Yep, slinging rifles while operating animal power is a no-go.
Just plain dangerous.
Same with backpacks......
I've done it quite a bit. Definitely prefer a scabbard if I am riding in a ways and not just hunting from the back of the horse. Big packs tend to get tangled up in the brush and can be a PIA in other ways. It is nice to rest the lumbar pad on the cantle though...
I think I am at 3 fishing poles, 1 rifle and 1 shotgun stock that have been snapped in two due to rodeos. It is something a guy just has to accept at some point. PVC fishing pole cases have eliminated broken poles, but they're heavier than I'd like. That's the horse's problem though
As far as turret caps, most standard scabbards will be too tight for them, IME. If you really want to take a rifle so scoped, that's fine but have the wranglers pack it in a hard case on a pack saddle. They may or may not agree to due to the weight and bulk.
