Sling for Hunting rifle?

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itgoesboom

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Does anyone use a sling for support while hunting, or just a normal carry sling?

I am just a couple weeks (or less) from picking up a new hunting rifle (either new Weatherby Vanguard .30-06, or a used ((if I can find one for cheap)) Rem Model 7 in .308), and I seriously considering adding a support sling, possibly a Ching sling.

What do you think?

I.G.B.
 
I think it's a matter of personal preferance. The military style (M1907) sling does provide support -- a skilled shooter can shoot with a sling from the prone position about as well as from the bench.

On the other hand, getting into a sling in an actual hunting situation is unlikely -- most of the time you have to take the shot when it's presented, and an elk or deer won't wait for you to get into your sling. Some feel the hasty sling (shooting off-hand with the sling wrapped around the weak arm) provides a steadier shot -- but I've not been able to prove it.

The Ching Sling has the advantage of providing whatever a hasty sling provides and being reasonably fast.

Conversely, there are slings designed to carry the rifle slung across the front of the body, allowing a fast shot at game that suddenly appears, and make no pretense of offering any increased steadiness.

My personal preference is a sling that doesn't slip!! Sew a button on your jacket at the point of your shoulder, or put shoe goo on the sling. There is nothing more aggravating than trying to make your way up a talus slope, where you need both hands and feet and having your rifle constantly slipping off your shoulder.
 
i use a bipod for support, and the most comfortable, non-slip sling i can find for carrying.

'course, i hunt open prairie where a bipod makes much sense...
 
My vote is for the Ching sling. I cant imagine anything else being better for a working gun. Very fast and easy to get into and solid once slung up.
 
I use hasty sling

All my rifles, from .22 long rifle to .308 Winchester, have Super Slings on them. Not because it's a phenomenal product, but because it's easily adjustable (one hand) and therefore I'll use it. Any cloth or leather accessory that does not aid your shooting is just a carry strap.
 
Literally all of my rifles wear a military style strap/sling that is mounted with a full twist in it for use as both a carry strap and hasty sling. I think they work well.
 
Slings

I've done some small bore position shooting in my life with slings, and I have never felt the need to use one in the field. A Bipod is much easier (though this whole thing is personal preference IMO).

I went to Walmart, and bought the only sling I could find not made in China. Didn't even look at the price. I think it's called a super sling. It's great. Go check one out. They are about $25 and worth every penny.
 
I use a military 'hasty sling' for hunting... with practice you can go from African carry (barrel down under your off arm) to sling supported shooting in a couple of seconds.

I don't always carry "African style" I'm as apt to have my rifle in my hands and honestly most of my 'hasty sling' shooting has been from one knee or a crouch rather than prone or standing.

The military sling is the ONLY sling I use and I have them mounted on my '30-06, .22 and that's the sling/strap that goes on my 870 when I take it to camp as a 'back-up rifle' (even I'll admit I wouldn't try to 'hasty sling' a shotgun... but I see no need to buy another carry strap.)


I prefer the sling to a bipod, even when hunting antelope in wide open spaces where many hunters use bi-pods and you have more time to set up a shot.
 
In the field, I either shoot offhand with a hasty sling or from a sitting position. I can drop on my butt and prop my elbows on the inside of my knees much faster than I can properly manipulate a M1907 sling. Sitting, for me, has the advantage of putting me level with most prey. I can't tell you how many times I've lost a deer in the thickets when looking from a standing position but visually reacquired it once I got down on its level.

Given all of this, I use a sling as a carry strap and generally only when traversing terrain that demands both hands free.

For what it's worth, I do not care for the SuperSling; it tends to slide on me and lose tension if I try to use it as a hasty sling. Never tried a Ching sling - I'd be curious to hear from folks as to how to make it both fast and stable.
 
All you do with the Ching sling is stick your arm through it and your slung up. Its faster to do than it took to read this. Thats the great thing with them, no fidddle, no fuss.
 
Absolutely the choice is the Ching Sling. I have them on most of my field/working rifles (from true Scout Rifle through M1 Garand, with a couple of standard bolt actions thrown in for good measure).

As noted, very quick and nearly as stable as a military (1907) sling or other support oriented sling. This from someone with a background in position smallbore rifle.

Ching Sling + drop to sitting in the field = quickest practical supported position.
 
Can someone throw up a link--either to some pics demonstrating a 'Ching Sling' (and, what's the origin of this name?) or at least to someplace that sells 'em? Thanks.
 
For what it's worth...

I use a sling even when shooting from offhand. Or should I say, especially when shooting offhand. I mentioned the Super Sling and Rbernie said he didn't like it. This leads me to another point. Be prepared to buy several slings until you find one that works for you. One size does no necessarily fit all.
 
It warms my heart to see so many of you find the Ching Sling works for you. Let me just add a suggestion to also take a look at the newer Safari Ching Sling, which doesn't require the middle stud and therefore can be used on just about any rifle without having to put in extra holes in the stock. Just as fast (or faster) than the original Ching Sling and more comfortable on the shoulder due to the wider width. No free lunch, of course, as it's also more expensive and heavier.

http://www.usgalco.com/HolsterP3.asp?ProductID=2518&CatalogID=401
 
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