I like to have a sling on any rifle I'm carrying, just as long as the PH doesn't have any objection. I only use leather slings, no synthetics.

For certain rifles, it's hard to find the right sling. For example, rifles with barrel-mounted front swivel bases pose a special problem, because the distance between the front and rear bases is longer, so you need a longer sling. Most commercial slings are way too short.

Murray's adjustable sling is long enough if adjusted to its limit, but that thin, single-layer strap makes it rather uncomfortable to carry, and the buckle at the rear has a nasty habit of marring things and making noise, plus it looks funny when adjusted to its limits.

The best sling I've found for Africa (or anywhere else) is Brownell's "Latigo". It comes extra-long, and it can be easily adjusted (follow all directions) to perfectly fit any rifle, even with the front base way out on the barrel. It employs the highest-quality leather of any sling you can buy, it's extremely comfortable to carry, and it just looks right on any rifle. It makes for a great shooting sling as well, for rifles with both sling studs on the stock. As a bonus, you can get it in tan or black, in case your rifle has a black synthetic stock like I have on my .375 and .416.

One more bonus: The tanning process that the leather is finished with has a very nice, dryish surface that doesn't attract dust and grit. The leather can be fed and rejuvinated with Armor-All 'Leather-Wipes', which are so fantastic for use on hunting leather (cartridge wallets, sheaths, belts, etc.) you can't do without them. This product really works, and leaves no surface build-up or residue that attracts dust.

AD

allen ... don't have your experience but I like the wide, stretchy slings for Africa and just to carrying the rifle on those long treks back to the truck and then rarely but there are those days when my tail is draggin' but I still want to keep my rifle at hand.

Bill, a couple of my friends prefer the stretchy synthetic slings as well, especially the 'Vero Vellini' wide, cobra-style version.

AD

I'm a big fan of the Latigo sling also! Allen's comments about it working on most any rifle are spot on. I also use only leather (or canvas) slings; no synthetics for me either. (There's too much plastic in our lives today already!)

For leather care, I like the Pecard Classic Leather Dressing (paste).
http://www.pecard.com/

-Bob F.

I Like Eric Ching's Ching sling and the newer "Safari Sling". If you have ever done any formal target shooting and know how to use a sling as a shooting aid, it is by far the best way to got. Only ever seen them in leather (Glaxco I think?). I always use a sling, and much prefer the cliet to. He is usually walking behind me so I like to know his rifle is pointing straight up or straight down!

Who makes the quietest sling swivels? I have a number of slings I like but the swivels all make too much noise.

I've been using Eric's Safari sling for the past couple of years. My only complaint is that when crawling through the brush, it has 3x the number of edges to catch on. So if I know that I'm going to be diving off into the crap, I'll take the sling off.

Other than that I really like it. It's quick to get set-up for a very steady shot and carries the rifle well. Probably not useful for a barrel mounted swivel, though.

-Steve

I bought a "cheapo" leather sling last trip in Pietersburg, only cost 150R and seems to be the best sling I´ve had so far. Cobra style, no metal parts, no squeak.

Butler Creek works for me.

Mike

Try Pachmyer Flush Mount sling swivels. They are quiet, and fast on/off and clean looking. No more studs sticking out of your stock. They came stock on my Steyrs and I've converted my other rifles to flush mounts since then.


I'm using Butler Creek neoprene stretch slings. They hold tight enough to free up both hands when climbing in rimrock.

Elmo

Elmo
Can they be installed on synthetic stocks? I got rid of all my wood stocked rifles, except for a few heirlooms.

Mike

Certainly no problems on fiberglass stocks, but epoxy wont bond to certain types of plastic. Test your stock in a discreet place to see if it will bond. My Steyrs are both synthetic stock but were designed for those flush mounts. The inserts are threaded but I drilled my wood stocks oversize and mounted them with epoxy.


Here's some pics

The flush mount is closer to the schnable. the screw below it mounts the forearm to the barrels. On the original 99, a combination swivel stud/screw performs both operations, which is a lousy idea it always wiggles loose after awhile



Notice the cleaner look with no swivel studs sticking out like a couple of warts

quote:

Originally posted by allen day:
Bill, a couple of my friends prefer the stretchy synthetic slings as well, especially the 'Vero Vellini' wide, cobra-style version.

AD

I've been using the Vero Vellini slings for several years now. They're comfortable, and the slight stretch in them makes for a stable hasty sling for shooting offhand.

quote:

Originally posted by Ganyana:
I Like Eric Ching's Ching sling and the newer "Safari Sling".

Ganyana, your endorsement means a lot to me. Thanks.

I agree with Buff Creek they have several syns that will hold your rifle on your shoulder with out the fatigue a leather one develops. I usally take mine off when we load the guns and dont put it back on until we unload, its just a personal habit i have picked up after missing a shot on what would have been a new world record Kudu some years ago. Charlie