6 Best Atv Gun Holders For Deer Season That Protect Your Scope

You’ve spent hours at the range, getting your rifle perfectly dialed in for the season. Then you strap it to your ATV, bounce across a rutted-out pasture, and arrive at your stand only to find your scope’s zero has wandered. A good ATV gun rack isn’t just about convenience; it’s about protecting your investment and ensuring a clean, ethical shot when the moment arrives.

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How to Choose an ATV Gun Rack for Your Rifle

The first thing to decide is where you want to carry your rifle. Mounting on the front rack keeps it in your line of sight, but it’s also exposed to every branch and mud puddle. A rear rack mount keeps it out of the way, but you can’t see if it’s getting snagged. There’s no single right answer; it depends on your trails and your tolerance for risk.

Next, look at the grip style. You’ll see simple C-shaped clamps, V-shaped grips with rubber fins, and fully enclosed cases. A simple clamp is fast, but a V-grip with cushioning offers far more protection against the constant vibration that can knock a scope off zero. Think about the terrain you ride. A smooth logging road is one thing; a rocky creek bed is another entirely.

Finally, consider the material and construction. Look for heavy-gauge steel or high-impact plastic for the mounting hardware. The grips themselves should be made of a soft but durable rubber that won’t mar your stock but will hold tight in rough conditions. Don’t cheap out here. The difference between a $30 rack and a $70 rack can be the difference between a secure rifle and one that ends up on the ground.

Kolpin Rhino Grip XL for Maximum Versatility

Kolpin’s Rhino Grips are the Swiss Army knife of ATV holders. Their defining feature is the massive, adjustable grip that can clamp down on just about anything. You can secure a cased rifle, a shotgun, a bow, or even a shovel or chainsaw. This versatility is a huge plus on a hobby farm where your ATV is a tool first and a hunting vehicle second.

The grips use heavy-duty rubber straps to lock your gear in, providing a very secure hold. They can be mounted to handlebars, tubular racks, or flat composite racks, so they fit nearly any machine. The XL version is particularly good for firearms with large stocks or scopes with big objective lenses, as the deep grip provides plenty of clearance.

The only real trade-off is their bulk. They aren’t the most streamlined option, and on smaller ATVs, they can feel a bit oversized. But if you need one set of grips to do everything from hauling a rifle to carrying a fence post driver, these are tough to beat.

ATV Tek V-Grip for a Secure, Cushioned Hold

The V-Grip design is all about protecting your scope from vibration. Instead of a simple clamp, this system uses a deep "V" shape lined with soft, air-cushioned rubber fins. When you place your rifle in the holder, these fins compress around the stock and barrel, absorbing a significant amount of shock from the trail.

This design is particularly effective at preventing the small, high-frequency vibrations that are notorious for loosening scope rings and shifting a rifle’s zero. The grip’s variable fit also means it can securely hold different-sized items, from a slender .22 to a hefty shotgun, without needing adjustment.

The V-Grip is a specialized tool. It’s not as versatile as a Rhino Grip for carrying odd-shaped tools, but it’s superior for its primary purpose: carrying a scoped rifle securely and gently. If your main concern is arriving at your deer stand with your zero exactly where you left it, this is a fantastic choice.

Great Day Power-Pak for Upright Gun Transport

Most gun racks carry your rifle horizontally, parallel to the racks. The Great Day Power-Pak takes a different approach, holding two firearms upright behind the rider. This configuration offers some distinct advantages. It keeps your rifle barrels pointed safely at the sky and lifts the entire firearm up and away from mud, water, and brush.

This design is excellent for keeping your scope and action clean. You won’t have to worry about bumping your scope on a tree or dipping your muzzle in a creek crossing. The guns are held in cushioned cradles, and the upright position minimizes side-to-side jarring that can affect a scope.

The main consideration is space. This system takes up a significant portion of your rear rack, which might be an issue if you also need to haul a pack or other gear. It also places the firearms a bit further out of reach than handlebar mounts. But for pure protection from the elements and trail hazards, it’s an outstanding solution.

Seizmik ICOS for In-Cab Scope Protection

If you’re running a UTV or side-by-side, the Seizmik ICOS (In-Cab On-Seat) is the gold standard for scope protection. This rack is designed to sit on the passenger seat or the middle of a bench seat, holding two rifles securely between the riders. The guns are held muzzle-down in a foam-lined case, completely inside the cab.

This is the ultimate way to shield your rifle and scope. It’s protected from rain, dust, mud, and branches. There’s virtually no vibration transferred from the trail, as the rack is cushioned by the vehicle’s seat. You get the best of all worlds: total protection and quick, quiet access without leaving the cab.

Of course, this level of protection comes with trade-offs. The ICOS is more expensive than simple rack-mounted grips and is specifically designed for UTVs. It also takes up a seat, so it’s not ideal if you’re always riding with two passengers. For the solo hunter in a UTV, however, it’s the most secure transport method available.

Classic Accessories Case for Full Enclosure

Sometimes, a grip just isn’t enough. For hunts in heavy rain, snow, or extremely dusty conditions, a fully enclosed case mounted to the ATV rack is the answer. The Classic Accessories case attaches directly to your front or rear rack and allows you to slide your rifle, already in its soft case, inside.

This system offers complete protection from the elements. Your scope, action, and barrel are sealed away from everything. It’s made of heavy-duty fabric with a thick padded interior, providing excellent shock absorption on top of weatherproofing.

The obvious downside is access speed. You can’t just grab your rifle; you have to stop, unzip the case, and pull it out. This makes it less suitable for situations where a quick shot might be necessary. But for getting your rifle to a distant stand in pristine, hunt-ready condition through nasty weather, it has no equal.

All Rite Pack Rack Pro: A Simple, Sturdy Grip

Don’t overlook the simple, classic designs. The All Rite Pack Rack Pro is a no-nonsense C-clamp style holder that has been a favorite for decades for one reason: it works. It consists of a steel core covered in thick, soft rubber, mounted on a solid aluminum block. There are no straps to lose or complex mechanisms to fail.

The alternating long and short rubber fins inside the "C" provide a surprisingly good grip, and the simple design is incredibly durable. You can mount them on handlebars or racks, and they rotate 360 degrees, making it easy to find the perfect angle for your firearm.

While it doesn’t offer the advanced cushioning of a V-Grip, its strength lies in its simplicity and durability. It’s a workhorse. For hunters who value a rock-solid, reliable mount and aren’t traversing the absolute roughest terrain, the Pack Rack Pro is an affordable and dependable choice.

Mounting Tips to Keep Your Scope Zeroed

How you mount your rack is just as important as which one you buy. Always mount the base to a solid part of your ATV’s metal rack, not the plastic fenders. The plastic flexes and vibrates, which is exactly what you’re trying to avoid. Use the included hardware, but consider upgrading to stainless steel bolts with nylon lock nuts for extra security.

When you tighten the bolts, use a drop of blue Loctite on the threads. This thread-locking compound prevents bolts from vibrating loose over time, which is a common problem on any machine that sees rough use. It’s a simple step that can save you a lot of headaches.

Before every season, and a few times during, give your rack a once-over. Wiggle the grips to make sure they are tight. Check that the mounting bolts haven’t loosened. A rack that feels solid in the barn can work itself loose after a few miles of hard riding, so a quick check before you head out is always a good idea.

Ultimately, the best gun holder is the one that fits your machine, your terrain, and your hunting style. Whether you choose the cushioned security of a V-grip or the all-weather protection of a full case, investing in a quality mount is a critical part of the hunt. It ensures that when you finally get that deer in your sights, your rifle is as ready as you are.