An apparatus in accordance with the invention includes a shoulder strap for use with a backpack, wherein the shoulder strap supports the backpack on a user’s shoulders. A hook is incorporated into the shoulder strap to carry cargo, such as a rifle, bow, binoculars, or the like. The hook and associated cargo provide a counterbalance for weight of the backpack on the user’s shoulders. In certain embodiments, the hook is designed to universally connect to different types of backpacks and shoulder straps. In certain embodiments, the apparatus includes a coupling mechanism to couple the hook to the shoulder strap and/or prevent swaying of the hook relative to the shoulder strap. The hook may foldable to enable the hook to be stowed away and/or prevent cargo from coming off the hook. A corresponding method is also disclosed herein.

An apparatus in accordance with the invention includes a shoulder strap for use with a backpack, wherein the shoulder strap supports the backpack on a user’s shoulders. A hook is incorporated into the shoulder strap to carry cargo, such as a rifle, bow, binoculars, or the like. The hook and associated cargo provide a counterbalance for weight of the backpack on the user’s shoulders. In certain embodiments, the hook is designed to universally connect to different types of backpacks and shoulder straps. In certain embodiments, the apparatus includes a coupling mechanism to couple the hook to the shoulder strap and/or prevent swaying of the hook relative to the shoulder strap. The hook may foldable to enable the hook to be stowed away and/or prevent cargo from coming off the hook. A corresponding method is also disclosed herein.

An apparatus for carrying a rifle is disclosed. In one embodiment, such an apparatus includes a coupling mechanism to connect to a rifle. In certain embodiments, the coupling mechanism comprises a hook for engaging a loop, wherein one of the hook and the loop is connected to a rifle. An attachment mechanism, such as a clip or strap, is coupled to the coupling mechanism and configured to attach the coupling mechanism to a backpack or other shoulder harness. In certain embodiments, a retention mechanism may be provided to keep the rifle retained within the coupling mechanism. Similarly, a release mechanism may be provided to release the rifle from the retention mechanism. The release mechanism may engage/disengage the retention mechanism using a cable, or in other embodiments using wired or wireless communication. A corresponding method is also disclosed herein.

An apparatus for carrying a rifle is disclosed. In one embodiment, such an apparatus includes a coupling mechanism to connect to a rifle. In certain embodiments, the coupling mechanism comprises a hook for engaging a loop, wherein one of the hook and the loop is connected to a rifle. An attachment mechanism, such as a clip or strap, is coupled to the coupling mechanism and configured to attach the coupling mechanism to a backpack or other shoulder harness. In certain embodiments, a retention mechanism may be provided to keep the rifle retained within the coupling mechanism. Similarly, a release mechanism may be provided to release the rifle from the retention mechanism. The release mechanism may engage/disengage the retention mechanism using a cable, or in other embodiments using wired or wireless communication. A corresponding method is also disclosed herein.

A method for protecting a rifle and stabilizing the rifle when shooting is disclosed. In one embodiment, such a method includes providing a strap and connecting a first end of the strap to a backpack. A second end of the strap is connected to a rifle. A length of the strap is adjusted such that when a user pulls the rifle over the shoulder from the backpack and holds the rifle in a shooting position, the strap slides over the user's shoulder from the backpack to the rifle and reduces a weight of the rifle in the user's arms when the rifle is held in the shooting position. In certain embodiments, the length of the strap is adjusted to maintain the rifle substantially level when in the shooting position.

A method for protecting a rifle and stabilizing the rifle when shooting is disclosed. In one embodiment, such a method includes providing a strap and connecting a first end of the strap to a backpack. A second end of the strap is connected to a rifle. A length of the strap is adjusted such that when a user pulls the rifle over the shoulder from the backpack and holds the rifle in a shooting position, the strap slides over the user's shoulder from the backpack to the rifle and reduces a weight of the rifle in the user's arms when the rifle is held in the shooting position. In certain embodiments, the length of the strap is adjusted to maintain the rifle substantially level when in the shooting position.

Sling sliders have a body defining an elongated sling strap passage configured to receive an elongated sling strap, the elongated sling strap passage defined at least in part by an elongated bar having opposed ends, the elongated bar defining an elongated cord passage extending between the opposed ends of the elongated bar, a cord received in the elongated cord passage, and the cord having a received portion within the elongated cord passage and a handle portion extending outside the elongated cord passage such that the handle portion operates to exert a motive force on the body. The sling slider may be a triglide. The body may have three parallel bars, and the elongated bar defining the elongated cord passage may be positioned between a second bar and a third bar. The body may define a pair of elongated sling strap passages on opposite sides of the elongated bar.

Sling sliders have a body defining an elongated sling strap passage configured to receive an elongated sling strap, the elongated sling strap passage defined at least in part by an elongated bar having opposed ends, the elongated bar defining an elongated cord passage extending between the opposed ends of the elongated bar, a cord received in the elongated cord passage, and the cord having a received portion within the elongated cord passage and a handle portion extending outside the elongated cord passage such that the handle portion operates to exert a motive force on the body. The sling slider may be a triglide. The body may have three parallel bars, and the elongated bar defining the elongated cord passage may be positioned between a second bar and a third bar. The body may define a pair of elongated sling strap passages on opposite sides of the elongated bar.

The buttstock assembly uses a modular design including interchangeable end attachments and sling strap connectors. The interchangeable end attachments allow the buttstock to have different toe heights and configurations for different shooting applications. The interchangeable strap connectors allow the use of either quick-disconnect style sling swivels or more traditional fixed strap loops as desired. The buttstock assembly also uses a “trigger” style locking mechanism to selectively position and lock the buttstock along the length of the extension tube to adjust the overall length of pull of the weapon.

The buttstock assembly uses a modular design including interchangeable end attachments and sling strap connectors. The interchangeable end attachments allow the buttstock to have different toe heights and configurations for different shooting applications. The interchangeable strap connectors allow the use of either quick-disconnect style sling swivels or more traditional fixed strap loops as desired. The buttstock assembly also uses a “trigger” style locking mechanism to selectively position and lock the buttstock along the length of the extension tube to adjust the overall length of pull of the weapon.