Tactical Holster_Riding with a handgun

[AnatolyG]

I was thinking of riding into the backcountry w/ a hunting rifle. Anyone doing that? Also, how are you taking animals out? I am thinking starting small first, rabbit maybe?

I am not interested in gun debates, just thoughts on how it could be done. Thanks!

[fotooutdoors]

I was thinking of riding into the backcountry w/ a hunting rifle. Anyone doing that? Also, how are you taking animals out? I am thinking starting small first, rabbit maybe?

I think this is prime application for a longtail.  If the route wasn't too rough (and you weren't too far in), I would think you could haul out a deer. 

On the rabbit and standard mtb scale, I would investigate how much a rifle that breaks down costs.  I have hauled long objects on my bike (x-country skis), and there is no really elegant way to do it.  Alternately, you could use a rear rack and create a harness for your rifle that holds the rifle roughly vertical.

@Those who "aren't asking for a gun debate", please note that you have voiced your opinion on the issue by stating that you carry in the backcountry.  Consider this before asking others not to voice their (differing) opinions.

[balexander87]

But my challenge right now is coming up with some sort of noise making device so bears can hear me coming...

As far as a noise maker goes, what about this??

Turbospoke Bicycle Exhaust System (Ages 6+)

[riverfever]

@Those who "aren't asking for a gun debate", please note that you have voiced your opinion on the issue by stating that you carry in the backcountry.  Consider this before asking others not to voice their (differing) opinions.

Seriously? Stating that I carry at times is an opinion? The person asked a perfectly legit question and this is your counter? He's hunting for cripes sake. I would think that the only reason he said that in the first place is because simply having the word gun in a post would likely create a debate with some folks. If I ask about a backpack then would it be acceptable to you if I asked for a non-debate on guns? See how silly that is?

[riverfever]

AnatolyG...I'll have to try to find it but I have seen someone use a bike while going for bigger game like Mule Deer and Elk. I would think rabbit and squirrel would be super easy and probably fun with a .22 pistol. I can't recall how the guy carried his rifle. I'm sure it wasn't pretty. I've carried a fly rod tube and even that was cumbersome so I can't imagine a rifle. Best I could think of off the top of my head is very similar to how folks in ski towns carry their skis (some kind of PVC pipe attached but hopefully more securely). Maybe full length PVC lined with foam to protect the rifle? I have seen someone use a toboggan and paracord to bring out bigger game after it was field dressed. I have also seen someone use one of those blue plastic sleds and cord. If you actually dressed it and quartered it in the field, I bet transport could be pretty simple. Happens with just a backpack all the time.

[AnatolyG]

@reverfever, thanks for the response! I met a guy in Oregon who went elk hunting w/ a bike. He brought the Elk out, a few trips, and I am sure it was ugly. Delicious burgers, however! I'll keep noodling on it.

[riverfever]

What is the terrain like? Are we talking about logging roads or actual singletrack? That's gonna impact things a lot. I think for ease of things, I would try to use some type of handlebar mounted rack if the terrain permitted it. Keep looking. There's actually a lot of information out there on this.

[AnatolyG]

What is the terrain like? Are we talking about logging roads or actual singletrack? That's gonna impact things a lot. I think for ease of things, I would try to use some type of handlebar mounted rack if the terrain permitted it. Keep looking. There's actually a lot of information out there on this.

right now it's Arizona desert single track, soon will be Oregon forests, and then, Reno NV High desert.

[Damnitman]

Get a Remington XP-100 or Savage Striker in the caliber appropriate for the game you are stalking.  Use a BOB for hauling. 

[AnatolyG]

Get a Remington XP-100 or Savage Striker in the caliber appropriate for the game you are stalking.  Use a BOB for hauling. 

Wow, those are awesome pistols, thanks for the tip. I really like the XP-100.

[hikernks]

I would think a sling would work better for a rifle than a bicycle scabbard.  As far as transporting game, I think the ideal setup would be a fat-bike with a BOB trailer, but, comma,  I've never tried it either.  I'd be interested in hearing about your set-up, though.

On the topic of bikes and guns, I've thought about trying to gather interest/organzing a "bike-athlon."  This would be a combination of mountain-biking and skeet shooting, as opposed to XC-skiing and .22 shooting.  Just an idea I've tossed around in my ADD-addled head, haha.

[afie]

LOL at this thread.

But my challenge right now is coming up with some sort of noise making device so bears can hear me coming. I`ve startled them before and it`s not pleasant for either me or the bear.

Get yourself a Hope Pro 2 hub - loudest freewheel available.

[paxton coyote]

Small caliber, small game hunting by bike? I'd look into the new take-down model of Ruger's 10-22, breaks down in 2 pieces & comes in a cary case, it will be my next gun

[hikernks]

Paxton, thanks for the info, looks interesting!  Another option is the Henry Survival Rifle.  Everything breaks down and stores in the buttstock, plus it floats.  The only drawback is that it would take a couple of minutes to assemble, whereas the new 10-22 looks like it goes together rather quickly.  Give and take, but both are fine .22s.

[Eugenemtbing]

Chased up a big bear today while doing a snowy Cascade ride.  My friend and I were as surprised as the bear....