An off to the side gun holder is a must to free the hands for a quick motionless grab. Hi Point (I think that is the correct spelled name) makes a plastic gun holder that is light weight, but don't step on the U shape part, it can/will break (I did that). Both U's can be removed with a wing nut and placed into a fanny pack for transportation if one is a hazard person, leaving the mounting part still attached to the square tubing. If mounted on the top arm of the climber, it is out of the way when traveling, no problem most of the time when left in tack. Metal gun holders add too much weight and a screw in step in the tree above adds to much arm motion.