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:

The trick is to position it so the rifle's weight isn't on it. I pull it forward a few inches. It's still not ideal but at least my shoulder doesn't hurt every step.

I was thinking about getting a couple of these lashing pads and bolting the Slingsaver to it in place of this rubber stopper.

Old thread I know but I picked up two of these aluminium versions today from ebay.



Ebay listing.

Airsoft also does an ABS version.



Ebay listing


Thought the information may be of use to someone.

What interested me about the alloy version is the hook is bolted to the backing plate and wouldn't take too much effort to bolt to something else.

I see a potential problem with this. That trophy bull is going to have a lot of time to go over the hill while you're messing around trying to get your sling out from under the hook. You want something that will simply keep the sling from sliding off your shoulder, not a hook that will trap it.

The wrap around velcro strap is going to be a problem... guaranteed. But as you say, maybe you can find a different way to use it than wrapping it around the shoulder strap.

[video:youtube]https://m.youtube.com/#/watch?v=EMvJgxwaGs0[/video]


[video:youtube]https://m.youtube.com/watch?feature=youtu.be&v=-qvagEn41t4[/video]

May as well update this thread...I used Ted's Frankenstud on this years hunt. Worked great. It could be a touch wider, but I believe he's already done that to the latest Gen.

Can just see it on the right shoulder strap... KISS

Brad is correct

The Gen5 Frankenstud is 1.562" diameter....it is pictured on my pack

The Gen6 may be slightly bigger.....1.625

The one Brad tested was 1"

attaboy. looks like a darned handy improvement.

good off season project.

I've tried the Slingsaver and they worked fine for me. Velcro was a non-issue. Might be due to my limited rifle hunting is always during cold weather (more clothes).

That said, since I went to a Slogan Outdoors sling I really haven't needed any gadget on my pack.

I do admire the work Ted and Brad put into this.

We had a very warm fall and a lot of my hunting was in shirtsleeves. The Slingsaver can be an issue that way. The trick is to keep it down in front, off the point of the shoulder, so no weight is on it.

Wow....5 years ago

This is a good reminder.
I think that I'll make one.
I already have the hardware and webbing sliders.

I tried making one, Ted's product is way better and well with the price!!! Mine will be getting used a lot in a few days!

lol

Ok. I didn't know he sold them. I read a few posts and it reminded me of reading it way back before I joined.
Looks like an easy diy project , but since it's a member that sells them, maybe I'll go that route instead.

Are you a skilled machinist?




You’ll have to toggle, hon.

I used one for 4 or 5 years. It was much better than letting the rifle constantly slide off but I've since switched to a Boonie Packer Safari sling. I like that MUCH better.

Been using a Safari Sling since the early 90’s—best single addition I’ve ever made to my hunting rifles

But don’t tell anybody else about them…..

It's a side gig

https://www.frankenstudslingkeeperfsk.com/

The frankenstud is obscenely expensive for what it is. You can buy a pulley at Home Depot for $4, remove the wheel, and attach it to your pack to get the same thing for 10% of the price.

You've convinced me.
I think I will make and experiment with the Safari sling before going the other route. I am getting out the leather straps and hardware this week.
They both look like good concepts. I just need to try to see what works for me. I'd like to see more videos other than Boonies. It's been around a couple decades so there should be some on YT.

Obviously I can't make everyone happy but trust me...I'm not bending anyone's arm and you can always get by cheaper to rig up something with made in China hardware from ChinaDepot

But really?

Frankenstud insanely expensive for what it is?

You must not buy much 6061 bar stock aircraft aluminum or own a Okuma CNC Lathe or lathe tooling.....or own and use powdercoating paraphernalia
But by all means you-be-you

Machine shop time and materials are expensive, you wont have to ask me how i know, people and metal surgeons are a specialized group!

im very very pleased with my FSk its one of the best psieces ofkit ive gotten in the past few years

I made one and used it for a season to see if I liked it. I did so I bought a real one. I just used a piece of nylon strap and a couple pieces of paracord.

Good idea.
I went over a quick inventory of hardware in my shop.
I'm fortunate to have what's needed for it on hand.
It puts the right side up for a quick access handy position. Looking forward to trying it soon.
Thanks

The Boonie Packer is made to keep the top up. The ends attach to the swivels so there's a strap on both sides of the gun holding it upright. The ones on the butt are long enough to allow them to fall away when you bring it up to shoot. I think you'll find it much easier to carry that way than on it's side.

I've seen them in use by two hunters, these jokers were pointing their rifles at everyone around them. I asked them to not point their rifles in my direction. They acted like it's no big deal, cuz they were using that type of sling. After a few other hunters talked with them, they thought it might be a good idea if they removed their slings.
Saying that, I have not read any instructions on how to use this sling. I didn't think it was a great idea at that time, nor do i wish to learn about them. I'm happy with what I use in a safe manner.

Take care.

I use a Safari. I've said a number of times that muzzle control is it's 1 drawback. You need to pay attention when with other people. It's very easy to slide the gun forward or back to point it up or down but you need to remember to do it.

Indeed.
I think that's a given when handling any firearm regardless of carry method.
Muzzle discipline is a must.
Cooper's Rules of firearm safety.

Rule One: All guns are always loaded.
Rule Two: Never let the muzzle cover anything which you are not willing to destroy.
Rule Three: Keep your finger off the trigger until your sights are on the target.
Rule Four: Always be sure of your target.

I've seen trained LEOs AD on the line and cleaning, AFTER I warned them. So, I am convinced that safety rule repetition , frequency and discipline is key to safety more than any thing.
Carry methods all have pros and cons. For example, thunder wear, SOB, or appendix carry of sidearms.

Well, I'm sure god would perform (another) miracle to ensure your safety, so no need to worry.........

🙄

Wow, Crappy Hamper knows all 4 rules of gun safety, Good job Frank.
Now recite your ABC's for us.

Crappy is a tactical mall ninja, dangerous weapons trainer, kukri wielding super hero you know.

"Carry methods all have pros and cons. For example, thunder wear, SOB, or appendix carry of sidearms."

I'm not sure I have ever read such an insightful analysis of our carry options before.
Frank be the man! Laying it all out so we can all grasp this complicated subject matter.


LOL

"But was rebuked for his iniquity: the dumb ass speaking with man's voice..."

You need to work on your come backs Frank; that one's pretty weak.

Also Frank, it's not cool to change the title on Ted's thread.

Reprobate? There was a guy who talked about judging others, wasn't there? What was it he said, "judge not" or something like that?

What was that guy's name again?

You have to cut Frank some slack due to his brain injuries.

Let's be frank.

Frank who?

Crappy Hamper's name is Frank. At least that is what his buddy Wabigoon calls him.

I agree with that, except it’s not Ted’s thread.

My apologies sir. I mistakenly thought this was regarding Ted's Frankenstud.
I fixed the title as penance.

Lol, penance not needed my friend.

It is if you're a reprobate.

Point well made

Brad,

Don't let NV and pole pull you into it.
They're rejects as far as I am concerned, won't take no for an answer, and constantly follow me to each thread as some kind of weird stalking fetish as you now see.

Follow you around, that's a good one happy. I read this thread with interest before your sorry ass even showed up here.

Nobody has to follow Crappy around. With 67 posts a day he's not hard to encounter. A mile wide and an inch deep.

Oh bullscheit…….

You just demonstrated you have never seen one. The muzzle is pointed UP.
Of course anybody can carry a rifle in a unsafe manner regardless of the sling or in the hand—it has nothing to do with the equipment. Changing the sling ain’t going to change the brainpower between the ears.

I made an exception to respond to, rather wasted my time responding to some of you and your worthless butties attacks against the Sunday sermon....as anyone can see.

https://www.24hourcampfire.com/ubbt...09-attacks-against-1-sermon#Post16541428

That's a lot of hatred for God, 109 on that thread alone.
Your hypocrisy has no boundaries.

Nobody's going to click that link.

Maybe one of the MANY friends on your friends list will.

😄

Back to WORK.

You have friends here?
Lol

https://www.frankenstudslingkeeperfsk.com/

Maybe click this link instead

Ted, I have two but I was using a pack without one this past week, wishing I had one. Might need to get another, let me know when the new model comes out, the one with the built-in rangefinder.

And "Extreme" embossed on it in a large font!

What about Pro-Staff models?.....

here is a link to the BRAD model FSK


ttps://www.amazon.com/Huge-Butt-Plug-Large-[bleep]/dp/B07C5PV3G4?th=1

Well....

That like won't "click"