What is a comfortable way to carry a rifle when hiking into a area?

[larryb34]

I know this may sound stupid, I been mostly target shooting and I am now want to go out hunting for pigs.
I put on a backpack, I have a hip hostler for a side arm, and I sling my Remington 700 on my left shoulder so that I will not hit the shoulder hostler. So it seems unbalance. How do you guys carry your rifle? Do you cradle them in your arms. What works for you guys. I would appreicate any advice. You guys always help me out in the past. Thanks.
Larryb.

 

[Backcountry]

I ditch the sidearm and carry the rifle in my hands... many a pig has not been killed because a rifle was slung or strapped to a pack. Many experienced hunters find a sidearm on most pig hunts to be a hinderance... sure there are times when it comes in handy, but 90%+ of the time a longarm will do the job, and a better job, than a pistol.

 

[Arrowslinger]

I even remove the sling, that way your hands are always on the gun. I don't plan on missing any opportunities at game.

 

[jackman]

You could always leave the guns at home and carry two sharp sticks ---------- in each hand for balance

 

[beastslayer]

Hunting is not meant to be comfortable.

Why wake up 3:30 a.m. when you can sleep up to 9 a.m. or not get up of the bed at all on a weekend.

Why hike 3 miles for a game, when you can just rest your _ss on a soft sofa watching sports with beer on hand.

Why butcher your harvest when you can buy the same poundage of meat cheaper from your neighbourhood grocery.

Why displease your wife with those weekend hunting trips when you can make her happy doing her honey do's -- saves on the plumber too.

Sorry, it's a slow day. Have to post

 

[larryb34]

Thanks to all for their advice. Your ideas help me out .
Thanks

Larryb.

 

[Glass eye]

Get a Kifaru Gun Bearer, it only cost about $20 I never hunt big game without it.

 

[powerman]

I agree, no sling, rifle in hand. Have a sling in your pack though, you'll need it after the shot.

 

[DEERSLAM]

My rifle is in hand and sling is removed and in pack. Only exception is when I'm hiking in the dark. Then my rifle is in my J104 back scabbard.

 

[EvBouret]

I agree with Backcountry on ditching the sidearm. But if you feel a lot safer carrying one then I'm not gonna try to change your mind.

When I'm stillhunting and moving really slowly through an area, I either remove the sling and put it in my cargo pocket or hold the gun in my hands ready to shoulder it. When climbing steep hillsides or crossing rivers the gun is slung over my back horizontally so it's laying sideways on top of my pack. If the area is really open where you're hiking like a main hiking trail and you dont have to duck at all you can just slide your rifle in the compression straps on the side of your bag and carry it hands free.

The Kifaru gunbearers do look like a nice piece of equipment. I've never used one so can't vouch for it. But they look pretty simple and useful.

 

[Rancho Loco]

Slinged on my left shoulder, chamber empty, muzzle down a lot of the time....I need both hands free to glass. If I need to move fast, I'll carry it with chamber empty. If I'm in a spot that's "piggy", or on a stalk, it'll be in my hands at ready.

It's never limited me, I'm not going to take a snap shot at a pig.

 

[RLL]

I carry it over my shoulder ... pointed up. Let's me use binoculars. Some years ago I bought a sling at a hunting show. The strap has a quick connection that allows you to clip a part of the sling over both shoulders. That way it doesn't try to slip off one shoulder. Quick and easy. Most comfortable sling I've every used. In 3 or 4 seconds I can have my gun in shooting position.

 

[Speckmisser]

There are, as you can see, a bunch of schools of thought on this one.

Personally, I found that a comfortable sling like the Alaskan really helps with the comfort. I keep my rifle slung when hiking to cover ground, or when glassing. Like the others have mentioned, when I'm in pig territory the rifle is in my hands...unless I draw the pistol instead.

However, there are some folks who will tell you a sling isn't worth the extra six ounces unless it's a military style that can be used as a shooting aid. I was taught to use a sling for a rest/brace, and it really works well, especially from the standing position when there's nothing else to rest on ... but those military slings get painful after a few hours on trail. It's a trade-off, I guess. I opt out.

There are some pack systems that include a rifle carrier too. These may be good on long backpack trips into the hunting area, but for day hunts, it's a little too inaccessible for my tastes.

As far as the handgun... I still carry one because I like it. I want to use it to kill game, but I'm not confident enough to dump the rifle. I know, it's a personal problem... but anyway...

I usually carry my revolver cross-draw (on my left side for right-handed draw)... no, not so I can play Quick-Draw McGraw, but so it doesn't interfere with my slung rifle at my right hip.

For Christmas this year, I received a western styled pistol belt with a real cross-draw holster, and I really like it.

Bottom line, comfort is entirely a subjective thing. At some point, a 9 or 10 lb scoped rifle across your shoulder is going to get heavy and uncomfortable. Time in the field and a little experimentation with the ideas you've received here will be the only real way to answer your question.

 

[larryb34]

Once again thanks to all that responded to my question. I needed some good advice and you guys came through.
LarryB.