6 Best ATV Gun Holders for Deer Season

Deer season on a hobby farm often overlaps with the final harvest and winter preparation, making the ATV a dual-purpose tool for chores and hunting. Navigating woodlots and creek crossings requires a mount that keeps a rifle accessible yet secure against the constant jolts of uneven terrain. Choosing the right gun holder ensures that a firearm remains sighted-in and protected while moving through the varied landscape of a working property.

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Kolpin Rhino Grip Pro: Best Handlebar Mount

Durability is the primary requirement when moving across a farm, and these heavy-duty grips are built with a solid aluminum core. Unlike plastic alternatives that can become brittle in the freezing temperatures of late November, the Rhino Grip Pro maintains its integrity. The rubber over-molding provides a soft landing for the rifle, absorbing the high-frequency vibrations that can rattle a scope loose over time.

Adjustability is where this mount truly shines for the multi-tasking farmer. The tool-less tilting feature allows the angle to be changed on the fly, which is helpful when switching between a long rifle and a shorter farm tool like a shovel or a weed whacker. This versatility makes the mount a permanent fixture on the handlebars rather than a seasonal accessory that needs to be uninstalled every December.

If the priority is a rugged, no-nonsense mount that provides immediate access to a firearm, this is the definitive choice. The heavy-duty construction handles the abuse of daily farm life while keeping the rifle exactly where it needs to be. For the rider who demands equipment that lasts for years rather than seasons, these grips are the standard to beat.

Great Day Quick-Draw: Top Overhead Rack Choice

Overhead mounting is a clever way to utilize the often-wasted space in a UTV or side-by-side cab. By keeping the firearm tucked against the roof, it stays away from the mud, dogs, and feed bags that typically occupy the floor or cargo bed. This position also offers superior protection from low-hanging branches when driving through dense woodlots or overgrown fence lines.

The Quick-Draw system uses foam-lined clips that hold the rifle securely without scratching the finish or the optics. Because the rifle is suspended, it is shielded from the direct impacts and heavy dust kicked up by the tires during dry spells. It is an efficient use of space that keeps the most valuable equipment high and dry, literally and figuratively.

This is the ideal solution for farmers who use their side-by-side as a mobile workstation and need the bed space for actual work. If the goal is keeping the rifle out of the grime and away from potential damage, this overhead system is the most logical investment. It turns the cab into a secure locker without sacrificing any hauling capacity.

Kemimoto Double Gun Rack: Best Budget Option

Managing a hobby farm requires careful budgeting, and this rack offers a cost-effective way to secure two firearms simultaneously. The U-bolt design is simple and universal, fitting most tubular racks found on older or mid-sized ATVs. While it lacks the high-end materials of premium brands, the thickened rubber and internal steel core provide more than enough stability for casual use.

The dual-mount capability is particularly useful for those who take a partner along or need to carry both a rifle and a shotgun for different tasks. Installation is straightforward and requires no specialized tools, meaning it can be moved between machines or adjusted in the field with a basic wrench. It performs the fundamental task of holding a gun steady without the overhead of unnecessary features.

This is the right pick for the occasional hunter or the farmer managing a tight equipment budget. It delivers reliable performance and enough security for standard farm paths without a premium price tag. For those who need functional gear that simply works, this rack provides excellent value for every dollar spent.

Kolpin Stronghold Gun Boot: Most Secure Scabbard

For the ultimate in firearm protection, a hard-shell scabbard like the Stronghold Gun Boot is the only real contender. This system completely encloses the rifle, shielding it from rain, snow, and the thick mud common in low-lying pastures. The internal foam padding is designed to cradle large optics, ensuring that a bumped rack doesn’t result in a missed shot later in the day.

The mounting system is remarkably stable, using a bracket that allows the boot to be attached or removed in seconds. This is a significant advantage when the rifle needs to be transported from the ATV to a deer stand or into the house for cleaning. The hard plastic exterior acts as a sacrificial layer against thorns and rocks that would otherwise mar a wooden stock or scratch a barrel.

This is the gold standard for high-end rifles and sensitive optics that cannot afford any exposure to the elements. If the environment is harsh and the rifle is valuable, this scabbard is the only responsible choice for transport. It offers a level of security that open-grip mounts simply cannot match in extreme conditions.

Black Boar Double Gun Grip: Best For Rough Terrain

Rough perimeter fences and rocky hills demand a mount with exceptional tension and grip. The Black Boar grips use a heavy-duty rubber strap system that keeps the firearm from bouncing out, even when the ATV is articulating over deep ruts. The base is designed to minimize rotation, which is a common failure point in cheaper mounts when traversing side-slopes.

The 360-degree rotation of the grips allows for creative mounting solutions on nearly any bar or rack surface. This flexibility is crucial for smaller ATVs where space is limited and the rider needs to maintain a clear line of sight. By positioning the grips at a slight angle, the weight of the rifle can be centered more effectively, improving the overall balance of the machine.

Best for those with long, bumpy commutes to the back of the property, these grips hold firm when others slip. If the terrain is brutal and the ride is never smooth, this is the mount to trust. It provides the peace of mind that the rifle will stay put, no matter how many potholes are encountered on the way to the stand.

Classic Accessories QuadGear: Best Double Case

A soft-sided double case provides a different kind of utility by combining a mount with a padded carrying bag. This unit typically attaches to the rear rack and provides two separate, high-density foam compartments for rifles or shotguns. It is particularly effective for protecting firearms from the fine limestone dust that can permeate every moving part of a rifle during dry autumn days.

The added storage pockets are a major benefit for the organized farmer. These compartments can hold extra ammunition, a rangefinder, or even small hand tools for fence repair. Because the case is made of heavy-duty ProtekX3 fabric, it resists abrasions and provides a water-resistant barrier that is much quieter than plastic boots when moving through the woods.

This is an excellent choice for the farmer who wants a permanent storage solution that doubles as a protective transport bag. It is the right pick for those who prefer padded textile over rigid plastic and need the extra organizational space for gear. If the goal is a quiet, integrated storage system, this case is the perfect fit.

Key Factors When Choosing an ATV Gun Rack

Vibration is the silent enemy of any mounted firearm on a farm. ATVs generate significant engine vibration, which is compounded by the uneven surfaces of pastures and dirt tracks. A quality rack must feature thick rubber padding or a suspension system to isolate the rifle from these forces, preventing the zero on a scope from shifting during transport.

Accessibility must be balanced against the level of protection required for the specific environment. While open grips allow for a five-second retrieval, they leave the rifle exposed to the elements and potential snags. Conversely, a full scabbard offers maximum protection but takes longer to open, which may not be ideal for managing pests or predators encountered unexpectedly.

Durability of the mounting hardware is often overlooked until a bolt shears off in the field. Look for steel or high-grade aluminum brackets rather than thin plastic clamps. On a working farm, an ATV is often used for more than just transportation; it may be pushing through brush or navigating tight gates where a flimsy mount will easily snag and break.

Safe Mounting Locations for Rough Farm Trails

The front rack is generally the most popular location because it keeps the firearm within the rider’s field of vision. This allows for constant monitoring to ensure the straps are tight and the rifle hasn’t shifted. However, a front-mounted rifle can sometimes obstruct the headlight or catch on low branches, so it must be positioned carefully to maintain visibility and clearance.

Rear rack mounting is an excellent alternative for larger rifles or when carrying a second passenger. It keeps the firearm out of the rider’s immediate workspace, but it also makes it harder to notice if a strap has come loose. When using a rear mount, it is wise to position the muzzle pointing away from the rider and ensure the weight is centered to avoid making the ATV tail-heavy on steep climbs.

For UTV owners, the roll cage or the space behind the seats offers a much more protected environment. These locations keep the firearm inside the footprint of the vehicle, which is essential when driving through narrow wooded trails. Wherever the mount is placed, it should never interfere with the driver’s ability to steer, shift gears, or operate the brakes safely.

How to Secure Your Firearm Against Mud and Dust

Farm roads are notorious for generating fine dust that can work its way into the bolt and trigger assembly of a rifle. Using a simple, silicone-treated gun sock inside a mount or scabbard provides an extra layer of defense against this abrasive grit. This is a low-cost solution that significantly reduces the wear on moving parts and keeps the action smooth.

When mounting a rifle in open grips, the orientation of the muzzle can make a difference in how much debris enters the barrel. Pointing the muzzle slightly downward can prevent rain and falling leaves from settling inside. Additionally, using a simple neoprene muzzle cover or even a piece of electrical tape can prevent mud from plugging the barrel if the ATV splashes through a deep puddle.

Regularly wiping down the rifle with a light coat of oil after every ride is a mandatory practice for farm-based hunting. Even if the gun didn’t get wet, the humidity and temperature changes in a barn or garage can lead to surface rust. Taking five minutes to inspect and clean the firearm ensures it remains reliable when the moment of truth finally arrives.

Maintenance Tips for Heavy-Duty Gun Holders

The hardware holding the rack to the ATV is subject to constant stress and should be checked weekly. Vibrations from gravel roads and engine torque can slowly back out even the tightest bolts. Applying a small amount of medium-strength thread locker to the mounting screws can prevent them from loosening at the most inconvenient times.

Rubber straps and padding are prone to UV degradation and can become brittle over several seasons of sun exposure. Periodically treating these components with a UV-protectant spray will keep the rubber supple and prevent it from cracking. If a strap feels “gummy” or shows visible dry rot, it should be replaced immediately to avoid a catastrophic failure in the field.

Cleaning the grit out of the grip padding is essential for protecting the finish on the firearm. Sand and small pebbles can become embedded in the rubber, acting like sandpaper against a wooden stock or blued barrel. A quick blast with a garden hose or a wipe with a damp cloth will remove these abrasives and keep the mount looking and functioning like new.

Selecting a gun holder for deer season is about more than just convenience; it is about protecting an investment and ensuring safety on the farm. By matching the mount to the specific terrain and the type of firearm being carried, a rider can focus on the hunt rather than the gear. A well-maintained rack is a silent partner in a successful season, providing the stability and accessibility needed in the field.