Hunting & Fishing Hauling Heavy Rifles

[NateVA]

I just put half the money on an AIAT and will be paying off the other half in another 2 weeks or so. My main use for it will be general shooting but I'd like to use it hunting when possible and may even get a Proof barrel down the line to help reduce some weight for hunting purposes. For those who hunt with a heavier rifle (13-20 lbs or so), how are you carrying the rifle while in the field? I've seen some people use backpacks with scabbards in them and even some who carry their heavier rifles in gunbearers attached to their backpack waist straps. Also does anyone here hunt with an AI and what has been your experience?

 

[SkyScrapin]

All my rifles get used for hunting. The majority of them are on the heavier side, 10-21lbs. I tried the X3 Low Drag, and while it has it's benefits, getting it out of the scabbard quickly with full pack aint easy. If you're hunts don't involve 'quick engagement,' you'll do just fine with a scabbard style pack. If you do a lot of walking, and could potentially jump an animal, get a gun bearer.

You could get a sling and carry muzzle down.... they work.

 

[Fig]

If money is no object (hey, you just bought an AI!) one of the Eberlestock packs with a scabbard is a great option.
I (money is a consideration) use a Tab, padded, biathlon sling to tote my .300WM Hospitaler in the mountains, and it is perfectly comfortable. Even a heavy rifle makes for a light pack.

 

[W54/XM-388]

Check out this thread:

https://www.snipershide.com/shooting/threads/hunting-with-my-axmc.6840858/

 

[Fig]

Those Kifaru Gun Bearers are pretty cool. I've never used one. I just wonder with a very heavy rifle if it wouldn't be bothersome to have one side of your belt pushed down?

 

[Fongman]

Those Kifaru Gun Bearers are pretty cool. I've never used one. I just wonder with a very heavy rifle if it wouldn't be bothersome to have one side of your belt pushed down?

I guess it would depend on the pack/belt you're using. I've used the gun bearer with several rifles 10 - 18 lbs. on a Kifaru pack and it worked great. Hiking as much as 20 miles in a day and it gave me zero problems. It's a good piece of kit IMO.

 

[Backspace]

I normally just carry my AXMC muzzle down with a bungee sling. I like the bungee portion because it will stretch to help absorb some of the bounce of the rifle when you as re walking and you can pull it pretty tight to your chest especially when you are wearing heavy winter clothes. If i am walking a long way, i just toss it in the scabbard of my eberlestock and it is comfortable, just not convenient for a quick shot.

 

[Bradu]

I bought biathlon slings for carrying my heavy rifles. They help quite a bit and aren't terribly slow to get off if you practice a little.

 

[NateVA]

I bought biathlon slings for carrying my heavy rifles. They help quite a bit and aren't terribly slow to get off if you practice a little.

Do you ever run into the problem of the buttstock bumping into the back of your legs or the muzzle bumping your neck/head?

 

[JMGlasgow]

Look into a Vorn pack. They appear to be better than the scabbard style packs as far as ease of deployment.

http://www.vornequipment.com/

I think @Lowlight has a picture of their pack with an AI rifle in it. And is hopefully working on a review of their products.

 

[Bradu]

Do you ever run into the problem of the buttstock bumping into the back of your legs or the muzzle bumping your neck/head?

I haven't used it a lot but haven't ran into that problem. It holds the butt of the rifle up high enough that I don't really see it being a problem with the legs. I could see it getting into your head in the summertime but with winter clothes on it seems to push it far enough away from your head. I haven't tried it with my covert yet, it was light enough that I used a regular sling the last two winters.

 

[Dirty8404]

I generally carry a heavy rifle by holding the barrel, with handguard portion of the stock on my shoulder, swap sides when needed. Sometimes I’ll sling on one shoulder when I need a break.

I really dislike not having the rifle in my hands.

 

[nexusfire]

Look into a Vorn pack. They appear to be better than the scabbard style packs as far as ease of deployment.

http://www.vornequipment.com/

I think @Lowlight has a picture of their pack with an AI rifle in it. And is hopefully working on a review of their products.

Vorn period

 

[whiskeysierra762]

I generally carry a heavy rifle by holding the barrel, with handguard portion of the stock on my shoulder, swap sides when needed. Sometimes I’ll sling on one shoulder when I need a break.

I really dislike not having the rifle in my hands.

Same here. I have the Eberlestock packs, switched to Kifaru. But in the field I will put the rifle on my shoulder with the forend of the stock on my shoulder, the butt of the stock rides on top of my pack and I will let my bipod down and hold onto a leg while I walk. I get some funny looks but its the most comfortable way I have found to carry a big rifle.