In another post jeffeosso suggested carrying around an 18lb pole as training for carrying a DGR. I can see how this is probably the most efficient way to focus on the right muscles.

I'd like to get some suggestions on how best to create something like this, maybe 12-15lbs. It would be useful if it had a buttstock-size tip at one end for shoulder carrry. This would need to be carried on walks around the suburban neighborhood more than forest hikes so it's important that it doesn't look even remotely like a gun, or even something that could be confused for a weapon. Besides giving it a pink exterior I'm not sure how that might be accomplished.

Does anyone already have something like this that can easily be reproduced? Any pictures?

I would think an 1 1/2"dia. pipe about 48" long filled w/ sand & couple of caps would be about right. I think 12# would be more than enough to "condition" you to a rifle's weight. Let us know what you come up with.

Two 6-lb dumbells will work just fine. Anything else is going to look like a weapon, unless you put on a set of Dickies work clothes and carry around a 12-lb shovel.

Gonzo,
they make "the pole" in 10,12,14,16,18 lbs..

it's about 4.5' long, so it's a trifle too heavy and too long...

carry that, walk a mile... stop... hold it like a rifle, at a point of aim, till your arms are shaking and its "not funny"... carry it about 1/4 of the way back.. try again... etc..

jeffe

Quite honestly, a complete fitness program is all you need, and is beneficial for all aspects of hunting--including the carrying of your dangerous game rifle.

AD

As posted above, I'm thinking about a pipe. Probably white PVC filled with sand, end caps. Perhaps stencil something on it like "Survey Instruments".

I finished one several nights ago. Having not seen this thread prior to getting the idea, I find it interesting that others were contemplating the same thing; parallel evolution of sorts.
I used a 45 inch long section of 1.5 inch diameter PVC pipe with end caps. Filled with water only, it weighs roughly 4 lbs. Filled with sand it weighs 5.5 lbs. Filled with sand and 5 lbs. of #9 lead shot it goes 10.5. With a little work I was able to match the balance of my rifle. So far it works well. I started using it while running hills. By my 4th or 5th time up my arms get tired. My only rule is that it never touches the ground. That forces me into holding it when getting tired; I don�t let myself treat it as a hiking stick.

Allen,

Don't be spoiling their fun by telling them the ugly truth!

Drink more sipp'en whiskey, it'll kill the pain..works for me for 70 years~!

If you want something to carry in a residentual area,that doesn't look out of place, take a 5' piece of 1" galvenized conduit pipe, then go to the plumbing supply and buy 10 lbs of plumber's lead, melt it and pour it in the conduit. Put a bicycle handle bar grip on one end, and a tip for a walking cane on the other. This will look normal for anyone walking, and is handy to fend of dogs, or muggers, as well. It may not take all the 10 lbs of lead, but it will come close if it doesn't.

You guys are thinking too much. Get a 6' fencepost at the hardware store, cut it in half and duct tape the halves together. Rifle PT like they taught you in Basic Training is great; so are bayonet drills. Or swim laps. All help. Okie John