RIFLE SLINGS - ammo loops, thumb holes etc.

cody c

cody c

CGN Ultra frequent flyer
Rating - 100%
39   0   0
Location
calgary
Just thinking about getting another custom sling made. The other one I had made has a pouch for a small knife, and bullet loops on the butt protector (30-30 win 94).

I'm pondering ammo loops, but I suspect they can be as much of a hindrance as benefit. I would assume that many of you on here have looked for the ultimate or the best sling for your rifle at one point and the collective knowledge here will likely have some feedback on what they would want on their next sling or what was a pain in the back side (or possibly shoulder) when it comes to slings.

So what is your experience with ammo loops on a sling? Have ammo fall out of one but not another?, thumb hole's, or other accessories? Is there anyway to have everything in one sling or any other suggestions regarding the mechanism to best lengthen or shorten a sling?

Thanks.
 
The only loop I find handy are the single ones for my thumb.
The ammo loops I think are a mind setting sort of Kewl look.
I have one of those and don't use the ammo loops any more.
The thumb loop is nice for long jaunts.
I got my daughter to put a thumb loop on my leather sling.
Works like a charm.
Light rifles are easier to carry, so why would one want to add weight to it?
And in a pinch, I think grabbing a round out of your pocket would be quicker too.
Stick a round in each pocket and there is no thinking looking for one.
They don't clink this way either.
 
Thanks kamlooky, I never tried the thumb loop slings. It's just so you have somewhere for your arm to hang while you keep your rifle from sliding down is it?

The Ching slings are pretty cool too, but this is for an open sight short barrelled 45-70 bolt action, so I'm not thinking about longer shots.

I'm pondering a thumhole, and a couple rows of ammolite loops, maybe with a lid or pocket flap to keep the from falling out. I know what your saying about a bullet in each pocket, I usually do that with my hunting rig, the rifle I'm wanting the sling for is less if a dedicated hunting rig so I don't care about it being a bit flashy or a couple ounces heavier.
 
Last edited:
It stops the rifle from moving around and gives your arm carrying the rifle a place to be.
Swapping shoulders from time to time helps the fatigue for me as well.
Rotator cuff among other ailments.
I lived by the "if you ain't hurt'in, you ain't work'in" way of life.
Pay back is a #####.
 
I am completely fed up with ammo loops, thumb loops, "cobra" style, military type, Ching type, multiple-strap, multiple-hook, multiple-swivel, multiple-anything slings. Some of them may have their place, but IMHO that place is not on a hunting rifle. It's especially funny when you see a lightweight rifle where every gram possible has been pared down by the use of aluminum-this, fluted-that and drilled-the-other-thing...and then some over-complicated monstrosity of a sling is installed that weighs more than the scope! I think that the most practical solution is a simple 1-inch nylon carry strap. It can be used as a "hasty" sling, it can be easily removed and rolled up to carry in a pocket, and it weighs next to nothing. If the rifle is a nice blued'n'walnut classic I will usually sacrifice the extra ounce or two to go with a leather strap, or maybe a cotton-webbing-and-leather job like the Trader Keith sling. All the other goofy contraptions I have tried over the years sit in a box in the basement.

I guess one exception is the Ching sling I have on my Steyr Scout. Still lightweight, and works as advertised...but I still wouldn't bother installing a third swivel on any other gun just to use it. The best things in life are simple. My two cents...money cheerfully refunded (less 0.02 handling fee) if not completely satisfied. :)
 
jjohnwm said:
I am completely fed up with ammo loops, thumb loops, "cobra" style, military type, Ching type, multiple-strap, multiple-hook, multiple-swivel, multiple-anything slings. Some of them may have their place, but IMHO that place is not on a hunting rifle. It's especially funny when you see a lightweight rifle where every gram possible has been pared down by the use of aluminum-this, fluted-that and drilled-the-other-thing...and then some over-complicated monstrosity of a sling is installed that weighs more than the scope! I think that the most practical solution is a simple 1-inch nylon carry strap. It can be used as a "hasty" sling, it can be easily removed and rolled up to carry in a pocket, and it weighs next to nothing. If the rifle is a nice blued'n'walnut classic I will usually sacrifice the extra ounce or two to go with a leather strap, or maybe a cotton-webbing-and-leather job like the Trader Keith sling. All the other goofy contraptions I have tried over the years sit in a box in the basement.

I guess one exception is the Ching sling I have on my Steyr Scout. Still lightweight, and works as advertised...but I still wouldn't bother installing a third swivel on any other gun just to use it. The best things in life are simple. My two cents...money cheerfully refunded (less 0.02 handling fee) if not completely satisfied. :)
Click to expand...

Makes sense, on my go to hunting rifle I actually have as you say, a simple light weight nylon sling, no knick knacks or add ons.

I'm wanting something that I will probably only use on a rifle that will spend most of its time in the truck, for short stints of pushing bush, a trip to the range or maybe shoot some pop cans when im out exploring, but not really as a dedicated hunting rifle, it doesn't fit the mold of a hunting rig, but I do fully understand your comment.
 
I look for a light sling. The last thing I want is the weight and bulk of ammo on my sling. Thumb holes are not a bad idea and I have used them but for me I look for the lightest possible.
 
One of my favorite slings. I found it in a shop in Victoria about 6 years ago. IIRC it cost $30 with swivel attachments included.

Suede inside, padded somewhat, thumbhole, the rest is basic nylon.

It says Stoeger Canada on it.

004FA815-3312-4863-928D-6396D30FC8B0-64470-000015EEB478B51A_zps094d2e84.jpg
 
Last edited:
imho all that excess bulk is noisy & slows you down. For fast ammo access, I wear a cheapo small tensor wrap knee support on my left forearm and stuff in my spare clip or 2 rounds for my Ruger No.1
If you want a quick-adjust leather sling look at Montana slings: http://www.montanagunslings.com/
 
Last edited:
A lot of people think that the purpose of a sling is to hang your rifle over you shoulder to carry it there.

And that is a handy thing to use it for as long as it does not just stay there all the time.

If you suspect there may be game close by (and why are you hunting there if you don't think that at least some of the time) then the rifle should be in your hands and ready to use. Often you only get a couple of seconds to identify game and decide you want to shoot and then get the deed done. If your rifle is on your shoulder on the sling it is a part of a second and some movement that may cost you your opportunity. (how many times have you heard or said "I saw this buck but could not get ready in time to get a shot.")

Another important use of a sling is to steady your rifle for a shot. Many hunters believe that taking the time to get into the sling and a sitting position make for a steady hold almost as steady as having a rest for the rifle. Read Jack O'Connor and you will see how he used a sling to steady his shots many times.
 
Superbrad said:
I prefer a buttstock ammo holder to a having rounds on my sling anyday.....
Click to expand...

This for me as well.

I find ammo on sling gets in the way of my hands and grip during use.

I suspect vertical loop styles wouldn't be as bad as horizontal styles but the buttstock location still seems more balanced for me.

Also either way generally how one trains is how one will react so practice.
 
I'm not a fan of the buttstock cartridge holders. I've tried to like them, but just can't. Much rather have the ammo on the sling, as once the rifle is loaded, the sling is just like any other sling (except it has a few empty loops) Spare ammo goes in a pouch on my belt.
 
If you're only planning on having the rifle in the truck and out for the occasional walk to push bush then you need a sling like a hole in the head. They are handy devices if you travel by ATV or Snowmobile, or if you have to climb or walk great distances. They provide a great shooting aid as well but if you want to carry a bunch of this and that you'd be better off with a fanny pack that has shoulder straps or bigger pockets. Hanging stuff off your rifle is a sure way to turn a quick handling rifle into an slow clunky PITA that catches on bush and makes your rifle behave like a school bus with a flat tire.
 
BigUglyMan said:
If you're only planning on having the rifle in the truck and out for the occasional walk to push bush then you need a sling like a hole in the head. They are handy devices if you travel by ATV or Snowmobile, or if you have to climb or walk great distances. They provide a great shooting aid as well but if you want to carry a bunch of this and that you'd be better off with a fanny pack that has shoulder straps or bigger pockets. Hanging stuff off your rifle is a sure way to turn a quick handling rifle into an slow clunky PITA that catches on bush and makes your rifle behave like a school bus with a flat tire.
Click to expand...

OK, the zebra rifle in the pic (below the sporter enfield) is the one I want the sling for.


I had this one done a year ago, and want to do something similar:



I dont use the 45-70 for a dedicated hunting rifle, but we do push bush in a spot up north a few times every year, and I'd like to take the zebra stock'd enfield out of the safe once in a while to actually use it.

I should note before some points this out, it doesn't have a front site on it, I ordered a banded one from NECG, and I will be changing the shape of the fore stock a bit, I don't need to hear what favourite shape it reminds anyone of again.

Let's not turn this thread into a "rifle accessories are stupid" conversation, as far as Im concerned, the thumbhole doesn't add weight and is a helpful addition, apparently so is the strap of leather on the ching sling.

edit: Here is the rifle I pack in the bush, you can see the sling on it is pretty much as others have described for a hunting rifle, I want something more elaborate for my "GOVT":
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom