Rifle vs Mare’s Leg Carry: Choosing the Right Holster Setup

Why Lever Action Carry Style Matters

Lever action firearms may share a common operating system, but how they are carried depends heavily on their size, balance, and intended use. A full-length rifle and a Mare’s Leg lever gun behave very differently when worn on the body. Choosing the wrong holster setup can affect safety, comfort, and control in real field conditions.

Full-Length Lever Action Rifle Carry

Traditional lever action rifles are commonly used for hunting, ranch work, and extended time outdoors. Their longer barrels and forward weight require a carry system that keeps the rifle stable while maintaining safe muzzle orientation.

Body-worn leather holsters designed for rifles focus on weight distribution and retention rather than speed. The goal is controlled, hands-free carry that reduces fatigue and prevents unsafe movement when walking, bending, or navigating uneven terrain.

If you are new to body carry, it’s important to understand the fundamentals before choosing a setup. These principles are covered in detail in How to Carry a Lever Action Rifle Safely with a Leather Holster, which explains proper positioning, strap adjustment, and safe movement.

Mare’s Leg Lever Action Carry

Mare’s Leg lever guns are shorter and more compact, which changes how they interact with a holster and the body. Their reduced length allows for easier movement and faster access, but it also places more importance on retention, balance, and draw consistency.

Because the firearm sits closer to the body, Mare’s Leg carry can feel more agile than rifle carry. However, this compact size does not remove the need for disciplined muzzle control or proper holster fit.

This carry style has its own considerations, including retention methods, draw angle, and how shorter barrels interact with body-worn leather. These details will be covered step by step in Lever Action Mare’s Leg Carry Options Explained, which focuses specifically on holster styles built for Mare’s Leg platforms.

Safety Differences Between Rifle and Mare’s Leg Carry

Muzzle Control

Full-length rifles demand constant awareness due to barrel length and leverage. Mare’s Leg firearms reduce this challenge slightly, but safe orientation remains critical in both cases.

Retention and Stability

Rifle holsters must manage weight and forward pull, while Mare’s Leg holsters prioritize consistent retention and controlled access. Leather excels in both roles by molding to the firearm and absorbing movement rather than amplifying it.

Draw and Re-Holstering

Rifle carry favors deliberate, controlled draws. Mare’s Leg setups allow quicker access but still require careful re-holstering to avoid sweeping or misalignment.

Which Carry Style Is Right for You

If your primary use involves hunting or long days in the field, a full-length rifle carry setup is often the better choice. If mobility, compactness, and quicker access matter more, a Mare’s Leg configuration may be a better fit.

Regardless of platform, how the holster fits your body, how weight is balanced, and how leather breaks in over time all play a major role in safety and comfort. These factors will be explored in detail in Leather Holsters for Lever Guns: Fit, Balance, and Safety.

Build a Stable Carry Setup

A reliable carry system depends on more than the holster alone. Pairing a body-worn lever action holster with a quality leather holster, a properly positioned leather ammo holder, and a supportive leather belt helps maintain balance and control during extended carry.

For .45 Colt lever guns, purpose-built options are available here: Lever Action .45 Colt Leather Holsters.