Re: what sling would hold a very heavy weapon
I couldn't find a sling that would comfortably hold up the weight of my heavy rifles, AND be useful as an accuracy aide. Then I saw a design for a sling that used 3 layers of webbing rather than the standard 2 layers. The sling looks similar to a standard sling, but clever placement of the sliders allows the three layers to be extended into a sling having only 2 layers and is very long.
When I extend the sling out, the 2 layers can split apart and allow me to carry the rifle in a manner similar to a biathlon sling. I can use the sliders to make the sling either long, or short. If I wish, I can make it short enough to be used for the traditional support aide to shooting.
I don't know what the design is called, because I found the sling many years ago and bought one. I haven't seen the design anywhere since. The one I bought was 1 inch wide, and I buy 1.5 inch webbing, and sew the slings to whatever length I want. I can put on standard QD swivels, or the flush cup swivels. However, the design of the sling means that the swivels have to be sewn into the sling for it to work properly. Very clever design.
If anyone is interested, I'll be happy to try and explain how to make one for yourself. Webbing usually costs about 10 to 25 cents a foot, and a nice sling takes about 8 feet of webbing, two sliders, and two swivels.
I don't have the ability to post photos though..