Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Backpack Hunting Pack Rifle Sling Keeper... Update

A few weeks back Ted Thorn put up a thread about the "Frankenstud" he'd made for his pack.

https://www.24hourcampfire.com/ubbth...le_Sling_Anti-Slip........T#Post10842993

It reminded me I'd done something similar, as well as another mod, so I put up a thread as well:

https://www.24hourcampfire.com/ubbth...ple_Of_Hunting_Pack_Mod's..#Post10849980

However, I was smitten with Ted's turned aluminum keeper more than my own cobbled together version. I don't have the machining skills or tools Ted obviously does (I'm a lowly general contractor), and despaired of ever finding something similar. I mentioned my Frankenstud envy on my thread, and Ted took pity on me and very kindly sent me one... how nice is that!

The Frankenstud arrived this week, and I've attached it the same way I attached my rubber-stopper version, using a thermoplastic "pack lash tab":







While I was dinking around with Ted's, a lightening bolt of prophetic quality inspiration entered my thick Norwegian skull, and I turned my rubber stopper around (small end to the pack lash tab) to give it more "gription":







So now I have two different backpack rifle sling keepers to try out. Mine weigh's .8 oz as shown, Ted's .7 oz. I'm pretty certain I'll like Ted's better, but time will tell... I'll report back.

Former position of rubber stopper:



Comparison of Brad's updated version and Ted's:



Sources to buy pack lash tabs:

http://www.seattlefabrics.com/sewable_hardware.html

http://raggedmountain.com/fabric-repair/strap-accessories/2-slot-square-lash-tad

Brad

I have been thinking about rattle canning the next one with black rubber sealer....like FlexSeal

But will eventually either just wipe Aluma-blue or ceracoate

That looks good. I may have a bunch of those pack lash tabs. I bought all the samples inventory at the ITW Waterbury Buckle auction.

Both look good. Gonna have to whip up some myself. Thanks guys.

Then again, a Safari Sling dispenses with the need for a sling keeper...




Casey

If the Safari Sling is what I think it is I don't want to cary my rifle under my arm pointing forward at a hunting partner

Most folks who have never seen a Safari Sling in use have lots of uninformed opinions about how it works.....


Casey

Google and YouTube has plenty of info....to get me "informed" I definitely don't want a sling around my neck on a bias....done that....never ever again

If you like it by all means....you can keep it

My gadget puts the muzzel up and safe pluse it frees up both hands and prevents my rile from leaving my shoulder until I want it too

All while using a traditional 1" leather sling

But.....since the Frankenstud is not for sale and was made to fill my needs.....it works perfectly

The Safari Sling puts the rifle across your chest at an angle of your choosing--90 degrees straight up if you choose. The muzzle is always in view, easily controlled with a finger. It is a safer carry than traditional slings. It is also a easier carry than traditional slings--it distributes the pressure across a wider area.

Even those who believe they carry safely can't see the muzzle when it's behind their head and inevitably end up with the muzzle pointed in a unsafe manner--if even for a moment.

I can't remember how many times while climbing a steep slope I've looked around and seen a client behind me hunched over with his muzzle pointed towards my azz......

And....when elk blow up 30 yds in front of me I'll shoot them before a traditional sling user will have the pad against his shoulder.

Casey

Glad you like it.........

tag

Great design! I purchased several sling keepers (can't remember the name), they were Velcro mounted hooks and were total crap. I'll be trying this.

The G6 is the best Frankenstud Slingamarig I have used so far

"Slingamarig"... love it. Looks about perfect Ted.

Have been too busy to try it out yet... hopefully for spring bear.

"Slingamarig" is nice! Nothing trumps a Safari Sling for still hunting. I've used one on and off for 20years and pointing a barrel in a safe direction isn't a problem. It pretty much never leaves my front stuffer these days. It forces me to grip my rifle with one hand leaving it already half way to my shoulder. Your rifle will be closer to your shoulder and ready to go like nothing you've ever used in your life. I hunt with no sling at all alot. A rifle slung over your shoulder all day isn't a "ready" rifle. Even with no sling I find my rifle in one hand down by my side. A safari sling isn't for everyone and can be uncomfortable.

FWIW, my partner shouldered a rifle and shot a nice mulie buck while I was still trying to get my rifle out of a Kifaru gunbearer. My Safari sling was in my pack. The Safari sling does not work well while hunting with the likes of External Dana Design or a loaded Internal pack.

Thing I like best about your "slingamarig" is that I can use either it or a Gun Bearer on the same pack. I need to make one.

Ok....please tell me this isn't your hunting "parner's" nickname

I use this one. It's so inexpensive that I don't bother making one.
I cut it down a bit so that it's not so "catchy"

http://www.slingsaver.net/index.html

just noticed price went up a bit...they were $5.00


Lefty

I also have a couple Slingsavers, one on each side since I switch shoulders a lot. The only issue I've had is the thick wad of Velco under it that makes my shoulder sore if I don't have it positioned just right. I've been thinking of ways to eliminate the velcro but don't have a good solution yet.

My thoughts on the Slingsaver from the thread I referenced above: