This is topic Transporting rifles on ATV's in forum Hunting Vehicles at The New Huntmastersbbs!.
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Posted by WhiteMtnCur (Member # 5) on April 22, 2003, 04:13 PM:
I've done some coyote/bobcat hunting off of ATV's and have had a miserable time keeping the rifle zeroed after they have a ride on an ATV.
I've used both the Pack Rack on the handlebars and on the front rack, and both have caused the rifles zero to get a little shifted after a bumpy ride.
I haven't tried rifle scabbards so I don't know how they measure up. Anyone with experience using them care to comment?
Also, looking through the Cabela's catalog there is the "Fin Grip Air Ride" rack which has a sales pitch that sounds promising. Anyone have any experience with this rack that they'd care to share?
Any other tips or techniques for hunting off of ATV's and preventing your zero from being changed?
Posted by Leonard (Member # 2) on April 22, 2003, 05:14 PM:
I think the best for absorbing bumps is vertical, muzzle in the air. Similiar to the direction of recoil.
Good hunting. LB
Posted by Barry (Member # 34) on April 22, 2003, 06:09 PM:
WMT,I know what you mean about keeping zero.Those handelbar racks seem to be the worst of all.One thing that will help is a set of quality scope mounts.Tactical-type like Badger ordinance or Leupold MK-4.Anymore I ride with my rifle slung over my head and on my back.Uncomfortable but more confidence when I go to shoot.My 2-cents.
Posted by DAA (Member # 11) on April 23, 2003, 07:13 AM:
I do the same as Barry. Ride with the rifle slung over my head and back. A lot of the time I have a passenger, in that case I sling it over my head to the front.
Thinking about trying one of those scabbards, but just looking at them, I dunno. I think a lot of rifles, would end up being supported by the objective end of the scope in those things. That sure wouldn't be good.
- DAA
Posted by UTcaller (Member # 8) on April 24, 2003, 10:00 AM:
I'm with DAA,and Barry Just carry the gun on my back using my sling,never had a problem with my zero,and I do most of my calling with an ATV.FWIW GOOD HUNTING CO
[ April 24, 2003, 10:01 AM: Message edited by: UTcaller ]
Posted by Hodgen (Member # 180) on April 24, 2003, 05:28 PM:
My rifle spends alot of time on my ATV. (Polaris 400 Explorer)
I never really had a problem keeping zero.
Only problem I ever had was dirt and dust. It sure puts a whoopin on a rifle.
I find it interesting people have a problem like this. One would think the balloon tires and advanced suspensions of todays utility ATV's, would keep things soft enough not to cause this.
Are you guys using sport machines?????
Posted by John/Alaska (Member # 25) on April 25, 2003, 12:07 PM:
My rifles see alot of time on my 4 whlr (ATV to you lower 48 guys) and my sno go. I use a gun boot and have really not had many zeroing problems. I also use the sling over the back but that is slow to work with. On the 4 whlr I mount the boot such (as most bush people do around this country) so that I can grab my rifle very quickly without dismounting or even stopping the 4 whlr. I don't run with the boot cap on either. You don't have much time when you run up on a griz or enraged cow moose to be fiddling and fumbling with it. You draw and shoot! I have it mounted such that I can reach over my left shoulder with my right hand and draw it much like a sword. Works good!
On the sno-go I mount it differently (as in more conventionally) as it can collect snow or get knocked off if going over bad ground. I also use the slung on the back thing here because of how the boot has to be mounted.
I've used scabers with success with unscoped rifles but have had protection problems with scopes. So my shot gun goes in it. Pistol is in the front basket.
Just that way I do it.
Posted by DAA (Member # 11) on April 25, 2003, 12:48 PM:
John, is that the Kolpin boot that you are using? That's the only one I've seen, and the one I've been thinking about trying.
- DAA
Posted by John/Alaska (Member # 25) on April 26, 2003, 10:41 AM:
Yes that is the boot. They are fairly popular around here. I use the old style with metal brackets. We modify the mounting system to get what we want. The factory recommended way while it definetly protects the rifle is a bit impractical for bush use. If you get creative you can put it almost anywhere on the machine. Just anticipate brush grabbing it, getting in your way while streering, etc. You'll probably have a couple of tryout mounts that will be ditched after testing in the field. Where and how you mount it depends on your purpose.
I also mount the scabered on it that holds either my shotgun or another unscoped rifle as well as my machete sheath. That way all are available for instant use without dismounting. Oh the machete is for busting brush or whatever.
Just put the sno go away and I'll be putting the boot, scabered & machete sheath back on my machine tomorrow after dropping off the plow. Got a little bear hunting to do next week.
Posted by varmit hunter (Member # 37) on April 26, 2003, 05:28 PM:
I spend a great deal of time on my ATV. Have never had a problem with zero.
I use the rubber coated antler type. With the quick flip rubber tie down. No problems with even the few cheap scopes I have.
Maybe I am just going to slow.
Posted by Barry (Member # 34) on April 27, 2003, 07:17 PM:
John/Alaska.Do they still have that full mount moose just outside Tok in the campground?Unbelieveable country,you made a great choice on a place of redisenty.
Posted by John/Alaska (Member # 25) on April 28, 2003, 01:07 PM:
Barry -
No bucky the moose is no more. The lodge's owner's son took over and got rid of it. Too bad as it was a legend in it self.
Posted by Seldom Ever (Member # 185) on April 28, 2003, 01:20 PM:
Buddy of mine uses the boot and has never had a problem!
Posted by Leonard (Member # 2) on April 28, 2003, 03:19 PM:
One thing to consider is the terrain. I have hunted places where Trevor is talking about. Those "roads" will shake your fillings loose, and there are a lot of ditches and boulders when you decide to make your own road. The "good" roads are 3D washboard! I can see where it might affect a rifle mounted on the handlebars.
I think slinging the gun is the best solution I've heard yet. Few trees or brush to snag the barrel.
Good hunting. LB
Posted by DAA (Member # 11) on April 28, 2003, 07:59 PM:
No doubt about that Leonard. I've got the rubber coated holder thing-a-mabobs on my 4 wheeler. But ain't no way I'd carry one of MY rifles on them, in the kind of terrain Trevor is talking about.
- DAA
Posted by Tactical.20 (Member # 302) on February 06, 2004, 07:50 PM:
I mounted one on the side of my front tool box on the Rubicon. It has a lid that opens the full length on top. I put extra foam rubber around it to hold it in place and to keep it from moving. Now, after re-enforcing the mounting pieces I think it is good now.T.20
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