Quick Release Rifle Bearer

[AIM STR8]

I'd like to revisit this subject if I may. I found a couple of older threads here on HT but instead of opening up them back up I thought best to start a new one. There appears to be some newer products out there since those older posts and revisions to older versions.

So far I've found Kifaru Gun Bearer, Slik Sling V3, FHF Gear Rifle Sling, Stone Mountain Quick Release, K4 Quick-Release Rifle Carrier to name a few.

All have pro's and cons. Some can deploy the rifle off the pack and be remounted without pack removal. Some need to remove the pack to remount the rifle. Some have the rifle under the arm and others behind. Prices seem to vary greatly.

The SG appears to be propriety to their brand of backpack?
The front carry style (Kifaru) with the rifle under arm looks like it would hinder the use of a bino harness?

Anyway, I'm looking for one to use with my Mystery Ranch pop-up 28 with a scope mounted rifle and bi-pod. If anyone would care to share comments on what I've found so far or what they're currently using that would be appreciated.

 

[smw110136]

I use the Kifaru gun bearer. I have always liked it so never considered switching. Never had a problem accessing a bino harness while using it. Granted my bino harness is a front pouch only (I don't have anything on the sides). In fact, it makes using binos much easier than a traditional sling. Both hands are free and moving your arms around doesn't cause the gun to fall off your shoulder. Also when moving through cover, you're not snagging your barrel on branches because the barrel is pointed out in front of your face so you can see how to cleanly pass it through any obstructions. I went away from traditional shoulder slings and backpack mounted guns for this very reason. I know where the business end of my rifle is all the time because I can see it. I bought the universal bearer that easily mounts to any non-Kifaru pack.

 

[Hammsolo]

I second the Kifaru. It is well made, is super quick release, and mounts easily. I’ve had mine for years.

 

[Wild Bill]

I’ve got the Kifaru and like most folks, I really like it. I can remove and replace without taking off pack, which is nice.
Also picked up the Exo rifle carrier. Used it a little bit, but not enough to get a good feel for if I like it more than the kifaru or not. Just the nature of the positioning in the bag will have your barrel higher up than the kifaru which may impact you if hunting in cthick cover. If out in the open, I think it should be rock solid. Pack needs to be taken off for replacement.

 

[BrentD]

I use the Kifaru. I would not say I like it, but it is far better than all the alternatives out there. I used mine all this week while chasing turkeys. It does NOT interfere with a bino harness. I do not care for having the barrel in my field of view, but again, it is better than the alternatives.

 

[Cap’n Crunch]

I use the Kifaru. It works at times and other times it is annoying. It is way better than a traditional sling/carrier and I am glad I have it. Haven’t found any problems with it being hard to load or unload or even in the way of my pack or bino holder.

It does put the barrel of the rifle in my line of site at times which can be annoying.

The 2 features I like about it is it is easy to load/unload on the move and takes the weight of the rifle and spreads it across more of me.

 

[BAKPAKR]

@Beignet, what didn’t you like about the FHF Gear sling you had? It looks good on paper. I use a Kifaru gunbearer but, like @BrentD noted, the barrel forward of my face is distracting, especially in the dark when I am using a headlamp.

 

[AIM STR8]

Thanks to all so far with your comments. From what I can tell so far, only the Kifaru gunbearer and the Slik Sling V3 offer reattach of the rifle without removing the pack.

 

[WVmike]

I use the Kifaru universal also and it works well. No issues with bino harness but I don't have a whole backpack on my chest either lol

 

[typhoon916]

I bought the slik sling but haven't used it yet .

 

[INMT]

I’ve been using the Stone Glacier quick release for a couple years now and love it. Smooth release and easy to come to hand. I practically forget the rifle is on my pack.

While you do have to take your pack off to reattach, I’ve found in most instances when I take the rifle off, my pack is eventually coming off anyway.

I’ve tried the forward carry thing and it bugs the hell out of me. I hated having my barrel sticking out like a boner when I was walking through thick forest or bushwhacking.

 

[rogerthat]

Slik sling is the way to go. The stone glacier butt holder with the slik sling is the best of both worlds but obviously double the money to get that put together

 

[rogerthat]

I use the Kifaru. I would not say I like it, but it is far better than all the alternatives out there. I used mine all this week while chasing turkeys. It does NOT interfere with a bino harness. I do not care for having the barrel in my field of view, but again, it is better than the alternatives.

Have you tried the slik sling? Just curious

 

[AIM STR8]

I’ve been using the Stone Glacier quick release for a couple years now and love it. Smooth release and easy to come to hand. I practically forget the rifle is on my pack.

Do you also have an SG pack or were you able to make it work on something else?

 

[BrentD]

Have you tried the slik sling? Just curious

No. I generally do not use slings directly on my rifles for a host of reasons. When I do, they lace on.

 

[INMT]

Do you also have an SG pack or were you able to make it work on something else?

I have a SG pack. My buddy has a knockoff quick release identical to the SG one(not sure of brand) that he has on an Osprey pack. Works fine for him.

 

[brockel]

I use the Kifaru. I do not care for having the barrel in my field of view, but again, it is better than the alternatives.

This is why I run short barrels

 

[WapitiBob]

Slik sling V2, barrel in front or barrel in back.

 

[BrentD]

This is why I run short barrels

I have a general hatred of short barrels. Most of my barrels are 30 or 32''

 

[brockel]

Slik sling V2, barrel in front or barrel in back.

Have a picture with barrel in front?