranch overload after trying a friends. The fit and carrying capacity is great. I’ve used it during matches, hiking, and hunting. The quality is great and it has taken a beating.
+1 for the Mystery Ranch. I use a MR 3 day for hunting and hiking and wouldn't change a thing. I've also got one of their 6500s for long range stuff and it kicks some serious ass. I spent time in the Army as an 11C, so rucking with a heavy load ain't nothing new to me. The MR 6500 makes carrying 80+ LBS seem easy.
My MR 3Day Assault Pack is my go to for long range shooting, hunting, training, etc. Carries everything I need, easy access, cinches tight to my body. I usually hand carry my rifle since I don't do a whole lot of long hikes/rucks, but if I did need to, I could easily strap it to the side of my pack.
I had an Eberlestock LoDrag and quite frankly never liked it. I never used the scabbard and never liked the way my gear fit in the pack and it never really wore comfortably when loaded. It ended up in the give-away pile in practically brand new condition.
I had an Eberlestock LoDrag and quite frankly never liked it. I never used the scabbard and never liked the way my gear fit in the pack and it never really wore comfortably when loaded. It ended up in the give-away pile in practically brand new condition.
I bought the original Eberlestock Gunslinger because the GSII weighs a ridiculous amount given its limited capacity. It's built like a tank and has been great for going to and from the range, as well as precision rifle classes and would probably work great for PRS matches. However, I found even the original to be a little too heavy and bulky for long hikes while hunting. I just picked up a MR Pop-Up 28, which is lighter and more streamlined for hunting, plus has the load shelf. If you are interested in my GS, let me know.
Eberlestock got the scabbard system right, and that is about the only thing. Their suspension, waistbelt, and shoulder straps aren't even in the same league as some of the other packs out there. I went with an Exo Mtn gear on the advice of another Hider and really like it so far. I got the weapons carrier set up in the rear position and it rides phenomenal, even with my 22lb comp gun. I also have a Mystery Ranch Longbow, which is pretty much equivalent to the Metcalf now. Also an amazing pack and I have had it over 8 years now. Beat the hell out of it and still going strong.
I have 2 Eberlestock packs and to be honest, I keep trying to like them and use them but I keep putting them back into the closet. Great for organizing and range training tote but a double rifle soft case carries organized kit plus 2 rifles. I would not want to use them loaded up for flat terrain or twisted terrain. I don't do matches, I have though and in my opinion this is where Eberlestock excels. And for what it is worth, Eblerstock would not comp me 2 broken $5 buckles through warranty due to me not have a receipt for the pack.
Cant comment on the MR but the Hide routinely has high regards for them, take that for what its worth. I sold and fit Dana for years, great packs for sure but there are better.
I have a Camelback 3 day assault for 6 years now I like it and I can sling my rifle or just strap it on. Also a Tactical Tailor for 4 years that is top shelf.
My #1 pack for bushcraft and survival is WildThings. If I was spending close to 4 bills on a pack for those uses, it would be an Andinista.
good luck
Cant comment on the MR but the Hide routinely has high regards for them, take that for what its worth. I sold and fit Dana for years, great packs for sure but there are better.
I have a Camelback 3 day assault for 6 years now I like it and I can sling my rifle or just strap it on. Also a Tactical Tailor for 4 years that is top shelf.
My #1 pack for bushcraft and survival is WildThings. If I was spending close to 4 bills on a pack for those uses, it would be an Andinista.
good luck
I honest lunch expected a more split debate. I appreciate you guys pushing my towards a direction though. I like the 3 day better but was having a hard time looking away from how organized the gunslinger was. Anyone heard of issues with the 3 day? It having that many zippers was making me a little wary but I'm not seeing any bad reviews
I am not fond of zippers but Andinista has them but they are not load bearing like the MR. I have learned anything can fail in the backcountry and zippers and buckles are prime candidates to fail. Lay your pack down and step, crunch there goes the waist belt buckle. I carry spare buckle. I have broken a few over the years.
The load bearing zipper on the MR is a showstopper for me but duct tape and/or cinche strap most likely would repair a failure.
The load bearing zipper on the MR is a showstopper for me but duct tape and/or cinche strap most likely would repair a failure.
I was weary of the zippers on the MR also before I got it and started to use it. On mine (Overload) the zipper is not really load bearing because the two cross straps support the load. I have busted my fair share of stuff in the field so there is an extra strap and of course duct tape in my pack. Cant go wrong with either pack just make sure the fit is right.
I’m kind of confused how the zippers are load bearing? I have had my MR 3day for several years and the zippers are the last thing I would be worried about. The zippers are extremely rugged and high quality, they are not going to fail and if they did somehow fail there are still straps to hold everything together.
The top zipper does not carry any load and the middle zipper I have not seen have any stress on it but if you are carrying a large enough load that there is stress on the middle zipper then use the cinch straps. When I am carrying most of the weight is being carried by the bottom, not really against the back. Yea I guess there is some weight that is being absorbed by the back but the straps are there for that reason.
I used to strictly run the GS2 and have used various Eberle models for work over the years. Excellent packs and extremely durable for field use.
However I just recent picked up a MR 3DAP and got it loaded up. Going to hit the mountains with it tomorrow and this week so I’ll get a chance to see how it compares. First impressions is that it’s fuckin tits. Easy to access everything and holds everything I need and nothing I don’t. The scabbard is nice on the GS2 pack but I always end up carrying my rifle so I don’t see it being an issue with the 3DAP. If I don’t, I can strap or sling it.
However I just recent picked up a MR 3DAP and got it loaded up. Going to hit the mountains with it tomorrow and this week so I’ll get a chance to see how it compares. First impressions is that it’s fuckin tits. Easy to access everything and holds everything I need and nothing I don’t. The scabbard is nice on the GS2 pack but I always end up carrying my rifle so I don’t see it being an issue with the 3DAP. If I don’t, I can strap or sling it.
Pictures from the mountain trip.
Be nice to see gear being used in the wild.
I suspect much never does anything more than hanging in the closet.
@A.Bennett
I have a GSII.
When not hanging in my closet it gets carried to the back of my truck than from truck to bench.
Its held up well as hand carried luggage and the scabbard excels at providing coverage for my rifle.
The few times Ive used it as a back pack even for short duration Ive found it lacking.
I think the fit is more tailored to the Vietnamese that sew them than to an American frame.
Be honest regards your use.
If your intention is to actually carry the pack on your back get a pack that has a design focused toward that purpose.
I sense the Eberle line is focused on the scabbard and what comes after was designed around that feature.
With the GSII I found the metal frame an impediment to large fore arm rifles - LMT MWS - so I dont use it.
The optional plastic sheet frame does nothing - I hear mine crackle and its snapped in spots - every time I move the pack.
Rifle classes, going to the range the Eberle GSII excels. I certainly recommend it for that use.
If you are really going to the field, going to ruck some miles, get something else. Make rifle storage secondary to the main goal of having the weight ride your frame correctly.
I have a Gunslinger 2 that I use for matches and for rucking to stay in shape. I have a bad back and I have to have a frame pack to carry comfortably. The Gunslinger took some fiddling with the adjustments but once I found the sweet spot it rides and carries great. Hunting I use the scabbard for my muzzle loader, at matches I usually put my tripod in the scabbard as it’s faster to carry the rifle between stages and then get my gear ready for the stage. I like the ability to use it as a front loader for gear, and use it as a top loader when I start stripping off layers. Granted I grew up using a large Alice pack w/frame, so I might be a heathen, and I am not doing any death marches with it, but it works great for my usage. And I picked it up new with tags for less that $200 shipped.
Load bearing to me is anything that has stress or pressure applied due to the load of the pack.
I spent 250 days a year in the backcountry, from a days walk to multiple days to an hour plane flight and have seen almost everything break; boots split open, soles come off, pack strap / stitching break, GoreTex melt, ski binding break, rifle stock crack, tents ripped from wind, buckles break, once at the trail head going in miles while guiding after a 2 hour drive, zippers jump track to split wide open, yes there are means to repair them. When it comes to bushcraft or survival, from my experience, I put odds in my favor and yes there are straps over the zippers but zippers in my experience are a weak link and showstopper for me, is all I am saying. I don't know everything and others have different experience, I just use mine.
For a PRS match where you are 15 mins from your vehicle it doesn't matter.
I spent 250 days a year in the backcountry, from a days walk to multiple days to an hour plane flight and have seen almost everything break; boots split open, soles come off, pack strap / stitching break, GoreTex melt, ski binding break, rifle stock crack, tents ripped from wind, buckles break, once at the trail head going in miles while guiding after a 2 hour drive, zippers jump track to split wide open, yes there are means to repair them. When it comes to bushcraft or survival, from my experience, I put odds in my favor and yes there are straps over the zippers but zippers in my experience are a weak link and showstopper for me, is all I am saying. I don't know everything and others have different experience, I just use mine.
For a PRS match where you are 15 mins from your vehicle it doesn't matter.
I'll take some this week of the MR and pop em up. I've never owned one and always wanted one so I snagged one at a good price.
I don't have any from work when I used to use the Eberles because they were big on the whole "No pictures of anything or you'll get sent home." ...And you can't trust contractors to not snitch/compromise your alias online (be it intentionally or not) so I never really took any. Plus I was never a big "let me take pictures of my kit" kind of guy.
But yea, judging by what you mostly see online in groups and forums, most gear only sees the closet/garage, trunk/truck bed, and range bench. Nothing wrong with that but it seems like a huge waste of money to spend stacks on gear when a simple small pack would work just as well.
I don't think an opinion on a pack can really be given unless context is provided so here's some ramblings about what I'm using mine for.
--------------
USE:
Predominantly range trips and day hiking if I want to go with a bit of practical weight rather than my mountain ruck with a sandbag.
LOADOUT:
The MR seems nice, especially when I have a tendency to overpack. Weight isn't an issue, but rather I have always leaned towards bring it just in case. The 3DAP has enough room for (based on what I have loaded up right now):
[External]:
-2x SR25 Pouches (holds 1x 10rd AICS each, even with an A419 extender)
-TQ Pouch w/ SOFT-W & Gloves
-Tab Gear Shooting Mat (Straps hold it in place but the D-ring is there to keep it in place and be needed if clipping into a sling)
-Water Source (Water Bottle - IF just going to the range)
**There is room on the outside to run my MCD PRST (full-sized shooting tripod) on the outside of the pack but I don't have that on there right now**
[Internal]:
-IFAK (GSW Kit w/ NAR seals, shears, gloves, Combat Gauze, Z Gauze, NPA, etc)
-SACK Fanny Pack (Field Kit - Fix it Sticks/tools for LR system, Lens Care Kit, SOFT-W, Cheat Sheet, Rite in Rain, Pen/Pencil, Marker, Overlay paper for rain shade, Rubber Bands)
-Brass Bag
-3x 20rd Blackhawk Round Holder Binders (60rds - I'll end up replacing these with a Cole-Tac or other larger capacity ammo binder)
-Pint Sized Game Changer
-3" NF ATACR Sunshade
-Bolt Grease/Q-Tips/Jags/Spare Batteries
-Sig Kilo 2400MR RF
-MSA Sordins Supreme Pro
-Surefire Ear Plugs
-ESS Eye Pro (w/ Clear & Tinted Lenses)
-Leupold MK4 12-40x Spotting Scope w/ Cover & RRS Plate
-SLIK Pro 500 DXS (Short/Spotting/Shooting Tripod) w/ ball head
-Data Book (Full-Sized Modular Impact Data Book w/ Zip-up cover, Calculator, data cards, targets, etc)
-Admin Range Pouch (Markers, Pens/Pencils, 550cord, Tape, things you need for shooting paper at the range)
-Water Source (Camelbak bladder - IF hiking and not just the range, Thinking of getting a pouch to mount on the inside so it is better protected/sorted away from other contents)
Honestly I cant think (right now) of anything you'd "need" other than the stuff listed above. Surely you don't need a pack like this to go to the range or go hiking but I'm not one to tell someone how to spend their money...unless its me... looking at my reflection. There's still some room for snacks or other small items but I didn't put any in there. Obviously I will before I go because you cant go anywhere without snacks. Another thing I may end up doing is getting the MR Stick-It accessory and putting the shooting mat in that rather than at the bottom of the pack (or Gortex).
If I weren't going to the range, I'd cut the obvious stuff like my Sordins, admin range pouch, Eye Pro (because I have sunglasses), PSGC (I'd use my poly-fill shooting sock), only one tripod, and I'd bring my field data kit/cheat sheet rather than my data book. That extra space would be filled with a water purifier, food, shelter, gortex, and poncho liner.
--------------
End of the day, all you really need to go shooting is a rifle and ammo source. Outside of eyes/ears, the only thing I'd say that I'd grab from the whole list was my fanny sack. I can fix the rifle, myself, and record data without being weighed down. Neither pack listed is a perfect pack nor are they good for long-duration (multiple days/weeks) in the field.
Hope the rambling helped and happy Father's Day to all it applies to.
?
Since this is about packs this is me using Mountain Tools and superb pack by the way. Most of my pictures are lost taken way before cell phones and easy storage with a lot of mine on slides.
A few friends of mine use the Eberlestock Hi Speed II and they really enjoy them. I am currently trying to decide which pack to buy.
I have been using a range bag style and its getting old carrying it around.
I have been using a range bag style and its getting old carrying it around.
