Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunter's Campfire Rifle Slings

Louis L'Amour.....

I use "safari" slings. Walking over tough terrain the rifle is "hip" carried, usually, leaving one hand free for walking staff, and the other available if needed , especially if I have a pack on. Climbing it gets back slung.

One can let go the rifle to use binocs, easily, without a bunch of fumble-fugging around if hand carrying.

On atv, or snow machine, the sling is tightened up and rifle is carried across my belly or chest muzzle up, and/or to left. One still has to exercise muzzle awareness, and an empty chamber if shooting possibility is not imminent.

If slip hunting, or shooting is imminent, rifle is hand carried or, often , as first described, as it is almost as quick as port arms. Close enough to make no diff. I have never lost out on a shot opportunity by so doing. But then, I don't do snap/hope shots.

The conditions dictate the carry - one size does not fit all, but the safari sling pretty much can do it all.

Out goofing around bargain hunting and ran across this book.
The Total Gun Manual
Section 148 made me chuckle.

Probably true of everybody at one time or another, although with experience I have disciplined myself to not repeating the same mistake over. I instead concentrate on making all new stupid mistakes!
Anyway, when buying a new rifle. Slings, optics and extra magazines are factored in with the original cost for most of us.
Myself, I don’t get too wrapped up in a sling because I have a couple good ones that I swap back and forth to whatever I’m using currently.
You wont usually catch me using it unless I’m dragging or I’m in close proximity to another hunter. If I’m dragging I ain’t gonna be shooting and if I’m with a partner, the sling keeps it pointed safely skyward.
I have been caught a couple times with the thing slung, but like I said, I’ve learned from earlier mistakes and concentrate of creating new and exciting way to fowl myself up instead!
Reon

I never was a fan of slings. Hunted in Africa and the PH’s I ran across didn’t like them much and preferred hunters not to use a sling.

With that said, broke my foot a few years back and bought a fat tire electric bike to hunt off of. Long heavy duty sling over your head with your arm through works dang good on an electric bike. So I guess slings have some purpose.

African carry?

If a rifle slung over the shoulder is keeping you from making quick shots at game you probably also have a difficult time chewing gum and walking at the same time.