Packs to carry Rifles w Target Scope Knobs

[cycloneshooter]

I am possibly in the market for a new pack for western hunting. Coming from the midwest, we generally carry standard style back packs or day packs with just basic hunting tools, not full frame packs for hauling large amounts of gear and/or game meat. I really have no idea where to start, or what I should be looking for.

I will be antelope hunting this fall, and while I probably dont need a nice pack for that, I plan on doing more and more western hunting in the future. Mule deer, elk, hopefully sheep someday, etc.

One of my main concerns is carrying a rifle on or in a pack. What do you guys do, strap to the side or slide into a scabbard? My concern, with a scabbard is how do they work with scopes with target style adjustment dials? These are pretty high profile and I can see them becoming caught on material when trying to pull the rifle out for usage. Also with high profile knobs, I can see them being easier to bang around and potentially damaging the scope or loss of zero.

Also, how big of a pack do people use? Frame packs I assume? Any recommendations for a good starter pack would be appreciated.

 

[Ridgerunner]

Eberlestock makes good day hunting packs. I have a x1 I need to get listed and sold here pretty quick. It makes for a good daypack it has a rifle scabbard that works slick.

 

[Ridgerunner]

Lots of good options out there though packs are like lots of other gear different strokes for different folks and budgets.

 

[Bitterroot Bulls]

The X1 seems like a PERFECT transitional Western hunting pack for the OP, and I love the Eberle gunscabbard for carrying a rifle. Very convenient.

 

[Wild Country]

+1 on beetle stock....I have the blue widow and use it as my day pack, backcountry and I attach the scabbard when I crossover for rifle. I know it's big for a daypack but I am cheap and look at it as an added bonus of being more adjusted for times when it's hauling meat.

 

[dying to kill]

i carry a light frame pack and a day pack its nothin fancy but gets the job done, as far as a scabbard i cant use em, cant stand not havin my gun in my hands thats just me tho, I also carry a lazer bore sight that way i always have a way to check my zero if for some reason i mite be questioning it. Iv known of guys dropping there guns n not knowing there scope was off till they got back home, I know with in seconds.

 

[BobT]

I use the Eberlestock X1 for pronghorns every year and it's hard for me to imagine a better pack for the job. My rifle has a scope with a 50mm objective and target knobs, I can slide it in and out at will with a Harris bipod attached.

Bob

 

[mcseal2]

Pretty much what everyone else said, I love my Eberlestocks. I have an X1A1, mini-me, Lo Drag, gunrunner, and J34. My personal favorite is the J34. It's more expensive than the X1 but if you really want to buy only one pack for everything I can't see anything being much better. The X1 is a great pack and perfect for day hunts as the others have said, but if you want to also haul meat or a bivy camp the J34 can handle those jobs also. I like the lay-out better on the J34 also for my gear but everyone packs different stuff. If you buy an Eberlestock I'd sure recommend chosing one that has the loops on the side to allow you to compress the scabbard. That makes it quieter and more stable. I haven't had any trouble yet with the Leupold CDS or Vortex turrets getting out of adjustment on my rifles drawing them from the scabbard, but I still check each time.

 

[packmule]

I have the Eberlestock H2 gunrunner and can get a full size Remington 700 topped with a 5.5-22x50 NF w/ tactical knobs to fit in it. The Leupold CDS scopes aren't a problem.

 

[Ikeepitcold]

If you use any type of scabbard style pack and your knobs are exposed, no caps to cover them or no locks on then use a scope cover to cover the while scope and turrets. I have had the elevation turret turn on me before and missed a buck of a life time. The scope cover will keep the turrets from turning when putting the gun in and out.

 

[rfurman24]

I have to agree with the others on the X1. I do not believe you will find a better day pack for a rifle hunt. The gun scabbard is unmatched and the pack does its job. It is obviously not going to be comfortable for large loads but that is not its purpose.

 

[MacDonald]

If you use any type of scabbard style pack and your knobs are exposed, no caps to cover them or no locks on then use a scope cover to cover the while scope and turrets. I have had the elevation turret turn on me before and missed a buck of a life time. The scope cover will keep the turrets from turning when putting the gun in and out.

Best advice! I use an Eberlestock J-107 with the internal scabbard, but even then, my knobs are covered (boy, you could really run with the innuendo on that statement!). If you have concerns about losing zero, I'd take a look at what our snipers use to hump their long guns with in the field.

 

[tdcour]

I use a horn hunter mainbeam. It has what they call gear grippers on it that strap your rifle in. Good side, you can attach anything to it... bad side, you have to have a buddy unbuckle it or you have to take the pack off. Terrible for an animal jumping up right in front of you. It isn't a true frame pack, and is more of a larger day pack, but I have packed a lot of weight in mine from animals to gear. They are a decent price, but I don't think offer as much adjustability as eberlestock