I've got a heavyish 9#+ 7mag that is one of my best shooters. Been carrying it with just a standard leather sling. I'm getting older evidently as this year I've been feeling it more than in years past. I've never given it much thought, but I figured I might could benefit from a better sling. What do you guys use that you've found takes a load off heavier guns? I hunt with a backpack on most of the time, so keep that in mind.
I have been using a Vero Vellini Air Cushion Sling for a number of years. They used to be less expensive but they not only work but they last.
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I still like the Montana Sling. I ordered the 1 1/4" sling 1st and found it too much most of the time. A couple of years later ordered a 1" sling. On most of my rifles I prefer the narrower version. But the wider 1 1/4" should be fine for a sub 10 lb rifle.
https://montanagunslings.com/
For walking with a heavy rig, Butler Creek Magnum neoprene sling:
https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1015362089?pid=698428For lightweight rigs, I'm a Montana sling fan.
Have used both the Montana slings and Butler Creek Magnums. Both work well with heavier rifles.
With 9 pounds plus all in rifle weight consider a 1 1/4" Brownell Latigo sling with QD swivels.They have the "Chicago" brass screws and buckle. I have two and swap out from rifle to rifle. Plus, I have my Dad's, which back in the day, was called Brownell - Latigo/Conway sling.
Might want to look up reviews of the M60 machine gun sling. There is also QD-type M249 sling, but I think that would be a bit much of GI Joe.
Boonie Packer Safari Sling is what I use on everything regardless of weight - and my '98 weighs right at 11 lbs. I have several, on different rifles. Very handy for traveling with a pack, over rough terrain where one might need to use both hands, and for stopping to glass- one does not need to put the rifle down or risk having it slip off the shoulder.
The best ones are called
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Gun Bearers...in Africa.
Jerry
I use the Gunbearer from Kifaru. If you're pack has a decent waist belt, this is by far the most comfortable way I've found to tote a rifle; even as heavy as my Ruger SS/Lam 338
Been using the Murray quick set sling for years.
Take a peek:
https://www.murraycustomleather.com/slings.htm
I got stuck on the Bulter Creek Alaskan Magnum Sling years back and they are on most of my hunting rifles
Carries weight well and stays on my shoulder
Grovtech, has a tapered padded cobra for the shoulder and an upper and lower elastic nylon based strap. Also has an added 2.5 in thumb loop for added control. JM
sounds like the op needs a good carrying strap as opposed to a "sling" which can be adjusted for a arm/shoulder loop. lots of neoprene slings available at academy, walmart, etc. which would make carrying the 9lb rifle. additionally, the neoprene straps are lighter, lots of options out there. first decide if you want something just to carry the rifle, or if you're actually going to use a sling as designed. good luck with whatever you select.