The Sling Is The Thing

by
posted on March 19, 2014
cb315b_75c1222f127348f8a56e554aeb452d72jpg_srz_400_300_75_22_050_120_000_jpg_srz.jpeg

In the course of setting up numerous rifles, I’ve found that the choice of sling can be a critical one-and one that should be complementary in a number of ways. A good sling can be an invaluable aid to accurate shooting in the field, but a bad one is nearly useless.

As far as appropriateness to the platform, a thick, stiff leather “cobra” style probably isn’t a good, or necessary, fit on a superlight rifle. By the same token a thin 1” nylon strap likely won’t feel all that great on a dangerous game rifle. My own rule of thumb is to use 1” slings on rifles weighing around 7 lbs. or less and 1¼” slings on those that are heavier. High-quality leather, such as those from Turner Sadlery for service or precision rifles, or nylon, such as those from The Wilderness, are hard to beat.

Other considerations are format-Ching sling style, Rhodesian sling style (check out Andy's Leather), military style or simple carry strap style-and fittings; HK-style snap hooks, mash hooks, push-buttons or conventional QD studs. All can affect a rifle build or the decision as to which sling to buy, particularly if the fittings are permanently attached. By the way, another great one to consider is Brownells Latigo sling-just do youself a favor and order the model with pre-installed swivels!

Latest

Taurus Tx22 Compact Rifleman Review 1
Taurus Tx22 Compact Rifleman Review 1

Rifleman Review: Taurus TX22 Compact

A downsized version of Taurus USA's TX22 is available, giving folks a smaller, handier version of the full-size TX22 rimfire pistol that's become one of the company's most popular offerings.

New For 2025: Springfield Armory Saint Victor 9 mm Pistol

Recently, Springfield Armory added a large-format pistol variant of its Saint Victor 9 mm carbine, giving enthusiasts a compact PCC that feeds from Colt-pattern magazines.

The Rifleman Report: New Developments

Our official coverage of new products for the current year is set for next month, but we included two substantial new developments in this issue that have the potential to make significant ripples in the firearm business even before then.

Arkansas To Begin Mandatory Gun Safety Lessons In Schools

Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders signed into law requiring public and open enrollment public charter schools to provide age-appropriate firearm safety instruction beginning during the 2025-2026 school year.

Adams Arms Set To Relaunch

Alexandria Pro-Fab, a contract machine shop based in Minnesota, announced that it has purchased the assets of Adams Arms, along with all of the company’s intellectual property, and it plans to relaunch the company in the second quarter of 2025.

I Have This Old Gun: Bayard Auto Pistol

The Herstal, Belgium, firm of Anciens Etablissements Pieper was apparently expecting big things when, in 1908, it named its new semi-automatic pocket pistol “Bayard.”

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.