Answering a Functional Horsemanship reader question on where and how to hand rifle scabbards on your saddle and considerations for personal preference, safety and rider/horse comfort.
It all starts with the rifle. Determine what rifle you want or need for the purpose then obtain a proper fitting scabbard, then that will determine where and how you must rig it. This is why models 1866, 1873, 1886, 1894 winchester type lever guns are so popular with horsemen. They are lightweight, narrow and come in a variety of lengths and calibres perfect for saddle use. Larger hunting scoped rifles will be packed differently. In remote areas a good rifle goes a long way. :)
All good tips. If one looks at old photos the scabbaard is worn on the near side, not the off side. The reason is to have the rifle on the same side one dismounts from. When the military switched from saddle rings to scabbards they switched the saber to the other side to allow this as can be seen in manuals of the period.
I have a 1973 Hereford beartrap which will hold all I need. I finally found an old original 1904 Mcclellan and like the close contact , rider position and light weight. I can rig it with rifle, canteen, poncho, leatherman, saddle bags etc. I've experimented with just about all lightweight configurations of bareback pads etc. The 1904 is the ticket. I use a waffle weave neoprene cinch that does not slip. I found going down real steep inclines a regular cinch slides forward.
The western saddle is made for long hours riding and working cattle and can hold a variety of tools tied to it like canteens, lariet, bedroll/raingear etc. on a daily basis. I prefer a good western saddle in general. For specific mission oriented hunting trips I have switched to a mcclellen saddle. Its light weight and is made for a variety of things to be attached to it. Weighs less than 10 lbs versus a 45 lbs western rig. Food for thought.
I never put my scabbard backwards. It's too difficult to pull the rifle out while on horseback and it's not within my sight at all times so I risk losing it. I always put mine forward and low so that I can put my hand on the buttstock with ease with it at approximately the 60° angle. Easily accessed and always within my sight
Perhaps you could do a video on the proper use of the saddle ring on a rifle or carbine. I have heard several reasons for the saddle ring from a single point sling to a saddle horn loop to a way to lash the rifle into the sabbard. What is the real intended use of the saddle ring on a rifle or carbine?
question I have is the use of a saddle ring on the saddle have a Marlin with a saddle ring wanted to know how to mount it if you can help me out I would greatly appreciate it
riverrat, I do not use the saddle ring on my carbines for their original purpose, but shoot me an e-mail at brad@functionalhorsemanship.com and I'll send you some information and pictures of saddle ring carbines holders (socks and boots) and how they are intended to be used.
Saddle rings weren't for tying to a saddle but to hook to a sling over the shoulder of a mounted soldier. This allowed him to keep the rifle by his side while holding the reins. The muzzle rested in a boot rigged to the saddle gear. Look up cavalry rifle sling or cavalry sling ring.
The big problem is access to your rifle while on the horse with it behind you, I'm older and don't twist around that easy. Also on amazon they have a scabbard with a scope cut to it like i bought. And hanging all off of saddle horn wont work - like you i carry a rope too. and saddle horn mini bags.The scabbard i have is for 30/30 with scope.
toomanybears it is matter of trial and error. Normally you get off the horse and shoot, unless your John Wayne. So finding a method of hanging the scabbard. Without causing injuries to the horse, or being in safe for you the horse or those that might be following you. You can try hanging it muzzle downwards just a head of the stirrup. This might not work if your cinch is directly behind the front legs. Either side with Butt upwards about equal to pommels height. Aussie saddles usually have a abundance of dee-rings to attach too. The video pointed out some down falls and things to be aware of. Like I said it is trial and error. It also may change from horse to horse.
Thank You
I intend to mount a nice leather scabbard on my saddle soon.
Keep up the Great videos and knowledge information.
Thanks
Sean
It all starts with the rifle. Determine what rifle you want or need for the purpose then obtain a proper fitting scabbard, then that will determine where and how you must rig it. This is why models 1866, 1873, 1886, 1894 winchester type lever guns are so popular with horsemen. They are lightweight, narrow and come in a variety of lengths and calibres perfect for saddle use. Larger hunting scoped rifles will be packed differently. In remote areas a good rifle goes a long way. :)
All good tips. If one looks at old photos the scabbaard is worn on the near side, not the off side. The reason is to have the rifle on the same side one dismounts from. When the military switched from saddle rings to scabbards they switched the saber to the other side to allow this as can be seen in manuals of the period.
I have a 1973 Hereford beartrap which will hold all I need.
I finally found an old original 1904 Mcclellan and like the close contact , rider position and light weight.
I can rig it with rifle, canteen, poncho, leatherman, saddle bags etc.
I've experimented with just about all lightweight configurations of bareback pads etc. The 1904 is the ticket. I use a waffle weave neoprene cinch that does not slip. I found going down real steep inclines a regular cinch slides forward.
The western saddle is made for long hours riding and working cattle and can hold a variety of tools tied to it like canteens, lariet, bedroll/raingear etc. on a daily basis. I prefer a good western saddle in general. For specific mission oriented hunting trips I have switched to a mcclellen saddle. Its light weight and is made for a variety of things to be attached to it. Weighs less than 10 lbs versus a 45 lbs western rig. Food for thought.
I carry my rifle to the front easy to reach..great video
Very nice
I never put my scabbard backwards. It's too difficult to pull the rifle out while on horseback and it's not within my sight at all times so I risk losing it. I always put mine forward and low so that I can put my hand on the buttstock with ease with it at approximately the 60° angle. Easily accessed and always within my sight
Very good! Thank you.
Nice scabbards and I did not know how to put a scabbard on my saddle
Perhaps you could do a video on the proper use of the saddle ring on a rifle or carbine. I have heard several reasons for the saddle ring from a single point sling to a saddle horn loop to a way to lash the rifle into the sabbard. What is the real intended use of the saddle ring on a rifle or carbine?
You don't find many people with a Montana peak cowboy hat anymore.
It helps, Thank-you.
i wonder if this would work with my Australian stock saddle.
I have the same model rifle. What are the dimensions of the scabbard that is tied to the saddle? Thank you
Just remember if you mount the scabbard pointing straight down to have a flap over the top so it doesn't get rain a dirt down it. Thanks...
The scabbard under the legg isn't very comfortable. What is an alternative?
what kind of saddle is do your ride
nice. I have the same saddle.
Jeremy Young what saddle is that?
I always hang it on the left it is out of the way
What about the dislocated knee after a few hours in the saddle?
Pretty good but I would turn it the other way with the butt of the rifle to the front.. helps keep it from getting yanked out
question I have is the use of a saddle ring on the saddle have a Marlin with a saddle ring wanted to know how to mount it if you can help me out I would greatly appreciate it
riverrat, I do not use the saddle ring on my carbines for their original purpose, but shoot me an e-mail at brad@functionalhorsemanship.com and I'll send you some information and pictures of saddle ring carbines holders (socks and boots) and how they are intended to be used.
Will do thank you
Saddle rings weren't for tying to a saddle but to hook to a sling over the shoulder of a mounted soldier. This allowed him to keep the rifle by his side while holding the reins. The muzzle rested in a boot rigged to the saddle gear. Look up cavalry rifle sling or cavalry sling ring.
The big problem is access to your rifle while on the horse with it behind you, I'm older and don't twist around that easy. Also on amazon they have a scabbard with a scope cut to it like i bought. And hanging all off of saddle horn wont work - like you i carry a rope too. and saddle horn mini bags.The scabbard i have is for 30/30 with scope.
Mike Cianciosi hang on the left side through the forks may work well for you.
I'm left handed. Any suggestions??
toomanybears it is matter of trial and error. Normally you get off the horse and shoot, unless your John Wayne. So finding a method of hanging the scabbard. Without causing injuries to the horse, or being in safe for you the horse or those that might be following you. You can try hanging it muzzle downwards just a head of the stirrup. This might not work if your cinch is directly behind the front legs. Either side with Butt upwards about equal to pommels height. Aussie saddles usually have a abundance of dee-rings to attach too. The video pointed out some down falls and things to be aware of. Like I said it is trial and error. It also may change from horse to horse.
Ma sto cowboy da quattro soldi...guardate dove ha agganciato il pettorale
This guy he needs to look on CZcams to see how to hang a scabberd on a horse..evidently he don't rope and has rode very little ..
What do you mean
Yeah?
What you wanted to say was "he DOESN'T rope and has RIDDEN very little..." Evidently you didn't pay much attention in English class.