How to Rig a Carbine Boot to a McClellan Saddle

The carbine boot is designed to stabilize a rider's gun on horseback and support some of its weight. The gun is still attached to the rider by a wide strap across his shoulder; if the rider dismounts or is thrown, the gun will come free from the shallow carbine boot so that the rider can use it quickly.



A carbine boot for a McClellan saddle has two or three straps. Two of the straps wrap around the cylindrical leather boot near the top and bottom and buckle. The optional third strap runs up the back of the carbine boot.

Instructions

    • 1

      Place the carbine boot parallel to the right rear quarter strap of the McClellan saddle, which runs over the cantle (back end) of the saddle and down to the large metal cinch ring beneath the center of the saddle. Position the carbine boot so that the strap around the narrow end is adjacent to the cinch ring.

    • 2

      Unbuckle the strap wrapped around the bottom (narrow end) of the carbine boot. Thread the end through the cinch ring and buckle the strap loosely.

    • 3

      Unbuckle the strap wrapped around the top (wide end) of the carbine boot. Run the end of the carbine boot strap underneath the right rear quarter strap of the saddle and buckle it snugly, but not tightly.

    • 4

      Hook the top of the third strap of the carbine boot over the saddle bag stud behind the cantle, if it has a third strap. The carbine boot should have a bit of play in it to allow the carbine to easily come free when you dismount.