A method for protecting a rifle and stabilizing the rifle when shooting is disclosed. In one embodiment, such a method includes providing a strap and connecting a first end of the strap to a backpack. A second end of the strap is connected to a rifle. A length of the strap is adjusted such that when a user pulls the rifle over the shoulder from the backpack and holds the rifle in a shooting position, the strap slides over the user's shoulder from the backpack to the rifle and reduces a weight of the rifle in the user's arms when the rifle is held in the shooting position. In certain embodiments, the length of the strap is adjusted to maintain the rifle substantially level when in the shooting position.