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We discuss a lot of different equipment here; but I dont believe I have seen too much on the subject of slings. Considering a ten or even better a 21 day safari, your sling will be something you get to know very well, especially if you are properly getting out a spending lots of time treking about for game. I am sure a bad sling can be like bad boots, a miserable choice. What are your favorite slings for your big bores? Where do you acquire them? Prices? | ||
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As a sometime competition shooter, I know how to use a leather military-type shooting sling quite well. I used to have one on all my rifles for steadiness on off-hand shots. Occasionally, I still put one on my rifles for North American hunting, but for Africa where shooting sticks are the norm, I use a cheap Uncle Mike's 1 1/4" carry strap with a non-slip patch on the inside. Costs about 10 bucks and works mighty fine. Keep it on QD mounts so that you can remove it when creeping through the brush. All skill is in vain when a demon pisses on your gunpowder. | |||
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I use the Butler Creek Alaskan Magnum Sling  The neoprene has some stretch to it and is soft. Regards, Terry  Msasi haogopi mwiba [A hunter is not afraid of thorns] | |||
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My habits were developed in a faraway place where losing stuff, or glinting like a store front, wasn't a way to live to retirement age. I have never understood the idea of festooning slings, rifle butts, and the like with spare ammo. Why not just do the job with the first shot? All skill is in vain when a demon pisses on your gunpowder. | |||
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I have just bought a Galco Safari Sling for my 30-06. It is nice and works well at the range but we will see if I am fast enough with it in the field. My other rifles wear a simple leather military style sling which is still my favorite. | |||
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I don't use the ammo slots on the rifle sling. Regards, Terry Msasi haogopi mwiba [A hunter is not afraid of thorns] | |||
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On a heavy caliber rifle I do not use a sling. | |||
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I use the same sling that Terry uses. Very comfortable over a long day. Since safari is not combat against armed men...I do carry spare ammo in the sling. I am not terribly worried about the little bit of brass reflecting. As far as the necessity for extra ammo regarding taking care of it on the first shot...well that would suggest only carrying what your magaizine can hold becuase you are unlikely to shoot more than 3 animals in a day given are check book limitations. Mike Never under estimate the internet community's ability to reply to your post with their personal rant about their tangentially related, single occurrence issue.  What I have learned on AR, since 2001: 1. The proper answer to: Where is the best place in town to get a steak dinner? is…You should go to Mel's Diner and get the fried chicken. 2. Big game animals can tell the difference between .015 of an inch in diameter, 15 grains of bullet weight, and 150 fps. 3. There is a difference in the performance of two identical projectiles launched at the same velocity if they came from different cartridges. 4. While a double rifle is the perfect DGR, every 375HH bolt gun needs to be modified to carry at least 5 down. 5. While a floor plate and detachable box magazine both use a mechanical latch, only the floor plate latch is reliable. Disregard the fact that every modern military rifle uses a detachable box magazine. 6. The Remington 700 is unreliable regardless of the fact it is the basis of the USMC M40 sniper rifle for 40+ years with no changes to the receiver or extractor and is the choice of more military and law enforcement sniper units than any other rifle. 7. PF actions are not suitable for a DGR and it is irrelevant that the M1, M14, M16, & AK47 which were designed for hunting men that can shoot back are all PF actions. 8. 95 deg F in Africa is different than 95 deg F in TX or CA and that is why you must worry about ammunition temperature in Africa (even though most safaris take place in winter) but not in TX or in CA. 9. The size of a ding in a gun's finish doesn't matter, what matters is whether it’s a safe ding or not. 10. 1 in a row is a trend, 2 in a row is statistically significant, and 3 in a row is an irrefutable fact. 11. Never buy a WSM or RCM cartridge for a safari rifle or your go to rifle in the USA because if they lose your ammo you can't find replacement ammo but don't worry 280 Rem, 338-06, 35 Whelen, and all Weatherby cartridges abound in Africa and back country stores. 12. A well hit animal can run 75 yds. in the open and suddenly drop with no initial blood trail, but the one I shot from 200 yds. away that ran 10 yds. and disappeared into a thicket and was not found was lost because the bullet penciled thru. I am 100% certain of this even though I have no physical evidence. 13. A 300 Win Mag is a 500 yard elk cartridge but a 308 Win is not a 300 yard elk cartridge even though the same bullet is travelling at the same velocity at those respective distances. | |||
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I use the Alaskan Guide sling myself. It's secure and comfy and nice to know you've got the rifle and four extra rounds that you're sure are there with you. How may times have you "thought" you packed something in a daypack or pocket only to find it was back at the truck? It works great for the Ruger #1, I hook a finger of my left hand through one of the elastic straps just prior to firing and that puts the rounds near my right hand when I work the lever. I'd rather have the extra ammo and not need it than worry about running out at an embarrassing moment.  Not all of us are perfect, but we're trying to get better.  Rick R Of all the things I've lost in life, I miss my mind the most. | |||
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I have carried a 7/8th leather sling in my day pack for about 40 plus years, maybe I have used it two or three times...I have no use for a sling, I have seen too many tired hunters faulter over the slung rifle when a real trophy unexpected showed up for a split second, and the window of opertunity was muffed over the slung rifle...but to each his own, this is just my personal policy not to use them and to be ready for the shot at all times... I might use the sling if I had to drag something out, but I usually avert that circumstance by complaining about my age, phyical condition as a poor delapadated old man, it works most of the time...  Ray Atkinson Atkinson Hunting Adventures 10 Ward Lane, Filer, Idaho, 83328 208-731-4120 rayatkinsonhunting@gmail.com | |||
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Murray's custom sling. Works great. I carry my rifle on my left shoulder (I'm right handed) but with the rifle forward, and I sort of push against the bottom of the forestock. IT comes up quick and ready to go if an offhand shot is needed. jorge USN (ret) DRSS Verney-Carron 450NE Cogswell & Harrison 375 Fl NE Sabatti Big Five 375 FL Magnum NE DSC Life Member NRA Life Member | |||
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I use the Murray Quick Set Rifle Sling mabe by Dick Murray. Several years ago I went through a bunch of different slings on various elk and mule deer hunts. I could not find one that I liked until I bought the Quick Set from Dick at the DSC show. They adjust easily, don't slip, and are very comfortable. I used one on my .338 for 10 days in RSA last summer and never thought about my sling. You can check out the slings and other good stuff that Dick makes at murraycustomleather.com Doug | |||
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My preference for a spare ammo carrier is the plastic ammo wallet from MTM. Holds 9 rounds and slips into my back pocket. As far as forgetting things in the truck, you bet. But in Africa, I assemble the next day's gear on the night before and go through my mental checklist. There, nothing gets forgotten in camp. All skill is in vain when a demon pisses on your gunpowder. | |||
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Came to big game hunting later in life and, fortunately, while in South Africa as well. No one uses a sling there, least of all when it comes to hunting dangerous game. Carrying a 10 lb 10 oz double all day builds character , and the rifle is ready to use, too. Must confess tho, that I'll sometimes have a sling in my pocket for the trek back to the vehicle. Regards, Tim | |||
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I have used several different slings, starting off with a military type leather sling which I used for shooting, particularly at distance. Since going to rifles with barrel mounted slings, I don't use them to assist in shooting, just to carry the rifle comfortably. The Butler Creek has some "spring" in it, which seems to make it less of a burden. I do use the sling ammo carrier to put the round that come and go, in and out of the rifle over the day as you get in and out of the vehicle. This lets me know the rifle is unloaded/loaded depending upon the desired condition. I use a butt holder for extra ammo plus carrying some on my belt. The ammo on the butt isn't observable from the front at all, and is almost totally covered up, even with magnum rounds, from the side. It is nice to know that there are always 8 rounds available in addition to the ones in the rifle or sling. I'd rather have a few rounds too many and one round too few! I mostly have gotten the job done with round one; after all, that is the one where I have the advantage. However, there has been the rare occassion where I did not get as much animal as I wanted or needed. On at least one occassion, I was glad I had brought lots of ammo as I missed shot after shot at a bush buck. A humbling experience! At the end of a stalk for buffalo, the sling is off, and being carried by one of the trackers. Kudude | |||
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Hi Hugh: I have many rifles and just as many slings. Last year I used a strechy sling like Terry suggest on my HEAVY DG rifles, it is the greatest thing since sliced bread. It streches a bit when you bounce around with the heavy rifle on your shoulder and distributes the weight more evenly. It makes those 10 & 12 lb rifles seem a lot lighter. I like carrying my own rifle when on Safari, and a good strechy sling is great. They are very inexpensive and really work. Regards... Jim P. The Hunters Hut Firearms Sales & Service PAHunter/ The Head Hunter DRSS,NRA,SCI,NAHC www.huntershut1.com | |||
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I use the Murray Quick-Set sling on all my hunting rifles. It's well made, stays set and is simple. On safari, it almost always stays on my light rifle; and goes on and off my heavy rifle depending upon the circumstances. Dick Murray makes very high quality products and is a treat to deal with. ______________________________ "Truth is the daughter of time." Francis Bacon | |||
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I just don't use a sling. All the time I hunted in Alasaka there was always the chance you could run into a bear that was having a bad day and that 1 second it took to get the rifle of your shoulder could mean the difference in being mauled or not. In Africa a couple of PH's told me some stories about a sling getting caught as a fellow was trying to swing on a charging buff and the guy got hammered. I just make up my mind that the gun will be heavy at days end but it will be in my hands if I need it. Regards, Mark MARK H. YOUNG MARK'S EXCLUSIVE ADVENTURES 7094 Oakleigh Dr. Las Vegas, NV 89110 Office 702-848-1693 Cell, Whats App, Signal 307-250-1156 PREFERRED E-mail markttc@msn.com Website: myexclusiveadventures.com Skype: markhyhunter Check us out on https://www.facebook.com/pages...ures/627027353990716 | |||
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I use a Westley-Richards canvas and leather sling it is 2" wide and does not slip, very suitable for heavy doubles and can be removed quickly when need be | |||
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I use a canvas and leather sling that was sold by Cabelas.It's similar to the Westly-Richards. I saw a very good copy at a BigBore shoot at Sierra Vista last Sunday.The shop in Sierra Vista that sponsered the shoot has them made by a local leather shop I believe. The craftsmanship was outstanding. Had them in both canvas and nylon straps. Did not get the price. SCI Life Member NRA Patron Life Member DRSS | |||
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The Safari Ching Sling is the only sling I know of that is designed for heavy rifles, provides match-level shooting support, and is a speed sling as well (fast to get into and out of). You can get into offhand sling support with perhaps an additional second or two, and into kneeling, sitting, or prone sling support in the time it takes to get into position. http://www.usgalco.com/HolsterP3.asp?ProductID=2518&CatalogID=361 That said, if I had to go into the thick stuff where shots are quick and close, I'd take any sling off my rifle. --- Eric Ching "The pen is mightier than the sword...except in a swordfight." | |||
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I use a sling like the Murrays except mine is a 1" wide woven nylon strap and a sliding buckle. It's very light and soft. Not a big deal as the tracker volunteered to carry my .300 H&H all the time and I allowed him abouty half the time as I didn't want him to think I didn't trust him. The chamber was empty anyway. Strangely enough both my PH and the tracker carried the rifles muzzle down when using the sling. /////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// "Socialism is a philosophy of failure, the creed of ignorance, and the gospel of envy, its inherent virtue is the equal sharing of misery." Winston Churchill | |||
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I use the Safari Ching sling, and very often walk with it set up with left elbow in sling and the end of the stock resting to my hip. About the ammo I always make sure to carry enough with me so it will never be to little for one day- If I have used anything during the morning and visits camp I also refill. I have heard too many stories about PH:s and clients chasing wounded animals and running out of ammo. | |||
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The three point Ching Sling is on two of my rifles, and I will probably put a Safari Ching Sling on my DGR. The basic Ching is VERY fast to get into, and very stable in the supported positions. One side benefit is the third sling stud is usually behind the recoil lug. This reduced the strain on the rifle forearm significantly, and it's not hard to "pull" a walnut stock into the barrel if you're slung up hard but not directly under the barrel (in a rush). Very little difference in point of impact with the Ching Sling and with a firm grip over sandbags. The Safari Ching is only uses two sling mounts, but it is split in the middle so you simply thrust your arm into the split and your triceps press into a preadjusted loop. Very fast, very stable, and since it is a split sling, the leather is wider (more comfortable with heavy rifles). Both are easy to remove if you choose, but with practice, either African Carry (muzzle down strong side) or or American Carry (muzzle up weak side) can deliver an aimed first shot fast as most holstered pistols. Don't beleive me, go to Gunsite Academy or simply practice. For these slings, go to Galco Leather's website. Safe Hunting Clint | |||
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I used one a long time ago for a couple of days, then just gave up on it. Since then I carry my rifle over my shoulders. | |||
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If I use a sling I use Murray's one inch wide quick set, but for dangerous game rifles I usually carry them without a sling. The thick bush has a way of reaching out and grabbing you at the most inopportune time! On the plains of hesitation lie the bleached bones of ten thousand, who on the dawn of victory lay down their weary heads resting, and there resting, died. If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue, Or walk with Kings - nor lose the common touch... Yours is the Earth and everything that's in it, And - which is more - you'll be a Man, my son! - Rudyard Kipling Life grows grim without senseless indulgence. | |||
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I use a shooting sling on everything except my .416. I can keep my groups under 1 moa shooting sitting with a sling, so I like them. Shooting sticks are the normal rest used in Africa, but I don't find slings to be much of a hindrance. I almost never carry my rifles slung over the shoulder, as the setup needed to shoot sitting makes the loop pretty short. | |||
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Thanks for your input folks. As usual this forum is a fantastic resource! I will use a sling for my medium rifle, but when stalking buff will carry my 416 without a sling. I guess I need to do a few more bench presses and curls in the next few weeks! Thanks. | |||
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I have one of those traditional wide canvas slings on my .500 but don't always use it and whenever I have to go into the thick stuff I remove it and get the tracker to carry it. - But I also have a little gizmo (called a Gunbearer) that goes on my belt and takes some of the rifles weight and transfers it to the hips and it's worth it's weight in gold on those long yomps that sometimes happen. | |||
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Slings are very useful for accurate offhand shooting. Unless you have a barrel band sling swivel.  | |||
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I still find myself using slings when I know I shouldn't..they make me lazy and unprepared. And they are basically a hendrance...they get in the way of a good rest and they catch on every thing out there, including the gear you are wearing. So I think any sling will do if you do not want to carry your rifle. Under most circumstances, slings get in the way and make you unprepared. Robert Jobson | |||
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When i'm hunting (especially DG) the mindset I try to maintain is one of walking up on a covey of quail... you should always be "ready" (especially in africa) b/c you never know what's around the next corner. I find that a sling (personally) makes the gun too comfortable and puts me in a "relaxed" state of hunting, and i'm afraid that might cost me a shot. So, I don't use one and that's the reason that i don't. Is the gun less convenient for my state of readiness over my shoulder? no doubt, but i still feel like it's quicker to the shoulder from there than it is a sling. | |||
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I use slings on all of my rifles. I have one trip to Africa under my belt and found the sling to be handy, especially climbing for Vaal Rhebok. I use the Alaskan bouncy sling described in earlier posts. | |||
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I use a 1 inch Latigo sling on my rifles of "standard" weight; .30-06, .338 Win Mag, 9.3x62, .375 H&H, etc. I have two fairly heavy rifles (a Ruger M77 .416 Rigby, 1st generation, and a Merkel .470 double) and on them I use a 2 inch canvas and leather sling from Westley Richards. I do have the canvas slings set up with quick detach swivels. I have not hunted with the .416 or the .470 yet, though. -Bob F. | |||
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On the first day of my first trip to Africa my PH had me take my slings off my rifles. They've stayed off unless I had to climb into a tree stand. | |||
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Every time Ive been to Africa I use a sling the first day. After that its in the diddy bag in the cruiser and never makes another appearance. All you have to carry on safari is an ammo belt and a rifle. I carry twenty pounds of water, survival gear, and meat prep gear on a typical elk hunt. | |||
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