The Sling Is The Thing

by
posted on March 19, 2014
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
cb315b_75c1222f127348f8a56e554aeb452d72jpg_srz_400_300_75_22_050_120_000_jpg_srz.jpeg

In the course of setting up numerous rifles, I’ve found that the choice of sling can be a critical one-and one that should be complementary in a number of ways. A good sling can be an invaluable aid to accurate shooting in the field, but a bad one is nearly useless.

As far as appropriateness to the platform, a thick, stiff leather “cobra” style probably isn’t a good, or necessary, fit on a superlight rifle. By the same token a thin 1” nylon strap likely won’t feel all that great on a dangerous game rifle. My own rule of thumb is to use 1” slings on rifles weighing around 7 lbs. or less and 1¼” slings on those that are heavier. High-quality leather, such as those from Turner Sadlery for service or precision rifles, or nylon, such as those from The Wilderness, are hard to beat.

Other considerations are format-Ching sling style, Rhodesian sling style (check out Andy's Leather), military style or simple carry strap style-and fittings; HK-style snap hooks, mash hooks, push-buttons or conventional QD studs. All can affect a rifle build or the decision as to which sling to buy, particularly if the fittings are permanently attached. By the way, another great one to consider is Brownells Latigo sling-just do youself a favor and order the model with pre-installed swivels!

Latest

Winchester Super Match 01
Winchester Super Match 01

Competition Ready: Winchester's New Super Match Ammunition

Winchester Ammunition has answered the call of competitive shooters with its new Super Match lineup, comprised of cartridges tailored to perform in a variety of events.

A Brief Beginner's Guide to Buying a Defensive Handgun

After running a gun shop and an indoor range for more than a few years, one American Rifleman contributor has a few tips for those looking to buy their first handgun.

Gun of the Week: Wilson Combat Bulwark

Wilson Combat has long been known for its custom work on 1911-style designs, but the company also develops its own firearms, and one of its latest in-house creations is the new Bulwark.

The Armed Citizen® Sept. 4, 2026

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

NFA Wait Times Continue to Drop

In early 2021, it took the ATF about 280 days to process a Form 4 NFA transfer. In August 2026, using the recently implemented eForms system, that wait time had dropped to only nine days.

Pelican Air Carry-on Case Review

An industry staple just made air travel more convenient.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.