To Sling Or Not To Sling?

[cshold]

I have the B-92 in a state of disassembly for stock refinishing.
This would be the time to decide if I want to install a sling
What are the pro’s and con’s of a sling
What would you guys do

[AJMD429]

If I'm going to use the gun (i.e. it isn't a Safe Queen) I'll be wanting to carry other things while using it, and perhaps use the sling to hang it on a branch instead of lean it in the mud against a tree, so I sling them all.

I don't think a well-installed sling swivel stud hurts a gun at all, barrel/magazine band or stock mounted - take your pick.

You can do various 'loop around the gun' slings though without the stud; I'm sure some will post pics of theirs - some are VERY nice setups, but I just do the swivel stud.

[Tycer]

I absolutely love Junior's sling.

http://www.castbullet.com/srsling.htm

I'm trying to figure out how to install a saddle ring on my new BLR without drilling and tapping.

[rjohns94]

my .357 has a sling with quick release swivels so it is able to change to having one or not. Steve installed the sling swivels. When acting as my truck gun, no sling. When going to and from a stand - sling installed. House gun - no sling. most often i have no sling attached (i like the way it feels in my hands) but when I want one, I want one. Especially on those really cold days.

[meanc]

If it's going to be a house or range gun only, then I wouldn't bother with one. I do think any hunting rifle needs a sling.

There are several ways to attach one without putting holes in the stock and I'm sure the links above show one of these.

[Borregos]

If I am going to do any hunting with a gun I install the studs and use a sling with quick release swivels. A sling is a must for me if I am hunting

[tman]

all my hunting long arms have slings. try shooting with and with out one to see for yourself. for me in a hunting situation the sling is just as important as the sights.

[Modoc ED]

I have sling swivel studs on all my centerfire rifles and usually put a sling on any rifle I'm in the field with. A sling can come in handy for other things other that carrying a rifle. I used one once to drag a deer when I discovered that I'd left my drag rope in camp and once I ran across a couple of hunters one of which had broken his leg. His hunting buddy and I used our slings to tie a splint to his leg.

[jeepnik]

Look at it this way. Install studs for sling swivels. That way you can use on or not depending on the situation. As to the sling itself, contact Levergun Leatherworks.

http://www.levergunleather.com/index.htm

[El Chivo]

I have one sling for all my guns, and I take it on and off every day, sometimes during the hike. I don't really like it but there are times, when climbing, and long road walks, that it's nice to sling.

I would like a retractable sling that gets sucked up into the stock when not in use.

[AJMD429]

I would like a retractable sling that gets sucked up into the stock when not in use.

You'd probably need a synthetic stock, but that would at least justify having a hollow piece of plastic vs. real wood...!

[marlinman93]

I've only got one lever with a sling; my 336. All the others are too old to drill holes in, so I use a slip on sling when hunting with them. It goes on when I head into the hills, and once I begin a stalk, or stop to glass an area, I remove the sling and carry the gun. I prefer this method myself, as it gives me the option without the holes.

[John in MS]

I lost the biggest buck I've ever had a chance to shoot, due to having my Win. 94 slung over my shoulder while walking
back to camp. I was looking for a new way to cross a deep gully, and as I walked down a power-line and came within
20 yards of the edge of the gully, making no effort to be quiet, all of a sudden I heard a huge body scrambling to its feet to my left. Everything seemed to go into slow motion... Out jumped Bullwinkle, into the left edge of the power line cut. I flipped the rifle around and brought it up to my shoulder... BOINK!! Bullwinkle takes another bound into the center of the power-line... Front sight was on shoulder JUST as he flashed out of view into the woods on the other side. If I'd had my rifle in my hand that day, he'd be on my wall today (and have made a bunch of tasty meals, to boot!)

Since then, I always have a light, compact nylon sling with QD sling swivels in my pocket for climbing, use when dragging a deer, etc., but it's not on the gun when I'm traveling through the woods or otherwise hunting... It works great for what I need it to do and only weighs a couple of ounces. Takes up practically no space, rolled up.

If you are going to use the sling very much, I greatly prefer leather as it doesn't slip off the shoulder nearly as much as nylon/synthetics.

Hope this helps,
John

[Doc Hudson]

On a tube magazine lever gun I would not install a sling as a general rule. My old Marlin Golden 39=A came with sling swivels installed, as did my BLR. I have slings on those rifles, but not my other lever guns.

One thing I like about an unscoped traditional lever gun is the simple fact that if I need both hands to carry something, I can simply stick it through my belt and I can carry it cross draw. Can't do that if you have a sling on it.

If you do decide on slinging, use a real shooting sling, not a dadblasted padded, tooled carry strap. A good shooting sling can help with your off-hand shooting. That silly arsed padded carry strap with the gaudy deer head stamped on it will just get tangled in the brush and not help your shooting.

Doc

[dkmlever]

I just do not like slings, never found one that stays on my shoulder. When I am hiking in to my stand in the dark or just headed out of the field. I use a scabbard type pack that allows me to reach up and grab it if I do need the rifle. It is a fanny pack with shoulder straps that holds the scabbard very close to my back with the muzzle down, stock up. When I am in hunting mode, the rifle is in my hands ready to use or in the scabbard allowing both hands free to use the binos or to hold on to trees while walking up or down hill. So my vote is don't sling it!

[86er]

Sling it. It makes for easier carrying, a stable way to shoot freehand, and you can attach accessories to the studs if you want.

[AJMD429]

Well, then - looks like we're all in agreement, right...?