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The shooting sling - Rifleman
Guns Magazine, May, 2003 by Dave Anderson
Years ago, I traded for a Remington 700. It was fitted with some oddball brand scope and a lightweight, two-piece shooting sling. The scope promptly broke and the rifle was later traded for something else. The sling remained, and for more than 30 years has been a dependable shooting aid.
What I like about the two-piece sling is the ease of adjustment. Sporting rifles vary in the location of the front sling stud. Rifles on my rack have the front stud located from 12- to 14-inches ahead of the trigger. And the sling adjustment for summer, when the shooter is wearing a short-sleeved shirt, is a bit snug for cold weather hunts when the shooter is wearing a heavy parka.
With my old sling, it's easy and fast to adjust the front claw hook to provide a solid, tight, shooting loop. Then if necessary, the claw hook on the tailpiece can be moved so that overall sling length is correct for carrying the rifle on the shoulder.
To use a shooting sling (assuming a right-handed shooter) the left arm goes through the loop from left to right so the loop is well up on the bicep. The arm then goes around the sling, the left hand between sling and forearm, pressed against the front swivel. If the sling is slack it does no good whatsoever. Move the claw hook if necessary so the sling is tight.
Target shooters use a keeper to tighten the loop on the upper arm. In the hunting field this takes additional time, more hand movement that might alarm the game, and doesn't add much to stability. I prefer not to worry about the keeper and to keep the loop big so the arm goes through it easily even when a heavy coat is worn.
Recently, to my horror, I found the leather on my old sling was cracking across two of the adjustment holes. I'm wracked with guilt for not taking better care of it, but what's done is done. My old friend has been honorably retired. Its replacement is an Uncle Mike's military sling, one-inch width with basket stamping (catalogue number 2621-2).
The new sling is made of quality oiled leather, a bit heavier than my old sling, and with brass-plated claw hooks. Right now the leather is a bit stiff but I'm sure with regular use and sparing applications of neat's-foot oil it will become more comfortable.
A Mare Modern Design
The "Ching Sling", designed by Eric Ching, is an impressive design. Its main virtue is the amazing speed with which a shooting position can be acquired. It consists of two parts, a long carrying strap that attaches at the regular forearm and buttstock positions, and a second short section. The short strap attaches to the rifle a few inches ahead of the trigger and connects to the long section.
Holes spaced on the long section allow a leather stopper to adjust for fit. The big loop is the key to the Ching Sling's speed. There's no need to push the loop up the arm with the other hand. Just shove the arm through the loop, bring it around, and you're ready to go about as fast as you can sit down and release the safety.
Eric Ching has authorized Andrew Langlois Leather and Galco [R] to make leather versions of his design, and Wilderness Tactical Products to make a nylon version. Make sure your rifle is capable of accepting a third sling stud or base ahead of the receiver. You don't want to drill into the recoil lug recess.
Using a two-piece sling is second nature to me, and I won't likely go to the trouble of modifying all my rifles. However, I will likely adapt a few rifles to accept the Ching Sling. It's an impressive system.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Michael's of Oregon
[503] 655-7964
www.unclemikes.com
Andrew Langlois Leather
Box 141, Windsor, Vt, 05089
andy@shotdst.com
Galco International
[800] USGALCO
www.usgalco.com
Wilderness Tactical Products
[800] 775-5650
www.thewilderness.com
COPYRIGHT 2003 Publishers' Development Corporation
COPYRIGHT 2003 Gale Group
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