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What’s a Good rifle sling???

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8.2K views 36 replies 27 participants last post by  Capt MoMos  
#1 ·
What’s a good rifle sling out there that’s comfortable and doesn’t want to slide off your shoulder when hiking ….?
 
#4 ·
I picked up a Mystery Ranch sling last year. It has a quick release magnet that helps attach the sling to your pack strap. It doesn't slide off my shoulders when I'm glassing or hiking. I also felt less fatigue at the end of the hunt because I was unconsciously shrugging that shoulder to keep the sling up.

Hands-Free Rifle Sling Pack | MYSTERY RANCH Backpacks
 
#7 ·
Do you hunt with a pack? If so, the SlingHook from Talarik is a pretty danged handy little device that's pretty inexpensive. Can use just about any sling with it.

Another option for a pack is the Gun Bearer from Kifaru. It's pretty unorthodox compared to most slings and some don't like the barrel in front of them, but I got used to this real quickly and like it better than a regular sling now.
 
#8 ·
I mount flush cups on my rifles and use a Vickers sling from blue force gear. Rear flush cup on right side of buttstock and front flush cup on left side of forend. Works great as a shoulder sling and as a 2pt sling at low ready. Quick adjust slider makes it all work.

 
#9 ·
 
#26 ·
I have a Montana sling but mostly military slings. Slings serve a purpose other than packing a rifle. In what ever position your shooting you should be able to pull the butt in tight to your shoulder with the sling. Really simple to do bit harder to explain. The sling I used shooting small bore in Germany was actually a simple strap around my fore arm that attached to the rifle stock. Could really pull the butt in with that sling.
 
#28 ·
A properly fitted Whelen style rifle sling has three functions

1. Carry the rifle.
2. Steady the rifle while aiming. Works best sitting, then prone, then offhand and with a hasty version of the Whelen sling.
3. Reduce felt recoil with a 1/3 forward and 2/3 backwards isometric hold.

Col. Whelen saw two problems soldiers had with shooting accurately.
One was needing maxiumum steadyness, and the other was fear of recoil.
His original design was shooting genious in action for improving steadyness and and reducing felt recoil.

Civilian hunters like Jack O'connor made subtle yet signifcant improvements which were more fitting to sport hunters.
I have a Whelen style sling on all my rifles that is fitted just for that rifle.

There are two verions, one a 1' wide military style two piece and a pure Whelen one piece 1" wide.

When in the sitting position I can keep near all my shots is a 3" circle at 300 yards.

To do this one must not have even a small pot belly. Getting into the curled sitting position to get your back bent over enough so your flats behind your elbow lay flat against your shins below is a must.

A belly gets in the way and pressure will be put on your lungs and mess with your breathing, Not good.

Also ones, back must be loose enough to curl over as shown in the photo

The front sling stud must be on the stock and the sling will hold the rifle in place against your shouder, but not tightly.

You pull it rearwards into your shoulder in with your right hand for right handed shooters and pull forwards with your left.

Your pull backwards should be about twice your push forwards. That creates the isometric tension which reduces felt recoil.

Since you need to push forwards against where the sling meets the swivel with your left hand, the swivel stud must be in the stock not more forwards on the barrel.

Again, well fitted and properly used, the Whelen sling really improves accuracy.

I have made a 2" x 8" peice of leather that goes right where my shoulder needs it to be for long carry comfort.

DB
 
#31 ·
Desert,
Sounds like you know your stuff. I never been that good a shot, but like using a sling to steady the gun when the opportunity arises.
I to have killed a few hogs in my day. Plus you can see the drink of choice that gave me my belly.
You could probably make money teaching people how to shoot better with the skills you have.
I hope the guy that started the thread takes your advise and gives it a try to see if it helps with his slippage issue.

Regards,
Peter


Image
 
#32 ·
What's the use for the sling?

Are you simply using it to carry a rifle as comfortably as possible?

Do you plan on using it to help steady the wobbles by wrapping around your arm?

More than a few pro hunters in Africa hate slings. They are often snagging on brush at the wrong time, and add time to the mounting/aiming process. The gun in your hands is constantly at the ready.

Leather is less grabby in sticky brush.

Neoprene is spiffy for shoulder carry. Easier on neck/shoulder with due to shock absorber qualities. Not as useful in around the arm steady applications.

I hunted safari slings for years. Eventually went away from them for no real reason.

I have used slings as taught by high power shooters. But never fell in love with the idea.
 
#33 ·
When I was growing up my dad always told me that people that enjoy seeing animals run away wear slings:sneaky:

So I grew up only wearing my rifle on my shoulder when I glass quickly or I'm crawling through/over something and need both my hands. Therefore, the cheap Butler Creek ones have never let me down.(y)

I will say, most of my animals would've ran away had I wore my rifle on my shoulder. Pushing sage brush/ juniper flats and thick timber don't allow for much time to shoot.🤷‍♂️
 
#35 ·
When I was growing up my dad always told me that people that enjoy seeing animals run away wear slings:sneaky:

So I grew up only wearing my rifle on my shoulder when I glass quickly or I'm crawling through/over something and need both my hands. Therefore, the cheap Butler Creek ones have never let me down.(y)

I will say, most of my animals would've ran away had I wore my rifle on my shoulder. Pushing sage brush/ juniper flats and thick timber don't allow for much time to shoot.🤷‍♂️
This is where the safari sling comes in, your gun hangs at the ready, not over your shoulder. Check it out.
 
#34 ·
Really watching this thread closely as I'm looking for a new sling. I have on a backpack 99% of the time and am constantly having it slip off my shoulder/backpack shoulder strap. I really started thinking I was going to just do away with the sling and hand carry my rifle like I do my bow; except it's just not safe enough and don't have to worry about muzzle direction constantly when hunting/walking with others.

For the people who use a button or some type of attachment on their backpack, do you feel it detaches quickly and without thought if needed?