Gunracks

[Scott T]

I see where I will need a gunrack on my new 4 wheeler.  As I see it, there are two basic choices,  the plastic scabbard (Koplin) and the 'Y' shapes that hold the gun sideways on the handlebars or front rack.

Which do you use and why?  Any particular brand or type to avoid?

Thank you in advance!

[bearfat]

I use Plano which is much cheaper than Koplin by $20-$30 depending on sales etcetera.

Both have the same accessories. I use a plain old $3.00 bungee cord to allow the chainsaw or gun to absorb any hits from the side from small trees, branches, or brush. If it's tied down solid something will give from the pressure.




The Plano's in above photo are exactly how I carry them to and from cabin and out to the tree stand. They will never get any water inside the gun case even in a pounding rain if pointed downward. (I had to remind myself which way to point them with white paint...Doooohhh)

As you can see I bring them inward a tad to limit contact with tight clearances and trees.
They ride fine in that position and do not interfere with me on the machine but I have huge footrests on the MV7 and the homemade rear rack I made helps me lash them down.

Note the green paint rubbed off the edge of the 2x4 from contact with stuff. Of course when I have expensive items on the machine I go slower and more cautious thru those tight spots.

[Lives2hunt]

Those are some great suggestions. I never thought about "something will give from the pressure" but your ideas look like they will work just fine. Thats a neat backboard you customized to attach more essentials. 

[Maryland Hunter]

I have both on mine, the "Y" type on the front rack, and the scabbard. One of our guys in our club was going through a tight trail with his rifle on his "Y" racks, and side swiped a tree. Knocked off his sights, ferrule, and bent his ramrod. I only use the "Y" racks when on a field or open area. They are handy for Bows, shovels, pole trimmers and other tools as well.

MH

[Scott T]

Good ideas.  I went with the Koplin case because that is what I could find locally.  I hunt with an 1874 Sharps and I sure don't want to try to bend it.

Thanks for the ideas, I think I will lash it on with bungies for now, a rigid mount is liable to get me caught up in the brush.

[DirtyDan]

I have one of the hard cases (Doskosil sp?) bungied to the rack when going to the stand in the dark. When traveling during daylight, I have gotten real good at steering with my right hand. The rifle rest across my lap with the left hand holding it. Never know what will step out around the next bend in the road/trail, 2 miles in, 2 miles out.

I took one of the Y types and mounted it on the main frame of the frontend loader on my tractor for a vertical hold of the rifle. Used some pre-existing holes, but I have to unattach the loader to get to the bottom hole. Once I do this I will be able to haul the old Savage 340. 'Course iron sights are pretty much a requirement in this situation, but some deer are real curious about tractors or just ignore them.

Scott- would that Sharps be known as BN Kate?

[Scott T]

Indeed it is Big Nose Kate........she sure gets around!

 

[Two Bears]

Bearfat,
How do you like that Polaris MV ?

I have a 05 700 sportsman that I put the 700 MV springs on so that I can carry all my bear hunting stuff and a couple of guys and a bear once and a while and just love how it will take whatever I put on it. Just wish I had the same rack space that the MV has.

[bearfat]

I just found out it's not being produced past 2007.

I'd really like to put a snow tracker system on it to truly bring the beast out of it. But I could get a nice snow sled for the price the snow tracker system costs. And I'm just not too certain those systems don't put tremendous pressure on the transmissions.
My last 6x6 had the snow tracker system and the transmission was binding up?

It love's to tow and the racks are indeed the cat's meow. The (15) heavy duty recessed "D" tie down rings are superb.

It's my first winch(s) but I'm just not real impressed with them.

It screams heavy duty at you and I have yet to find any dents or cracks, whatever from logs, rocks, tight squeezes, etcetera all the way around and underneath it. I have 95 hours/235 miles on it.





I actually came out in one run with all my junk this last week. Amazing how much stuff one man thinks he needs for just a 48 hour run.