running distance with a rifle?

Jayne

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Seeing one of those adventure race / shooting competitions got me energized to try it, or at least train for it. I've started running again, times are dropping quickly as I remember how to run, but what's new is running with a rifle.

For this morning's run I just picked up a stick and tried to hold it while running. Basically held it in front of me and ran normally, but my arms are crazy sore now from trying to keep a normal 'swing' going with the added weight of the stick and the awkward arm movements.

Only thing I could find on youtube was showing how to sling up and run, and that looked painful (having it bounce around on your back).

How do the adventure race guys carry the rifle when doing the run portions of the event?

You don't see that on the highlight videos, they just show the fun parts.
 
My disclaimer: I have not done any races/events, my experience comes from Uncle Sugar. We ran this course in the desert of California called the combat conditioning course, it was 15ish miles; every quarter mile to half mile there was some training evolution, and it was timed and graded. You are right; you can carry it at port arms, but it is crazy fatiguing. Single-point slings are great for CQB, but suck at everything else, especially this. A quality two-point sling where you can cinch the rifle very close to the body (I prefer back, and just pulling it over my right shoulder when I need it) is the best way; if you do not cinch it tight, the excess movement will cause all sorts of chaffing and abrasions. Also, biathlon slings are very good for this; essentially double-shoulder packs straps. These are really good for heavier rifles and precision rifles that have to be carried a long distance (I suppose hunting rifles would fall into this as well):

biathlon__33237.1553026094.jpg


Tab gear makes them for tactical applications, and you can get them through nordicmarksmen.com (more competitive/athletic). I saw some of our snipers roll their own and made some homemade.
 
I am a veteran of exactly one run and gun event, but I used a TAB biathlon sling and feel confident in saying it’s the best way to go for running with a rifle in one of those type competitions. It’s worn like a backpack with nice wide padded straps over both shoulders so your arms are free to do whatever.

You can cinch the rifle down pretty well but there will still be some degree of swinging, however it’s easy to get into a rhythm so the movement is minimal and you don’t beat yourself to death.

Another huge benefit is having your hands free when negotiating obstacles, especially the low crawls. The TAB sling kept my rifle solidly in the middle of my back and stationary, so no worries about it shifting and getting stuck in the obstacle while crawling under and through stuff.

One disadvantage, it’s not the fastest to get on and off. Especially if you are wearing it over a backpack like you would typically do in one of these events. That said, I don’t thing prepping the guns to shoot a stage is done on the clock anyway. Good luck whatever you go with. Those events are all kinds of fun.
 
Note: I’ve only run 2 of these type events and I’m not that fast of a runner (34 minute 5k unladen).

I use a VTAC style 2 point sling that can be tightened down.

First run n gun I used a backpack for most of my gear. I slung my rifle over my back and tightened it down. It kept t out of the way and did bounce around a little bit the backpack kept anything from hurting.

Second run n gun I ditched the pack for a small 1.5L camelbak. I didn’t ever try and sling it over my back. Instead I tightened it up a little and would run with it cradled in one arm at a time so most of the weight was in the crook of my elbow. Switched back and forth between each arm. My arms weren’t too tired by the end.

Really the only way to figure out what works for you is to run with your rifle.
 
First run n gun I used a backpack for most of my gear.

Second run n gun I ditched the pack for a small 1.5L camelbak.

That's another part of the equation, what all would I need to hold the rest of the gear as that will impact how I carry the rifle. If I had some sort of chest rig with something on the back then the simple sling idea could work since the carrier would be taking all the damage and not my skin.
 
I am a veteran of exactly one run and gun event, but I used a TAB biathlon sling and feel confident in saying it’s the best way to go for running with a rifle in one of those type competitions. It’s worn like a backpack with nice wide padded straps over both shoulders so your arms are free to do whatever.

There are 3 levels to that but so far neither site I've been to explains the difference between simple, regular and elite. Which did you use and why?
 
you can carry it at port arms, but it is crazy fatiguing.

"port arms", a much better description than "running like you're carrying a stick". :)

A quality two-point sling where you can cinch the rifle very close to the body

Is that what uncle taught you, or did you guys just have to suffer as part of the exercise?
 
Check out the “Run N Gun Discussion” group on Facebook. There is a massive amount of information there from people who have done dozens of run n guns
 
"port arms", a much better description than "running like you're carrying a stick". :)



Is that what uncle taught you, or did you guys just have to suffer as part of the exercise?

"Running like you're carrying a stick" is more descriptive and gets the point across.

No one told us "this is what you should have," and no one really said "this is how you need to do it." We learned from trial-and-error, and we watched a lot of the vets and saw what they did. We didn't suffer, much, but these events aren't designed to be easy.

Another option, but expensive, is buy a pack specifically for carrying a rifle. Again, I don't know about the competitions, but if you have time to retrieve your rifle and get it set up, another option is something like Eberlestock, a pack with a rifle scabbard built in. Our snipers used these as well.
 
There are 3 levels to that but so far neither site I've been to explains the difference between simple, regular and elite. Which did you use and why?

I went with the regular. The regular and elite versions include a shooters loop for steadying the rifle while shooting, where the basic doesn't. The only difference between the regular and elite are the buckles and I didn't see paying the extra money for those. Pretty sure I never used the shooters loop either but that's what I got.

Here's a short video that helps explain and demonstrate a little better.
 
Are these doable or is there a division with iron sights? Or are there a lot of precision shots?

If so, you should borrow my 5.5lb SBR Jayne.
 
Are these type of comps held in N.C.? I know they’re big in TX. Would be very interested to get involved in one of these
 
whats the saying? If you run you'll only die tired...Im going with that bc im lazy and its easier but good luck to you guys. Ill be cheering you on from my recliner.
 
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