polaris gun rack

PaSportsman22 · #1 (**permalink**) 12-16-2011, 07:01 AM

What kind and how is everyone mounting their gun racks to their 2012 sportsmans. I have a 500 HO and the only lock and ride holes are on the back rack. I really don't want to put them on the back. As for the front, it seems the only way is to drill through the lid on the cargo area. I would like to come up with something that i can take off in the summer and not have holes in the lid that may leak. Any ideas or pics of want you have will help.......Thanks

JeepWave · #2 (**permalink**) 12-16-2011, 08:48 AM

Welcome to the Forum!!

I was wondering about this also. i had thought of maybe somehow riggin them to my front bumper so i could also take them off when not in use. it would get into the way of opening the cover but im not putting holes into the lid. not yet at least.

Ollllllly · #3 (**permalink**) 12-16-2011, 09:05 AM

I ran into the same problem and just bought the gun boot and lock and ride gun rack. It was worth it, keeps the gun clean on the way out and didn't have to put holes in the front lid.

Adam12 · #4 (**permalink**) 12-16-2011, 11:25 AM

well i am in the same boat i was asking about a front bar on front and back to fit, no answers yet.

PaSportsman22 · #5 (**permalink**) 12-16-2011, 03:11 PM

Seems like it is hard to find accessories for the 2012 models. Even on the Polaris website. I too thought about adding a front rack and mounting the gun rack to that. Only problem with that is all the weight will be way out front when you open the lid.

shep · #6 (**permalink**) 12-16-2011, 04:30 PM

i asked for these for christmas if i dont get them i will be ordering them the day after they use the lock and ride holes (there are many others that do also) i like the fact that they are adjustable beacuse i will also use them for my ice auger when i go ice fishing

Cabela's: ATV TEK Polaris FlexGrip Single

skizmo · #7 (**permalink**) 12-17-2011, 09:21 AM

I have fin grips that mounted on the front rack,but once I added the lock&ride box..I couldn't use them....I also dont like the idea of my weapon on the back rack so now i just carry it crossways over my back with a sling...works with my crossbow too...

I am not a fan of the gun boot ...but my 30.06 is an expensive set up and I like that is encased and that the scope is protected...maybe try one for next season..

hdgwjoem · #8 (**permalink**) 12-18-2011, 01:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ollllllly

I ran into the same problem and just bought the gun boot and lock and ride gun rack. It was worth it, keeps the gun clean on the way out and didn't have to put holes in the front lid.

I did the same thing on my 2012 Sportsman 500HO. The rack & gun boot are out of the way and stay very clean except for tip of boot. The rack mount at the lock&ride latch will scratch up the rear rack if you don't make sure you tighten it so it won't move. The gun boot is on enough of an angle to not interfere with a cargo box on the back. When I go hunting I keep the gun boot with the gun in it in my truck. When I get to my hunting location I take the atv off the trailer and then put the gun boot back in the rack. One rubber bungee strap holds it firmly in the rack... takes 2 seconds. I did anguish over this for quite a while but I believe it is the easiest and most convenient way to go... at least for me. I use the furthest foward L&R hole on the rear rack (which is really the only one you can use) and I use it on the right side... but you could put it on the left if you want. Have used it all this past season and so far I am happy with it. I already had the boot so all I had to buy was the bracket. This is what I have:
Search)

PaSportsman22 · #9 (**permalink**) 12-19-2011, 04:40 PM

Does Polaris make a plate that mounts on the front lid that provides lock and ride holes for mounting accessories? If not, they should. They could make it like the back rack and it could mount in the holes for the front rack extender. It could have holes through it to plug in the lock and ride mounts. This would allow us to mount anything on the front lid. I'm not sold on the gun scabbard yet as it only holds 1 gun and I ride a lot of people around during gun season, so a 2 gun holder would be better. I guess that's the down side to not having the regular old style metal rack.

greyguitar13 · #10 (**permalink**) 12-21-2011, 06:19 PM

I have a 2011 800 which doesn't have the built in storage compartment like the 2012, just the rack/hood. That being said, I did install a few types of gun racks/holders on my 800 that maybe of interest some of you. I first installed a plastic gun case on the front rack to transport my rifle. These are great cause they will keep your rifle clean and dry during transport. Then I installed a gun boot so I could transport my daughters rife when we go hunting.

Then I installed Kolpin Gear Grips on the rear rack that can hold a rifle or shovel.

Gander Mountain® > Kolpin Gear Grips (pair) - Auto & ATV > ATV Accessories > Firearm & Bow Storage : They are awesome because they have bases that quickly disconnect from the actual grip by simply twisting them 45 degrees. Kolpin also sells replacement bases, Gander Mountain® > Kolpin Gear Grips Base Replacement Kit - Auto & ATV > ATV Accessories > Firearm & Bow Storage : which gave me the bright idea to install an additional set of bases on the hinged lid of the gun case on the front rack. This would give me the ability to take the Grips from the rear rack and use them on the front rack if I felt as though I need fast access to my rifle. I could also keep one grip on the front rack installed at a 45 degree angle and the other on the rear rack at a 45 degree angle and transport an eight foot extending pruning saw facing front to back if need be.

And if I don't want the weight of the grips on the hinged lid of the gun case, or if I just need the rear rack clear, I can just remove them and store the grips in the rear storage compartment.

The bases sit flat and are very light, so I don't believe that they will be too much weight on the front storage lid, obviously providing that you remove the rifle and grips before you open the lid.