For that special month of hunting, I ordered a shotgun barrel for my 45-70 Handi-Rifle. I don't have the hassle of carrying two firearms. I simply remove the rifle barrel and install the shotgun barrel. Here's a look at some things I did to make my Handi-Rifle a little more handy.

• At the left, see a #3 Phillips head bit attached to a key ring which is attached to the zipper of the rifle case. The bit is for removing and reinstalling the forearm, necessary for swapping barrels.

• In the center, see a barrel case made from an old pair of pants. Here, it contains the 45-70 barrel.

• On the Handi-Rifle's action, see a saddle ring installed so I can use one of the saddle ring slings I sell here.

I zip up the case, throw it in the truck, and I don't have to hunt a screwdriver in the woods, and the extra barrel doesn't scratch the Handi-Rifle's stock.

Here's a close up of the Phillips bit. It was too hard to drill easily, so I heated it red hot and let it cool slowly, softening it.

The key chain came out of my junk drawer. Like I said above, it's tied to the zipper of the case. It won't get left at home.

This shows the homemade barrel case which fits neatly inside the rifle case with the Handi-Rifle. The leather was scrap, like the pants. The rivets are the bottoms of some of the blue jean rivets I sell here.

The other end of the barrel case is simply folded over and tied.

Here's the saddle ring with a sling attached.

The saddle ring came from www.e-gunparts.com and cost only $5.10. Do a search on their site for "saddle ring" and look for item # 537430. It's threaded 10-32 and was easy to install.

I've drilled and tapped several of my rifle receivers for this 10-32 saddle ring, and the Handi-Rifle receivers were the easiest. Placement of the drilled hole isn't so critical due to the wide empty spot on the other side. And before you ask, No, I won't install a saddle ring on your rifle. Call your local gunsmith.

I keep a camo hat, a pair of hip boots, a box of shotgun shells, and a dozen or so 45-70 rounds behind my truck seat. When I get ready to go hunting, all I have to do is grab the case and go. The correct firearm is inside it.