Abstract:
A firearm rest for a firearm having a butt stock. The gun rest includes a base that may be slipped onto a belt and further includes an elastic line depending from the base. The elastic line forms a loop. The butt stock is placed into the loop and on the end of the loop opposite of the base. The elastic line is selected relative to the weight of the firearm to be carried such that the elastic line gives or stretches preferably only when the user is walking. With such a selection, the line absorbs the shock generated by the firearm instead of transmitting the shock into the body of the user such as into the back of the user. The size of the loop may be adjusted by tying knots at various points in the line. The base from which the shock or elastic line extends may be an apertured leather base, a base with a tapered slot for pinching a portion of the line to adjust the size of the loop, or a belt from which an elastic strap may depend.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE AND RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit under Title 35, United States Code § 119(e) of the U.S. provisional application Serial No. 60/188,762 filed Mar. 13, 2000 and entitled Device For Supporting A Long Personal Weapon. Such provisional application number 60/188,762 is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety into this application. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to a gun rest for a relatively long firearm having a butt stock, particularly to such a gun rest from which the firearm may be raised immediately to a firing position, and specifically to such a gun rest that is worn about the waist or hip of the user for support of the firearm. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Anyone who carries a rifle, shotgun or other shoulder fired weapon is faced with the problem of how to carry the weapon in a ready to raise and fire position without tiring the hands, arms, shoulder and back. Many devices have been created to solve this problem. Many of these devices incorporate a rest or support that is attached to and supported by the user&#39;s belt. These devices are to be used while the weapon is carried in a substantially vertical position, with the butt stock of the weapon resting in or on the device or is supported by the device in some fashion. 
     The problem with this approach is that as the user of the device walks while the device supports the weight of the weapon, the user&#39;s pelvis is slightly jarred with each step taken. As the user takes a step and shifts his or her weight onto the foot under the hip supporting the weapon, the downward motion of both the hip and the weapon is stopped. The stopping of this downward motion of the weapon jars the hip. After the user&#39;s pelvis is subjected to this jarring for an extended period of time, lower back pain usually results. The back pain is usually just above the user&#39;s pelvis. 
     The present invention solves this problem. The invention incorporates a length of elastic line that forms a loop hanging from the user&#39;s waist belt. The butt stock of the weapon is partially inserted in the loop and rides on and is suspended by the elastic line. As the user walks, the weapon rises and falls with each step and the elastic line absorbs the shock created by the stopping of the downward motion of the weapon. The user&#39;s pelvis is not subjected to any jarring, and the likelihood of back pain due to supporting a firearm or weapon from the hip is significantly reduced. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     A feature of the present invention is the provision in a gun rest for a firearm having a butt stock, of a base worn by a user and a line depending from the base in the form of a loop for engaging the butt stock of the firearm, wherein the line includes at least one elastic portion that stretches to absorb shocks caused by upward and downward movement of the firearm relative to the user wearing the base. 
     Another feature of the present invention is the provision in a gun rest for a firearm having a butt stock, of a base worn by a user and a line depending from a first location, wherein the line forms a loop having two end portions engaged at the first location such that the loop pivots at the first location and a distal end of the loop can swing in an arc relative to the first location. 
     Another feature of the present invention is the provision in a gun rest for a firearm having a butt stock, of a base worn by a user and an elongate member depending from the base, wherein the elongate member includes an elastic portion with a minimum stretch load, wherein the minimum stretch load is sufficiently great such that the elastic portion remains relatively unstretched when a firearm of a first predetermined weight is placed therein under gravity without a user generated force (i.e., one times the force of gravity), and wherein the minimum stretch force is sufficiently weak such that the elastic portion stretches (i.e., when subjected to more than one times the force of gravity) and then retracts with each of the steps the user takes with the firearm engaged in the gun rest such that the elastic portion absorbs shock generated by the user. 
     Another feature of the present invention is the provision in a gun rest for a firearm having a butt stock, of a base worn by a user and a line depending from the base and having an elastic portion, wherein the elastic portion includes a maximum stretch length beyond which the elastic portion is unstretchable, wherein the maximum stretch length is sufficiently long to permit the elastic portion to absorb relatively great shocks generated by the user, and wherein the maximum stretch length is sufficiently small to keep elastic portions of the line from weakening or breaking. 
     Another feature of the present invention is the provision in a gun rest for a firearm having a butt stock, of a base worn by a user and a line depending from the base, wherein the length of the line may be adjusted such that the height that the firearm is carried relative to the user may be customized to a position comfortable to the user. 
     Another feature of the present invention is the provision in a gun rest for a firearm having a butt stock, of a base worn by a user and a line depending from the base, wherein the line includes a proximal end portion engaged to the base and a distal end portion engagable to the butt stock of the firearm, wherein the line comprises an outer extendable and nonelastic sheath and an elastic portion inside of the sheath whereby the elastic portion is protected from wear and tear generated by the butt stock of the firearm. 
     Another feature of the present invention is the provision in a gun rest for a firearm having a butt stock, of a base worn by the user and an elongate member depending from the base, wherein the elongate member includes two side portions that are drawn together to hug the butt stock when an elastic portion of the elongate member is stretched and that are drawn apart when the stretching force ceases so that the butt stock may be hugged and released upon engagement and disengagement of the butt stock relative to the gun rest. 
     An advantage of the present invention is safety. The present gun rest can carry the firing end of the firearm pointed generally in an upward direction. It carries the firearm in a natural position where a firm hand grip can be placed on the firearm. It automatically “hugs” the firearm upon engagement of the butt stock in the loop and releases its “hug” as the firearm is being lifted out of the loop. 
     Another advantage of the present invention is that the gun rest is shock absorbing. It absorbs shock otherwise transmitted into the user when the user walks or is otherwise active, thereby preserving strength and keeping the user more alert. 
     Another advantage of the present invention is that the gun rest accommodates natural movement of the user. As the user walks, the gun rest swings as naturally as possible according to the walking gait of the user. As the user raises his or her gun, the gun rest may pivot and the butt stock of the firearm may swing on an arc. 
     Another advantage of the present invention is simplicity. The gun rest is simple to manufacture, simple to put on and take off, simple to adjust, and simple to use. 
     Another advantage of the present invention is expense. The gun rest is inexpensive to manufacture and requires little or no maintenance. For example, if the gun rest is formed of leather, the leather may be oiled. 
     Another advantage is that the present invention, in its simple loop form, works with a variety of firearms. Rifles and shotguns used by hunters have a variety of butt stocks of different shapes and sizes, some of which are conventional and some of which are high tech. High tech rifles and assault firearms used by the military may have even different shapes and sizes, especially the relatively heavy portable firearms such as those used for attacking armored vehicles. One feature that contributes to this advantage is the “hugging” of the elastic line about the butt stock of the firearm as the butt stock is placed into the loop. The elastic line conforms to the shape and size of most any conventional or high tech butt stock. 
     Another advantage is that the present invention releases its hold or “hug” on the firearm automatically as the firearm is lifted from the loop. Hunters and troops need easy, free and unencumbered access to their firearm. 
     Another advantage is that the present invention provides a fast and direct transition without hindrance between the position in which the firearm is carried and the position in which the firearm is fired. For hunters, split seconds may be the difference between bagging a deer or returning home to wait for next year. For military troops, split seconds save lives. 
     Another advantage is that the present invention is relatively light and takes up a minimum of space. Ground troops may carry more than their weight in gear. The standard for adding additional gear is relatively high. The standard for adding bulky gear is even higher. Hunters too attempt to minimize the gear carried and eliminate bulk and weight. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 is front perspective view of the present gun rest. 
     FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the gun rest of FIG.  1 . 
     FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of the gun rest of FIG. 1 showing how a knot may adjust the size of the loop of the line and the height of the gun rest. 
     FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of the gun rest of FIG.  1 . 
     FIG. 5 shows an alternative embodiment of the invention, where an alternate method is used for finishing the ends or end portions of the line. 
     FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of a user wearing the gun rest of FIG.  1  and carrying a firearm in the gun rest and positioning the firearm upright at his side. 
     FIG. 7 is a side perspective view of a user wearing the gun rest of FIG.  1  and carrying a firearm in the gun rest and positioning the firearm upright at his side. 
     FIG. 8 is a front perspective view of a user wearing the gun rest of FIG.  1  and carrying a firearm in the gun rest and positioning the firearm across his midsection. 
     FIG. 9 shows the gun rest of FIG. 1 with a corner of the butt stock engaged in the loop of the gun rest. 
     FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the base of the gun rest. 
     FIG. 11 is a side view of the base of FIG.  10 . 
     FIG. 12 is a side view of the base of FIG.  10 . 
     FIG. 13 is a top view of the base of FIG.  10 . 
     FIG. 14 is a bottom view of the base of FIG.  10 . 
     FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the base of FIG.  10  and further shows an elastic shock absorbing line engaged in the base. 
     FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the base and shock absorbing line of FIG.  15  and shows how the base can be engaged to a belt of a user. 
     FIG. 17 is a perspective view of another alternate embodiment of the invention. 
     FIG. 18 is a section view of the line for the gun rest and shows the protective sheath and elastic interior lines. 
    
    
     DESCRIPTION 
     As shown in FIG. 1, the present gun rest is indicated in general by reference numeral  10 . The gun rest  10  generally includes a base  12  and an elastic line  14  engaged to the base  12 . As shown in FIG. 6, a user  16  slides the base  12  on a belt  18  and uses the gun rest  10  for carrying a firearm or weapon  20 . The firearm  20  has a firing end or distal end  22  from which a projectile may exit and a butt stock  23  having a butt stock end  24  or proximal end  24  that may be held against a shoulder when firing the firearm  20 . The butt stock end or proximal end  24  is placed on the elastic line  14 . The elastic line  14 , instead of the user  16 , absorbs shock generated when the user  16  walks with the relatively massive firearm. 
     More particularly, as shown in FIG. 1, the base  12  is a strip of leather folded over to form a belt loop or opening  26 . The base  12  is fixed in such folded over position with a grommet  28 . The base  12  includes an outer face  30  preferably facing outwardly and away from the user  16  when the gun rest  10  is worn by the user  16 . A logo or other indicia may be formed in the outer face  30 . As shown in FIG. 2, the base  12  includes an inner face  32  which preferably faces inwardly toward the user  16  when the gun rest  10  is worn. Since the base  12  includes no stitching, edge portions  34  (as shown in FIG. 1) of the strip of leather can be peeled away from each other back to the grommet  28 , which is the sole means for fixing the base  12  in the folded over position. The base  12  is aesthetic, water-resistant, resistant to being torn and relatively light. The base  12  may be formed of a nylon, nylon webbing, nylon-like material, flexible plastic material or durable fabric. The base  12  has a width, defined by the horizontal length of the opening  26  through which the user&#39;s waist belt  18  runs, that is relatively long to distribute pressure over a relatively great area of belt  18 . The width of the base  12  (or the horizontal length of the opening  26 ) is preferably between one and seven inches, more preferably between one inch and four inches, and most preferably between about two inches and three inches. The grommet  28  forms an opening  36 . 
     The elastic line  14  extends through the grommet opening  36 . The elastic line  14  includes two end portions  38 ,  40 . Each of the end portions  38 ,  40  includes an end knot  42 . End portion  40  includes a further knot  44 , which is tied at a customized location to increase or decrease the size of a loop  46  formed by the elastic line  14  and therefore to raise or lower the effective height of the lower portion  48  of the loop  46 . 
     The size of each of the knots  42  and  44  is greater than the size of the grommet opening  36  to prevent the line  14  from slipping through the grommet opening  36 . Further, the diameter of the grommet opening  36  and the diameter, texture, and degree of resilience of the line  14  are selected such that, when the end portions  38  and  40  of the line  14  are tugged and pulled through the grommet  28 , some resistance is offered by the end portions  38  and  40  sliding against each other and by the end portions  38  and  40  sliding against the inner diametrical edge of the grommet  28 . This resistance keeps the line  14  from falling out of the base  12  or from being accidentally drawn out of the base  12  by drawing the loop  46  through the grommet opening  36 . 
     The loop  46  includes a distal end portion or receptor  48  on which the butt stock  24  is placed. The loop  46  further includes side portions  50  and  52 . Loop side portions  50  and  52  confront right and left side surfaces  54  of the firearm  20  (as shown in FIG.  6 ). The loop  46  includes a pivot point, with such pivot point being at the grommet  28 . Distal end portion  48  of the loop  46  swings in an arc defined by the pivot point. This pivot point or first location includes an axis which extends into the body of the user  16  such that the loop  46  swings generally in a plane that is tangential to the body of the user  16 . 
     Loop side portions  50  and  52  are drawn together when the loop  46  is stretched as a whole. Accordingly, loop  46  “hugs” the butt stock  23  of the firearm  20 . When such stretching force is released the loop side portions  50  and  52  are drawn apart and the “hug” is released. 
     As shown in FIG. 18, the elastic line  14  includes a protective sheath  56  and a plurality of elongate elastic interior lines  58  housed in the sheath  56 . The protective sheath  56  is a woven polymeric material such as nylon. The protective sheath  56  itself is extendable, but is not elastic. The protective sheath  56  provides a maximum length of elongation for the line  14 . In other words, the protective sheath  56  stops further stretching of the elastic interior lines  58  when the protective sheath  56  reaches its point of maximum extendability. If desired, the protective sheath  56  may be formed of an organic material such as cotton. 
     The maximum length of elongation of the line  14  is sufficiently long to permit the interior elastic lines  58  to absorb relatively great shocks generated by the user  16  walking without the loop  46  “bottoming out” (i.e., reaching its point of maximum elongation wherein shocks are transmitted to the user  16 ). The maximum length of elongation of the line  14  is sufficiently small to keep from weakening the elasticity of the interior elastic lines  58  or to keep the interior elastic lines  58  from breaking. 
     The elongate elastic interior lines  58  (or the line  14  as a whole) include a minimum stretch load. That is, the interior lines  58  will stretch only when weight of a predetermined amount is placed on the distal end  48  of the loop  46 . This minimum stretch load is sufficiently great such that the interior lines  58  remain relatively unstretched when a firearm  20  of a first predetermined weight is placed on the distal end  48  of the loop  46  under the force of gravity and without an accompanying user generated force. This minimum stretch load is sufficiently weak such that the interior lines  58  stretch and then retract with each of the steps of the user when the user  16  is walking with the firearm  20  of the first predetermined weight engaged in the distal end portion  48  under the force of gravity such that the interior lines  58  absorb shock generated by the user  16  walking. 
     If the firearm  20  when on the distal end portion  48  of the loop  46  is relatively lightweight (or if the interior lines  58  are selected so as to be too strong), the elastic line  14  may not stretch (and thereby absorb shock) even if the user  16  is walking. 
     The maximum length of elongation of the line  14  may be adjusted by tying knot  44  at different positions on end portion  40  so as to raise and lower distal end portion  48  when no butt stock is engaged. This also raises and lowers the maximum length of elongation of the line  14 . 
     To mount the line  14  on the base  12 , the first step is to tie the knots  42 . Then the middle section of a small diameter wire is fed through the grommet  28  such that the middle section of the small diameter wire forms a loop on one side of the grommet  28  and such that the ends of the small diameter wire remain on the other side of the grommet  28 . The line  14  for the gun rest  10  is then inserted halfway through the loop of small diameter wire. The ends of the small diameter wire are then grasped and pulled back to draw the loop of small diameter wire through the grommet  28  along with the line  14  that is held by the loop of small diameter wire. Since the knots  42  are tied and found on the end portions of the line  14 , the line  14  cannot be drawn completely through the grommet opening  36  as the small diameter wire tugs the line  14  through the grommet  28 . 
     In operation, the gun rest  10  is slid onto belt  18  and the belt  18  is secured. One preferred position for the gun rest  10  is about the waist slightly in front of the hip. Then the preferred height of the distal end  48  is adjusted for each or both of an at rest position (where no firearm  20  is engaged in the loop  46  or where the firearm is engaged in the loop  46  with no stretching of the loop  46 ) or an operating position (where the firearm  20  is engaged in the loop and/or the user is generating alternate upward and downward forces caused by walking). Such an adjustment is accomplished by tying knot  44 , testing the shock absorbed by the loop  46  and testing to determine how far the loop  46  will stretch until it “bottoms out.” Once the size of the loop  46  has been customized such as by tying the knot  44  and then tying such knot at a different position to form a loop  46  of greater or smaller size, the gun rest  10  is ready for use in the field. 
     In the field, with the butt stock  24  engaged in the loop  46 , the elastic line  14  instead of the user&#39;s back absorbs shock caused by walking. When the user  16  is standing with the butt stock  24  engaged in the loop  46 , the loop  46  preferably remains relatively unstretched. When the user  16  is walking, the user  16  generates a force that will cause the firearm  20  to move vertically up and down, whereupon the loop  46  stretches without bottoming out to thereby absorb such walking generated force. Relative to the ground, the butt stock  24  may define a sinusoidal wave when the user  16  is walking whether the user  16  is carrying the firearm  20  at his or her side, such as in FIGS. 6 and 7, or in front of his or her midsection, such as shown in FIG.  8 . When the user  16  is inactive such as when the user  16  is standing and when the user  16  is active such as when the user  16  is walking, the loop  46  (with its engaged butt stock  24 ) may pivot relative to the grommet  28 . This pivoting action permits the arm holding the firearm  20  to swing as naturally as possible. This pivoting action further permits without hindrance the step of raising the firearm  20  to a firing position. While the step of raising the firearm  20  to a firing position may be done differently according to the user  16 , such a step involves raising the firearm  20  to the shoulder and turning the gun to a horizontal position. If the firearm  20  is turned horizontally before or while the firearm  20  is being raised, the butt stock  24  may still be engaged in the loop  46  while the firearm  20  is being turned horizontally. The pivoting action of the loop  46  permits such to occur and further permits the distal end  48  of the loop  46  to slip off the butt stock  24  as the firearm  20  is being turned horizontally and raised. 
     After raising his or her firearm  20  to the firing position, the user  16  may again engage the butt stock  24  with the loop  46 . The loop  46 , though relatively small, is easy to locate by touch, such that the user  16  can remain visually attentive. 
     An alternate embodiment of the invention is shown in FIGS. 10-16. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 16, a gun rest  100  includes a first base portion or block  102 , a second base portion  104 , and the line  14 . As shown in FIG. 10, the base portion  102  is a block, such as a block of plastic. The block  102  includes an aperture  106  for line end portion  38 . Knot  42  on end portion  38  prevents line end portion  38  from being pulled out of the block  102 . Block  102  includes a second aperture  108  having a side tapered opening  110  formed in an end  112  of block  102 . A distal end  114  of the tapered opening  110  pinches line end portion  40  sufficiently to prevent line end portion  40  from being drawn out of aperture  108  even when firearm  20  is engaged in loop  46  and even when the firearm  20 , pursuant to a user generated force such as walking, stretches the line  14  to where it “bottoms out.” Base portion  104  includes a first sleeve  116  for receiving block  102  and a second sleeve  118  for receiving belt  18 . Stitching  120  separates and defines the two sleeves  116 ,  118 . Base portion  104  is preferably a strip of leather stitched so as to form the double sleeves  116 ,  118 . 
     Another alternate embodiment of the invention, a gun rest  200 , is shown in FIG.  17 . Gun rest  200  includes a strap  202  of elongate and elastic material. Strap  202  includes two end portions  204 . Each of the end portions  204  is doubled over and stitched, via stitching  206 , to form belt receptors or loops  208 . When placed on the belt  18 , the strap  202  forms a loop  210  because the end portions  204  confront each other. Loop  210  includes a distal section  212  for engaging the butt stock  24  of firearm  20  and loop side sections  214  and  216  for engaging or confronting sides  54  of the butt stock  23  of the firearm  20 . Strap  202  includes a minimum stretch load and a maximum length of elongation. One base for gun rest  200  is the belt  18 . Some thread portions of the strap  202  may be elastic. Other thread portions of the strap  202  may be nonelastic to provide the maximum length of elongation. 
     It should be noted that each of line  14  and strap  202  is an elongate member. An elongate member is a linear or line-like member whose length is substantially greater than its width. 
     Another alternate embodiment of the invention is shown in FIG.  5 . Here, a wire  220  may be crimped on one of the line end portions, such as line portion  38 . Line portion  38  is folded over (i.e., doubled back) and the wire  220  holds the line end portion  38  in such folded over position to prevent the line end portion from slipping through grommet  28 . Instead of a knot or a crimped wire, an end portion of the line  14  may be doubled back and stitched, tied with a twist tie, or fastened by some other means so as to hold the end portion in the doubled back position so that the end portion of the line  14  has a size greater than the size of the grommet opening  36 . 
     FIG. 9 shows how a corner portion  230  of the butt stock  23  is disposed in the loop  46 . Here the loop  46  engages butt stock end  24 , one side face  54  of the butt stock  23 , an angled bottom edge  232  of the butt stock  23 , and the other side face (that is opposite of side face  54 ). Accordingly, loop  46  engages or “hugs” two side faces of the butt stock, an end, and an edge of the butt stock. Corner portion  230  of butt stock  23  is the “lowest” corner of the butt stock. 
     In each of FIGS. 6,  7 ,  8  and  9 , the elastic line  14  is “hugging” the butt stock  23  of the firearm  20 . In other words, the elastic loop  46  is confronting and/or making contact with the right and/or left sides of the butt stock and is further confronting and making contact with at least one end or edge of the butt stock  23 . This “hug” or hold is automatically placed on the butt stock  23  under the force of gravity. 
     When using the gun rest  10 , it is preferable that the firearm  20  is tilted forward at least 25 degrees from the vertical. 
     It is preferable to wear the gun rest  10  with the outer surface  30  facing outwardly, with the knots  42  and  44  also facing outwardly, not tucked between the base  12  and the waist of the user  16 . This position forces the loop  46  to hang next to one&#39;s leg away from projections, such as brush. 
     On uneven terrain, it is preferable to wear two gun rests  10 , one each on each side of the waist, such as on the hip or slightly ahead of the hip. In such situations, the firearm  20  is preferably engaged in the gun rest  10  on the downhill side, so that in the event of a fall, the uphill hand is free to arrest the fall. Further, wearing two gun rests  10  permits the user to carry the firearm  20  in one gun rest for a period of time and then switch the firearm  20  to the other gun rest  10  on the other hip. This distributes the load of the massive firearm  20  and increases circulation in the back, arms and shoulders. 
     The base  12 , if formed of leather, is preferably oiled from time to time. 
     The base  12 , if desired, may be omitted, and another base  12  may be selected, such as the belt  18 . Another base that may be used is the belt of a fanny pack. Base  12  is a support for the line  14 . 
     If knots  42  and  44  are retied, it is preferable to retie such firmly. A simple overhand knot, such as knot  42  or  44 , is preferred. It is preferable to leave about one inch of line free beyond each knot to the terminal end of the line. 
     The line  14  is preferably stretchable along its entire length. However, the line  14  may be elastic at only one portion or at several portions, such as at a middle portion and/or at a portion or portions offset from the middle portion. 
     The line  14  is preferably an elastic cord. However, the line  14  may be a stretch cord, bungee cord, rubber rope or surgical tubing or an elastic strap, such as elastic strap  202 . Surgical tubing is a rubber or elastomeric line that is tubular. 
     The minimum stretch load or the maximum length of elongation or both are preferably related to the weight of the firearm  20  plus all or part of the weight of the arm of the user  16 . As the user  16  walks, he or she may grow tired and allow the firearm  20 , and therefore the line  14 , to partially or completely support his or her arm along with perhaps a portion of the weight of his or her shoulder. The heavier the load, the longer the maximum length of elongation. The heavier the load, the greater the value is for the minimum stretch load. 
     As indicated above, the line  14  is preferably sufficiently weak in elasticity to permit the firearm  20  to float (or travel up and down) over about generally two inches with each step the user takes. The line  14  is sufficiently strong in elasticity so as to prevent stretching until the user  16  generates force such as walking, whereupon the line  14  stretches and retracts with each of the steps of the user  16 . The line  14  is further sufficiently strong in elasticity so that it does not reach its fully elongated length where it “bottoms out.” 
     The weapon  20  is preferably a firearm. The firearm may be a rifle, shotgun or muzzle loader. The firearm may be a portable rocket launcher or light machine gun. The gun rest  10  may also carry other types of weapons such as high tech bows or crossbows. 
     The base  12  for supporting or holding the line  14  may be eliminated. In its place, belt  18  may be used. Belt  18  may be a utility belt or a dress belt. Belt  18  may further be a fanny pack waist belt or backpack waist belt. Or the line  14  may lead into and be an integral portion of a belt that extends about the waist of the user  16 . 
     If desired, the minimum stretch load may be less than the weight of the firearm  20  such that, when the loop  46  is supporting only the firearm  20  and the user  16  is not active, the loop  46  stretches about 5% to 10% of its length (as defined by distal end  48 ). When the user  16  walks, the loop  46  may stretch up to about 50% of its length (as defined by distal end  48 ). When the user  16  jumps off an object about two feet high with the firearm  20  engaged in the loop  46 , the loop  46  preferably stretches about 80% of its original length and preferably does not “bottom out” even with such a stretch. 
     A loop, such as loop  46 , is preferred. A loop is where ends or end portions such as end portions  38 ,  40  confront each other such as at grommet  28  as shown in FIG.  1 . A loop  46  and a pivot location (such as grommet  28 ) is most preferred. Less preferred is a loop  46  such as shown in FIG. 15, where the end portions  38  and  40  confront each other without engaging each other and where there is no pivot location. However, both of the embodiments of FIG.  1  and FIG. 15 have the end portions  38  and  40  separated by less than the thickness of a conventional rifle or shotgun such that that the loop  46  of both gun rests  10  and  100  hugs the sides or side faces of the conventional butt stock  23 . Gun rest  200  is capable of forming a loop because the sleeves  208  may be drawn to confront each other such that the side sections  214  and  216  will confront the sides of butt stock  23  and may be drawn further together to make contact with each other whereupon the side section will more tightly hug the sides of butt stock  23 . 
     It should be noted that the loop  46  includes at least first, second and third positions. The first position is where the loop  46  is at rest with no butt stock engaged in the distal portion  48  of the line  14 . This first position is shown in FIGS. 1-4,  15  and  17 . The second position is where the loop  46  is under a load of the butt stock  23  engaged in the distal portion  48  of the line  14  and where the elastic portion of the line is relatively unstretched. This second position is shown in FIG.  9 . The third position is where the loop  46  is under a load of the butt stock  23  engaged in the distal portion  48  of the line  14  and where the elastic portion is stretched. This third position is shown in FIGS. 6,  7  and  8 . In the third position, the distal portion  48  of the line  14  is disposed further from the base  12  than when the loop  46  is in one of the first and second positions. 
     It should be noted that, while FIGS. 6,  7  and  8  show the line  14  stretched, another line  14  having a greater length may be selected so as to form a loop of a greater size, such that a firearm may be carried in the position shown in FIGS. 6,  7  and  8  with an unstretched or relatively unstretched line. 
     The distal end or far end  48  of the loop  46  is the end of the loop  46  opposite of the base  12 . The distal end  48  of the loop  46  is the receptor for the butt end  24  of the butt stock  23 . 
     Thus since the invention disclosed herein may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or general characteristics thereof, some of which forms have been indicated, the embodiments described herein are to be considered in all respects illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is to be indicated by the appended claims, rather than by the foregoing description, and all changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalents of the claims are intended to be embraced therein.