Gents,

To sling, or not?...that is the question which faces us today.

Also, if you care to comment on your own, if you use a sling on DG hunts, which is your favorite?

Respects,

Phill

Question:
Do you use a sling on your dangerous game hunts?

Choices:
Yes
No

 

I almost always have a sling available. They good for the long slog back to the truck.
Trader Keith sling is my pick.

No sling. Took the swivels off my DG rifle.
Nobody else carries it for me.
Once out of the vehicle and on foot there's a round in the chamber.

Very few "dangerous game" hunts are really dangerous. When they are, the last thing I would want is a sling.

They catch on brush and are of no use except slugging it back to the cruiser. But then that is what gunbearers are for.

If you have no problem with slings you have to admit your hunt is not dangerous.

i don't use slings..seen too many targets of oppertunity missed on the way back to the truck. if i really need one to sling on my shoulder while dragging something, i usually have a section of cotten 1/4 inch rope. slings are viable option for consideration. my latest 404 has no sling attachments. its a personal choice.

What you people fail to understand is that slings are made for shooting primary--Secondary for carry.

I am never without the sling, for shooting. There are many times there is not enough time for sticks.

Hang up? That is inexperience working with slings. You people have never seen thick. Unless you have been in the Coastal Carolinas, you don't know what thick is. When you can't get through it, you can lay up against it and it holds you upright, and the only way is under. Never have I had an issue with a sling hanging up on brush. This past June I was in a lot of brush in Zim, and of course I had my sling.

Michael

quote:

Originally posted by Will:
Very few "dangerous game" hunts are really dangerous. When they are, the last thing I would want is a sling.

They catch on brush and are of no use except slugging it back to the cruiser. But then that is what gunbearers are for.

If you have no problem with slings you have to admit your hunt is not dangerous.

Only problem is someone the calibre of Tony Henley disagreed with you. Hunted more dangerous game than the late Mr Henley,have you?

quote:

Originally posted by jvw375:

quote:

Originally posted by Will:
Very few "dangerous game" hunts are really dangerous. When they are, the last thing I would want is a sling.

They catch on brush and are of no use except slugging it back to the cruiser. But then that is what gunbearers are for.

If you have no problem with slings you have to admit your hunt is not dangerous.

Only problem is someone the calibre of Tony Henley disagreed with you. Hunted more dangerous game than the late Mr Henley,have you?

Excellent!

quote:

Originally posted by jvw375:

quote:

Originally posted by Will:
Very few "dangerous game" hunts are really dangerous. When they are, the last thing I would want is a sling.

They catch on brush and are of no use except slugging it back to the cruiser. But then that is what gunbearers are for.

If you have no problem with slings you have to admit your hunt is not dangerous.

Only problem is someone the calibre of Tony Henley disagreed with you. Hunted more dangerous game than the late Mr Henley,have you?

So what?

Have you hunted more dangerous game than I?

You name all the PH's that use a sling and I'll name all the real DG PH's that don't.

I keep a Trader Kieths rolled up in my pocket to use for the walk back to the truck if in open terrain. Tried leaving it on my double on my first hunt in Masailand for the first day. Was constantly getting caught up in the thorn bush. So was my clothing as well.

quote:

Originally posted by Will:
Have you hunted more dangerous game than I?

And exactly what is your point? What does that prove or disprove?

Absolutely nothing!

Slings are for shooting--Not for Carrying.

This is a "Shooting" question. And if a sling is used proper, there is none of the "legendary" HANG UP IN THE BRUSH SHIT. That is myth and BS from folks that do not understand the sling! Some joe said 100 years ago, "Oh, can't use a sling, that will hang up in brush when hunting Dangerous Game", and so it has been ever since. All those who don't know better, fall right in like a bunch of cows following the herd! It must be so! It was written down!

Michael

"Slings are for shooting not carrying"

I agree with this but I don't want a sling on my gun because I'll be tempted to carry it. On a doulbe rifle especially I don't want a sling and I want the gun in my hands at all times. I never let anyone else carry it.

Sam

We have now heard from the diarrhea poster.

If anyone wants to use a sling, knock yourselves out.

The guy asked for opinions. You can believe anything you so desire.

Gentlemen…rather than attempting to verbally bludgeon the individual who does or does not utilize a sling…perhaps it would be better to push them to become very proficient with their rifle utilizing the means by which they carry their rifle – proficient meaning getting it quickly to the shoulder in firing position with the ability to both accurately and quickly shooting said rifle!

quote:

Originally posted by Will:
We have now heard from the diarrhea poster.

If anyone wants to use a sling, knock yourselves out.

The guy asked for opinions. You can believe anything you so desire.

And we have heard from the book peddler and of course that should be that!

Heh, don't know how to use a sling, don't worry about it, you may be correct, probably hang yourself with it!

I don't believe it because it was in a book! We all gave opinions on the matter, these are your words. Sorry I had diarrhea on you! Too bad, one really can't tell the difference!

Surprise you did not accuse me of being a "Sling Peddler" this time?

quote:

Originally posted by Will:
Very few "dangerous game" hunts are really dangerous. When they are, the last thing I would want is a sling.

They catch on brush and are of no use except slugging it back to the cruiser. But then that is what gunbearers are for.

If you have no problem with slings you have to admit your hunt is not dangerous.

Have you hunted more dangerous game than I?

Ya know, I just had to come back to this.

quote:

We have now heard from the diarrhea poster.

That's it? Really? That is your response? This is the best you can do? J-H-F-C I would have expected something better than that!

No sling!

BTW Michael, he also sells wallets and used clothes/boots.

Well I sure picked a great poll question!

Respects,

Phill

quote:

Originally posted by DoubleDon:
No sling!

BTW Michael, he also sells wallets and used clothes/boots.

OK OK OK---Very good! I suppose Will is, well just Will, what more needs to be said! Me, I have not been taking my meds!




M

quote:

Originally posted by DoubleDon:
No sling!

BTW Michael, he also sells wallets and used clothes/boots.

Boots you say??? Hmmmmm, wonder what kind?

I do not have as much experience as some of the respected posters here on this thread,I have hunted DG just once,a sling just does not belong in the field while hunting dangerous game,yes it would be nice to have one while you make your way back to the truck,but there are no guarantees that something will not surprise you on the way back,how can you justify having a sling on a firearm designed for a quick response? yes the rifle does get heavy after 8 hrs in the sun and I wish there was an easier way,but that's the way it goes,suffer and enjoy the hunt
I also agree that a sling can be used for shooting,but I do not agree that in a close panic situation that would help any.

Will vs Michael! That was a movie, wasn't it? The Clash Of The Titans!!!!

Hey Biebs...

There is a new sequel to Clash of the Titans coming out this year, so, watch out!

Respects,

Phill

quote:

Originally posted by Bill73:

I do not have as much experience as some of the respected posters here

Wait a minute! Are you saying we have respected posters here on AR?

Phill,

I say it’s your hunt so I say carry the rifle in your personal preferred carrying manner while trekking around on the hunt. Your responsibility is to assure that you’re carrying the rifle safely without endangering your trackers, the PH, or any companion that might also be on the trek with you… And to assure that you can quickly mount the rifle and accurate place your first shot during exigent circumstances.

Use a sling or not use a sling...that is strictly a personal decision.

I believe it fair to say I have well more than the "average" african experience in general and DG specifically, for whatever that is worth to some folks concerned with such things.

I have NEVER hunted anything other than rabbits with a rifle sans sling. And like some here, I too know how to use it in the firing position(s). I have never found it necessary to remove the sling while in pursuit of the enemy or wounded DG, even in the jungle.

To the best of my knowledge, education and experience there is no law requiring nor prohibiting the use of a sling by any hunter anywhere in the world. I have had some experienced DG PHs who use a sling and some who don't. Guess that means it's an individual choice. All my DG rifles have bbl band sling swivel studs and all have slings. So there!

CAPOWARD,

Well put, Jim...excellent points, solidly put.

Respects,

Phill

I want a sling.
Need it to carry the rifle under my belly when crawling on hands and knees as when I last sneaked up on a cape buffalo.
The PH was scooting ahead of me with his double rifle in his lap, scooting on heels, butt and hands.
I prefer hands and knees. Need a sling for that.

I do make sure the sling is detachable.
Even converted a Merkel 470 NE to accept Uncle Mike's Super Swivels.
Sling can go in pocket anytime.

Slung carry adds to safety when just "trekking."

On some rifles I do like a military shooting sling.
Mostly I just use a nylon or leather strap for carry and "hasty sling" shooting use.

I always want the option of a sling.

I think that once you get used to carrying your rifle on your shoulder without a sling you won`t want to carry it any other way.Every time I would go to the range there would be a 200yd walk to the bench and I would practice the african carry with one or two rifles at the same time on my shoulder.Come time to hunt I`ve already carried it for a few miles.I also think that a sling could get in the way in a dangerous time especially in the thick stuff.

I like Will. Tend to agree with him most of the time, even if he is a cantankerous old cus. And, he makes great wallets -- I carry one every day. At the risk of retribution, he can be a bit opinionated; not that that is a bad thing.

However, in this case I tend to agree with him at least partially. I have a sling on my bolt action big bores, not on a double. In thick stuff, I either tighten the sling against the stock or go ahead and take it off altogether.

Because the principal purpose of a sling is shooting, not carrying, as some have stated, I have no use for anything that is not a good heavy leather sling -- Trader Keith notwithstanding.

Thank you sir.

It depends. When hunting in Makuti, we've almost always been able to see the animal we were after (Ele or Buff) from a high vantage point. If it appeared to be a long hike to get to them, I used the sling. If it appeared to be close, no sling.

Hunting in Dande, we tended to strike out on tracks with no idea of how far the trek would be. I used the sling. Same with the Tuli Block of Southern Zim.

I've done some DG hunting in SA as well and never used the sling there as ranch hunting for Buff never gets you very far from the truck.

My sling has buckles on both ends. Once we get close and begin a final stalk, I unbuckle the sling and put it around my waist like a belt. Afterword, I have it available in case we need to hike back to the truck.

I've never had the sling get in the way of taking a shot and never lost a shot at an animal because the rifle was slung over my shoulder instead of carried in the African Carry. That's nonsense! I do use the African Carry extensively as well and pay attention to where my muzzles are pointed.

There are posters here stating their credentials, which exceed mine I might add, to imply the using a fricking sling makes you a DG hunter or not! What horse crap! It isn't that big of a deal. Just use what is most comfortable for you. I use one sometimes and not other times.

Gents,

Vellini seems to have listened to those of us who have concerns over a drooping sling...check this one out: http://www.gunslingsdirect.com/vv-retractable.html

Respects,

Phill

A sling makes it easy to check a map or scratch ones head when unsure if your now Poaching the National Park.

Plus, I've carried rifles on slings for years and I can deploy a rifle off my shoulder almost as fast as if it was in my hands -- and get a hasty sling in the process, which really steadies things up.

As a carrying device, it's nice on a long hike and keeps the muzzle in the right direction. And, if things get too thick, just take it off.

But, I don't have one on my -- currently -- one and only double, nor will I add one. I don't think I'd ever put a scope on a double .45 calibre or above either. When it comes to doubles, I think it's an entirely different discussion.

quote:

Originally posted by Will:
If you have no problem with slings you have to admit your hunt is not dangerous.

or that you know to take the thing off -- shesh will, are you aiming for arogant jerkwad tonight? you hit it

I use a sling on my DG hunts. If I have to followup, I just take it off.

A sling may come in handy when carrying a scoped rifle, especially one with a heavy scope and mounts/rings.

I work with my hands and carry and move a lot of things in the process- I use a sling to keep my hands free. I wounded a mule deer a few years ago, and it took about four hours to find him. I was using a borrowed '03 Springfield sporter w/o a sling, and got goddamed tired or carrying the thing and not being able to put it down. I can get a slinged rifle off my shoulder fairly fast as mentioned above also.

Sometimes ya gotta climb shit and crawl along embankments, grab branches, etc. Two hands.

Mind you, I have not addressed the question as asked concerning DG hunts.



The grips' motto:

Never carry what you can drag.

Never drag what you can roll.

Never fail to abandon the superfluous.