Handloader wrote:

Vince wrote: Pumpkinslinger wrote: You know, that's a pretty good ad for keeping the muzzles of your rifles taped up when hunting too! Don't know if I would be too keen on taping the muzzle....but I have used a condom....works real well. Cheers, Vince Condoms (at least, mine) are far too large for the muzzle and that can lead to ripped or torn condoms in the field. Finger cots resemble a condom but are, as the name suggests, sized for the fingers and fit snugly over the barrel without the need for taping. Finger cots are available at any well stocked drug store or pharmacy. Easy to use, relatively inexpensive.

I have seen the finger stalls that are used to cover finger injuries but I never thought to use them. Condoms were readily available when I was in the Army, and easy to carry, so that is what I used. They also have a multitude...well one or two other...uses as well. To keep them on the muzzle, use an elastic band, of which every ration pack contained one.

Cheers, Vince

I have never needed a muzzle cap as I carry my rifle muzzle down over my left shoulder on the sling but I was taught to use those plastic caps ("cap-plugs") that come on hydraulic fittings. They are available from many of the hardware suppliers (Bowman etc.) and are cheap and easy to use.

I worked to find a way that I could safely carry my rifle and found that if I carry it over my shoulder with the rifle behind my shoulder with the sling in front I can swing the rifle easily into the firing position without extra movement. Try it, you may find it works well for you too - especially if you like to use the sling to steady your shot.