How many shoot with a sling?
- Thread starter Lavan
- Start date
Anthony Terry
New member
i marked always, but now that i think about it, i only use it on standing and nealing shots. when i can get a shot on my bipods i dont need it. it will give you extra stability when shooting standing.
I use a sling in sitting, kneeling, prone, and any other position in which I can support my elbow. I don't find a sling really improves my accuracy standing, although it does help in keeping your muzzle down and on target for repeat shots. I usually sling my rifle muzzle down on my offside shoulder. When I mount it to fire, I naturally twist it into a "hasty" sling.
Mannlicher
New member
Its a rare thing for me to take a shot using the sling. As far as I am concerned, slings are for carrying, not shooting.
Blackwater OPS
New member
Maybe it's a military thing but I shoot much better with a sling when standing. Prone I prefer a nice harris bipod.
MTMilitiaman
New member
On my hunting rifle, whenever I get the chance. I don't have a sling or even a carry strap on my AK. I have a carry strap on my SKS but couldn't really sling up with it.
I read "Art of the Rifle" by Col. Cooper and put a 1907 military style sling on my hunting rifle. When I crest a hill I'll put my arm through the loop so I can be slung up faster if I saw something. And if I saw something far enough away to not be running and had time to get into a stable position, I would certainly make sure I was slung up good and tight before making a shot. But for most quick, offhand shots in timber, I would not have the time to use a sling, nor would it be much of an advantage.
I don't carry a bipod on my hunting rifle because although it is only pound, it is out far enough that it always seemed to upset the balance. Plus it has sharp metal corners. I am 6'5" and like to have my hand out farther than most on the forend. The first time you have a knuckle busted off by your bipod, you quickly find yourself reconsidering its advantages v. its risks. If I had a designated long range rifle that was always shot prone, yes, I would have my bipod on it. But for the country I hunt in, though the possibility for a long range shot certainly exists, most shots are taken offhand within 100 yards, and for the vast majority of the others, sitting slung up over a stump, rock, or fallen tree would be amply stable.
I read "Art of the Rifle" by Col. Cooper and put a 1907 military style sling on my hunting rifle. When I crest a hill I'll put my arm through the loop so I can be slung up faster if I saw something. And if I saw something far enough away to not be running and had time to get into a stable position, I would certainly make sure I was slung up good and tight before making a shot. But for most quick, offhand shots in timber, I would not have the time to use a sling, nor would it be much of an advantage.
I don't carry a bipod on my hunting rifle because although it is only pound, it is out far enough that it always seemed to upset the balance. Plus it has sharp metal corners. I am 6'5" and like to have my hand out farther than most on the forend. The first time you have a knuckle busted off by your bipod, you quickly find yourself reconsidering its advantages v. its risks. If I had a designated long range rifle that was always shot prone, yes, I would have my bipod on it. But for the country I hunt in, though the possibility for a long range shot certainly exists, most shots are taken offhand within 100 yards, and for the vast majority of the others, sitting slung up over a stump, rock, or fallen tree would be amply stable.
Sling shooting, yes
My dad taught me how to use a "hasty sling" back in the 50's. I consider it an essential part of my kit. Do a Google search and you'll find a bunch of hits on how to use it. I don't use it for hitting tin cans out at the farm, but for serious shooting/hunting, it's a big help.
My dad taught me how to use a "hasty sling" back in the 50's. I consider it an essential part of my kit. Do a Google search and you'll find a bunch of hits on how to use it. I don't use it for hitting tin cans out at the farm, but for serious shooting/hunting, it's a big help.
Ac1d0v3r1d3
New member
i almost always
so i voted usually. Even when shooting off a bench, seems to give me just that much more stability.
so i voted usually. Even when shooting off a bench, seems to give me just that much more stability.
Northern Sod Breaker
New member
My guns don't have slings
dragonfire
New member
I always use them to steady standing or kneeling shots.
I shoot a lot offhand, but don't usually use a carrying strap as an aid to shooting. I've shot deer and woodchucks out beyond 200 yards offhand without slings.
That said, I have used slings from a sitting position more often than from any other. Some days a person is steadier than others. It's good to have one around if you feel it works better for a particular shot/position.
I use a very light 1" nylon strap on my deer rifle, so it doesn't "wag" the rifle when trying to shoot offhand without it being around my elbow. Often, speed and/or lack of movement are important when walking along in deer or varmint country. Getting a sling in position can sometimes hinder a shot.
My buddy, who used to be a rimfire target shooter, uses a sling more than me, but he also has missed opportunities at critters because he's so deliberate (read "slow") in getting a shot off. I can usually get a shot off within 4 seconds at a deer-sized animal at under 150 yards.
I've probably fired a million rounds offhand, starting with BB guns when 8 years old and I'm over 60, so my results may not be typical of most hunters/shooters.
Picher
That said, I have used slings from a sitting position more often than from any other. Some days a person is steadier than others. It's good to have one around if you feel it works better for a particular shot/position.
I use a very light 1" nylon strap on my deer rifle, so it doesn't "wag" the rifle when trying to shoot offhand without it being around my elbow. Often, speed and/or lack of movement are important when walking along in deer or varmint country. Getting a sling in position can sometimes hinder a shot.
My buddy, who used to be a rimfire target shooter, uses a sling more than me, but he also has missed opportunities at critters because he's so deliberate (read "slow") in getting a shot off. I can usually get a shot off within 4 seconds at a deer-sized animal at under 150 yards.
I've probably fired a million rounds offhand, starting with BB guns when 8 years old and I'm over 60, so my results may not be typical of most hunters/shooters.
Picher
Last edited:
rezmedic54
New member
Using a Sling
I picked up David Tubbs shooting Vest and really like it. I use it in all positions it seems to make following your target easier when prone and really makes for a stable platform when standing or sitting.
I picked up David Tubbs shooting Vest and really like it. I use it in all positions it seems to make following your target easier when prone and really makes for a stable platform when standing or sitting.
I answered "usually" on the poll. I always use a sling as a shooting aid if shooting from a standing/ off-hand position....or sitting/ off-hand. I do not use a sling if shooting from a rest....regardless of position. So, that is the governing factor - whether a good rest is available or can be improvised.