Rifle slings

NiceRack · Jan 23, 2013

I am posting a question to the "Africa" hunters....
Why, when I watch television hunting programs of African Safaris the hunters almost without exception opt to not use a rifle sling and instead would rather choose to cradle their rifle on their shoulder with the business end (presumably with a round in the chamber) pointed directly at the PH or tracker in front? I would wager when these same hunters are chasing Elk or Deer in the United States they without exception use a rifle sling!
Is this an attempt to "when in Rome do as the Romans" or just some preconceived notion of "looking cool"?
I have hunted Africa and used my rifle sling because this is the safest direction for the muzzle to point.
Any opinions"
PB

llamapacker · Jan 23, 2013

There is a belief among some that a sling is not appropriate when hunting dangerous game. Supposedly the sling can "catch" on brush, clothes, etc., during a life and death struggle, and therefore you should not have a sling on a "true" DG rifle. I call BS, but others will disagree. I've had a sling on my rifle for all my hunts in Africa, including elephant. I have taken the sling off when sitting in a blind for leopard, but that was to eliminate any noise.

As you stated, I always hunt with a sling while in N.A., and continue to do the same when in Africa. I've seen no need to change. I will say, however, that a sling on a double rifle just looks wrong.

Bill

littlejoe · Jan 26, 2013

Always had a sling on and never been questioned about it once.

I know the PH did not have a sling when I was in Botswana.

Jeffpg · Mar 9, 2013

I am a firm believer in using a rifle sling for many reasons, one of them being that I use it to "lock in" for a off hand shot. I even have a way of doing this when shooting off sticks and it's a better tactic for me with the sling than without most times.

I used this with good success in Botswana last year and will again in May when I return. It also helped to sling the rifle over my back when crawling in on hands & knees to approach game but this year I will have a home make device to keep the rifle centered on my back so it doesn't fall down to the side.

Blank · Mar 9, 2013

Another vote for using a sling. Use mine on every trip, whether after DG or not. It really does help on those longer PG shots also. I cringe every time I see the over-the-shoulder carry and someone point the muzzle at a person! I want it on my shoulder pointing up, or in my hands at port arms ready to shoot.

If you want to carry it one-handed, adjust the loop of the sling on the lower side so you can support the weight with your hand while having it in the crook of your left arm. Still stable and controlled that way.

CAelknuts · Mar 10, 2013

I too generally use a sling when in Africa, as I do everywhere else that I hunt. A simple sling, not one of those complicated or fancy ones, works just fine. Over the shoulder carry can be dangerous if not paying attention 100% of the time. The only rifle I've hunted with over there that I did not have a sling on very often was a Rigby double 470NE that I used to have.

woodruffhunter · Mar 10, 2013

I used a sling on my hunt. And, I didn't point the muzzle at anyone.

I still think its odd how they carry rifes. I took my PH coyote hunting
when he was up here a few weeks ago. It's still odd seeing rifle get
carried that way.

Jeffpg · Mar 29, 2013

I got this one in today and I think I'm really going to like it.

http://pronghornsling.com/index.html

I like to "wrap in", even off the sticks, and so far this is working for me.