Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Savage Collectors putting a sling on a 99

I wanted to know if anyone knows of a sling you can put on a rifle without having to drill holes in the stock. I like my old 99 and don't want to drill the stock for sling swivels. However, I shot a deer once with a rifle without a sling and realized quite quickly what a pain it is to get a deer out of the woods one handed (had to leave with the rifle and come back with out it). I saw a webbing set up for a shotgun that slipped over the muzzle and the stock for carrying years ago that looked like it would work. However, I've been searching for that item and can't locate it and don't know if it's being made anymore. If I can't find anything suitable ( maybe I'll try to make something myself, like a sling I can tie on with deer hide, if it doesn't rub burn my stock) I'm toying with the idea of putting in a swivel in the bottom stock <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/mad.gif" alt="" /> but then using a barrel band swivel instead of drilling into the upper handguard. Any suggestions or ideas?

check your local black powder gun shop, there is a sling that goes around the stock and fore arm ,just ties on for black powder rifles, Hubert,, <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />

Allen Co. makes a couple for shotguns that are just a slip on. Try MidwayUSA.com (search "sling no").

Yea, that's what I'm looking for, a way to sling my rifle without having to drill the wood for swivels. Out of curiosity though, have you gentleman ever seen a 99 rifle with a barrel band swivel, like the kind used on African game rifles? I for one have not, but if I were to put on a permanant sling on my rifle, I think a barrel band type would be stylish.

Yes, have seen several with the barrel band swivel. You can also get a replacement for the forearm screw that is a swivel base.

I've also seen rifles with an eye in the pistal grip cap. I don't know how they carry but could be changed back if you sell it.

That would work out well <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />. To mount the front swivel with another forearm screw and swivel in the pistil grip cap would fit the bill. Is there a company that sells fabricated swivels like these or would a person need to custom make them?

I've got the forearm screw conversion along with a wood screw swivel base for the backend. PM me if you want a set.

Fantastic <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" /> Lightfoot, my E-mail is johndweller@yahoo.com

I have two 99's with the barrel band swivels and then use my Remington 11-87 sling from speed sling that velcros to the buttstock. It has a piece that encircles the butt about 2 inches from the end with a piece of webbing going across horizontally to keep it from slipping furthur forward on the stock. Tighten it down and then attach it to the barrel band and its solid and removable. The front band was about $10 and the sling was $20 but no extra holes and doesnt hurt the finish.

Personally i feel slings are over-rated.Only time i ever use one is when dragging a deer.If my rifle is on a strap,on my shoulder,then i'm not hunting,but taking my gun for a walk.If I'm hunting,gun in hand,the strap in just one more thing to catch on a branch and fk up my pull when i do see a target.JMO...Jed.

I agree with you. When I'm hunting I like to carry my rifle in my left hand to transition for a quick shot. But there are those times when I need both hands free to climb a real mean piece of ridge or when I'm walking back to my truck after dark, with a flashlight in one hand and a sandwich in the other <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />.

Perhaps I'm getting old <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />, or maybe its too much coffee, but I can't seem to hit anything past 100 yards without a sling. Doesn't anyone use a sling to help shoot? I like the ides of a sling eye in the pistol grip cap. Never seen it done but a great way to keep away the cheese rat!

Uncle Mikes makes swivels for 99's , the one in the buttstock has to be drilled, but the one for the forend just replaces the standard forend screw.

The way I handle this problem for guys I know who insist on a sling, is to make a leather lace-on boot for the butt stock to which I lace the south end of the sling. You can also stick in a piece of ensolite for a recoil pad while you are at it. Use oak tan leather in 8 - 10 oz. The north end of the sling uses a barrel band of the type sold for tube magazine carbines with a tape shim to preclude marring the blueing.

Having said that, I agree with Jed. The place for a gun is in your hands. I have killed several head of game with a snap shot at a flushed animal that would have escaped had my rifle been on my shoulder. I rather make meat first, then worry about where to carry my gun back to camp after the important work is done.

Luck to you.

<img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" /> I hope this might be of some help to you. I wish I could give you more information but I can't. I bought this sling many years ago in northern New Hampshire. There are no markings on it. It is all leather and very nicely sewn. I have a mint 250-3000 and wanted a sling for it in case I shot a deer. Drilling holes in this baby is out of the question. The only way I know how to post a picture is by attaching it. I hope this pic is worth a thousand words. Good luck in finding one. Each end has a slide loop on it and works perfectly. If you find out who manufactured it I would appreciate the info. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

You know, I don't have a clue who manufactured your sling. Maybe someone else will be able to provide us with that answer. This sling looks so practical, yet seems like it would be simplistic (for someone who works with leather) to manufacture. Thank you for sending me a picture. I would buy one if they were available.

Hi Gander mtn, sells one made by the leatherman. it is of leather and jute, or all leather .it look's fairly good or you can order it direct from thethe leatherman, it's the universal one Hubert http://www.blackpowderbags.com/cgi-...;Store_Code=TLM&Category_Code=AC
The Leatherman Traditional Leather Products: Accessories the leatherman, <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

one way i use the sling is with quick disconnects as i don't like to hunt with slings either the swivel studs can be screwed into the grip cap if you have one and the forearm screw then you can take the sling off put it in your pocket and save it for after you shot your game .

nidaho...I'm in agreement with your way of thinking. You don't have to "carry" the rifle with the sling, but when you need a sling, you really need one. Even a makeshift string / rope/ tong, or whatever, is better than nothing when you need both hands free for working, and the truck is 10 miles over the mountain.
Russ