The Scabbard | Kifaru’s Long Gun Hauler

Moving long distances with a rifle can be cumbersome, but sometimes necessary. But other times, with a long gun, it is sometimes best to store it on your back until you get close to where you need to use it. Kifaru designed their Scabbard to serve as a solution for those long-distance movements. They were also kind enough to send us a pack to cover.

Scabbard Overview

The Scabbard consists of the pack and requires an external frame like Kifaru’s 22” ARK Frame. The carrier’s front has a hardened internal core that creates a tunnel to store the rifle and prevent snagging when I take the gun out of the carrier. The core also serves as an attachment point for any ARK frame pack, like their Stryker XL, for hunters who want a multi-day pack out in the backcountry. The front also has laser-cut PALS webbing for pouches with MOLLE attachments or any of Kifaru’s Belt pouches.

“Addressing the need to secure long guns for the long haul with our frame platforms, our Rifle scabbard was originally designed to carry the PGM Hécate II .50 BMG rifle for the French military units, but it needed to fit smaller precision rifles as well.” ~ kifaru.net

At the top is a G-hook that goes over the rifle butt. There are three webbing tabs that the G-hook can attach to if I need to secure my rifle at different angles in the carrier. There are also two cinch cords to close the tunnel’s opening when storing the gun. At the Scabbard’s bottom is a fiberglass muzzle cone. The cone is adjustable to accommodate longer rifles. I have had the cone set at the shortest level in my Scabbard for both a 20” barrel rifle and an 18” barrel rifle, and both rifles did not stick uncomfortably above my head or bump against the back of my legs.

Scabbard Set-up

I have set up my Scabbard for day hunts. I added Kifaru’s medium and small belt pouches to the PALs webbing to achieve that goal. In the small pouch, at the top, I carry engineer tape to mark my starting point when following a blood trail. I also keep a multitool and a headlamp. I store a beanie and snacks in the medium pouch below the small pouch.

I also have Kifaru’s Sherman pack over the two belt pouches. In the Sherman, I keep a notebook with rifle and scope information. I also store other small items, such as a first aid kit and extra batteries for the headlamp. I also like to keep the Sherman on the less-packed side of its capacity if I need to stash additional items before heading out on a hunt.

“The Scabbard allows you to adjust the length of the system, whether you are using a suppressor or need a more compact rig for riding dirt bikes or horses, all while keeping it protected”. ~ kifaru.net

The Scabbard Features & Specifications courtesy of kifaru.net

• 4lbs 6.75 oz – 2.09 kg
• Minimum length setting – 28” from bottom to top of tunnel
• Maximum length setting – 40” from bottom to top of tunnel
• 3” increment adjustments in height (5 height settings total)
• 500d Invista Cordura
• 500d Padded Cordura
• Silicone fiberglass insulating sheet
• Salute51 laser-cut laminate and milspec webbing
• Price: $347.00

Final Thoughts

While I have not had the opportunity to use the Scabbard extensively in the backcountry, I have been impressed with the quality of the pack. One option that would be “nice to have” is a cover for the opening to protect the rifle and optic from the elements. But besides that cover, I like how the laminate sheet helps to form a tunnel for the gun and acts as an additional protective layer. I also appreciate how the ARK frame and the laminate can serve as a hasty shooting platform when the situation calls for it. Besides backcountry hunts, the Scabbard would be a good bag for competitions like the Ultimate Hunter Shooting Sports or other hike-and-shoot competitions. If you are looking for a long gun carrier, look at the Scabbard. Jack Carr fans might even read about it in Red Sky Mourning.