I've never used the saddle ring on the different carbines, and I've never seen them used on actual carrying vis-a-viz riding and hunting- not to say other folks don't have different experience. I always dismounted if I was going to take a rifle shot, so the shorter barrels could be a little handier drawing out of the scabbard, but the best luck I had was with either my old 1894 (26" barrel) or my model 71 with the 24" barrel. I've taken one or two shots with a pistol off a horse, but the ensuing rodeo is not worth the fuss. Now, my experience may be far different from most folks that have a lot more experience than I do