Now Shodan, The farmer plowing had her/his rifle in a scabbard strapped to the plow handles. It was much easier for them to get them out in a hurry. It was easier on the back as well. The less careful ones leaned it against a tree beside the field being plowed. Reading my family’s diaries of the 1800s this was not uncommon, as the LAW was often days away.
Indians, and outlaws were not the main uses for a rifle. Wolves, coyotes, big cats, and bears come to mind. In fact, firearms are still used in my area today. There are still bears out there. Boulder as recently as last year had/has a cougar problem.
I would bet that folks out in “the woods” “back east” still carry when the are out away from the house.
Indeed - out in the wilderness, or where the Law is a long ride away, good idea to have your gun and knife within reach. In the larger cities, however, not that critical even in the 19th century. And in any case, the notion that the ideal state of affairs is to be packing 24/7 anywhere you feel like it, no restrictions whatsoever of time or place, is itself a relatively recent deal from the gun rights side of the debate.
