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Hunting slings?
- Thread starter Jabot
- Start date
For my rifles I have come to prefer the simple nylon/leather strap style. I have a few others like Blackhawk and Claw. I don’t like the rubberized ones and find the padded ones aren’t as comfortable as I’d like when shooting
Just picked up a TAB PRS for the heavy AI’s and run the cheap nylon on most other hunting rigs
My primary use of a sling is support while shooting. Carrying with the sling is second for me. If I was carrying a lot a rubberized sling would slide less and may be more beneficial
Just picked up a TAB PRS for the heavy AI’s and run the cheap nylon on most other hunting rigs
My primary use of a sling is support while shooting. Carrying with the sling is second for me. If I was carrying a lot a rubberized sling would slide less and may be more beneficial
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For hunting, ie transporting a bolt gun long distances, the quake claw is comfortable and doesn’t slip off your shoulder. For using the sling support for shooting, not the best option out there. That being said, how often are you taking an unsupported standing shot at game?
I'm a cheap guy, I like a simple 2 point adjustable sling like I used in the Marines 20 years ago.
They are lightweight and durable.
They are lightweight and durable.
Been runnin’ this right here on my bolt action hunting rifles for about the last 30 years…
Murray Leather Quick Set Rifke Sling
Murray Leather Quick Set Rifke Sling
I'm a Quake user here, own a few. I also have a couple of Blue Force on a few ARs
I quoted @McMayor because I looked at what Slogan offered. The Magnum sling looks like a good choice.
Jon- for your ultralight build, think about the simplest lightest adjustable sling.
Why spend 8K getting your SUAM uber light, only to put a 1-1/2 pound sling on it? For those wondering, @Jabot also shoots PRS and has or access to all the normal high-end slings, rifles only, tab gear, armageddon, etc. I have a thin, 1" 5oz sling or two I see if I can find an extra. They came from amazon.
That said, why use anything that still isn't comfortable or allow two handsfree, especially if your going to pack out meat?
Gun Bearers - Kifaru International
Handling Long Guns The revolutionary GunBearer® is a simple, efficient way to securely carry your long gun, transferring the weight comfortably to your hips leaving both your hands free for climbing, bushwhacking, whatever. No more rifle slings slipping off your shoulder, no more banged scopes...
kifaru.net
The Kifaru gun bearer leaves your hand free, is super stable and quiet, ultra-comfortable, keeps the muzzle low for getting underbrush, isn't very heavy, and best of all lightning fast to deploy. Other than my RRS for hunting, this is one of my favorite pieces of kit. Of course once practiced like you with a tripod there is very little benefit to using the sling in Western hunting like you are doing.
If I go to the match at the end of the month I'll bring it. I am actually running the rifle backward, scope in front, to keep the action against my pack so that when I am crawling through brush it doesn't strip the bolt back; it also tucks the gun in much tighter. All the gun weight is on your hips, so the gun feel like it just melts away.
Jim
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+1 for Murray. Used them for years...they are simple and easy to adjust.
I've thought about one of those Kifaru rifle bearers.
It's still the urge to always have control of my firearm, "hands on" awareness.
Even using my sling is a rare thing.
It's still the urge to always have control of my firearm, "hands on" awareness.
Even using my sling is a rare thing.
This Gentleman makes a good sling
www.montanagunslings.com
Montana Gun Slings | Hunter Rifle Custom Slings
The original Montana Sling™ that was hand crafted back in 1990, is still attached to the rifle Pat hunts with most and has passed with flying colors on successful big game hunts in Montana, Alaska and the Northwest Territories, Idaho, Wyoming, and just about every other state in the west.
www.montanagunslings.com
I gotta say my all time favorite sling was some clothing line cord my mom cut for me to go out hunting with my 22 as a preteen. It wasn't the fanciest, but I thought I was GI Joe at the time.
Yup, have one on all my riflesThis Gentleman makes a good sling
Montana Gun Slings | Hunter Rifle Custom Slings
The original Montana Sling™ that was hand crafted back in 1990, is still attached to the rifle Pat hunts with most and has passed with flying colors on successful big game hunts in Montana, Alaska and the Northwest Territories, Idaho, Wyoming, and just about every other state in the west.
Tab prs. The material is not as rigid as the original tab (at least on mine). Adj quick to carry across the back, over the shoulder and can be used as a shooting aid. So light. I hate a wide old fashioned carry strap; they will make the rifle move when aiming because of the swinging weight.
BROWNELLS QUICK-SET LATIGO® SLING | Brownells
PULL DOWN - SNAP OUT and the Brownell LATIGO Sling is ready for action. Faster than it takes you to drop to the ground into a shooting position. So quick that the Pull Down - Snap Out can be done during the time you are throwing the gun to your sh...
www.brownells.com
This is the one I mentioned above, quickly adjustable and pretty much no hardware other than the swivels and a couple screws.
Sling or carry strap? There's a big difference. Consider the Andy's Leather Rhodesian which functions quite well as either. It is a true loop sling that when used correctly, provides great support in intermediate positions. Because of its design, it also works well as a carry strap.
Here's a video I did of how to install and use it:
Andy's Leather Rifle Slings
Rhodesian Slings and Ching Slings for the Scout Rifle and hunting rifles. 25+ years of leather and Scout Rifle experience.
www.andysleather.com
Here's a video I did of how to install and use it:
They don’t function like loop slings though. That’s why I’m asking, I’m curious. If I’m the one that’s upside down, I know why I like it the way I like it. I’m curious as to his reasons.Loop sling, you’re doing it wrong.
+1 on Andy's Leather Rhodesian sling.
The Wilderness Tactical Products also do a licensed version in nylon webbing, which is what I use: https://thewilderness.com/langlois-rhodesian-sling/wilderness-langlois-rhodesian-sling/ ... that page shows how it allows for a fairly quick loop-up; I used this to place in a local field stage recently.
And +1 on the Kifaru Gunbearer for a longer-distance carry option ... to the poster who commented about wanting hands on the rifle, there are some good videos around showing how quick it is to deploy from the Gun Bearer.
The Wilderness Tactical Products also do a licensed version in nylon webbing, which is what I use: https://thewilderness.com/langlois-rhodesian-sling/wilderness-langlois-rhodesian-sling/ ... that page shows how it allows for a fairly quick loop-up; I used this to place in a local field stage recently.
And +1 on the Kifaru Gunbearer for a longer-distance carry option ... to the poster who commented about wanting hands on the rifle, there are some good videos around showing how quick it is to deploy from the Gun Bearer.
Ummm... no. Just because the loop doesn't have a cuff, doesn't mean it isn't effective in a hunting situation. The Rhodesian (as well as the Ching and CW) work quite well as a loop in terms of locking your arm to the rifle if properly installed and adjusted. They are also very quick to put into use. Of course it is a compromise because it is also suitable as a carry strap. It does work better if carried in the African mode.
I realize that the scout rifle crowd has VERY different needs than the precision rifle crowd, but the scout guys are pretty solid on practical hunting use. They find the Rhodesian to be the best field support sling that allows for rapid deployment and ease of carry.
I run a Montana sling “upside down” because it’s easier for me to adjust its length on the fly. (There’s no right side up on a Montana sling, I posit).
One thing it, or I suppose with any simple sling is when carrying diagonally across one’s chest, a longer rifle (esp with suppressor) will want to fall off the carry shoulder. For this reason I also like the Tab Biathlon and that rubber Ultimate sling thingy.
Also that Vorn Deer backpack is nice.
One thing it, or I suppose with any simple sling is when carrying diagonally across one’s chest, a longer rifle (esp with suppressor) will want to fall off the carry shoulder. For this reason I also like the Tab Biathlon and that rubber Ultimate sling thingy.
Also that Vorn Deer backpack is nice.
It is funny that the more I re-read this thread and look at the suggestions here, I realize that a hunting sling can mean many different things to many different people. A guy who has a 12 pound rifle and will be packing into remote areas where a day will be spent glassing valleys that present 400 to 800 yard shots will have different needs to a guy with an 8 pound rifle, hunting piedmont farmland where shots are 50 to 300 yards and deer will be visible for a few seconds before bounding away.
So I guess the best thing to do is to first determine what exactly one means by a "hunting sling" and go from there. How will the rifle be carried? How much will it be carried? How important is field stability from the sling? Will there be other methods of stabilizing the rifle such as a tripod or pack? How quickly does one need to transition from carrying to looped up?
This might even be an East/West issue. What works in one place might be idiotic in another.
So I guess the best thing to do is to first determine what exactly one means by a "hunting sling" and go from there. How will the rifle be carried? How much will it be carried? How important is field stability from the sling? Will there be other methods of stabilizing the rifle such as a tripod or pack? How quickly does one need to transition from carrying to looped up?
This might even be an East/West issue. What works in one place might be idiotic in another.
I forgot to mention some more slings, one I own (like all in my prev post) and a few I don’t but may be of interest.
The Safari Sling works like a guitar strap. In my view, it’s the best sling as it combines very good muzzle awareness/control, hands free-edness, and quick shooting. I haven’t tried it with a backpack. Might work. Downside is it can interfere with a chest rig, like binos.
See here: https://www.redi-mag.com/product/safari-sling/
In action.
Videos by Australian retailer, I believe:
WHY:
HOW:
Manufacturer vid:
Slings I haven’t tried but may be of interest:
Another take on the guitar-type sling
3HGR Light Harness
A more robust version of the Z-Aim sling
The Safari Sling works like a guitar strap. In my view, it’s the best sling as it combines very good muzzle awareness/control, hands free-edness, and quick shooting. I haven’t tried it with a backpack. Might work. Downside is it can interfere with a chest rig, like binos.
See here: https://www.redi-mag.com/product/safari-sling/
In action.
Videos by Australian retailer, I believe:
WHY:
HOW:
Manufacturer vid:
Slings I haven’t tried but may be of interest:
Another take on the guitar-type sling
3HGR Light Harness
A more robust version of the Z-Aim sling
After following your advice on tripods, I respect your opinion very much. I bought a Kifaru Gun Bearer but haven’t used it yet. What pack do you use it with? Sorta looks like a Kuiu? How did you attach it?Jon- for your ultralight build, think about the simplest lightest adjustable sling.
Why spend 8K getting your SUAM uber light, only to put a 1-1/2 pound sling on it? For those wondering, @Jabot also shoots PRS and has or access to all the normal high-end slings, rifles only, tab gear, armageddon, etc. I have a thin, 1" 5oz sling or two I see if I can find an extra. They came from amazon.
View attachment 7640790
That said, why use anything that still isn't comfortable or allow two handsfree, especially if your going to pack out meat?
Gun Bearers - Kifaru International
Handling Long Guns The revolutionary GunBearer® is a simple, efficient way to securely carry your long gun, transferring the weight comfortably to your hips leaving both your hands free for climbing, bushwhacking, whatever. No more rifle slings slipping off your shoulder, no more banged scopes...
The Kifaru gun bearer leaves your hand free, is super stable and quiet, ultra-comfortable, keeps the muzzle low for getting underbrush, isn't very heavy, and best of all lightning fast to deploy. Other than my RRS for hunting, this is one of my favorite pieces of kit. Of course once practiced like you with a tripod there is very little benefit to using the sling in Western hunting like you are doing.
If I go to the match at the end of the month I'll bring it. I am actually running the rifle backward, scope in front, to keep the action against my pack so that when I am crawling through brush it doesn't strip the bolt back; it also tucks the gun in much tighter. All the gun weight is on your hips, so the gun feel like it just melts away.
View attachment 7640786
Jim
And again... different requirements... I would never use a sling that doesn't allow for use as a shooting aid and this one doesn't. This one however, looks pretty good for short range stalking in heavy cover.
The reason I like the Rhodesian or Ching style slings is because they are a good balance of carry aid and shooting aid. There are better slings for carry and there are better slings for shooting aids, but none that I have seen that do both as well. They do this with also being VERY fast for looping up where others take considerably longer. Kukusya pointed out that there are also good synthetic versions of these slings as well.
Sorry out in Wyoming now. I use several packs, but yes in the images it’s on the Kuiu. I like the pack for the light weight to carry comfort on my back. These are not as bullet proof as some packs and not a fragile as others. I just loop the bottom around the waist/hip belt so most of the weight is held by the padded hip belt, with the top QR on the shoulder strap.
You can play with a positioning to carry your gun either almost completely vertical or nearly at a 45, and decide if you want the scope to the rear or front. Ideally I’d like to get the bolt against my body So that when moving through the brush that seems to take away anything not doubly secure off your pack it doesn’t strip the bolt back.
I have been running a Levy's leather sling for over 15 years and could not be happier. They are very comfortable, durable and made in Canada. I liked mine so much I bought a second from Cabela's so I can have one with QD sling swivels and the other with standard sling swivels.
Just a note::
safari slings while great for the shooter makes me cringe as someone hiking around them. They flag people constantly, just like suite case carry. Imaging single track or a game trail; if your in front you get flagged, if the turn to blade through a trail you get flagged if your in the rear or front depending on the turn direction. Often standing next to them you’re flagged.
this is often used by hunters that feel compelled to carry slung and loaded , hence the hole speed thing. Imaging a stiff twig or two in the mix - btw a tradition sling muzzle down and swing from the correct shoulder can set the sling and be on target in one fast 90 degree rotation; if sling to shooting and stumbling unknowingly on game is an issue for the hunter. That’s not how the typical Western hunt works so maybe I don’t get the need to carry slung and loaded. If I am loaded I am expecting the approach or stalk to end in a possible shot.
I get why a couple of people I hunt with like them; but omg, I hate being around them (sorry had to repeat that).
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+1 Safari slings around groups of hunters make me nervous.
Yup... African carry (muzzle down, support side, support hand holding forend) is secure, comfortable and VERY fast onto target.
I was about to mention this one. Have it on my hunting rifles. I have used it in a standing and sitting position while hunting and love it.BROWNELLS QUICK-SET LATIGO® SLING | Brownells
PULL DOWN - SNAP OUT and the Brownell LATIGO Sling is ready for action. Faster than it takes you to drop to the ground into a shooting position. So quick that the Pull Down - Snap Out can be done during the time you are throwing the gun to your sh...
This is the one I mentioned above, quickly adjustable and pretty much no hardware other than the swivels and a couple screws.
I think you have some good points. I’ve only ever used the safari sling solo hunting varmints (13-stripe ground squirrels aka “gophers”…I know they’re not really gophers but that’s what they’re called around here) or prairie dogs in open country.
Here’s how it goes: I walk around, spot them either with the Mark 1 eyeball or rangefinder binos and need to get on the gun quick before they disappear down a hole. I need be able to have both hands free quickly, which is the key differentiator here along with a rather extreme stop/scan/shoot/start cadence compared to most types of hunting. I usually have a pre-extended trigger stick / RRS tripod in one hand as well, which I lean up on my stomach or leg while I bino scan (binos in hip bag). I’m guilty as charged with having a round in the chamber.
There is a way to use the safari sling so the muzzle points up (in the last vid), but yeah, I get it. Easy to let the muzzle go level-ish and swing around.
My problem with African carry is the same with any one-shoulder carry: it’s harder to use both hands together, like to scan with binos, open and close gates, etc. Plus, bending down to get under an obstacle forces one to reposition lest the muzzle sticks in the ground.
But if you have a shorter rifle (with suppressor), or know where your quarry is (fairly precisely), or are stalking upright-ish, or are in dense-ish cover, or don’t really need both hands free, or aren’t carrying anything in the “free” hand, I can see this carry’s utility. I usually am in only one or two of those six scenarios.
Maybe I just don’t do African carry right.
Hence, I wrote “In my view…”. Horses for courses and all that. If I’m mainly hiking I like the Biathlon sling, my Vorn, or I bet I’d like that Kirfaru you are sporting.
Heck, I could make the biathlon or Kirfaru work, but the biathlon is definitely slower and having to wear a backpack to use the Kifaru would sort of suck as it’s usually pretty hot out when I hunt those buggers.
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Lol ten dudes hunting, all with safari slings…I can see that getting hairy pretty darn quick!
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