Normally I go with a Butler Creek. I'm not into shooting slings and the Butler Creek is the most comfortable "carrying strap" I've come across. However, I have a new rifle that will be ready soon that I'd like to get anice leather sling for. Something simple but nice and above all comfortable and functional. What do most people here put on a nice wood stocked custom rifle? I'm really not into a lot of fancy stuff, just nice and simple.

Don Horsfield had a bunch of his leather goods at the ACGG show and I believe he makes slings. His leather work is very nice.

email: horsfield4@monarach.net

phone: (250) 638-7746

I like the Latigo sling from Brownells.

-Bob F.

quote:

Originally posted by BFaucett:
I like the Latigo sling from Brownells.

-Bob F.

These are the best, but he said he didn’t want a shooting type sling.

http://turnersling.com/miva/merchant.mv?Screen=SFNT&Store_Code=TS

I look into that, thanks Rick.

It's odd this subject doesn't come up. Pictures are always minus the sling yet it's a crucial part of the package.

quote:

Originally posted by dempsey:
It's odd this subject doesn't come up. Pictures are always minus the sling yet it's a crucial part of the package.

It's not surprising that there isn't more of a discussion about slings. To most folks, a sling is nothing more than a means to keep the rifle on the shoulder while packing the more essential items like the cooler full of beer and lawn chairs.

I, like most, learned to use the sling in the service, and while I don't know about the way the other branches conduct their marksmanship programs, the Marine Corps was and is, big on the use of the sling as an integral part of their marksmanship training.

In fact, the sling was such an important piece of my weapon, when I left, I unclipped it from my M14, surveyed it, and brought it home. Now when I'm headed off somewheres, I simply clip it onto the loops of which ever rifle I am taking, and scoot. Makes for a great shooting platform, and, it keeps the rifle on my shoulder while, you know, packing the more essential stuff!

Good looking leather but also useful? I chose The Galco Safari Ching Sling.

http://www.usgalco.com/HolsterP2.asp

The leather on mine is first rate.

Wink, thanks for the link. Malm my lists of essentials is a real short list when hunting. Every year I age the Mtns seem to get steeper and I'm not that old yet. I almost always shoot off my pack or my knee from a sitting position. Anything close enough for a off hand shot is real close.

I suppose it's not easy to find one to try out before spending good money on an expensive sling. The Ching designs aren't necessarily limited to being useful on off-hand shots. From a sitting or even prone position I get some rock solid holds with the leverage provided by a loop off my left arm.

I like the Latigo sling from Brownells.

-Bob F.

I have to agree with Bob and Rick. Shooting sling or not, this has to be the easiest to use sling around. I started using them at 15 and while I have tried others, nothing compares to them. They adjust rapidly for what ever clothing you are wearing, don't slip and make a dandy "shooting" sling.

Dempsey, you might take a look at a Boone Packer safari sling. They are the most comfortable system I have ever used and the rifle is very quickly and easily accesible.

Here is a link.

Take a look at the Murray Leather (out of Texas) or the Montana slings for great quality leather, if that is your incline.

The Montana sling looks good. This is harder than I thought without a hands on look

Customstox, that sling looks very functional. I sorta hate to admit this, being a function first type of guy, but looks matter a bit more on this one. I think it has to be leather. I'm thinking something trim but not neccesarily narrow, just not one of those pillows with a picture of a whitetail on it.

I think my best bet may be to contact a few leather craftsmen. In the meantime the Montana may be what I go with.

Since we're on the subject, anyone know where to get a sling(s) to fit the the narrow european swivels?

Well, if you want to go a little fancy....

http://www.kevinscatalog.com/prodinfo.asp?number=AGI109

quote:

Originally posted by z1r:
Since we're on the subject, anyone know where to get a sling(s) to fit the the narrow european swivels?

Jeff’s Outfitters ( www.jeffsoutfitters.com ) has leather Euro slings to fit either 1 inch or ¾ inch swivels.

That's close Rick, not sure I like the croc texture but I like it otherwise. Add a different outer skin and normal sling atachment and I'd buy it, not sure I trust the laces to tie on to the rifle.

I’ll guarantee you that Montana has more than a couple of saddle shops and boot repair shops that could probably make you whatever you wanted. I haven’t lived there since the early 1970’s but there used to be a great leather shop in Missoula.

dempsey,

Regardless of which leather sling you get, I'd like to recommend Pecard's Classic Leather Dressing to take care of it. http://www.pecard.com/ I just thought I'd mention this in case you didn't already know about it. I've been very satisfied with the Pecard product. I've also heard good things about Montana Pitch-Blend leather care products but I've never used it. http://www.mtpitchblend.com/

Just trying to be helpful....

Cheers!!!
-Bob F.

"Pecard Classic Leather Dressing is a perfect
blend of natural ingredients that keeps leather
supple, strong and beautiful. It repels water,
snow and dew; prevents hardening and cracking;
resists most acids; removes most stains, and
allows the leather to 'breathe'."
http://www.pecard.com/

The Montana Pitch blend is really great stuff. I use both the oil and the paste on saddles, boots, and just about all my leather gear. Pecard’s is also very good stuff.

Cheaper price, regular leather, same basic style:

http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/product/sta...=cat20776&hasJS=true

I feel like my wife out shoe shopping, can't make up my mind. Rick, you wouldn't recognize Missoula anymore. I think the only thing that hasn't changed is the Oxford, you can still get brains and eggs to sooth a hangover.

I'll pick up some pecards,thanks for the suggestion Bfaucett.

Beautiful Montana! I once had a gorgeous horse-hair braided Bosal and matching reins and hobbles that were made by one of the inmates at the state prison in Drummond. They turned out the most intricate and fancy horse-hair braiding you have ever seen in your life, and they sold their stuff pretty cheap. It’s probably illegal now for the state to have them do that!