Tack Tip: Carrying a Saddle Scabbard

Here are some tips for carrying a rifle and scabbard on your saddle.
If you have questions about this or any other Tack Tip comment here or give us a call at [phone].
bigbendsaddlery.com/

[@alhemshorn5207]

The only way is a scabbard made just for the Winchester model you carry so it fits like a glove with no movement. Then carry on the right side upside down , butt forward. The problem with most scabbards today one size fits all. Then your gun can move in the scabbard therefore causing wear. And anytime you dismount & walk away from your horse always remove your Winchester as a horse rolling on you rifle is not a good idea or the bit! rubbing on the wooden stock

[@Melcop1886]

I prefer the rifle butt facing rear on the left side. If it's angled properly and far enough forward, you won't have a problem swinging your leg over when mounting or worry about it falling out while going up a hill. I rarely take the rifle out while I'm riding and wouldn't want to shoot it while mounted anyways, for the horses sake. With this setup, I can dismount and easily take the rifle out of the scabbard quickly because it's right there on the left side where you dismount from. I hunt in heavily wooded areas too, where brush and tree branches can easily snag on the rifle if it's mounted on the front. Plus it impedes the horses neck when attempting a one reign stop or if the horse is turning its neck. Everybody has their own preference I guess.

[@BCVS777]

When the scabbard is hung under the fender it pushes it out and that can get uncomfortable. I get by this by hanging mine straight up and down in front of the fender.

[@BigBendSaddlery]

That is a great way to carry a scabbard as well. Thank you for sharing!

[@juliangonzales2916]

Saludos que bueno que subieron video 👍👍👍

[@46rambo49]

years of packing tells me that up front you can hang it up on brush and trees real easy, out the back is sketchy if it ain't tied down tight. Under the fender any place I don't like as it can rub on the horse or impede their movement. I took to putting a slip scabbard on the horn and carry the rifle up front or on my back in a sling depending on the type of rifle, make it easy on the horse is my thought

[@EpicEverything3]

I ride with mine on the right side, with the buttsock towards the rear and it sits pretty much have it flat so you don't catch your leg getting on or off. Have a strap that stops it falling out as well. I prefer that way because I can still flex my horse and doesn't effect my reins or rope. Get a bit rubbed out on the leg for the first couple days but your leg gets used to it. But beauty is you can used the same scabbard to suit what you prefer

[@alhemshorn5207]

That scabbard that fits for all is why you need that safety strap for sure. but can be a good idea in some cases for all.

[@gerrycoleman7290]

Just make sure that the front right position does not interfere with the horse's neck and head movement.

[@virginiaatanner8900]

So how do the straps on the scabbard attach to the saddle? On the horn? Looks to me like attaching it straight up and down on the left side would be user friendly and grabbing the rifle with your right hand in a cross body draw. My horse was police trained and doesn’t mind being shot off of but I’m not sure how to actually attach the scabbard with those straps. Thanks for any advice. Oh and I use a Henry Mare’s Leg as well. Handy dandy for horseback.

[@BigBendSaddlery]

Hello! If you put it straight up and down be sure it doesn’t foul your horses leg. The way the old timers carried the scabbard was front right angled to front at top low enough to not hit neck. top strap through gullet and bottom strap to rear D with the scabbard body under your saddle fender. There are many ways to do it that work just fine. You can also attach rings in places to help with your particular style

[@catwhispurrer137]

Can you carry a rifle scabbard on your back or belt? I tried an online search but got no answer; just sites that sell 'em.

[@edgaraquino2324]

Good video! I have 3 questions: 1- Would you have to stand on the stirrups, place your left hand with the reins on the pommel and pull the rifle out with your right hand? 2- the scabbard & the saddle are both beautiful - I noticed that there are some leather strips located behind the seat on both sides - are these for decoration or for water to more easily drain off when it rains? 3 - What type of rifle would be carried in a scabbard these days? A Winchester? Thanks!

[@BigBendSaddlery]

Hello! 1. Yes, some people do draw their rifle like that. Others (with long arms), just grab the rifle with their dominant hand and pull it out. 2. The leather strips are called saddle strings and are used for tying things to your saddle such as a rain slicker. 3. There are many different types of rifles carried horseback. It depends on the preference of the rider. Thank you!

[@edgaraquino2324]

@@BigBendSaddlery thanks for the info, you learn something new every day!

[@EpicEverything3]

Hi Edgar I carry a 16" barrel Winchester 94 30-30 or a 18" Winchester 73 .38 special

[@kennethrutt7986]

Have you ever seen anyone carrying the rifle scabbard vertically, at the rear of the saddle?

[@BigBendSaddlery]

Yes I have but depending on circumstances it is probably the least desirable way to carry it. If it is vertical then it is difficult to swing your leg over. If you angle it back so as not to be a burden getting on it is apt to come out on steep inclines. Sometimes you just have to do what works for you in the country you are using it in

[@Texo_McKevo]

Someone complained that most rifle scabbards aren’t for AR or AK platforms. I honestly don’t care but I’m left handed and more then likely I would have the opposite of the right side.

[@BigBendSaddlery]

It's true, there aren't many scabbards for that type of rifle. Whichever side makes it easy for you to get to it is a great side to carry your rifle. Thanks for watching!

[@Texo_McKevo]

@@BigBendSaddlery no problem

[@virginiaatanner8900]

Sorry…April 5, 2023

[@nohillforahighstepper]

How many people are actually shooting horseback? The only time I take a rifle with me is if I'm hunting. I'm not going to shoot while I'm mounted. My old gelding is bomb proof but I refuse to shoot off his back. It's rude to the horse and I'm considerably more accurate shooting from the ground. And if the horse spooks, I'm not trying to figure out how to control the rifle and my horse at the same time. Take a couple seconds and get off your pony before you shoot...unless your are in a battle, of course. Then you'll want that sucker where you can reach it while mounted. Most folks mount and dismount on the left. So, if you hang it off the right side, you have to walk all the way around your horse to get to your rifle. I am right handed and carry my carbine on the left. Either butt forward or butt rearward. Yes, it is a bit uncomfortable sitting under my leg but you get used to it after a couple dozen miles. My horse has learned how to read my cues, regardless of the scabbard. I've heard some complain about too much weight on the left while mounting, if you attach your rifle on the left side. If you own a horse with decent withers, this isn't a problem. But don't hang off the side while you're mounting....ever. Get your big butt up in that saddle as quickly as possible. There are tons of videos that will teach you how to mount your horse properly. Try viewing one of them. I also see too many folks hanging their scabbards with the sights pointing up. This is probably a good idea if you are carrying a scoped rifle. But when I carry a scoped rifle, I have it in something WAY more protective than leather. Kolpin used to make a hard plastic one that works awesomely. If your rifle has open sights, the scabbard is designed to carry that rifle with the sights down. It puts your buttstock in the perfect position to not fall out, unless you are being shot from a rocket. If you are concerned about your rifle falling out, just loop your rear saddle string around the buttstock a couple times, just behind the lever.

[@gerrycoleman7290]

That is a fine looking scabbard. Did you folks make it?

[@BigBendSaddlery]

Hello! Yes, we made this scabbard