Hello all,

I've read the previous scabbard thread and thought I'd try this specific to MY needs.

A couple of givens:

-I want a flap to fully enclose my rifle...as opposed to open or a hood (2-piece).
-The rifle is, I think, 46 inches in total length as it's built on a M1917 "Enfield" action with a bit of a long stock and a 24" barrel. The stock doesn't have much "drop" either. A Leupold 3.5-10x40 is the scope.
-I typically get off the horse to the left so would prefer that the scabbard be on the left but this would seem to require that the scope be "down" to avoid having the bolt into the horse. I'm not convinced this is necessarily a problem but it's hard to make that conclusion never having done any of this before.

Right now I'm leaning toward this: http://www.cochiseleather.com/scabbard.html as the R03 would appear to be able to be made specifically for my rifle which is a bit of an oddball. I'm waiting for a return call from them to confirm if it can be done.

Another I like is: http://www.fourwinds.net/westacc/cs279043.html as it has an interesting flap design and the price is competitive.

There are MANY options that come up upon searching for "rifle scabbard" so I was mainly interested in any recommendations you all might have.

Thanks in advance.

Reed

Having spent a lot of time on horses with all kinds of rifles, I wanted to make a slightly off topic comment. If you are going to have ready access to your rifle, carry it on the right side, butt forward and up with the lead rope looped around the stock. That way if you need to dismount quickly, you simply grab your rifle and the lead rope with your right hand (your reins are in your left hand) and pull the rifle from the scabbard as you dismount. Depending on the horse, the rodeo may start before or slightly after your first shot. As far as choice of scabbards, it depends on how much protection you want to afford your rifle, but I wouldn't take anything on a horse I didn't mind seeing get broke. Horses make an excellent arguement for plastic stocks. Your experience may vary.
Good Hunting!
Russ

The 2nd scabbard that you have listed is a good looking choice and the price that they have is about average for a leather scabbard of that design. I wouldn't follow blacktails suggestion on putting the rifle forward however. I have seen some bad wrecks caused by putting the stock forward.It is too easy for the rifle stock to get hooked on trees, brush, ect. especialy when your leading a horse. The horses first reaction when they get in a bind of that sort is to lunge forward and your stock will ussualy lose.

I would find a reputable saddle maker, preferably one you can visit with in person. Take you're rifle to him along with your ideas and sit down and draw a blueprint. He will probably offer suggestions that differ from your original idea (take his advice on leather and hardware) and YOU will have to decide whether these suggestions are valid or not. If you feel he is out of line go elsewhere. Otherwise work out the price and let him have at it. It won't be the cheapest route but........

Chuck

Reed
I have been on a few horseback hunts and I always used the outfitters scabbard, which are pretty basic models. I insist that they are used in the so-called Northwest position. See page 376 of Elmer Keith's book "Keith's Rifles for Large Game. My hunts have been in Mountains and dense Forest. No problems at all. In the Northwest position the scabbard is mounted on the left side fairly high with the rifle butt facing foward. Makes if easy to get the rifle as you dismount. I NEVER have the rifle in the scabbard unless I am setting in the saddle.
Before my next hunt I will get a scabbard made by www.murraycustomleather.com
My favorite is a scabbard made to look like the S-11 traditionsl gun slip. It has a buckle/flap, no zippers.
However there is nothing wrong with the S-2. They are kinda pricy but offer the ultimate protection for your rifle.
As others have said horses are HARD on rifles. Very hard.

I'll second the vote for Murray - I happen to like the S2 - but as it was stated above, they are somewhat pricey... They are also a tad heavy, so I would definitely use them on the right side of the horse, balances the weight a bit better when you get into the saddle.

Maybe the article from Murray's site might be of interest? Ross Seyfried Article from G&A
- mike

What Chuck said,,,I'd find a saddle maker and take him the gun and work it out with the fella what you wanted.

I'd also leave the gun with him and have him do it for you.

I've had Jeff at Grizzly Saddle in Great Falls/Mt do them for me and they all turned out great!

Just my thoughts

"GET TO THE HILL"

Dogz

wyotyson,
You do it your way and I'll do it mine but I'll be shootin before you get your rifle off the horse! BTW I wouldn't ever leave my gun on the horse when leading it, that is asking for a wreck.
Russ

I love these "MY WAY IS BEST!!!" statements. Whatever feels more comfortable for you is what's "best."



I prefer the scabbard on the left, butt forward. Is it best?? It is for me. Can't say for anyone else. That's after seven Rocky Mountain elk hunts with outfitters in Idaho, Colorado, Wyoming, and Idaho. Also numerous deer hunts into the back country of California's Sierra, using rented horses to pack us into camp. Plus, a lot of just plain ol' trail bustin' in the Sierra and Idaho Rocky Mtns., without hunting, but carrying a rifle in a scabbard, because... uhh, because I always have a rifle with me, hunting or not.



Follow the above advice, however, suggesting that the INSTANT you get off that horse, you take your rifle from the scabbard!! You'd be amazed at how a horse can find a way to screw up a good rifle. I could relate a story of a Colo. elk hunt, seeing a man from Kansas City, having a beautiful older, near new, .300 Wetherby destroyed by a horse in Colorado, because he left his rifle in the scabbard when he dismounted and went to relieve himself, but it's a long story.



FWIW. L.W.